Digital accessibility 101: Creating inclusive spaces for all

At CoAct, we’re committed to ensuring the digital experience we deliver is fair, usable and dignified for all. In celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re running through the basics of digital accessibility. Whether you want to learn what digital accessibility is, how CoAct supports it, or how employers can create more inclusive digital workplaces, this blog is a great place to start. 

21 May is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). It’s a day to highlight the importance of talking, thinking and learning about accessibility and inclusion in the digital world. Just like the outside world, everyone deserves equal access to technology and digital spaces.   

For those who are disabled or have impairments, being able to jump online or use technology easily and freely isn’t just important – it’s a right. In Australia, this falls under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) and its guidelines on equal access to digital goods and services. 

 What is digital accessibility?  

Digital accessibility means enabling people with disability to independently and freely use and interact with digital applications, content, and devices. This includes websites, mobile applications and other digital tools.  

 “It’s not just about assistive technology or technology to enhance the lives of people with disability – it requires all technology to be designed with people with disability in mind and to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of people with disability so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of technology.” 

• Rosemary Kayess, Disability Discrimination Commissioner (Australian Human Rights Commission, Guidelines on equal access to digital goods and services, 2025)  

 Why is digital accessibility important?  

Digital accessibility is important because it ensures everyone can use websites and online services, including people with disability, older Australians, and those who speak languages other than English.  

In Australia, around one in five people live with disability, so making digital content accessible helps create equal access to information, services and opportunities.  

It also supports inclusion, improves user experience for all, and helps organisations meet legal and social responsibilities. Accessible websites are fairer, more usable and better for the whole community. 

“Technology now plays a major role in everyday life in facilitating communication and transactions. If that technology is accessible, then people with disability can be participants in all aspects of community life: civic and political, economic, social and cultural.” 

• Rosemary Kayess, Disability Discrimination Commissioner (Australian Human Rights Commission, Guidelines on equal access to digital goods and services, 2025) 

How CoAct ensures digital accessibility 

At CoAct, we’re committed to making our digital spaces inclusive and easy to use for everyone. We aim to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA across our website, customer portal (Campus), and social media platforms. This helps ensure our content is clear, usable and accessible for people with disability and diverse needs. 

A key part of this is the Recite Me Assistive Toolbar, which is available on our website and job seeker online portal, Campus. This cloud-based tool allows visitors to customise their experience in the way that works best for them. Features include: 

• Text-to-speech with adjustable speed 

• Website translation in over 100 languages 

• Reading aids such as a screen ruler and mask 

• Custom options for font, colour, and layout 

We also apply a range of accessible design practices across all our digital content, including: 

• Screen reader compatibility: All images include meaningful alt text and links are clearly described. 

• Keyboard navigation: Our website can be navigated without a mouse, supporting users with mobility impairments. 

• Colour contrast and readability: We use high-contrast colours and large, clear fonts to support users with low vision or dyslexia. 

• Accessible forms: Forms are designed with clear labels, helpful instructions and error messages that work with assistive technologies. 

• Inclusive multimedia: Wherever possible, we provide captions, transcripts or alternative formats for video and audio content. 

By making these improvements, we aim to support every visitor — including the 1 in 5 Australians living with disability, as well as people from non-English speaking backgrounds — to access our services with confidence and independence.  

Read more about using Recite Me on the CoAct website here: https://coact.org.au/recite-me-tool-digital-accessibility-on-coact-org-au/  

Supporting people to participate fully in the workplace 

If you’re looking for work or looking for help to stay in work and living with disability, mental ill-health, or a treated illness or condition, CoAct can support you to get the digital tools and adjustments you need. Delivering Inclusive Employment Australia (previously Disability Employment Services), we work with you and your employer to make your workplace and its digital systems more accessible. 

We can help you access assistive technology, adjust your job tasks, or organise onboarding and training that suits how you learn best. We’ll also support you to talk with your employer about what you need and help them access funding to make changes.  

If you’d like personalised, dedicated support in your employment journey contact our friendly team today: coact.org.au/#job-register  

Supporting employers to create digitally inclusive workplaces  

Whether you’re hiring new employees or want to better support someone already in your team, CoAct can help make your workplace more accessible. This might include adjustments to software, providing assistive technology, or tailoring training so it suits different learning styles.  

We also help employers access government funding and wage subsidies to make these changes more affordable. Our team works alongside you to identify practical solutions, organise workplace assessments and provide ongoing support. With the right tools and setup, your team members can thrive and contribute fully, helping you build a stronger, more inclusive workforce. 

For more information or to make an enquiry on how CoAct can support your organisation’s accessibility and inclusion goals, visit: coact.org.au/make-a-referral/employers

Further reading and resources 

Whether you’re wanting to know more about accessibility features and assistive technology, or an organisation wanting to improve your digital accessibility, the following links will help you get started: 

• GAAD digital accessibility resources: accessibility.day/resources/ 

• ReciteMe website accessibility checklist: downloads.reciteme.com/hubfs/Marketing-Guides-Reports/UK/Guides/GAAD-Accessibility-Checklist-UK.pdf  

• AHRC guidelines on equal access to digital goods and services: humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/publications/guidelines-equal-access-digital-goods-and-services  

• What is WCAG? www.accessibility.org.au/guides/what-is-the-wcag-standard/  

• Practical strategies to improve your digital accessibility: coat.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Practical-Strategies-to-Improve-your-digital-accessibility_Dr-Kate-Anderson.pdf  

At CoAct, we believe digital accessibility and inclusion isn’t a bonus — it’s a basic right. On Global Accessibility Awareness Day and every day, we’re proud to support job seekers and employers to create more accessible futures.