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RefWorks is Partially Accessible

The University of Cumbria is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment which offers all of our learners the opportunity to maximise their academic potential in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

The RefWorks Platform is developed to meet the WCAG AA standards, for more information on ExLibris Support Accessibility Page

Visit the Assistive Technology Pages Assistive Technology pages include a wealth of information and guidance on alternative formats, accessible apps, assistive technologies and free tools to support you during your time at the University

AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

You should be able to:

  • understand the website text
  • change colours and contrast levels using a browser extension
  • Site help to alter font size colour contrast
  • zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
  • view tab focus clearly
  • navigate many parts of RefWorks and its tools using just a keyboard
  • be able to understand hyperlink destinations from the text description
  • navigate to all headings on the page using assistive technology
  • use text to speech tools to access content
  • form fields are labelled throughout
  • Skip links to by-pass blocks of content where required e.g. menus, Twitter feeds

How accessible is (New) RefWorks?

  • Some content and functionality may not be accessible using just a keyboard. 
  • Information about the name and state of interactive elements, such as accordions, dropdown menus, input fields, etc., may not be available to screen readers. 
  • At 400% zoom, some content and features are lost  
  • Many pages do not have unique page titles

What to do if you can’t access parts of this website

Self-help options

Alternative Formats

The University subscribes to an alternative formats service Sensus Access. This service will transfer most files into a chosen format e.g. an inaccessible PDF can be transferred to an accessible PDF, or a Word document can be transferred to sound. This service can be used directly by Students using their University email address. Alternative Formats

Assistive Technologies

You can access specialist assistive software on PCs and laptops throughout the university and also download free web-based tools to enable you to fully interact with content. To find out more visit the assistive software page or download the AT Bar for free. 

University of Cumbria Support

If you are unable to access content or interact with the interface and would like an alternative accessible format, please contact us to discuss the most suitable options, please contact:

We will review your request and communicate with you in 7 days.

Reporting Accessibility Problems with this Website

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. You can help us by reporting any barriers you encounter and contribute to our Accessibility Improvement plan. however if you find any problems that aren’t listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact itservicedesk@cumbria.ac.uk.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Technical information about this web-based system’s accessibility levels

The University of Cumbria is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below. 

There is further information included in the ExLibris Support Accessibility page including the supplier's assessment using a Voluntary Product Accessiblity Template (VPAT).

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons…

1. Non-compliance with accessibility regulations

  • Some content and functionality may not be accessible using just a keyboard. this means that none mouse users will not be able to fully engage with the site. This contravenes the WCAG2.1 – 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.4.3. We offer library support if needed. The issue has been highlighted by RefWorks on their roadmap. The University will monitor the progress of the action and update the site when resolved. 
  • Information about the name and state of interactive elements, such as accordions, dropdown menus, input fields, etc., may not be available to screen readers. This means that alternative formats or screen readers will not have access to all the content available, which contravenes WCAG2.1 – 1.3.1, 2.4.6. The issue has been documented in the RefWorks VPAT for correction. The University has technical access to RefWorks, however, will monitor the issue and update the Statement when resolved. In the short term, the University provides the support detailed below to ensure full access to online resources.  
  • At 400% zoom, some content and features are lost this means that some text is difficult to access, consider enlarging the text first, followed by the browser to maximise the zoom level and quality. This issue contravenes WCAG2.1 – 1.4.4, 1.4.5, 1.4.10 and has been added to the 3rd Party RefWorks plan for improvement. The Accessibility Statement will be updated when the issue is resolved or annually.

2. Disproportionate Burden

The changes needed to achieve AA WCAG Guidelines and meet the Web Accessibility Regulations will be achieved through a planned accessibility improvement action plan to be reviewed and updated a minimum of 12 monthly.

3. Content that’s not within the Scope of the Accessibility Regulations

None

How we tested this Website

We tested the most visited pages both manually and with the use of accessibility testing software such as Wave, a web accessibility evaluation tool WAVE and Accessibility Insights.

This system was last checked in January 2024 by University of Cumbria.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

We are continuously working to improve the accessibility levels of RefWorks. A Basic Accessibility Check is carried out each year followed by a more detailed accessibility check, both assessments highlight the areas needing improvement. The identified issues are added to the system improvement action plan with a timescale for improvement or 3rd party communications on improvement.

What to do if you can’t access parts of this website

Self-help options

Alternative Formats

The University subscribes to an alternative formats service Sensus Access. This service will transfer most files into a chosen format e.g. an inaccessible PDF can be transferred to an accessible PDF, or a Word document can be transferred to sound. This service can be used directly by Students using their University email address. See the Alternative Formats page.

Assistive Technologies

You can access specialist assistive software on PCs and laptops throughout the university and also download free web based tools to enable you to fully interact with content. To find out more visit the assistive software page or download the AT Bar for free. 

University of Cumbria Support

If you are unable to access content or interact with the interface and would like an alternative accessible format, please contact us to discuss the most suitable options, please contact:

We will review your request and communicate with you in 7 days.

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