Accessibility not only relates to your physical environment but to communications as well. Done properly, it gives people with disabilities access to public and workplace facilities and services equally.

An accessibility audit assesses what barriers may exist that reduce access and participation of people with disabilities, and what measures can be taken to eliminate these barriers.

A lack of accessibility is more common than you realise, and people often think that it only refers to physical accessibility, however, it is far more diverse and complex. Some of the things our team takes into consideration are age, gender, sexual identity, language barriers, intellectual disability, ethnicity and religion, as well as literacy and of course physical disability.

In Tasmania alone, over one-quarter of the population identify as having a disability. One in 70 is estimated to be on the Autism Spectrum, although, it is believed this figure is much higher, and almost one in two Tasmanians is considered to not have the writing, reading and maths skills required for daily life and work. "The percentage of the population aged over 65 has increased by 5.4% and people aged under 15 have reduced by 2.8%. Nearly 16% of Tasmania’s current population was born overseas, while our rate of non-English speaking residents is increasing.

English proficiency and literacy barriers are significant enough without even considering physical disabilities such as vision and hearing impairment, or people with permanent or temporary physical limitations.

What this data points to is the need for businesses to consider not only their physical spaces, if they have one, but also their digital tools such as websites and social media, as well as any other client-facing information or marketing material. This includes printed marketing material, video and audio content and even day-to-day items such as menus, forms and signage.

It is the little things that make the difference, like using plain English, larger fonts and high-contrast colours. The IC audit process is about understanding who your audience is and providing a suitable approach for them to be comfortable engaging with you and obtaining the outcome that benefits both parties.

We understand that if we can make you and your business as accessible and inclusive as possible, then word of mouth will spread, in turn creating positive consumer behaviour. Good accessibility is just good business and ultimately a win-win for everyone.