Imagine living in a world where you can't apply for a job online because the application form isn't compatible with your screen reader. Or picture a scenario where you can't join a virtual meeting at work because the platform lacks the necessary accessibility features for people with a hearing impairment. Perhaps you're frustrated when you can't access essential government services online due to complex navigation that doesn't consider your visual impairment.
For many people, this isn't just a hypothetical situation; it's their everyday reality. But here's the good news: it doesn't have to stay this way. We have the power to make a difference by prioritising digital accessibility.
Accessibility NSW is helping NSW Government teams design, deliver, and buy digital products and services that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability, situation, or background. As Accessibility NSW celebrates its second year of operation, let's take a closer look at the significant achievements it has accomplished during the 2022-23 financial year.
Establishing clear rules
One of our key goals is to create clear accessibility rules that ensure our products meet the needs of our people and customers. To achieve this, we need straightforward guidelines integrated into our procurement, design, and communications processes. Accessibility NSW has consulted and held workshops with over 200 participants, including buyers, suppliers, procurement specialists, and people with disability across government.
In the upcoming 2023-24 financial year, we will continue to collaborate with teams across government to establish clear policies for all government staff to follow when communicating digitally, as well as for designing and buying digital products.
Equipping staff for accessibility
In June, we introduced the latest iteration of our Accessibility and Inclusivity Toolkit, a comprehensive resource to equip staff with the necessary guidance to ensure their work is inclusive for all. Since its launch, the toolkit has had over 24,000 page visits, showcasing its widespread adoption. It was also chosen as a finalist at the CFA Australian Access Awards 2023 and the Secretary’s Awards 2023.
In October 2023, Accessibility NSW launched ‘The Fundamentals of Digital Accessibility,’ a learning module available to all government employees through MyCareer. We are also developing additional modules to provide essential standards, tips, and guidelines for integrating accessibility into government employees' work.
We’ve provided on-demand advice to over 50 teams across the government, ensuring that accessibility considerations are effectively addressed. Plus, we have provided accessibility auditing services to six high-impact digital products, ensuring they meet the necessary standards.
Fostering a culture of accessibility across NSW
We have built a strong network of Accessibility Ambassadors across all NSW Government clusters. These ambassadors continue to implement accessibility training into their work. They play a vital role in driving accessibility initiatives and integrating accessibility training into their respective areas of work. Through their ongoing efforts, we are fostering a culture of accessibility and inclusivity throughout the NSW Government.
The highlights our team is proud to share from this past year
'I am proud of our team's commitment to making Government services work for all our people, and the way we've continued to learn and grow over the last year.'
Anjelica Paul, Principal Policy Officer, Accessibility NSW
'Being a part something special that is continuously evolving, knowing our efforts have a lasting impact, and embracing continuous learning to ensure better outcomes for everyone.'
Sarah Ryan, Content Designer, Accessibility NSW
'I'm proud that the word about our work is spreading! The Toolkit has garnered over 24,000 views and 7291 users since June 2023, and we have been named as Finalist in both the Secretary's Awards and the Access Awards this year. It's very gratifying that the team's hard work this year is being recognised.'
Hannah Bath, Project Officer, Accessibility NSW
'It was so nice that our Accessibility and Inclusivity Toolkit was a finalist in the Australian Access Awards. It was great to have all our hard work recognised.'
Suzanne Hayley, Product Designer, Accessibility NSW
'As part of a dedicated accessibility team, I'm proud of our collective efforts to dismantle digital barriers and champion accessibility and inclusivity. This year, our collaborative work has transformed not just websites and applications, but the landscape of NSW Government digital products. I look forward to continuing this journey of innovation, where our collective impact positively affects the lives of our users.'
Steph Childs, Accessibility Lead, Accessibility NSW
'Listening to and learning from people with disabilities - their experiences and their ideas about how the NSW Government can get better at accessibility and inclusion.'
Ruby Fischer, Senior Policy Officer, Accessibility NSW