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Media Access Australia

31% of UK Councils fail ‘real scenario’ website accessibility test

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A recent annual survey conducted by UK public sector IT association Socitm, has revealed that around one in three UK councils and local Government authorities failed a test for accessibility based on how closely their websites complied with the WCAG 2.0 global web standard. What’s more, the ‘pass’ figure of 69% is down from 77% in 2016, albeit with a slightly more demanding scenario this year.

Test button on a mobile device
Test button on a mobile device

The Better Connected survey results released in May 2017 were focused on 195 tested websites - all of which had previously passed a level-1 ‘basics’ test in December 2016, as Media Access Australia reported earlier this year. The result this time around was that 61 of them failed the follow-up level-2 test, as they could not provide an acceptable level of site accessibility to users with disabilities, based on a specified online task.

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Exposing the myths behind the 7 sins of accessibility

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Recent conversations between Media Access Australia and some of the country’s top marketing executives have revealed fascinating insights about their perspectives on digital accessibility – and why unfortunately it’s still not considered a priority for most.

Accessibility button on a laptop computer
Finger touching a laptop’s ‘Accessibility’ button.

So what are the myths? This article addresses seven key objections that were raised from these discussions – the seven sins – and provides some compelling reasons to act in a positive and inclusive way, once each myth has been debunked.

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Accessibility the key for broader social media engagement

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Engaging with accessible social media – Facebook and Twitter

The importance of a social media presence may be well accepted, but many overlook a crucial element of successful engagement. With 20 percent of the Australian population having some form of disability, accessibility is key and benefits both users and organisations who are wanting to engage with as many potential customers as they can.

Typing a message on a keyboard

Successful social media strategies

While most businesses and Government utilities have now jumped on the social media bandwagon, many are unaware that their online presence may be inaccessible to members of their target audience. In particular, social media apps can present barriers for the 20 percent of Australians living with disability.

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