Brisbane Airport (BNE) in Australia has added Recite Me assistive technology to enable its website visitors to access online content and services barrier-free, in a way that suits their needs.
The Recite Me accessibility toolbar on the bne.com.au website includes screen-reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customizable styling options and an on-demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages including 65 text-to-speech and styling options.
This initiative is intended to help people who encounter barriers when trying to read and understand content online due to disabilities, learning difficulties, visual impairments or speaking English as a second language.
BNE also provides accessibility services on-site at the airport, such as changing places facilities for people with profound disability and their carers; assistance animal bathrooms at the domestic and international terminals; the hidden disabilities sunflower lanyard program; and Bluey the Kookaburra’s Guide to Travelling Overseas.
Rachel Crowley, executive general manager of communications and public affairs at Brisbane Airport Corporation, said, “So many of us take being able to read a webpage for granted, but for 20% of the population this may not be as easy due to the digital barriers they face. This could be due to a disability, learning difficulty, visual impairment or simply because they speak English as a second language. bne.com.au is now accessible for all and that’s exactly how it should be. Users should not have to pay for expensive software just to access something most of the population receives for free. 2023 is the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland. This new tool at bne.com.au will make it far easier for anyone traveling through Brisbane to experience Queensland. This allows us to create a welcoming environment before passengers even step foot into Brisbane Airport.”
Ross Linnett, founder and CEO of Recite Me, commented, “It is important to provide an inclusive online experience, where everyone can use our digital world in a way that best suits their needs. As more organizations provide accessibility tools online, those who face online barriers can access information and services hassle-free. The digital world must be accessible for all.”
For more key accessibility updates from the passenger terminal industry, click here.