Accessible technology plays a vital role in supporting many people who are blind or have low vision to find employment.
Vision Australia is calling on all levels of government in Australia to lead the way on making their technology accessible and believes the Australian Standard for the procurement of accessible ICT (Information and communications technology) should become mandatory for public sector workplaces.
The standard was introduced in 2016, however it is yet to be implemented. If implemented it would require government agencies and departments to procure ICT that is accessible to people who live with a disability, including blindness or low vision.
"Through the use of accessible technology, people who are blind or have low vision are capable of holding many of the positions their sighted counterparts currently occupy," Vision Australia Government Relations & Policy Advisor Kate Begley says.
"If the standard was to become mandatory, not only would it open up a large number of employment opportunities to people who are blind or have low vision, the public sector would also help to educate other employers about the ease of making workplaces accessible and the benefits that come from having a diverse workforce," Kate says.
To help push for the mandatory adoption of the standard, Vision Australia is interested in hearing from people who are blind or have low vision about barriers they have found to employment or career progression, in a public service role, because of inaccessible information and communications technology, whether it be software systems or office equipment.
"We want to present decision makers with real life examples of how the employment and career prospects of people who are blind or have low vision have been harmed due to inaccessible work environments," Kate says.
"Increasing accessibility is no different to equipping any employee with the appropriate tools they need to carry out their work, people who are blind or have low vision or who live with any other disability should be free to pursue a wide range of career paths like anybody else."
If you have an experience you would like to share, please contact Kate Begley on 03 9864 9415 or email at [email protected].