We all expect it

Most people expect to be able to have the materials to learn subject matter as soon as they commence their studies.  Many materials are still developed with access only considered when someone with a print disability enrols.  Then panic sets in as we try to work out how to make the materials accessible, and try to find the money to pay for it.  Meantime, time is ticking away, and the student is losing valuable study time.

The legal basis

The sense of fairness is supported by legal obligations of product and service providers to ensure that people with a disability have equal access with other Australians.  The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) provides a legal basis for people with a disability to make a complaint should they be disadvantaged unfairly.

One of the most consistent complaints regarding supply of accessible materials is the time that it takes for conversion (Wibberley, 2002; Karrer & Lavicka, 2002; Runner, 2002).  Students with a print disability have complained to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) regarding time delays in provision of materials in accessible formats. 

HREOC has received other complaints of lack of access to information.   In one of these complaints, course materials were provided in electronic format.  The format, however, was not accessible to screen reading technology.

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This site is a working draft only!  For more information on this project, send an email to: unidesign@optusnet.com.au

© State of Queensland (Department of Employment & Training) 2005