Business commits to making technology more accessible
by Nic Stuart | Mar 11, 2024 | The Big Story, Wire
Some of Australia’s largest employers have signed up to the Australian Disability Network's accessible technology charter.
Based on specific commitments to good practice, the charter sets out ten accessibility principles to make it easier for People with Disability to use web resources when engaging with them online.
Some of the country’s largest employers including Woolworths (with more than 200,000 workers), Australia Post (63,000), ANZ (40,000), Telstra (31,000), Ernst & Young, the NBN and Microsoft have signed on to the pledge.
The charter was originally developed by the Australian Disability Network’s Accessible Procurement Taskforce. This was headed up by Suzanne Colbert, the former CEO of the Australian Disability Network, and included disability not-for-profit OZeWAI, Microsoft, Telstra, Services Australia, and ANZ.
The charter is supported with tools and resources that will make it easier for organisations to select accessible technology for use in their resources.
OZeWAI Co-chair Bri Norton says the initiative marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible technological landscape in Australia.
“The involvement of major corporations underscores a collective commitment to prioritise accessibility in the development and procurement of technology and acknowledging the diverse needs of People with Disability,” Norton says.
“The collaboration between government representatives and the corporate sector underscores the broader societal impact of this initiative.”
She added this “aligns with global trends emphasising the importance of inclusive technology catering to all users’ needs”.
