Consultancy co-founder says accessibility is good business, not just legal obligation
New guidelines released by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) seek to help businesses and organisations offering digital products and services comply with their accessibility obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).
“Digital accessibility isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s also good business,” said Stewart Hay, Intopia co-founder and managing director, in an AHRC media release. Disability discrimination commissioner Rosemary Kayess added that it was unlawful to discriminate on disability grounds under the Disability Discrimination Act.
“Our new guidelines explain how individuals and organisations can avoid discrimination when providing digital products and services such as online learning, hybrid working arrangements and essential services such as emergency information, banking and even grocery shopping,” Kayess said.
The AHRC said the new guidelines are for businesses and organisations creating, operating, or providing digital products and services; hardware and software suppliers; employers making staff members use digital technologies; and compliance professionals.
“Technology is a fundamental part of how we connect, work, and live,” Kayess said. “However, for many of the 5.5 million Australians with disability, digital technologies which aren't accessible exclude them from being able to participate in society on an equal basis with others.”
Hay added that designing for accessibility “improves usability for everyone, unlocks new markets, and builds trust and loyalty among customers”. He described it as “a win-win for businesses and the community”.
Building on the AHRC’s past guidance, the new “Guidelines on equal access to digital goods and services” aim to reflect the current state of digital technologies, including AI, facial recognition, other biometric technologies, mobile applications, social media, and self-service machines.
“Technology has changed significantly and rapidly so it’s important to keep on top of how we meet these legal obligations,” Kayess said in the AHRC media release. “By drawing together all relevant government and industry standards and policies as well as best practice recommendations, our new guidelines provide a roadmap for creating digital spaces which work for everyone.”
The AHRC said that it seeks for its new guidelines to be practical, comprehensive, and responsive to the issues experienced by Australians with disability. To that end, it worked with Intopia, a digital accessibility and equitable design consultancy. It also engaged with advisory groups of technical subject matter experts, persons with disability, and disability organisations.
The AHRC has provided the guidelines in various accessible formats on its website.
