Submissions

To: Department of Internal Affairs
Date: October 2024

Purpose

This submission’s primary purpose is to support the review of web standards highlighting the digital divide encountered by disabled people, the need for accessible formats and their importance with the rapid changes in technology.

Summary of DPA submission

DPA supports this review and is pleased with many of its recommendations, recognizing the timeliness of updating web accessibility standards due to rapid changes in websites and technology. DPA is pleased that the draft standards will now apply to wider digital platforms, such as phone apps, and to an increased number of Crown organisations. DPA strongly agrees that all live videos must now be captioned.
 
DPA recommends that all videos should have audio description, viewing it as an investment in creating full accessibility and inclusion, rather than as just another cost to be considered. DPA absolutely agrees that an accessibility statement needs to be added to all websites, including identifying non-compliant content and providing contact methods for accessible versions.
 
DPA highlights that website inaccessibility is a significant factor contributing to the digital divide for disabled people, with major consequences for their health, safety, employment, wellbeing, and social inclusion.
 
Key Recommendation:

DPA recommends that the Department of International Affairs reduce the digital divide for disabled people.
 
Supporting Statement 1:

The training for website owners, developers and administrators should be a mixture of online and in-person tutorials that model accessibility as an important component of website presentation.