Let’s Make Schools Accessible
Has your school heard the news yet?
Last year, on 16th May 2020 the South Australian Government launched its Accessibility Online Policy. This means that all public-facing media, including websites for public schools, must be made accessible. So let’s make schools accessible.
What does this mean for your school? Read our frequently asked questions below.
Why web accessibility is important?
Web accessibility is a major step towards Australia becoming a more inclusive society.
In 2018 there were 4.4 million Australians living with disability. The South Australian Government’s new online accessibility policy is the first major step not just in our state but Australia wide to ensure that all members of our community have equal access to the Internet.
What does an educational accessible website look like?
An accessible website is developed with an inclusive design which complies with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 or higher. The content of the website is also written following these standards too.
As of writing this post, we understand that every Department for Education school website launched after 16th May 2019 must follow the policy. We strongly encourage you to discuss accessibility with your current developer if your website has been developed since the release of the new policy.
What is Edu Net Solutions doing to support schools?
Our commitment to web accessibility is second to none. Edu Net Solutions is proud to be the first and only web development company in South Australia that adheres to this groundbreaking accessibility policy.
In 2019 Edu Net Solutions worked with Vision Australia’s Digital Access Team to ensure that the template we used for the websites for schools met Vision Australia’s Statement of Accessibility to WCAG 2.0 Level AA. So, South Australian schools can rest assured that their websites are fully policy compliant.
Meanwhile, we have also developed our School Website Development Framework to help state and national schools achieve inclusion through digital accessibility. Our compliant platform forms the foundation of our School Website Development Framework.
What does my school need to do now?
There are two key things you can do to ensure that your school is moving in the right direction.
First, educate yourself. I strongly urge South Australian schools (both public and private) to take the time out and read the new online policy and toolkit mentioned above. Also, explore the advantages of making your current website inclusive. Educational accessible websites are different to the standard one developed currently. Look for the logo below in school’s website footer, if it doesn’t have it your school may not be accessible.
Second, help spread the word! Let your community know about the policy and encourage your peers and colleagues to also get informed. After all, education matters and if we make our websites inclusive, everyone then has the opportunity to equal access them!
Still have questions regarding web accessibility? Please get in touch with us. We’d love to see if we could help you, and let’s make schools accessible!
Written by Kirio Crespo