GOVIS Test Professionals Meetup - Digital Accessibility

Introduction

Why is digital accessibility important? How are public sector agencies addressing accessibility testing? These critical questions framed the final GOVIS Wellington Test Professionals Meetup of 2024, held at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

The event, hosted by GOVIS and set up by TTC Global in partnership with GOVIS, explored the importance of digital accessibility and the innovative approaches public sector agencies are taking to integrate accessibility into their services. We heard from esteemed speakers from the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) and the Department of Conservation (DOC), who shared insights on key accessibility topics. Read until the end for the session recording and other valuable resources!

What does digital accessibility mean to the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC)?

Digital accessibility is central to the mission of the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC), as explained by guest speakers Dr Esther Woodbury and Dr Jon Warren.

Esther is a disability and human rights specialist who has worked in tertiary education, community, and government organisations. Esther holds governance roles in disability organisations and is currently the Principal Advisor Disability at HDC. Jon has extensive experience in the health sector, spanning public, private, academic, and regulatory roles. He has spent over ten years working abroad, including remote consulting for developing countries. Currently, Jon is Principal Advisor Education at HDC. Together, they emphasised HDC’s ongoing commitment to upholding the rights of all New Zealanders through accessible and inclusive practices.

HDC promotes and protects the rights of all New Zealanders using health and disability services. Digital accessibility plays a key role in this, as it reflects the right everyone has to access digital content and tools.

At its core, digital accessibility means designing and developing digital platforms, such as websites, apps, and tools, so they can be accessed, understood, and used by all. Individuals’ information needs are met through various measures, including text alternatives for images, screen reader compatibility, and appropriate colour contrasts.

Esther and Jon shared how HDC shows their commitment to creating accessible online environments through research and community feedback. An example of this is their efforts in making sure their online content is accessible in a variety of formats. After reviewing their online collateral, HDC sought feedback from users that was then used to update designs for an easier reading experience. By focusing on digital accessibility, HDC can foster inclusive experiences that allow broader engagement with their services and purpose.

Accessibility in Large-Scale Website Modernisation Projects

Bon Wilton Scott, a Product Owner and Senior UX Advisor, detailed how the Department of Conservation (DOC) has embedded accessibility into their development processes, focusing on their website modernisation project.

The DOC website is their primary digital communication channel, getting about 11 million visits and 4.3 million visitors a year. Prior to this initiative, the last update of the website's frontend had been over 10 years ago. As such, there was room to improve the site's accessibility features, responsiveness, and loading speed.

Bon showcased the strategic approach taken by DOC to integrate accessibility reviews and testing into their development cycle, ensuring their solutions meet diverse user needs. Throughout this project, the DOC team learned valuable lessons that helped their team meet their goal. Some examples of what worked for them include:

1. Defining their goal - to them, "done" meant that any new code would at least meet NZ Government web standards but ideally have no accessibility issues at all
2. Making sure accessibility is involved from the beginning
3. Using accessibility experts at to quality control at the review stage

Key Takeaways

The growing emphasis on user accessibility in public-facing applications and web solutions was a central theme of the discussion. Starting with design, incorporating end-user accessibility needs, and following through to rigorous accessibility and usability testing, these efforts highlight the importance of inclusivity.

This focus aligns with client priorities that we at TTC Global frequently encounter. From accessibility audits to strategic guidance and design reviews, TTC Global is uniquely positioned to support organisations on their accessibility journey. Our services also include accessibility testing, training, coaching, and tooling to ensure accessibility is embedded at every stage. To learn more about our services, visit our Digital Accessibility Practice site.

Resources to Empower Your Accessibility Journey

• The GOVIS Digital Accessibility presentation is now available on YouTube.
• Explore the Presentation Slides shared during the event.
• Learn more about the Web Standards clinics run by DIA here.
• Check out the list of approved web accessibility suppliers on the New Zealand Government's Marketplace site.

By embracing accessibility as a core priority, organisations can create solutions that are not only inclusive but also enhance user satisfaction and engagement. TTC Global is proud to contribute to these efforts, supporting businesses and public sector agencies in their mission to make digital experiences accessible for everyone.