Open University UK Mission to be open (no entry requirements) and offers flexible study Separation between module production (lecturers/academics) and module delivery (tutors) Print and online materials supported by face to face and online tutorials Our definition of ‘stakeholders’: those who deliver or receive services
Who are the stakeholders …? And what strategies…? Students Evaluation Consultation Representation School Accessibility Coordinators Workshops Disabled Student Services Representation and collaboration Website / content developers Guidelines Library Services to students Liaison with publishers Marketing Bridge-building
Other strategies for engaging multiple stakeholders Securing Greater Accessibility programme Coordination group with reps from across units Workshops Online community forum ‘Bridge-building’ role Global Accessibility Awareness Day – face to face and online activities Accessibility policy and working group Web accessibility guidelines and working group Survey of staff attitudes and perceptions (upcoming)
Who are the stakeholders that you view as difficult to engage? Senior management – decision-makers and budget-holders Disability Champion and some inroads in governance Tutors Informal discussions with their representatives Academics
What are the challenges…? Distance: Geographical and Hierarchical/structural Unrecognized responsibility Tutor employment contracts