Some of Australia’s largest employers have signed a Charter in a commitment that ensures their technology is accessible to all their customers and employees.
Representatives from Australia Post, ANZ, Ernst & Young, NBN Co, Microsoft, and Telstra have agreed to implement 10 commitments as part of their technology strategy, including developing and buying accessible systems.
The Charter sets out good practice on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility and is supported with tools and resources that will make it easier for organisations to select accessible technology.
The charter was developed by Australian Disability Network’s Accessible Procurement Taskforce, led by Matt Hawkins, director procurement, University of Melbourne, in collaboration with ANZ, Microsoft, OZeWAI, Services Australia, Telstra, and Australian Disability Network’s former CEO, Suzanne Colbert.
Australian Disability Network’s CEO Corene Strauss said the Charter provides organisations with the tools they need to incorporate accessible technology into every part of their business.
“Organisations with accessible technology can better serve their customers and employees and remove barriers which prevent greater inclusion of people with disability. We applaud the organisations that have committed to this and encourage and support all organisations to become signatories to the Charter,” she said.
Australian Disability Network is the peak body for the employment of people with disability in Australia. It works with its 450 member organisations to remove barriers that limit opportunities and prevent the employment and career advancement of people with disability.
Photo: Amber O’Shea, Australian Disability Network head of strategy; Michelle Hyams, EY Technology Solutions director; Louise Macdonald, EY client service partner for the Department of Social Services; Nicola Commins, EY client service partner for the NDIA and Mathew Nelson, EY chief sustainability officer.