Universities committed to equality and inclusivity will increasingly recognise that an accessible website is not just ethical, it’s strategic. As there is increased awareness, diagnostic identification, and self-identification of neurodiversity, it is essential that universities don’t overlook the importance of an accessible website.
Growing Numbers
- In 2022–23, over 484,000 UK university students declared a disability. Among home students, the rate rises to almost 19%, nearly double what it was in 2010 (University Stats, 2025).
- HESA data confirms that around 20% of UK students had a known impairment, health condition, or learning difference (Times Higher Education, 2024). These rising numbers highlight the urgent need to ensure digital accessibility for students.
- A Student Beans survey found that nearly 22% of students have been diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition, while 28% report neurodivergent traits (Student Beans, 2024).
Barriers Students Still Face
Even as more students disclose disabilities, meaningful support often falls short, only 36% report that agreed adjustments were fully implemented, fewer than a third feel their university proactively planned for accessibility, and many still face small but persistent gaps in continuation, attainment, and progression compared to their non-disabled peers (Office for Students, 2018; University Stats, 2025; Office for Students, 2025).
Why Accessible Websites Are Critical
1. First Impressions Matter
For disabled or neurodivergent applicants researching online, inaccessible websites can feel unwelcoming or disabling before they’ve even applied.
2. Institutional Values
Accessible design demonstrates a concrete commitment to inclusivity.
3. Supports Digital Equity and Information Access
Accessibility features built into AccessAngel, such as dyslexia-friendly fonts, adjustable text size, colour contrast controls, and screen reader compatibility, improve user experience for students with dyslexia, visual impairments, or processing difficulties.
4. SEO Benefits
Accessibility features like semantic HTML and alt attributes often align with SEO best practices, helping your site rank higher, especially among candidates specifically searching for inclusive universities.
Contact AccessAngel
Reach out to AccessAngel to learn how we can help you improve web accessibility for all users.
Contact us at contact@myaccessangel.com
