2025 February
Welcome back!
The kids are back in school, most people are back at work, summer might (just maybe) be back and the team at Access Advisors are back to spreading a teeny bit of digital accessibility joy with clients new and established.
News from the USA about the Diversity Equity and Inclusion cuts have certainly been a topic of conversation in our team in the last few days. But things are hopefully a bit more positive here in Aotearoa with the release of the Disability Support Services discussion document and the announcement of a consultation period.
We strongly urge anyone and everyone to do their research and have their say. Every voice makes a little noise, but all of our voices together are much stronger, and hopefully more likely to be heard.
There are also a few events worth paying attention to in the coming weeks, with the Access Matters Kōrero for Change and the Traumatic Brain Injury conference just two of note. And then in early March there is the Show Your Ability series of events. We hear good things and hope to make an appearance if possible.
We have heard that the NZ Government Web Standards updates are now due in March. It is great to see a move to WCAG 2.2 and if you need any advice about the implications of this update please let us know.
We've started the year with some fabulous research projects with our Access Panel. We've included some details about one recent project later in the newsletter. And are always keen to chat to new panel members and clients who want their own first hand insights.
All in all, we are looking forward to chatting and working with you in what we hope is a fabulous 2025 for all.
Welcome back from all of us at Access Advisors
Staff Updates
Kevin - is now licensed to drive the diesel train at Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch. An achievement to be proud of.
Julius - headed off for his most recent adventure and went zorbing in Rotorua. No photos I'm sorry to say.
Winnie - had a pretty rough time over the holidays with some major health issues, but is back to insisting on work breaks to throw balls.
Chandra - has recovered from the most recent health scare and would like to assure everyone that pneumonia is not always fatal.
Access Panel - Westpac Bank Cards
Getting first hand insight into issues people with access needs face in day to day activities is one of the best ways to inform the design of a successful product. As part of the redesign of their new bank cards Westpac wanted to make sure they understood the needs of disabled people.
Westpac said "A major part of the design process of our new Westpac cards was asking people with different accessibility needs to test and provide feedback. With almost a quarter of New Zealanders identifying as having a disability, having cards that are as accessible as possible is an important goal for us."
Members from Access Panel helped provide insight to the Westpac team. Firstly, 12 panelists helped with an initial qualitative interview to help inform the design. Then a smaller group helped test their new cards to ensure they were accessible.
Westpac went one step further and also made a video with Angelo, Amy and Vaughan, showing the end result. The video shows just how accessible the end result is, and demonstrates the value of first hand user insight.
Sadly, shortly after this video was filmed, Vaughan passed away. Vaughan was a colleague since 2019 and became a dear friend. We’re grateful to him for being involved in this project and all the others over the years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
If you would like to find out more about joining the panel, or recruiting people from our Access Panel, please email Access Advisors or call or text Katherine on 027 265 4207.
Featured Access Advisors Blog Post – Braille 2025
Braille has helped people who are blind and low-vision access information and communicate for 200 years. Invented by Louis Braille in 1824, this tactile writing system has empowered generations.
Fast forward to 2025, the core principles of Braille remain unchanged, But, its use has evolved thanks to advancements in digital technology.
Explore all of our blog posts. Let us know on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn what you think and if there is any other topic you'd like us to cover.
Upcoming Events
Kōrero for Change | Digital and Information Systems Webinar
Join Access Matters in this crucial kōrero to discuss ways to strengthen our digital and information systems. Our very own Dr Chandra Harrison is on the 'Doers' Panel.
The session will explore how inclusive technology can support equitable access to information, foster innovation, and create a more connected, empowered Aotearoa New Zealand. Let’s work toward a future where every community has the digital tools and opportunities to thrive.
- Where - Online
- When - Wednesday 12th February 9am to 12pm
- Register to attend via Zoom
Connecting Ōtautahi
Connecting Ōtautahi is a vibrant community for individuals, groups and organisations who work in or are passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We comprise professionals, advocates, and learners and meet regularly to share ideas, foster collaborations, and inspire change. Supported by the generosity and sponsorship of the community, we ensure that our events remain free and accessible to everyone.
- Where: Reach out to the organisers
- When: 12th February 2025
- Join the LinkedIn Group to register
Traumatic Brain Injury Conference
Organised by Interpoint Events in partnership with the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, the new conference aims to bring together experts, professionals, those with lived experience, and people who work or participate in areas where traumatic brain injury is often present but undiagnosed.
Exploring the theme “Keeping it Real: Real Injury, Real People, Real Lives”, the conference will uniquely emphasise the lived experiences of individuals and their families/whānau affected by TBI. Through personal stories and firsthand accounts, attendees will gain deeper insights into the multifaceted impact of brain injury. Latest research, rehabilitation, and ways of enhancing people’s lives with new ideas and solutions to everyday issues will also be key themes.
Chandra will be presenting "Creating better outcomes by removing digital interface barriers" at 1:45pm on Wednesday. Tickets for the conference are on sale and it is shaping up to be an amazing event
- Where: Te Pae Christchurch
- When: Wednesday 12th March & Thursday 13 March
- Tickets: Register online
Explore all of our future and past News & Events. Contact us if you'd like us to speak at your event, or would like us to run a webinar.
Accessibility Top Tip - February 2025
A new NZ Government Web Accessibility Standard 1.2 is about to be released in the next few weeks.
Key things to be aware of include:
- A move from WCAG 2.1 to WCAG 2.2
- The need for an accessibility statement
Exemptions include:
- A text alternative that serves the equivalent purpose is not required for complex visual maps
- Conformance to WCAG 2.2 is not required for archived web pages
We hope you've found this newsletter of interest. Our mission is to help businesses in Aotearoa make digital technology better for people with access needs. We will only ever use your email address to share accessibility news and details of our business and activities.
Visit our website to see all of our services, to meet the team, for more news and blog posts, or to contact us. You can also reach out on our Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
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