The Australian Human Rights Commission (in partnership with Intopia) is updating its guidance on digital accessibility in Australia and is now accepting submissions and feedback on proposed changes.
Why is the guidance being updated?
Many of you may be familiar with the previous guidance issued by the Australian Human Rights Commission, called the World Wide Web Access: Disability Discrimination Act Advisory Notes.
The Advisory Note was released 10 years ago, and provided guidance on how digital accessibility applies to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
Since that time, the way that we use technology has fundamentally changed. More services are online than ever before, many of the devices we use to access the web update more frequently, and the way that we interact (and create) content is faster and more innovative.
Over the past 10 years, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) has also gone through two major revisions. The changes to WCAG incorporate how technology (including assistive technology) is used and supports a broader range of user needs to make the web accessible and inclusive to as many different people as possible.
What is the new guidance being called, and what’s changing?
The proposed new guidance is called ‘Guidelines on equal access to Digital goods and services’ – a name change that reflects how content, products, and services are accessed.
Its purpose is to guide people and organisations on how to make their websites and other digital resources accessible to as many people as possible, including people with disabilities.
The scope of what’s included in the guideline is also increasing – it will continue to include websites and digital content but will extend to newer technologies such as Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms, software and mobile apps, digital wallets and payment systems. It will also include physical objects that have digital interfaces such as wearable tech, digital kiosks, and household appliances (to name just a few).
The previous Advisory Note also made reference to a specific version of WCAG. The new guidance won’t do this, to make sure it remains applicable if updated guidelines are released (such as WCAG 3.0, which we know is already in the early stages of development).
How do I get involved and provide my feedback?
The proposed new guidance is now available on the Australian Human Rights Commission website, and the opportunity to provide feedback is now open.
Feedback is welcome from any person who has a lived experience of disability and also from any person or organisation with a relevant background and expertise in digital accessibility.
Submissions are being accepted until Saturday 27 April 2024. Your feedback can be in any form that you like, including a written document, video, or audio file.
You can send your submission (or any questions you might have) to disability@humanrights.gov.au.
