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Accessibility Statement GPT.UP

As of: 30.08.2024
Author: Fabian Nehls (translation: Harriet Schulz)

The University of Potsdam is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities.
We aim to continuously improve usability for all and apply the appropriate accessibility standards.

This accessibility statement applies to the web application HAWKI (ChatGPT based web interface) of the University of Potsdam.

As a public body, per definition of Directive (EU) 2016/2102, we strive to make our web application accessible in accordance with the provisions of the Brandenburg Disability Equality Act (BbgBGG) and the Brandenburg Barrier-free Information Technology Ordinance (BbgBITV) for the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/2102.

EN 301 549 refers to the requirements of the international standard of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) with conformity levels A and AA.

These requirements form the core of testable success criteria.

Efforts to support accessibility

The University of Potsdam takes the following measures to ensure accessibility:

  • Digital accessibility is part of our mission statement.
  • Accessibility is part of our internal guidelines.
  • There are clear goals and responsibilities within the institution

Content that is not accessible

Despite our efforts, users may encounter some problems.

This is a description of non-accessible content. Please contact us if you have identified any non-accessible content that is not listed here.

  • Activation of accessibility functions
    Settings for language and dark/light theme are hidden under 'Settings'.
  • Areas cannot be skipped
    There are no functions for skipping content, which also makes keyboard navigation more difficult.
  • Usability without a mouse
    Hidden/collapsed menus do not appear in the tab order and are therefore not accessible without a mouse.
  • Programmatically determined status messages
    If the login fails, this warning is not displayed and could remain hidden from screen reader users.
  • Conclusive sequence for keyboard operation
    The main control element can only be reached at the very end. In addition, there is a problem with keyboard-only operations: When logging in and after entering the password, you cannot confirm by pressing the Enter key, but must instead click the login button in order to confirm your password.
  • Alternative texts/ labeling for operating elements
    Some control elements have no meaningful alternative texts, which makes it difficult for users of assistive technologies to use the application

This application is a ChatGPT-based web interface that is intended for regular use at the University of Potsdam. HAWKI is a tool that can provide assistance and ideas for topics such as: Gathering information, creating teaching material, lectures, planning, administration, research, communication and much more. Please bear in mind that it is an AI assistant that is intended to facilitate processes and provide information, but that cannot replace personal advice or human interaction. HAWKI still has a lot of catching up to do in terms of digital accessibility, but it already is a powerful tool.

Support for students and employees

Students with health impairments are supported by the University of Potsdam's advisory team.
Employees are supported by the representative for severely disabled employees at the University of Potsdam.

Assessment Methods

The University of Potsdam has reviewed the accessibility of this website using the following method: Self-assessment: The website was assessed internally within the organization.

Feedback and Contact Details

You can inform us of any deficiencies in compliance with accessibility requirements. You can request a revised version of any information that is currently not barrier-free. 

Contact
University of Potsdam
Am Neuen Palais 10
14469 Potsdam
E-Mail: bitvuni-potsdamde

Implementation Procedure

If you are not satisfied with the processing of your request or do not receive a response from the contact persons listed above within three weeks, you can submit a corresponding application to the Enforcement Office of the State of Brandenburg, established at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection of the State of Brandenburg - State Commissioner for Disabled Persons, for an examination of the regulations and measures mentioned in the declaration on accessibility.

The enforcement body checks the content of the application for its legal validity and, in individual cases, orders a technical review of the website by the Monitoring Body for Accessibility of Web and Application Technologies in the State of Brandenburg.

The enforcement body (in accordance with Section 4 (3) BbgBITV) has the task of settling disputes between people with disabilities and public bodies in the state of Brandenburg with regards to accessibility in IT. The enforcement procedure is free of charge. No legal assistance is required.

Contact
Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Integration and Consumer Protection of the State of Brandenburg - State Disability Commissioner | Enforcement Office
Henning-von-Tresckow-Straße 2-13, House S
14467 Potsdam
E-Mail: Durchsetzung.BITMSGIV.Brandenburgde

Formal Apprival of this Accessibility Statement

University of Potsdam
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Mr. Peter Kostädt
E-Mail: ciouni-potsdamde

Potsdam, 30.08.2024