The Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) has released updated guidance on creating digital products and services that meet the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (Disability Discrimination Act). The new document, Guidelines on Equal Access to Digital Goods and Services (the Guidelines), is an important resource for ensuring technology is accessible to the 5.5 million Australians with disability (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2024). It’s the first time the guidance has been updated in 10 years.
Intopia is thrilled to have partnered with the Commission on the Guidelines, which give clear, up-to-date guidance for anyone building or buying digital products or services.
What is the Disability Discrimination Act?
The Disability Discrimination Act is a federal law that makes it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of disability in areas of public life. This includes education, employment, and access to goods and services, including digital. Organisations in all sectors are required to meet legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. They must take steps to ensure they are not discriminating, even inadvertently.
What do the Guidelines cover?
The updated Guidelines clarify how the Disability Discrimination Act applies in the digital world. Some of the topics in the Guidelines include:
- what is required of anyone providing digital goods and services
- what digital products and services are covered by the legislation
- how to build or buy digital goods and services that provide equal access
- how to measure equal access of digital goods and services
- considerations for emerging technologies and how they are impacting people with disability and those providing goods and services
What’s new in the Guidelines?
The new Guidelines replace the World Wide Web Access: Disability Discrimination Act Advisory Notes version 4.1 (the Advisory Notes), published in 2014. Technology has changed significantly in the last ten years. Advances like wearable devices, artificial intelligence, and biometric systems have changed communications and everyday life.
Some of the most significant updates include:
- Broader coverage
The old Advisory Note’s advice focused mainly on web content. The new Guidelines include any product or service delivered via a digital channel, including mobile apps, kiosks and electronic terminals, and social media platforms. - Updated standards
The new Guidelines reference the latest accessibility standards, including WCAG, AS EN 301 549 (Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services) and ISO 30071-1 (Code of practice for creating accessible ICT products and services). They are future proofed for new standards, as much as possible.
- Clearer guidance
The new Guidelines provide clearer, more actionable steps for organisations to understand their legal obligations and implement accessibility across a wider range of digital technologies.
How were the Guidelines created?
The Commission formally appointed Intopia to help develop the Guidelines. Intopia curated an advisory group made up of technical subject matter experts, people who have, or will use, the Guidelines along with representation from disability organisations.
Our team played a key role in drafting the Guidelines, which were also shared with the public for feedback. Intopia collated and synthesised feedback to form the final document with the Commission.
This resulted in a significant update in advice on disability rights and discrimination in the digital world. Intopia is honoured to have partnered with the Commission to deliver the Guidelines.
How do the Guidelines benefit you?
Following the Guidelines is not just about compliance. It’s about creating a better digital experience for everyone. Here’s how using the Guidelines and improving accessibility can help your organisation.
- Reduce risk
Avoid legal issues and reputational damage. Ensure your digital goods and services meet accessibility standards and the Disability Discrimination Act. - Expand your audience
With 5.5 million Australians living with disability, improving accessibility can help you reach more people. - Build trust and loyalty
Inclusive organisations are seen as socially responsible. This boosts their reputation and customer relationships. - Encourage innovation
Accessibility fosters creativity. This drives the development of technologies and features that benefit all users.
What’s next?
Explore the Guidelines
The Guidelines are your resource for understanding your legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act for digital products and services. They also provide practical steps to meet them. Read the full Guidelines for detailed advice and explore Intopia’s Guidelines Resource Kit to learn more.
Prioritise accessibility today
Understanding accessibility is crucial for meeting your legal responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act. Start by watching some of our free webinars on the Intopia YouTube channel and explore our courses on Intopia Learn to expand your accessibility knowledge.
As the experts who helped create the Guidelines, our team is here to offer personalised guidance to apply them effectively. We can help with your organisation’s accessibility strategy or assist you in how to create inclusive digital products. Take a look at our Services page or get in touch with our team today.
