by Amila Dedovic
Every time you receive a letter, open a website, listen to an announcement or use a service app, you rely on communications working for you. For people who are blind or vision impaired, this everyday truth can sometimes be a stumbling block.
This article explores recent real-world Australian developments in accessible communication, what this means for people who are blind or vision impaired, and how the future might look even if we can’t predict exactly how it will unfold.
Case Studies
In one recent example, the national initiative Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN)’s “Accessible Telecoms” service published its 2023–24 annual report, which includes case studies. In one example, a woman sought help for her mother, who has both a vision and hearing impairment, after struggling with a landline phone that produced a constant buzzing sound. Accessible Telecoms took the time to understand her mother’s specific access needs and then provided personalised recommendations for accessible landline phone models via its online database. The example also points to a broader challenge, as the Telstra store they visited did not display accessible handsets or allow customers to examine devices before purchasing. This reinforces just how important it is to ensure that consumers can access products in-store to determine if it will suit their needs.
From a government advocacy perspective, BCA is involved in shaping national communications accessibility. We are a member of the Australian Government’s Communications Accessibility Consultative Committee, which brings together disability organisations, advocacy groups and relevant departments to advise on policies affecting telecommunications, broadcasting and accessible information services. The committee’s goal is to strengthen engagement between government and people with disability, provide consolidated advice on communications accessibility issues, and help ensure that public communications reach everyone in their preferred formats they can access independently. In parallel, the committee is helping to develop an Associated Plan for Information and Communications Services, co-designed with people with disability, which aims to systematise how information is made available in a variety of accessible formats – including braille, audio, Easy Read, and Auslan – and embed these standards across government communications. Melanie Chatfield, BCA’s National Policy Officer, represents our organisation in these discussions, bringing crucial insights from lived experience to influence how the plan is shaped.
Another example comes from New South Wales, where NSW Health has introduced an Accessible Communications Policy that requires health information to be developed in collaboration with consumers and people with lived experience. While this policy is still relatively new and detailed outcomes for people who are blind or vision impaired are not yet widely reported, it represents an important structural step toward more inclusive health communication. The policy provides a clear way for people to request information in alternative formats and is supported by a growing Community of Practice within NSW Health, indicating a genuine commitment to building accessibility into everyday practice. However, the 2023–24 NSW Health annual report does highlight broader engagement: for instance, more than 119,700 users accessed cancer patient information in over 135,000 sessions, demonstrating substantial use of online patient resources.
From the technology side, the Centre for Accessibility Australia recently reviewed digital accessibility trends for 2024. Several major tech companies are driving improvements, with Microsoft enhancing screen reader compatibility in Windows and expanding AI-powered tools that generate image descriptions and support more natural voice commands. Google has strengthened accessibility across Android and Chrome, including upgrades to its voice-assisted screen reader, TalkBack, which reads aloud what is on the screen and helps users navigate their device using gestures. Apple has also released new features such as Vocal Shortcuts and expanded low-vision support, along with improvements to braille input and AI-powered image description. While these developments are not focused solely on vision impairment, together they show meaningful progress toward more accessible digital communication for everyone.
What stands out in these stories is that accessibility is not just about making text bigger or adding alt text. It’s about understanding how people access content in different ways and designing communications with those needs in mind right from the start.
What These Stories Tell Us
From these examples, a few themes emerge that show both progress and the work still to be done.
There is growing recognition that accessibility needs to be built in from the beginning, not added as an afterthought. Policies like NSW Health’s reflect genuine consultation with people who have lived experience. Technology trends are also moving in the right direction, with mainstream platforms offering more accessible features. Service providers are beginning to publish updates and real examples that show their efforts toward improvement.
At the same time, many gaps remain. Alternate formats such as braille, large print, and audio still often require the user to specifically request them. Some digital services continue to fall short when it comes to screen reader compatibility or accessible layout. In the case of the NDIA, it is still inconsistent whether people’s format preferences are correctly recorded, actioned appropriately, and provided in a timely manner. According to data from Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031, the digital inclusion gap between people with disability and the general population still exists. While improvements have been made, full inclusion is not yet a reality.
For people who are blind or vision impaired, accessibility goes beyond readability. It means the ability to independently access content in a format that works for them. It means not having to jump through hoops to get information in braille or audio, or having websites that work seamlessly with screen readers. Guidelines from the Australian Human Rights Commission stress that organisations should ask people about their preferred communication formats, instead of assuming what will work.
What This Means
our communications – whether a printed magazine, website, PDF, or digital service- directly affect participation. Accessible formats should be readily available, not something users have to chase. When organisations proactively offer options like audio, braille, or editable text, they show that inclusion truly matters. Users should only need to request formats when they are not immediately offered, and feedback helps drive further improvement.
It’s also worth watching how digital inclusion is progressing in Australia more broadly. According to the 2025 Australian Digital Inclusion Index, things are improving – digital ability has risen to 73.6. But people with disability still score 11.4 points lower than those without disability, reflecting ongoing barriers in access, cost and digital skills. Raising expectations, advocating for better access, and supporting each other in navigating services remains vital if we are to close this gap.
Technology plays a key role in both supporting and limiting access. While improvements are emerging, platforms and services can still create barriers through poor updates, inaccessible menus or lack of support. For example, Meta’s Ray‑Ban Meta smart glasses include accessibility features such as voice commands, open‑ear speakers, and the ability to call a sighted volunteer via Be My Eyes for live descriptions. The glasses can also provide scene descriptions using AI, though they do not always perform full text‑OCR, meaning printed or digital text may not be fully readable. At the same time, the increasing prevalence of touchscreens in banking, lifts, home appliances, and other everyday devices often introduces new barriers for people who are blind or vision impaired. Emphasising universal design principles and empowering communities to request accessible versions and give feedback are essential for ensuring both mainstream and assistive technologies are inclusive.
Looking Ahead: what might the future hold?
We can’t predict exactly where accessibility is headed, but there are signs pointing toward better, more inclusive communication.
Perhaps the future will bring content automatically available in multiple formats, without the need to request it. Websites, documents and apps could deliver text, audio and braille-ready versions by default, with built-in screen reader compatibility, voice command, and high-contrast modes. AI tools could detect user preferences and provide the right format instantly, making mainstream and digital services fully accessible from the outset.
Still, policy alone isn’t enough. The review of Australia’s Disability Strategy shows that while access to communication is recognised as important, the current systems for tracking and reporting on progress need more depth and consistency. For this vision of the future to become a reality, the work of advocacy, feedback and continuous improvement must continue.
People who are blind or vision impaired will be central to this process. Staying informed, sharing personal experiences, asking for improvements and supporting one another helps shape how communication practices evolve.
Summary
Accessible communications are not a luxury or an optional service. For people who are blind or vision impaired, they are essential for full participation in society.
We’re seeing promising changes. More organisations are becoming aware of their obligations, new technologies are emerging with better accessibility features, and national policies are slowly starting to reflect the importance of inclusion. But challenges remain, and progress can’t be taken for granted.
For organisations, this means taking accessibility seriously, not just checking a box. For readers, it means knowing your rights, speaking up, and sharing what works and what doesn’t.
The future of accessible communication will depend on what we ask for, what we challenge and what we help build together.