Beneath the Surface AU
Version 3.6 : Effective 7 September 2026
This statement covers accessibility for beneaththesurface.au and all BTS AU services, including workshops, courses, and keynote speeches. Target standard: WCAG 2.1 Level AA.
About this version
The conformance results and known limitations in Sections 4.1, 5 and 8 describe the current build of beneaththesurface.au. If you encounter something that does not match what is described here, please tell us using the contact details in Section 9 and we will correct either the page or this statement.
1. Overview and Commitment
Beneath the Surface AU (BTS AU) is committed to ensuring that its digital content and service delivery are accessible to everyone, including people with disability.
As an organisation whose work addresses structural barriers to wellbeing, education, and social participation, accessibility is not an afterthought; it is consistent with our mission. Removing barriers to participation is core to what BTS AU does, and we hold ourselves to the same standard we advocate for in others.
BTS AU is working toward conformance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA for its website and digital materials, and to meeting the broader accessibility obligations that apply to education providers and service organisations under Australian law.
We recognise that accessibility is an ongoing process. This statement describes our current position, known limitations, and the steps we are taking to improve.
2. Scope
This statement applies to:
- beneaththesurface.au: all pages, including articles, events, forms, and embedded media
- Downloadable documents: PDF handouts, resource packs, and workshop materials published on the website or distributed to participants
- Email communications: marketing emails, newsletters, and participant-facing correspondence
- Online delivery: Microsoft Teams-facilitated workshops, courses, and coaching sessions
- In-person delivery: workshops, events, and keynote speeches held at physical venues
- Accessibility Disclosure Forms: Accessibility Disclosure — Host Organisation, Accessibility Disclosure — Individual Attendee, and Accessibility Disclosure — Participant (Teaching & Self-Hosted)
3. Standards and Legal Framework
3.1 WCAG 2.1 Level AA
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), are the internationally recognised technical standard for web accessibility. Level AA is the benchmark used by the Australian Government’s Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) and is increasingly required by government and funder partners as a procurement condition.
BTS AU is working toward full conformance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA across its digital presence.
3.2 Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), it is unlawful to discriminate against a person on the basis of disability in the provision of goods, services, and facilities (s24). The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has confirmed that this obligation extends to online services. Indirect discrimination (where a condition, requirement, or practice disadvantages people with disability) is also prohibited (s6).
3.3 Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA)
The Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) provides a state-level complement to the DDA, prohibiting disability discrimination in the provision of goods and services (ss 66A–66H). Both state and federal remedies may be available to a person who experiences accessibility barriers when accessing BTS AU’s services.
3.4 Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth)
BTS AU delivers educational workshops, multi-session courses, and professional development programs. As an education provider, BTS AU is subject to the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth), which require that students and participants with disability are able to access and participate in education on the same basis as those without disability. Obligations cover enrolment processes, participation in learning activities, curriculum access, and support services.
3.5 Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 (Cth)
Where BTS AU delivers services in physical venues (including workshops, keynote speeches, and community events), the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 (Cth) set minimum accessibility requirements for buildings used by the public. BTS AU selects venues that meet or work toward these standards.
4. Conformance Status
4.1 Website — beneaththesurface.au
The website has been rebuilt on WordPress, using the Kadence theme, replacing the previous Squarespace site. Accessibility was treated as a constraint applied during the build rather than an audit performed afterwards.
The following were measured during construction, not estimated:
| Element | Result | WCAG requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Body text on page background | 14.35:1 | 4.5:1 (1.4.3) |
| Body links | 10.88:1 | 4.5:1 (1.4.3) |
| Navigation: main, dropdown and mobile, in every state | 9.64:1 or better | 4.5:1 (1.4.3) |
| Primary call-to-action button label | 7.74:1 | 4.5:1 (1.4.3) |
| Primary call-to-action button boundary | 10.88:1 | 3:1 (1.4.11) |
| Keyboard focus indicator | 10.85:1 | 3:1 (1.4.11) |
| Form field text, and field boundary | 11.17:1 and 6.64:1 | 4.5:1 and 3:1 |
| System message colours: success, information, error, warning | 7.2:1 or better | 4.5:1 (1.4.3) |
| Heading hierarchy across all 20 articles | descends without skipping levels | 1.3.1 |
These figures replace those published in v3.5, which described the previous colour palette. The site’s palette and typefaces were changed in September 2026; every pair above was re-measured against the new build rather than carried forward. Most improved: body links moved from 5.84:1 to 10.88:1, and navigation from 5.21:1 to 9.64:1 at its worst state. Body text is lower than the 21:1 previously reported, because the page background is no longer pure black, and remains more than three times the required ratio.
Twenty-three pages were checked, including every policy page, every form, the article index and a published article. Each was assessed by computing the effective background behind every element that renders text and comparing it with that element’s text colour, rather than by sampling. One fault was found, on the newsletter signup form, and corrected before this version took effect: its field styling had been bound to a palette position rather than to a named colour, and had inverted to a pale field when the palette changed. It remained legible throughout.
Typefaces are self-hosted, so no third-party font service is contacted when a page loads.
Focus indicators. The site now applies its own keyboard focus indicator — a three-pixel outline, offset from the control, at a contrast of 10.85:1 against the page — rather than relying on whatever indicator the browser supplies. It was confirmed visually on a navigation link, a header button, a content button and a form field. This closes the focus indicator limitation recorded in v3.5.
Not yet verified. A formal independent audit has not been completed. Screen reader testing, content reflow at 200% zoom, and testing of forms with assistive technology have not been carried out as at the effective date of this statement. These are listed in Section 5, each with the workaround available in the meantime. Testing is scheduled for October 2026, and this statement is updated as each item is closed.
Current status: Working toward conformance.
4.2 Educational and Workshop Materials
BTS AU is reviewing its catalogue of downloadable materials to identify and remediate accessibility gaps. New materials are produced with accessible document standards in mind, including sufficient colour contrast, readable fonts, and document structure that supports assistive technology.
4.3 Online Delivery
Virtual workshops and coaching sessions are delivered via Microsoft Teams. Live captions are enabled as standard for all online sessions: captions are turned on before the session starts and participants do not need to request them or turn them on themselves. Microsoft Teams also supports keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility. Participants can request specific accommodations prior to online sessions.
4.4 In-Person Delivery
BTS AU selects venues with accessible entrances, toilets, parking, and seating arrangements. Live captioning is provided as standard for all in-person sessions via Microsoft PowerPoint’s built-in captioning feature. On-screen captions are displayed from the start of each presentation, covering workshops, keynote speeches, courses, and professional development sessions. Participants requiring a transcript of an in-person session can request one after the event. Access requirements are confirmed with participants prior to attendance.
4.5 Slide Design Standards
BTS AU’s own presentation materials are designed to meet the following accessibility standards, with a focus on supporting participants with dyslexia, reading differences, and neurodivergent processing needs:
- Font: Sans-serif typefaces only (Arial, Calibri, or Verdana); minimum 24pt body text, 32pt or larger for headings
- Text density: Maximum 6 bullet points per slide; no wall-of-text slides; complex content is broken across multiple slides
- Contrast: Minimum 4.5:1 contrast ratio between text and background
- Colour: Colour is never used as the sole means of conveying information; contrast is maintained for colour-blind viewers
- Alignment: Left-aligned body text only. Justified text is avoided, as uneven word spacing impairs readability for people with dyslexia and other reading differences
- Spacing: Increased line spacing (1.5× minimum) for all body text
- Animation: Transitions and animations are minimal and do not rely on rapid movement; autoplay is not used
- Handouts: Slide handouts are available on request in advance, as a printout (2–3 slides per page), accessible Word document, or screen reader-optimised PDF
4.6 Accessible Workshop Activities
BTS AU designs all workshop and course activities with the following accessibility provisions:
- Written tasks: Available verbally or via audio recording as an alternative to written completion; extended time is available for participants who need it
- Group activities: Roles are flexible; no participant is required to take a specific role (e.g., scribe, spokesperson) based on ability
- Reading tasks: Resources are provided in advance where possible; larger-print versions and accessible digital formats available on request
- Physical or movement-based tasks: Seated or stationary alternatives are always available
- Discussion activities: Alternative participation modes offered (written response, one-on-one with the facilitator, or via chat in online sessions)
- Free movement: All BTS AU events are free movement–friendly. Participants are welcome to stand, move around, or stretch at any time during a session without needing to ask permission or explain themselves. This is standard practice to support participants with physical conditions, chronic pain, and neurodivergent needs.
- Fidget tools: Fidget toys are provided by BTS AU as standard for all professional development sessions and course sessions. They are not provided for other session types (e.g., keynote speeches, one-off community workshops). Participants, schools, and organisations are warmly welcome to bring their own fidget tools to any BTS AU event.
Participants are encouraged to notify BTS AU of specific needs using the Accessibility Disclosure Forms described in Section 12.
5. Known Limitations
The following known limitations apply as at the effective date of this statement. BTS AU is committed to resolving these over time.
| Area | Known Issue | Available Workaround | Target Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen reader testing | No formal screen reader testing has been completed on the rebuilt site | Contact BTS AU for any content you cannot access, via Section 9 | October 2026 |
| Content reflow at high zoom | Reflow at 200% browser zoom has not been formally tested | Content is designed to reflow; report any failure via Section 9 | October 2026 |
| Forms | Forms have been rebuilt using the site’s own form component rather than an embedded third-party widget. Every field carries a visible label. They have not yet been tested with assistive technology | Contact BTS AU by email or post to provide the same information (see Section 9) | October 2026 |
| PDF documents (pre-2026) | Older PDFs may not be fully tagged for screen readers or may lack logical reading order | Request an accessible version via Section 6 | Ongoing; new documents produced to accessible standard from 2026 |
| Video content | Captions may not be available for all archival video content | Transcript available on request | Ongoing; all new video content will include captions |
Resolved in v3.6 — focus indicators. The limitation recorded in v3.5 is closed. The site no longer relies on the browser’s default focus indicator: it applies its own, a three-pixel outline offset from the control, measured at 10.85:1 against the page background where 3:1 is required. It was confirmed visually on a navigation link, a header button, a content button and a form field. Broader keyboard testing — tab order across a whole page, and focus behaviour inside the mobile menu — is part of the screen reader and assistive technology work still listed above.
Resolved since v2.1: the colour contrast limitation recorded in v2.1 has been closed. Every text and interface colour pair on the rebuilt site has been measured against WCAG 2.1 AA (see Section 4.1). The third-party embedded content limitation is also closed: forms are no longer supplied by an external platform.
Resolved in v3.2 — alternative text. Every one of the 37 images used by the rebuilt site now carries alternative text. Forty-five descriptions were recovered from the previous site’s own markup, and the remaining nineteen were written for this release. Alternative text describes what each image shows; where an image carries text, such as an event banner, that text is reproduced in the description.
If you encounter a limitation not listed here, please use the contact details in Section 9.
6. Accessible Formats and Alternatives
Any document, resource, or piece of content published by BTS AU can be requested in an alternative format, including:
- Large print
- Plain text (.txt)
- Microsoft Word document (.docx)
- Screen reader-optimised PDF
- Audio description or transcript (for video content)
To request an alternative format: Contact Matt Vapor at matt@beneaththesurface.au or via the contact form on beneaththesurface.au. Requests will be acknowledged within 2 business days and fulfilled within 5 business days wherever reasonably possible.
7. Physical Accessibility (Events and Workshops)
BTS AU delivers workshops, professional development, and keynote speeches at physical venues across Western Australia.
- Venues are selected with accessible entry, parking, toileting facilities, and seating arrangements in mind.
- Where a booked venue cannot meet a specific access requirement, BTS AU will offer an alternative arrangement or, where appropriate, a virtual attendance option.
- Participants are encouraged to notify BTS AU of any access requirements prior to attending an in-person event. Reasonable adjustments will be made.
To advise of an access requirement: Contact Matt Vapor at matt@beneaththesurface.au at least 5 business days before the scheduled event where possible. Last-minute requests will be accommodated to the greatest extent practicable.
8. Assistive Technology Compatibility
The beneaththesurface.au website is designed to be compatible with:
- Screen readers: NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver (macOS/iOS), and TalkBack (Android)
- Keyboard navigation: All interactive elements are intended to be reachable and operable via keyboard alone
- Browser zoom: Content is designed to reflow usably at browser zoom levels up to 200%
- High contrast mode: Content remains readable under operating system high contrast settings
- Speech recognition: Compatible with Dragon NaturallySpeaking and browser-native voice input
BTS AU delivers virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams, which is compatible with major screen readers and assistive technologies.
The website operates on WordPress using the Kadence theme. Kadence is published under WordPress.org’s accessibility-ready classification, which requires a theme to meet a defined set of accessibility criteria before it may carry that tag. Page content is built with the standard WordPress block editor rather than a proprietary page builder, which keeps the published markup close to standard HTML and improves how reliably assistive technology can interpret it.
Typefaces are self-hosted: no request is made to a third-party font service when a page loads. This removes a category of failure in which text does not render, or renders in a fallback face, because an external service is slow or blocked.
The compatibility listed above describes design intent. As recorded in Sections 4.1 and 5, formal testing with screen readers and at high zoom has not yet been completed on the rebuilt site. This section will be updated once it has.
9. Feedback and Contact
BTS AU welcomes feedback about the accessibility of its website and services. If you experience a barrier, cannot access content, or need a reasonable adjustment, please get in touch.
| Contact Method | Detail | Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| matt@beneaththesurface.au | Acknowledged within 2 business days; substantive response within 5 business days | |
| Website contact form | beneaththesurface.au/contact | As above |
| Post | PO Box 48, Ballajura, Western Australia 6066 | Allow for postal delivery time |
BTS AU commits to:
- Acknowledging accessibility feedback promptly
- Investigating reported barriers
- Providing an accessible alternative where a barrier cannot be immediately removed
- Incorporating feedback into future accessibility improvements
10. Formal Complaints
BTS AU encourages direct contact in the first instance (Section 9). If your concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, you have the right to escalate to an external body.
Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC)
Complaints under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), including complaints about inaccessible websites or services, can be lodged with the AHRC.
- Website: humanrights.gov.au
- Complaint pathway: Under s24 (goods and services) or s22 (education) of the DDA
- The AHRC conciliation process is free and confidential
Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia (EOC WA)
Complaints may also be lodged with the EOC WA under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).
- Website: eoc.wa.gov.au
- Complaint pathway: Disability discrimination in the provision of goods and services (ss 66A–66H)
BTS AU will cooperate fully with any investigation by either body.
11. Assessment and Review
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Statement prepared by | Matt Vapor, Founder, Beneath the Surface AU |
| Assessment approach | Self-assessment against WCAG 2.1 AA criteria. Colour and contrast criteria are measured programmatically rather than sampled by eye; heading structure is verified on rendered output. For v3.6 the measurement was repeated across twenty-three pages after the palette change, computing the effective background behind every element that renders text. Remaining criteria are assessed by review. |
| Basis of measurement | Contrast ratios calculated per the WCAG 2.1 relative luminance formula against the site’s actual published colour values |
| Next formal review | June 2027, or on completion of the testing listed in Section 5, whichever is sooner |
| Formal audit | Not yet commissioned. Section 4.1 states what has and has not been verified. |
| Version history | Recorded in the BTS AU policy change log |
This statement will be updated to reflect the results of any formal audit, significant website changes, or new accessibility improvements.
12. Accessibility Forms
BTS AU uses three Accessibility Disclosure Forms to collect information about participant needs before events. These forms are a key part of how BTS AU puts this statement into practice.
Already in place at all BTS AU events (no form needed to activate these):
- Live captions as standard: Microsoft Teams (online sessions) and Microsoft PowerPoint (in-person sessions); on before the session starts
- Free movement: participants may stand, move, or stretch at any time during any session
- Fidget tools: provided by BTS AU for professional development sessions and course sessions; participants, schools, and organisations are welcome to bring their own to any BTS AU event
The three forms:
Accessibility Disclosure — Host Organisation Sent by BTS AU to the host organisation at least 7 business days before the event. Collects known attendee needs and any venue or room accessibility limitations. Use this to inform BTS AU of anything already known, and to flag venue constraints in advance.
Accessibility Disclosure — Individual Attendee A form host organisations can distribute to individual attendees when accessibility has not been individually disclosed or where the organisation is uncertain. Responses are anonymous by default.
Accessibility Disclosure — Participant (Teaching & Self-Hosted) Sent directly by BTS AU to participants in Matt’s own teaching arrangements (MBA, university lecturing, Intro to University workshops) or BTS AU self-hosted events. Responses are anonymous by default.
Anonymity note (Forms 2 and 3): Participants may choose not to identify themselves. However, some specific arrangements (such as designated seating, facilitation adjustments, or sensory equipment) may require identification on the day so the facilitator can ensure the right support is in place.
Cross-Compliance Check
Any update to this Accessibility Statement requires a review of all three linked Accessibility Disclosure Forms. Any update to those forms requires a compliance review of this statement. The BTS AU policy and form version control processes set out how that review is recorded.