Accessibility Statement

Last updated: November 18, 2025

Acorn LearnHub is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards.

1. Our Commitment

We are committed to providing a website and learning platform that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of technology or ability. We aim to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA, which are internationally recognized standards for web accessibility.

2. Conformance Status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA.

Acorn LearnHub is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard.

3. Accessibility Features

Our platform includes the following accessibility features:

  • Keyboard navigation support for all interactive elements
  • Semantic HTML markup for proper screen reader interpretation
  • Alternative text for images and meaningful graphics
  • Sufficient color contrast ratios for text and interactive elements
  • Responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and zoom levels
  • Clear and consistent navigation throughout the platform
  • Form labels and error messages that are accessible to screen readers
  • Skip navigation links to bypass repetitive content
  • ARIA landmarks and labels where appropriate
  • Focus indicators for keyboard navigation

4. SCORM Content Accessibility

Many of our courses use SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) compliant content. While we strive to ensure all course content is accessible, the accessibility of individual courses depends on how they were authored by content creators. We encourage content providers to follow WCAG guidelines when creating course materials.

If you encounter accessibility barriers in specific course content, please contact us so we can work with content providers to address these issues.

5. Known Limitations

Despite our best efforts to ensure accessibility, there may be some limitations. Known issues include:

  • Some third-party SCORM content may not fully meet accessibility standards
  • Complex data visualizations and charts may require alternative text descriptions
  • Some PDF documents may not be fully accessible and may require alternative formats
  • Video content may not always include captions or transcripts (we are working to add these)

We are actively working to address these limitations and improve the overall accessibility of our platform.

6. Assistive Technologies

Our platform is designed to be compatible with the following assistive technologies:

  • Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
  • Screen magnification software
  • Speech recognition software
  • Alternative input devices (keyboard only, switch controls)
  • Browser-based text-to-speech tools

We test our platform with major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, with consideration for assistive technology compatibility.

7. Ongoing Improvements

We are committed to continuously improving the accessibility of our platform. Our ongoing efforts include:

  • Regular accessibility audits and testing with assistive technologies
  • Training our development team on accessibility best practices
  • Incorporating accessibility considerations into our design and development process
  • Working with content providers to ensure course materials meet accessibility standards
  • Gathering and acting on feedback from users with disabilities
  • Staying current with evolving accessibility standards and guidelines

8. Third-Party Content

Some content on our platform may be provided by third parties. While we encourage all content providers to follow accessibility best practices, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all third-party content. We will work with providers to address accessibility concerns when they are brought to our attention.

9. Technical Specifications

Accessibility of Acorn LearnHub relies on the following technologies to work with the particular combination of web browser and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on your computer:

  • HTML5
  • CSS3
  • JavaScript
  • WAI-ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)

These technologies are relied upon for conformance with the accessibility standards used.

10. Feedback and Contact Information

We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of Acorn LearnHub. If you encounter accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact us:

Email: info@acornlearnhub.ie
Subject Line: Accessibility Feedback

When contacting us about accessibility issues, please include:

  • The URL or page where you encountered the issue
  • A description of the problem and how it affects your use of the platform
  • The assistive technology you were using (if applicable)
  • Your web browser and operating system

We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 5 business days and will work with you to provide an accessible alternative or solution where possible.

11. Alternative Formats

If you require course content or platform information in an alternative format (such as large print, audio, or accessible electronic format), please contact us. We will work to provide materials in a format that meets your needs within a reasonable timeframe.

12. Assessment and Evaluation

This accessibility statement was created on November 18, 2025 and is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our current accessibility status. The statement was created using an evaluation process that included:

  • Self-evaluation using automated accessibility testing tools
  • Manual testing with keyboard navigation and assistive technologies
  • Review against WCAG 2.1 Level AA success criteria
  • User feedback from individuals with disabilities

13. Formal Complaints

If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility concerns, you may escalate the matter to:

  • The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) for discrimination complaints
  • The relevant regulatory authority in your jurisdiction

However, we encourage you to contact us first so we can work together to resolve any accessibility issues.

14. Compatibility with Browsers and Assistive Technology

Our platform is designed to be compatible with the following combinations of web browsers and assistive technologies:

  • Chrome and Firefox with NVDA (Windows)
  • Safari with VoiceOver (macOS and iOS)
  • Edge with Narrator (Windows)

While we strive to support a wide range of browsers and assistive technologies, the platform may not be fully compatible with all possible combinations. We recommend using the latest versions of browsers and assistive technologies for the best experience.

Note: This accessibility statement applies to the Acorn LearnHub platform. Individual course content may have varying levels of accessibility depending on how it was authored. We are committed to working with content creators to improve accessibility across all materials.