> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://salsa-digital.gitbook.io/govcms-content-administration/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://salsa-digital.gitbook.io/govcms-content-administration/accessibility/what-is-accessibility.md). # What is accessibility The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is an internationally recognised standard created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The purpose of the standard is to make web content more accessible to people with lived experience of disabilities and diversity. The standards apply to all content, including documents, videos, images and the web. W3C is continually updating the standards as technology evolves. The Australian Government currently requires agencies to comply with the **WCAG 2.2 AA** standards as part of the [Digital Service Standard v2.0](https://architecture.digital.gov.au/standard/digital-service-standard). ### Why is it important The altruistic reason is because having an accessible website means that everyone can have access to government information regardless of their ability. Another reason is because legally, government websites must be accessible. If your website is not accessible, there could be legal consequences. ### Accessibility is not just for blind people The idea that accessibility is just for blind people is a common misconception. While vision impairment does make up a large portion of the requirements, accessibility incorporates **everyone's** right to access. This includes ensuring: * Your homepage doesn't include 500MB of images that can only load on a metropolitan NBN fibre connection, leaving the site inaccessible to regional mobile users * You don't use green text on a red background making it difficult for colourblind users to read the text * That the website is accessible entirely via keyboard for users who may have perfect eyesight, but are unable to use a mouse due to physical restrictions * That content is laid out in a logical, understandable and readable way so that users with cognitive impairments can understand it and are not overwhelmed * Files are provided in more than one format (if you only provide a document as a .pptx file, how can someone without access to Powerpoint access that file?) * That you don't have flashing images that may cause seizures. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://salsa-digital.gitbook.io/govcms-content-administration/accessibility/what-is-accessibility.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.