Give your copy the once over to ensure the audience has the information they need to know, not the information you want to tell them.
DFES encourages the use of plain English so that more people understand what you are saying.
Accessibility means making content understandable and usable for as many people as possible.
Introduction
About this guide
Contents
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Guide content
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Digital content
Accessibility and content standards
DFES digital content should meet the WA Accessibility and Inclusivity Standard and the Digital Services Content Standard.
All Western Australian government digital services are required to be compliant with the latest WCAG Level AA.
- Requirement 1All Western Australian government digital services are required to be compliant with the latest WCAG Level AA.
- Requirement 2Content must be accessible and provided in the most useful and accessible format for the community.
- Requirement 3A digital service must provide a comparable experience for all without undermining the quality of the content.
- Requirement 4A digital service must allow for assistive technologies and methods.
- Requirement 5Agencies must test and review digital services at regular intervals, both before and after a major release.
- Requirement 6Agencies are required to report on their website accessibility levels annually through their Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. There is no exemption process for meeting the standard.
Writing style
Plain English alternatives
Common words and phrases
This appendix provides a list of common words and phrases that have been inconsistently or incorrectly applied in recent DFES documents.
Checklist
Writing checklist
When preparing written material use the following checklist to make sure it meets the guidelines set out in this Guide.
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Conclusion
Feedback and further information
The Australian Government Style Manual also provides handy tips and advice on writing, editing and publishing. While DFES follows its own internal style conventions, the Style Manual can be a useful reference for general principles of clear, consistent and accessible communication.