ADCET/OZeWAI Podcast: Myth Busting Accessibility in Australian Tertiary Education

This joint presentation between ADCET and OZeWAI brought together a panel of staff from across the education sector to challenge common myths and misconceptions around accessibility and supporting students with disability. With a focus on practical insights gathered from staff and students, the panel explored barriers, debunked persistent myths, and highlighted strategies for creating more inclusive learning environments.

Accessibility in Australian tertiary education remains a critical yet often misunderstood issue. While many assume that only a small number of students face accessibility challenges, data reveals that increasing numbers of students report having at least one disability, with many more navigating invisible disabilities. Despite these numbers, students with disability frequently encounter significant barriers that impact their academic success and completion rates. Common misconceptions, such as the belief that accessibility is expensive, complicated, or only requires occasional adjustments, can hinder meaningful progress. In reality, accessibility needs to be integrated proactively into the design of learning environments, both physical and digital, to ensure equitable access for all students.

Students who are blind, have low vision, or use assistive technologies often face inconsistent support and inaccessible online resources, highlighting systemic gaps in current practices. This webinar sought to shed light on these challenges, dispel myths, and promote a shift towards inclusive policies and practices that support every learner in Australian tertiary institutions.

Panellists

Darren Britten, ADCET's National Assistive Technology Officer
Andrew Downie, Accessibility Consultant, University of Technology Sydney
Amelia Dowe, Online Learning Support Officer, University of Tasmania
Kim Neville, Digital Accessibility Practice Lead, Australian National University