Accessibility Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

This page provides information Australian Progress’ events and training, and the steps we take to make them accessible to our community. 

For our flagship events e.g. the Progress, Leadership and FWD+Organise conferences, we will also have event-specific access keys that give more information about accessibility at that event. 

How we ask about access needs

When you register for the event, we will ask if you have any access needs. If you need something in place that is not already arranged, or if you need more information about any part of the event, we will work with you to provide that.

Who to contact about accessibility

The team member responsible for access and inclusion in our programs is our Events and Operations Manager, Jess Herne. You can reach Jess at jess@australianprogress.org.au. Jess is available to speak over email, phone, text or other preferred method of communication.

Alternatively, you can send a message to us through the Australian Progress Facebook page or email us at info@australianprogress.org.au

A range of scholarships are available for people with disability for all of our events and trainings.

VENUES AND ONLINE PLATFORMS

The access key for each event will provide a breakdown of facilitates available and other information as relevant to that particular venue/platform.

For in-person events, this will include information about the venue’s physical accessibility, including but not limited to:

  • Wheelchair and step-free access to the venue and facilities; 

  • Access to hearing kits; 

  • Quiet spaces for large events/conferences; 

  • Free Companion Cards ticket and carer access;

  • Information on navigating to the venue, including public transport;

  • Event rules for participants e.g. requests for a fragrance-free space.

For our online events, we use Zoom for training and webinars, and Hopin for conference-style events and partnerships. 

Zoom is compliant, with exceptions, with the following standards: WCAG 2.1 AA Standards, Revised Section 508 Standards and EN 301 549 Accessibility requirement. Full accessibility documentation for Zoom can be found here; including list of keyboard shortcuts here.

Hopin is a virtual live events platform accessed through an internet browser (see hopin.to). 

Desktop: We recommend running in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for the best and seamless experience across Hopin platform. Other independent browsers that accept webRTC technology may be compatible.

Mobile: Hopin events also can be accessed by Attendees and have some limited compatibility for Speakers with Mobile devices (phones and tablets) on the following browsers - Google Chrome for Android, Safari for iOS and iPadOS (Apple).\

In the absence of existing accessibility documentation, we have worked with external consultants to conduct accessibility testing of Hopin. Hopin was tested with Windows 10, using a combination of Firefox, Chrome, and both the NVDA and JAWS screen readers. Testing was also conducted using an iPhone 8 with Voiceover, running the latest version of iOS. Screen reader user notes for Hopin can be found here (current as of July 2019).

MAKING OUR CONTENT AND MATERIALS ACCESSIBLE

Here are some of the ways we make sure the content of our programs are accessible:

  • Captions for videos and webinars: Recordings of webinars will be captioned. Live captioning and/or Auslan interpretation may be arranged based on RSVPs.

  • Auslan interpretation and/or live captioning for training and flagship events: This will be made available at our events based on RSVPs/registrations, and details of this listed in the access key for those events. 

  • Visual and written materials: We provide information and content in various formats to ensure the content is accessible to all participants. This includes (but not limited to) screen-reader compatible forms and documents, making slides available to participants who need early access, sourcing audio-descriptions for prescribed films/videos in training programs where available, and training our speakers/presenters in creating accessible presentations and sessions.

PROGRAM LENGTH, STRUCTURE AND INTERACTIVITY

For our programs, we’ll provide an agenda breakdown and, for events with multiple options e.g. conferences, indicate where a program/session will contain interactive content.

For training programs, interactive segments may be required content. We can work with participants so that you can engage in these in a way that is comfortable for you. 

Any programs with attendance policies, e.g. for the Australian Progress Fellowship, include allowances for absences related to health or caring commitments, and we both recognise and encourage people taking time needed to look after themselves and their loved ones. 

CODE OF CONDUCT

Australian Progress is committed to creating a safe and inclusive experience at our events for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religion, economic status, immigration status or refugee status. Our Code of Conduct reflects this, and includes guidelines on how participants can help create a space that is inclusive of all attendees, including those with disabilities. Read our Code of Conduct here.

QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK

If you have any questions and/or have any feedback, please contact our Events and Operations Manager, Jess Herne. You can reach Jess at jess@australianprogress.org.au. Jess is available to speak over email, phone, text or other preferred method of communication.