Left to right: Australian Disability Network Head of Strategy, Amber O’Shea, with Procurement Charter signers, Michelle Hyams, Louise MacDonald, Nicola Commins, Mathew Nelson.
Some of Australia’s largest employers have signed a charter that is a public commitment to ensure their technology is accessible to all their customers and employees.
Representatives from Australia Post, ANZ, Ernst & Young, NBN Co, Microsoft, and Telstra signed the Australian Disability Network’s Accessibility Technology Charter at the launch event hosted by Ernst & Young in Melbourne.
The Charter sets out 10 commitments to 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.
By signing the Charter, organisations agree to implement 10 commitments as part of their technology strategy, including developing and buying accessible systems.
The Charter was developed by Australian Disability Network’s Accessible Procurement Taskforce, led by Matt Hawkins, Director Procurement, University of Melbourne, in collaboration with Microsoft, Telstra, Services Australia, OZeWAI, ANZ, 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 the Charter and we encourage and support all organisations to become signatories to the Charter.”
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.
For further information contact Australian Disability Network’s Media and Policy Manager Clara Pirani on 0410 446 621 or clara.pirani@ausdn.org.au