We’ve all heard about accessibility—making accommodations and adaptations so that no one is restricted from accessing your business. But what does this look like on a practical level? We chatted with two local non-profit organisations, Blind Low Vision NZ and National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing to discuss some simple steps that businesses can take to be more accessible for blind, low vision, Deaf, and hard of hearing communities.
Please note: This article focuses specifically on accessibility for deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, blind, and low vision people, as is the expertise of the organisations involved in this awareness campaign and are located in Parnell. This advice will not guarantee accessibility for all disabilities and needs, and it is always best to discuss accommodations with each individual who may request them.
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About the organisations
Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) and National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NFDHH) are both based in Parnell.
BLVNZ serve a diverse community of around 16,000 people across New Zealand, including their families and caregivers. They offer a comprehensive range of services to enhance independence and quality of life, including skills training, connection to local community groups, guide dog services, support grants, and providing equipment that improves accessibility. BLVNZ have been supporting blind, deafblind, and low vision New Zealanders for over 130 years.
Similarly, NFDHH have been supporting deaf and hard of hearing New Zealanders for more than 40 years. They raise awareness of the barriers that the Deaf and hard of hearing community faces, including health, social, educational and cultural barriers. With more than 880,000 deaf and hard of hearing people living in New Zealand, NFDHH provides valuable services including hearing screenings in schools, education and workshops, retirement village outreach programmes, and grants and scholarships.
Challenge your misconceptions
When you think of a blind, deaf, or deafblind person, what do you assume about them? The first step to improving accessibility is to challenge some of the misconceptions you may hold about people in these demographics.
People often think of blindness or low vision as a complete loss of sight, but the reality is much more varied. Vision loss can range from mildly reduced vision to total blindness, and it can be progressive or stable, meaning it can change over time or remain the same.
Similarly, there is diversity amongst deaf and hard of hearing people. ‘deaf’ and ‘hard of hearing’ are not labels that can be used interchangeably, and the communication needs and accessibility requirements for people in these two groups will differ.
Don’t assume a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it is best to offer a range of accessibility options to improve the experience of customers and employees who may benefit from them. Remember to ‘See The Person’, not just their disability. That way you will begin to understand that everyone’s needs and abilities are unique. By listening and learning from their experiences, you can create a more inclusive environment that truly supports their customer experience.
Accessible employment
Some people even assume that people with low or no vision, or who are deaf or hard of hearing, are limited in their career prospects. The reality is that many people in these communities are successful professionals and are just as capable of thriving in a wide range of careers—they just need the right opportunities and a few accommodations. Here are some tips about how your business can adapt, allowing deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and low vision employees to thrive.
BLVNZ
- Ensure job postings and application forms are accessible.
- Use workspace modifications like screen readers, tactile markings, and assistive technology
- Train staff on disability awareness and accessibility.
- Offer flexible working hours or remote work options if possible
- Regularly review your workspace and allow feedback on how you can improve
- Ensure all communication methods are accessible.
NFDHH
- Create an inclusive culture by incorporating hearing loss awareness practices in your organisation’s recruitment and induction training
- Know the common accommodations needed for DHH in the workplace
- Ask your DHH colleague what they need to ensure they are successful in their work
- Review your work environment regularly—what barriers exist for DHH?
- Look at ways to reduce noise.
Accessible customer experience
If your business deals with customers or clients face-to-face, here are some ways that your staff and premises can better accommodate different accessibility needs.
BLVNZ
- Speak directly and respectfully to the person—there’s no need to raise your voice unless asked.
- Always ask if help is needed before assuming. If guiding someone, offer your arm and let them decide the pace.
- Ensure essential information, is available in large print (at least 18 pt), Braille, or even audio formats. Clear and high-contrast print helps those with low vision.
- Consider installing accessible payment terminals that provide tactile buttons or speech output. Mobile payment systems like Apple Pay or apps designed for accessibility are also useful for blind and low vision customers.
- Adding tactile signs or Braille on doors, buttons, and important locations helps people navigate the space confidently.
- Ensure furniture or product displays don’t block paths and use tactile paving to help guide customers.
NFDHH
- Keep pen and paper close to all customer service areas for easy written communication.
- Employ electronic options. Video Relay Services allows deaf customers to communicate with hearing individuals via sign language interpreter through video calls, speech-to-text apps can offer live transcription, and assistive listening devices can help hard of hearing individuals.
- Encourage front line staff to learn basic NZSL. Knowing how to greet people, introduce yourself, and vocab related to your business will go a long way.
- Learn proper etiquette for communicating with DHH people, such as speaking clearly, keeping your face and mouth visible when you speak, and maintaining eye contact.
- Remove as many noise distractions as possible to ease communications.
Accessibility online
Digital platforms are a huge part of many businesses’ operations, so it’s important that your social media, website, and email communications are accessible to all.
BLVNZ
- Use high-contrast colours and large, readable fonts.
- Allow text resizing without layout issues.
- Use proper headings and alt text for images to ensure screen reader compatibility.
- When creating digital forms, clearly label all fields and provide helpful error messages
- Ensure all elements (menus, links, buttons) are accessible via keyboard navigation
- Provide audio descriptions and written transcripts for video content.
- Ensure websites and apps are responsive and work well with screen readers on mobile.
- Avoid embedding text in images
- Regularly test your website with screen readers and accessibility tools
- Offer accessible support like email, phone, or live chat.
NFDHH
- Use captions on social media and all video content on your website.
- Keep your email communications short and clear, use bullet points for precision and images to add context.
- Consider using NZSL interpretation for important content.
- Use high contrast between text and background to make reading easier.
- Conduct usability testing with deaf users to identify and address accessibility issues.
Book a workshop and learn more!
In-Sight Workshop
The Blind Low Vision NZ In-Sight workshop provides support for employers to think differently on how they attract, recruit and retain blind and low vision persons within their workforce. We need employers to cast their net wider and start to think “outside the square” in terms of growing workforce diversity.
This is a two-hour professional development program, designed to increase understanding and awareness of vision loss, identify your company’s ‘why’ to diversity, the impact of language, breakdown assumptions and myths and build confidence through interactive and facilitated conversations. The workshop has a blind, low vision and deafblind lens which draws on the personal and professional experiences of our talented pool of facilitators with lived experience of vision loss.
The aim of the workshop is to support you and your organisation to think differently and develop a truly diverse workforce which is “authentic and inclusive”. Each workshop is bespoke to the nature of your business.
To book your workshop please contact:
Sarah Mitchell, Head of Employment and Youth Transition – Blind Low Vision NZ.
Mobile: 021 21 23 449
Email: smitchell@blindlowvision.org.nz
Lunch & Learn Workshops
These workshops assist organisations to create a positive and inclusive environment for employees and visitors with hearing loss. It is often the small changes that make the biggest difference to deaf and hard of hearing staff and their ability to fully participate and thrive.
Delivered virtually by the team at NFDHH, each workshop is a 30-minute online session with valuable insights and practical tips. We can also provide a tailored learning experience with a bespoke workshop designed for your organisation. There are many options to choose from including NZSL, Deaf culture, Accessibility and more.
The cost of a Lunch & Learn workshop is $295 +GST for your whole team, no maximum numbers. 1-hour workshops are also available.
To book your workshop please contact:
Linda Holmes, Community & Corporate Partnership Manager
Mobile: 027 213 5543
Email: linda.holmes@nfdhh.org.nz
