Information Portal "Barrier-Free IT"
For websites, "barrier-free" means that all content is machine-readable. This includes, for example, the embedded PDF documents and pictures that are published on the website. Videos and podcasts published in the name of the university should be transcribed. This will enable visually impaired or non-hearing people to identify the content of the website.
Prof. Dr Jürgen Bode, Vice President for International Affairs and Diversity, has set up the project team "Barrier-free IT" in 2020 based on a resolution of the President's Office. The project manager is Sarah Friedrichs. The project team regularly discusses the need for action within the university and talks about solutions. So far, several support services have been developed, such as a consultation hour for online editors or a guideline for web editors. In addition, a framework contract has been finalised to provide support for the implementation of barrier-free IT. Trainings and the creation of barrier-free documents are made possible via the framework contract. The offers are aimed at all employees of the university.
Which digital applications and services of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences are affected by the laws?
- Websites
- MS Office documents
- PDF documents
- Images
- Videos
- Digital live events with video and sound
- Learning modules
- Social media channels
- Podcasts
- OPAC (digital library catalogue)
- ILIAS-based learning platform LEA / content in LEA
What does barrier-free IT mean for university courses?
- Needs-oriented adaptation of offers
- As an alternative to creating barrier-free media, students who are affected can also be offered support in other ways, for example, in the form of personal explanations by teachers or student/teaching assistants
Please ask the students in your courses if barrier-free options are required.
Do I have to provide all documents for my courses completely barrier-free?
No. Instead of barrier-free digital offers, barrier-free alternatives can also be offered, such as face-to-face meetings, depending on the needs of the students concerned.
Please ask the students in your courses if barrier-free options are required.
What services are included in the "Barrier-free IT" framework agreement? How can I request services? What are the costs involved?
The following services are available through the framework agreement:
- Training on designing accessible documents and web pages
- Conversion of non-accessible documents and templates to accessible versions
- Consultancy on accessible IT
To take advantage of this service, please contact our service provider Ms Sophie Johanning by email at: consulting@it-johanning.com.
We are in the process of developing a more user-friendly booking process via an online tool. We will notify you as soon as this is available.
Overview of the various training options on offer, as well as an overview of costs for all services included in the framework agreement (English version pp. 4-6)
Please specify the following in the ‘Lieferant’ section of the procurement order: Rahmenvertrag Barrierefreie IT. The costs of the service will be borne by the unit placing the specific order.
Contact person: Sandra Preuß
Where can I find barrier-free Word templates?
Barrier-free Word templates can be found on the intranet under https://www.h-brs.de/sandra-preuss and via the template folder in Word (via the File tab -> New -> Word Templates) – when you are connected to the university network (by cable or VPN client). Proceed as follows to ensure that the document is in fact barrier-free after editing or adding content: go to the Review tab -> Check accessibility -> click to make any necessary changes.
Please note that barrier-free documents can only be produced using Word 365 and Word version 2016 and above.
Contact person: Sandra Preuß
How do I create barrier-free Word documents?
Word offers the possibility to check your document for accessibility and make adjustments with a click. Proceed as follows to do so: open/edit Word document -> go to the Review tab -> Check accessibility -> click to make any necessary changes.
Please note that barrier-free documents can only be produced using Word 365 and Word version 2016 and above.
Barrier-free Word templates can be found on the intranet under https://www.h-brs.de/sandra-preuss and via the template folder in Word (via the File tab -> New -> Word Templates) – when you are connected to the university network (by cable or VPN client). Proceed as follows to ensure that the document is in fact barrier-free after editing or adding content: go to the Review tab -> Check accessibility -> click to make any necessary changes.
Contact Person: Sandra Preuß
Which further support services are available for university staff?
- Consultation on barrier-free webpage design: contact online-redaktion@h-brs.de
- Guideline to the design of barrier-free websites for web editors
- Digital barrier-free word templates for letters and documents. The barrier-free Word templates can be used with MS Office 2019 (at least MS Office 2016) and/or MS Office 365. When you save this Word template on your computer, check the box "Maintain compatibility with previous versions of Word" if necessary.
Which screen reader can I use and where can I find it?
The project team recommends the free screen reader software NDVA.