Navigating accessible information and communications in policy and legislation
There have been immense efforts in the past decade to recognise the importance of accessible formats of information and communication delivery as integral facets of inclusivity, in the same way that adapted infrastructure, for example, is essential to accessibility in an inclusive environment.
By outlining Australia’s major accessible information and communications legislation and policy, we can see that there is a clear commitment to accessibility and inclusion across all jurisdictions. However, it takes a further commitment from organisations and individuals to actually enliven it this commitment into tangible outcomes.
International Law
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is an international human rights treaty which focuses on the protection and promotion of the fundamental rights and dignity of persons with disabilities or impairments, including physical, intellectual, learning disabilities, or sensory impairments. Australia was one of the first States to sign and ratify the treaty, and Australia implements the UNCRPD through legislation, policy and programs.
Disability Discrimination Act (1992)
The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) makes it unlawful to discriminate people on the grounds of their disability in many areas of public life, including employment, education, accessing public spaces, and the provision of goods and services.
The Australian Human Rights Commission and Australian courts have identified that the ‘provision of goods and services’ extends to the provision of information and online services through the internet.
Section 24 - Goods, services and facilities
It is unlawful for a person who, whether for payment or not, provides goods or services, or makes facilities available, to discriminate against another person on the ground of the other person’s disability:
South Australian Legislation
Equal Opportunity Act (1984)
Part 5 of the Act relates to the ‘prohibition of discrimination on ground of disability’, and includes discrimination against workers (Division 2), (Division 3), discrimination in education (Division 4) and discrimination in relation to land, goods, services and accommodation (Division 5), amongst others.
Disability Inclusion Act (2018)
The Disability Inclusion Act (2018) (DIA) is designed to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community and address barriers that may limit their full participation.
A review of the Act was conducted in 2018, and the Disability Inclusion (Review Recommendations) Amendment Bill 2022 was introduced, which adopted key recommendations from the review.
National Policy
The National Disability Strategy 2021 – 2031
The National Disability Strategy 2021 – 2031 is a the latest 10-year national plan for improving the lives of Australians with disabilities, their families and carers. It seeks to foster an inclusive society that empowers people with disabilities to realise their potential as equal citizens.Policy Priority 6: Information and communication systems are accessible, reliable and responsive
Being able to access information and communicate is vitally important in all aspects of life. It is central to people’s safety and health, to involvement in their communities, employment and education, and to using transport, banking and shopping. Provision of communication in accessible formats (e.g. Braille, Auslan, Easy Read formats) can have a positive impact on the health of and opportunities for people with disability.
State Policy
State Disability Inclusion Plan 2019 – 2023 (Inclusive SA)
The State Disability Inclusion Plan (DIP) is South Australia’s inclusion plan to address the needs and people with disabilities and reduce barriers. This policy sets out specific actions to be taken by South Australian Government agencies and local councils to promote an inclusive society.
Priority 8 of the DIP involves ‘accessible and available information’. The plan recognises that accessibility of information and services is key to ensuring inclusion of people with disabilities are active participants in society and community life. One listed action that has been brought into fruition is the development of the toolkit to support state authorities in developing communications in a range of accessible format, including Easy Read.