Skip to main content

Top Hat Accessibility Statement

This statement applies to the Top Hat web application (Web App) which is accessed via a web browser. Top Hat is a third-party Web App managed at the University of Leeds by the Digital Education Systems Team.

It is designed to WCAG AA and AAA standards. Top Hat are committed to providing improvements to the accessibility features of their Web App.

Top Hat's Voluntary Product Assessment Template

A Voluntary Product Assessment Template (VPAT) was provided by Top Hat in December 2020.

Download Top Hat VPAT (pdf), File Download

How accessible is Top Hat?

Relevant for the Top Hat website, which is used to create a Top Hat account, and to sign in, and the Top Hat Web App, which is used to interact with teaching and learning content:

  • Top Hat will allow text to be zoomed up to 200% without loss of content or functionality (except for captions and images of text).
  • Screen readers are compatible with Top Hat. See Accessibility and Inclusion on Top Hat's website for more information.
  • The function of the majority of Top Hat Web App can be operated using only a keyboard.

We know some parts of Top Hat are not fully accessible. The following statements are taken from the Top Hat VPAT document:

  • Most images used in the Top Hat Web App are provided with appropriate alternative text however there are some presentation slides that are missing this text.
  • Most functionality of the Top Hat Web App can be operated using only a keyboard, except from 3rd party widgets. This issue is being addressed by the supplier.
  • Most screens in the Top Hat Web App provide a means to bypass blocks of repeated content with the exception of some iframes that do not have titles.
  • Most of the Top Hat Web App elements receive focus in a meaningful order apart from 3rd party widgets. This issue is being addressed by the supplier.
  • When content in the Top Hat Web App is triggered by hover or focus, it becomes hoverable, dismissible and persistent. There are some issues where additional content is not dismissible and is being addressed by the supplier.
  • The Top Hat Web App uses text instead of images of text except for branding elements that are considered essential. There are two exceptions which are being addressed by the supplier.

The Digital Education Systems Team continually work with the suppliers of third-party applications to influence improved user experience for everyone. While suppliers are committed to working actively to resolve the accessibility issues with their application, AbilityNet has advice that may make our digital education systems more usable in their current state. Their guides offer instructions on how to adapt your phone, computer or tablet to meet your needs. You can search for a specific need (e.g. making text larger) or filter the guides based on your symptoms or conditions.

Feedback and contact information

If you need the information on this webpage in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, please contact the IT Service Desk:

  • If you can log in to the IT website, use the Log an incident form. If you are unable to log in to the IT website, use the Contact us form.
  • Phone: 0113 343 3333

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 are not happy with how we respond to your concerns, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

< View Top Hat: Guides for Staff home page
< View Top Hat: Guides for Students home page

< View A to Z of all Digital Education Systems Accessibility Statements

Related Guides