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Accessibility Charter
Purpose
The Accessibility Charter exists to translate New Zealand's obligations under the UNCRPD into a domestic accountability framework. It creates a shared, named commitment across government agencies to make their communications accessible — giving the principles of Article 9 practical expression in everyday public sector communication.
Scope
The Accessibility Charter applies to New Zealand government departments and agencies that have signed the Charter. It is particularly relevant to any government agency that produces written communication for the New Zealand public, which in practice encompasses all central government agencies.
Components
A formal commitment to providing information in alternate formats on request
A signatory framework through which agencies publicly pledge to accessibility standards
Reference to Easy Read as a named alternate format within scope
Accountability through public commitment rather than statutory enforcement
Reference to recognised alternate format standards
Outputs
Government information that is produced and available in accessible formats including Easy Read, ensuring that New Zealand citizens with disabilities can access information about services, rights, and obligations.
Relationships
The Accessibility Charter operationalises Article 9 Human Rights within New Zealand
The Accessibility Charter requires provision of Alternate Formats including Easy Read
DIY Easy Read supports government compliance with the Accessibility Charter
Fulfilment of the Accessibility Charter commitment is constrained by the Affordability of Easy Read in practice
Authority and Intellectual Property
The Accessibility Charter is a New Zealand government instrument. It is not proprietary to any private entity.
Version control
First published:
17 June 2026 at 12:44:48 pm
Last reviewed:
27 June 2026 at 9:38:47 am