Digital Accessibility
Why is it important for online information to be accessible?
Designing with accessibility in mind means making information easier for everyone to access. When websites and application software are developed with consideration for a diverse range of users, they provide a better experience for all, including people with disability. Inclusive design encourages new ideas and helps create a digital world that is more equitable and easier for everyone to navigate.
Investing in accessibility also helps businesses reach a wider audience by enabling information and experiences that work for a variety of people, leading to more online traffic and a greater engagement.
When should I embed accessibility into digital content?
Accessibility should be embedded into digital content from the very beginning as this avoids retrofitting, saving both time and money. Considering accessibility from the planning and design phase also makes it easier to create information and content that works for a wider audience. It can help to include people with lived experience of disability in planning and design processes, as they will better understand the needs of various users, contributing to a more accessible and inclusive experience for all.
Are there minimum digital accessibility standards which tourism operators should meet?
Yes. Tourism operators have obligations under the Disabilty Discrimination Act 1992 to provide equal access and avoid discrimination on the basis of disability. The Australian Human Rights Commission has developed the Equal access to digital goods and services guidelines, which assist organisations to meet their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. These Guidelines emphasise that accessibility goes beyond assistive technology and tools focused specifically on people with disability. Instead, it requires technology to be designed with inclusion in mind, enabling a better experience for everyone.
What is WCAG?
WCAG stands for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which is an
internationally recognised set of recommendations for making digital content such as websites, apps, and documents more accessible to people with disability. These guidelines provide four key principles that outline how digital content and services can be made accessible to all people regardless of their abilities. By following the principles, businesses can ensure that their digital content and services are accessible, usable and inclusive of people with a wide range of abilities.
How can I check whether my website or digital content is accessible?
There are a range of assistive technologies and accessibility tools that people with disability may use to access digital content, such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, keyboard-only navigation, and voice control software. To confirm whether your content is accessible, you can engage people who use assistive technology on a regular basis to undertake user testing. Accessibility is an ongoing process, so it’s important to frequently review, update, and improve your content to meet the needs of all users.
How can I ensure that my social media is accessible for people with disability?
Ensuring your social media is accessible helps all users engage with your content, including people with disability. Follow the recommendations below to create inclusive and accessible social media posts:
- Use simple language
- Include alternative text (alt. text) for all images. Make sure it is written
manually rather than generated by AI, so it accurately describes the
content for people using screen readers. - In addition to alt. text, include an image description in either the post
description or the first comment. While alt. text provides a brief
description for people using screen readers, an image description offers
more detailed visual information and context that can benefit a wider
range of users. If the image description is long, it's best to place it in the
comments section and inform users that they can find it there.
• Include any important text written within the image in the alt. text and
image description. This includes information such as dates, times,
locations, sponsors etc. - Use CamelCase for hashtags, beginning every word with a capital letter,
e.g., #DestinationNewSouthWales or #VisitorEconomy. - Avoid using too many emojis and placing them at the beginning of
content.
