Building an Accessible Digital Future: Insights from the Government Digital Accessibility Forum
On May 15th, I attended the Government Digital Accessibility Forum (GDAF), where nearly 200 people came together to discuss how we can make New Zealand's digital spaces more inclusive. It was a reminder that accessibility is not just a tick-box exercise—it’s an ongoing journey that requires constant attention and collective action. Here are the key takeaways:
Government Commitment to Accessibility
Paul James, the Government Chief Digital Officer, shared the government’s plans to weave accessibility into its digital services. He spoke about the upcoming Web Accessibility Standards v2.2, which are being developed to align with global best practices. These new standards, once rolled out, are set to be a big step forward for digital inclusivity in government services. He also mentioned the Centralised Web Accessibility Checker (CWAC), designed to quickly identify accessibility issues across government websites. It’s a move towards more consistent and accessible digital spaces, but it’s clear that we have a way to go before all barriers are broken down.
Digital Inclusion is Social Inclusion
Paula Tesoriero, Chief Executive of Whaikaha — Ministry of Disabled People, drove home the point that digital inclusion goes beyond just having access, it’s about participating fully in society. For the 1 in 6 New Zealanders living with disabilities, digital barriers can mean exclusion from services, education, and jobs. She highlighted that while 62% of disabled people use assistive technologies, 28% still lack the tools to engage online. If we’re talking about equity, then digital access is a huge piece of the puzzle.
Building Accessibility In, Not Bolting It On
One thing was clear: retrofitting accessibility is a pain. It’s costly, time-consuming, and often falls short of truly inclusive design. Both NEMA and MSD shared their experiences—NEMA's 'Get Ready' website and MSD's design system were examples of accessibility being considered right from the beginning. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about making sure everyone can use the services, regardless of their abilities.
Public Service Design Standard—Not Just a Nice Idea
One of the standout moments was the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) pushing for a 'Public Service Design Standard.' This would build on and broaden the digital design standards and make sure public services are designed to be accessible, not just digitally but across all formats—online, in person, and on the phone, putting interaction flow consideration into process and service design. It’s about meeting people where they are, not expecting them to adapt to whatever platform is easiest for us to deliver. It’s a powerful idea that would create a more inclusive approach to service delivery across the board.
The conversations at GDAF made it clear that there's still plenty of work ahead. At DECA, we're committed to being part of that progress. We back the call for a Public Service Design Standard to sit alongside digital standards, so services are designed to be accessible in every format.
It's important that we strengthen our relationship with the Citizens Advice Bureau to push for better access across all channels - whether that's online, over the phone, or in person.
Most importantly, we're continuing to promote accessibility as something that needs ongoing attention, not just a one-off fix. The road to digital equity might not be simple, but every step we take brings us closer to a more inclusive future for everyone.
