The future of disability support in Australia is rapidly changing, partly due to access and adoption of technology and innovative features specifically created for enhancing accessibility.

The digital economy, smartphones and computers are so intertwined with everyday life, and regulatory bodies around the world have taken steps to ensure accessibility is appropriately applied. This, as well as the increased adoption of artificial intelligence, has served to accelerate the opportunities for all users to access digital content equally and will continue to create a more inclusive environment for people living with disability.

Digital Accessibility isn't just on the rise. It's becoming standard!

Assistive technologies have advantages for all users, including people with disabilities, for a frictionless experience online.  Being accessible to all users creates better access and more business opportunities.

What is Digital Accessibility

Digital accessibility covers design and development that makes digital content easily accessible to people of varied abilities.

Key Trends in Digital Accessibility

Web Accessibility: These are a set of standards put forth in the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to assist in the design, development and deployment of digital content so that it is accessible for a range of audiences on desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile devices and even wearables. Following these guidelines will also often make Web content more usable to all users in general and specifically cater to people living with disability and people with varied abilities.

Accessible Mobile Applications: Smartphone Apps have exploded in popularity, and many developers have seen the value of including accessibility features and tools to reach a broader market. In some jurisdictions, it is legally mandated that an app is accessible if it falls under the umbrella term of "places of public accommodation". Common standard integrations in Accessible Apps include screen readers, high-contrast text, and ease of data entry. Some have included more advanced integrations, such as voice control.

Assistive Digital Technology is advancing all the time; some of the standard assistive Technology seen in the digital landscape include:

  • Speech recognition software: Transforms spoken words into text.
  • Screen magnifiers: Manipulate and magnify a computer screen to make information more visible, controlling text size and graphics.
  • Eye tracking devices: Track eye movement to determine where a person focuses and what they want to click on.
  •  Adaptive keyboards and mice: Designed to address the difficulties faced by those with hand mobility issues.

A completely accessible and integrated digital world will go a long way to help people living with disability to have more choice and control over their lives.

For more information including news, events and inspiring stories from people living with disability, check out the Just Better Care Disability news section or browse the collection of links from reputable sources below: