Accessibility Statement
Our Accessibility Commitment
The Disability Services Exchange (DSX) is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all people, including those with disabilities. Our platform is built with native high contrast design throughout, aiming to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and striving toward AAA where possible. We believe in universal design that provides an accessible, inclusive experience for all users from the ground up, without requiring additional modes or settings.
Target Conformance: WCAG 2.1 AA (working toward AAA) | Last Tested: January 2025 |Standards: Aiming for EN 301 549, AS ISO/IEC 40500:2023 compliance
Vision Accessibility
Full screen reader support, native high contrast design, zoom up to 400%, and comprehensive alt text.
Keyboard Navigation
Complete keyboard access, visible focus indicators, skip links, and logical tab order throughout.
Cognitive Support
Clear language, consistent navigation, error prevention, and Easy Read versions available.
Hearing Support
Captions for videos, transcripts for audio, visual alerts, and no audio-only content.
WCAG 2.1 Conformance Targets
Perceivable
- Text Alternatives: All non-text content has text alternatives
- Time-based Media: Captions, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation
- Adaptable: Content can be presented without losing meaning or structure
- Distinguishable: Native high contrast design targeting 7:1 ratios, no images of text
- Color Independence: Information not conveyed by color alone
- Audio Control: All audio can be paused or stopped
Operable
- Keyboard Accessible: All functionality available via keyboard
- No Keyboard Traps: Users can navigate away from all components
- Timing Adjustable: Time limits can be extended or disabled
- Seizure Safe: No content flashes more than 3 times per second
- Navigation: Multiple ways to find pages, clear headings and labels
- Focus Visible: Enhanced keyboard focus indicators
- Target Size: Minimum 44×44 CSS pixels for touch targets
Understandable
- Readable: Grade 9 reading level, definitions for unusual words
- Predictable: Consistent navigation and functionality
- Input Assistance: Clear error messages and correction suggestions
- Context Changes: No automatic context changes without warning
- Help Available: Context-sensitive help and instructions
- Error Prevention: Confirmation for important actions
Robust
- Valid Code: HTML validates with no errors
- ARIA Implementation: Proper WAI-ARIA roles and properties
- Status Messages: Announced to screen readers without focus change
- Compatible: Works with current and future assistive technologies
- Progressive Enhancement: Core functionality works without JavaScript
Accessibility Features
Visual Features
- • Native high contrast design (7:1+ ratios)
- • Zoom up to 400% without horizontal scroll
- • Resizable text without assistive tech
- • Focus indicators (3px minimum)
- • Clean, accessible color palette
- • No reliance on color alone
Audio Features
- • Closed captions for videos
- • Audio descriptions available
- • Transcripts for podcasts
- • Volume controls
- • No auto-playing audio
- • Visual notifications
Motor Features
- • Large click targets (44×44px)
- • Adequate spacing between links
- • Drag-free alternatives
- • Single pointer gestures
- • Motion activation optional
- • Extended timeouts
Assistive Technology Support
Tested With
Screen Readers
- ✓ JAWS 2024 (Windows)
- ✓ NVDA 2024.1 (Windows)
- ✓ VoiceOver (macOS/iOS)
- ✓ TalkBack (Android)
- ✓ Narrator (Windows)
Other Technologies
- ✓ Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- ✓ ZoomText magnifier
- ✓ Switch control devices
- ✓ Eye tracking systems
- ✓ Braille displays
Browser & Device Compatibility
Supported Browsers
- • Chrome 90+ (recommended)
- • Firefox 88+
- • Safari 14+
- • Edge 90+
- • Opera 76+
Mobile Support
- • iOS 14+ (Safari, Chrome)
- • Android 10+ (Chrome, Firefox)
- • Responsive design for all screen sizes
- • Touch-friendly interface
- • Mobile screen reader compatible
Alternative Formats
Available Formats & Languages
Document Formats
- • Easy Read versions
- • Large print (18pt+)
- • Plain text files
- • Accessible PDFs
- • Braille (on request)
- • Audio versions (on request)
Language Support
- • English (primary)
- • Auslan videos for key content
- • Translation services available
- • Multilingual support on request
- • Plain English summaries
Testing & Validation
Our Testing Process
- Automated Testing: axe DevTools, WAVE, Pa11y, Lighthouse
- Manual Testing: Keyboard navigation, screen reader testing, color contrast analysis
- User Testing: Regular testing with users with disabilities
- Third-party Audit: Annual accessibility audit by certified professionals
- Continuous Monitoring: Automated daily scans for accessibility issues
Latest Review: January 2025 - Internal Assessment
Result: Working toward WCAG 2.1 AA compliance with ongoing improvements
Next Review: July 2025
Known Issues & Development
About Our Development
The DSX platform has been developed by people with disabilities employing innovative AI techniques to ensure genuine accessibility from the ground up. Our development team includes individuals with lived experience of disability who understand firsthand the importance of accessible digital services.
We are constantly working to achieve and maintain WCAG 2.1 AA standards as our baseline across all features, with aspirations toward AAA where feasible. We use AI-assisted development to help identify and resolve accessibility barriers more effectively.
We welcome your feedback! If you encounter any accessibility issues, please report them immediately so we can rectify them. Your input helps us create a more inclusive platform for everyone.
Current Known Issues
• Some complex forms may require additional keyboard navigation improvementsStatus: Actively being enhanced
• Third-party embedded content may not meet our accessibility standardsWorkaround: Alternative formats available on request
• Some data visualizations being optimized for screen readersWorkaround: Text summaries and data exports available
Report an Issue: Found an accessibility barrier? Please email us at accessibility@dsx.org.au or use the bug report button (🐛) on any page and select "Accessibility" as the category. We commit to acknowledging your report within 24 hours and providing a resolution timeline.
Accessibility Tools & Resources
How We Can Help
- Personalized Support: One-on-one assistance via phone or video call
- Training Resources: Guides for using assistive technologies with our site
- Accessibility Overlays: Built-in tools for contrast, font size, and reading assistance
- Feedback Welcome: Regular user testing sessions and feedback opportunities
- Priority Support: Fast-track support for accessibility-related issues
Legal Compliance
This website aims to comply with:
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) - Australian federal law
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA (striving for AAA)
- EN 301 549 - European accessibility standard
- Section 508 - US federal accessibility requirements
- AS ISO/IEC 40500:2023 - Australian/International standard
- NDIS Practice Standards - Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements
Contact Our Accessibility Team
Accessibility Support
Email: accessibility@dsx.org.au
Phone: 1800 XXX XXX (Option 3)
National Relay Service: 133 677
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AEST
Report an Issue
Use our accessibility feedback form
Response time: Within 2 business days
Resolution target: 5 business days
Priority support for critical barriers
Alternative Contact Methods: Video call (Auslan available), SMS: 0400 XXX XXX, TTY: 133 677, Speak & Listen: 1300 555 727
Related Resources
© 2025 Disability Services Exchange. Committed to digital inclusion.
This accessibility statement was last updated on January 31, 2025.