Accessibility evaluation guidance
This page helps you to assess and compare the accessibility of products and services. It provides examples of what poor, fair and good responses to the general accessibility requirements look like.
Accessibility conformance
The digital product or service complies with the following functional performance statement from the Australian Standard EN 301 549:
The digital product or service must enable all users to locate, identify, and operate functions, and access the content and support information provided, regardless of physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities. Any accessibility features within the product or service maintains the privacy of people using those features at the same level as others.
If required, the supplier can demonstrate how the product or service delivers on this statement. This should be done using the accessibility features and assistive technologies found on both Apple and Microsoft devices and demonstrated by users of assistive technologies.
Does not meet minimum accessibility compliance. Lots of complex accessibility issues.
Meets minimum accessibility compliance. A few accessibility issues that can be easily fixed.
Exceeds minimum accessibility compliance. Little to no accessibility issues.
Accessibility report
Supplier to provide a recent (less than 18 months) accessibility conformance report (ACR) for the current version of their product or service.
The ACR summarises the extent to which the product or service meets standards. The ACR should use the relevant template.
Supplier to state whether the report was done by an external third party or internally.
Does not have ACR or ACR completed internally or more than 18 months ago. ACR has lots of “does not support” or “partially supports”.
ACR completed externally, within the last 18 months. ACR has a few “does not support” or “supports with exceptions”.
ACR completed externally, within the last 18 months. ACR has little to no “supports with exceptions”.
Inclusive testing
Users with a disability and users who use assistive technologies have tested the product or service.
No testing with users with disabilities.
Testing with users with disabilities, with a few accessibility issues reported. Verified by a product demonstration.
Testing with users with disabilities is extensive and ongoing. Product passes testing with users. Verified by a product demonstration.
Accessibility roadmap and alternative access
Outline accessibility issues with the product or service, and how the issues impact access for users.
Outline what is being done to fix these issues and when they will be fixed, and intermediary plans to give users effective access to the product or service in the meantime. Consider users with different physical, auditory, cognitive and visual abilities.
No commitment to fix issues or extensive customisation required.
Acknowledges accessibility issues, willing to resolve through configuration. Willing to develop an accessibility roadmap to fix issues and provide alternative access for users.
Has a detailed roadmap for fixing minor accessibility issues in less than a year.
Evaluating responses
The below guidance will help you evaluate supplier responses and select a product or service.
This product or service is not accessible. Consider buying another more accessible product or service.
Consider buying this product or service if the supplier commits to an accessibility roadmap and provides alternative access for users.
Consider buying this product or service.
If you need support, fill in the accessibility requests form or email Accessibility NSW at digital.accessibility@customerservice.nsw.gov.au