Web Accessibility Laws & Policies
In Australia, there are several laws that require organisations to make their websites and other online content accessible to people with disabilities. These laws include the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (AHRCA).
Under the DDA, it is unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities in the areas of work, education, and the provision of goods, services, and facilities. This includes the provision of online content and services. The AHRCA establishes the Australian Human Rights Commission, which has the power to investigate and conciliate complaints of discrimination, including complaints related to web accessibility.
There are many different government policies, legislation and regulations relating to web accessibility.
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C lists these policies here
Australian website accessibility law and policy
In Australia, there are several laws that require organisations to make their websites and other online content accessible to people with disabilities. These laws include the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (AHRCA).
Under the DDA, it is unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities in the areas of work, education, and the provision of goods, services, and facilities. This includes the provision of online content and services. The AHRCA establishes the Australian Human Rights Commission, which has the power to investigate and conciliate complaints of discrimination, including complaints related to web accessibility.
New South Wales
The Disability Inclusion Act 2014
Guidelines
Most well-known is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines – WCAG.
WCAG is also the ISO standard 40500, and adopted in the European standard called EN 301 549.
There are over one billion people with disabilities, or about 15 to 20% of the population.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines that access to information, including the Web, as a human right.
Most countries around the world have ratified this UN convention, and several have adopted binding policies too.
Regardless of any laws and regulations, implementing the Web accessibility standards is essential for people with disabilities, helpful and useful for everyone.
For help with Web Accessibility
The information on this page is not legal advice.