We’ve saved this module for last – not because it’s least important, but because everything before it is the foundation that makes this module relevant/ ideally I would hope a lot of this would go without saying, but a lot of NDIS providers create content and host websites that aren’t accessible. Make that make sense please.
If you’re a disability sector organisation producing content that isn’t accessible, you are excluding the very people your mission is built around. Bad.
That’s not just a communications failure. It’s a values failure.
But this isn’t only about disability. An inclusive creative practice reaches more people, builds more trust, and produces better work. Accessibility constraints are creative constraints – and creative constraints make creative work better. Simply put, good design is inherently accessible.
What we mean by inclusive creative practice
- Creating content that as many people as possible can access and engage with
- Representing the full diversity of the people you serve
- Using language that respects and reflects the communities you work with
- Making accessibility a design principle, not an afterthought
The business case
In Australia, approximately 1 in 5 people has some form of disability. Inaccessible content excludes 20% of your potential reach before you’ve even started.
Beyond disability: accessible content is easier for everyone to consume. Plain language, good contrast, captions on video – these improve the experience for every single person who encounters your content.
Exercise
Do a quick audit of your last 10 pieces of content. How many had captions? How many had alt text? How many featured disabled people? How many used plain language? Be honest about where the gaps are.