Digital Accessibility Community of Practice (DACoP)
The DACoP is a welcoming, inclusive space for people across Aotearoa New Zealand to connect, share, and learn about making digital experiences more accessible.
Future presentations
: What resonates when introducing accessibility? Reflections from 2 design lecturers
Drs Catherine Cauldwell and Gillian McCarthy have been teaching the Introduction to Digital Accessibility course for 6 years.
They will discuss how arguments for greater accessibility awareness resonate with students, and where the students see opportunities to make improvements in their own workplaces.
They will explore how students actively interpret accessibility theory and resources through their own projects and how they critically reflect and develop understanding.
These insights will help people looking to improve their accessibility practice and awareness.
: UI design systems for digital delivery
Peter Koenders from Ministry of Social Development (MSD) will explore how a UI design system provides a shared foundation for consistent, accessible digital delivery. He'll discuss what a design system is (and is not), how it supports teams working at scale, accessibility by design, measurable outcomes, and the role of governance, contribution, and continuous improvement.
: Using AI to improve accessibility
Accessible communications enable disabled people to have information at the same time as everyone else. Yet for many disabled people, everyday information is still hard to access.
Whaikaha-Ministry of Disabled People are addressing this by strengthening how all-of-government information is provided in alternate formats including audio, Braille, Easy Read, large print and NZSL.
Jasmine Lindsay, Manager of Operations and Delivery at Whaikaha will discuss how AI is being piloted to improve document accessibility and support kaimahi to create clearer, plain-language information. She will share the Whaikaha AI journey so far, take a closer look at the document accessibility pilot, and reflect on what's shown promise, what's been challenging, and what others might take forward in their own work.
: Lightning talks
Lightning talks are short, 5-10 minute talks on a particular topic, in this case accessibility. We have had a few people express their interest in sharing a range of exciting topics. But there is still room for more people.
If you have something small that you'd like to share with the community, maybe doing a lightning talk is the perfect format for you. If you're keen, email web.standards@gdda.govt.nz to let us know.
What DACoP is about
DACoP brings together people from the public and private sectors who care about digital accessibility. Each month there are presentations and discussions that explore practical solutions, share lessons learned, and highlight different approaches to accessibility.
It’s a place to:
- hear from others working in the field
- ask questions — technical, theoretical, or practical
- discover best practices and new resources
- connect with a supportive network of peers.
Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, DACoP is here to support your journey.
Join DACoP
To join the Digital Accessibility Community of Practice, email web.standards@gdda.govt.nz. You will get a link to the monthly Teams meetings and you will be added to the mailing list.
Who can join
DACoP is open to anyone with an interest in digital accessibility. You do not need to work for government and you do not need to be an expert — just be curious and keen to learn. The community includes designers, developers, policy advisors, testers, content creators and more.
Who runs DACoP
DACoP is hosted by the Web Standards team at the Government Digital Delivery Agency (GDDA). The team supports the work of the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) by maintaining the NZ Government Web Standards and helping government agencies to meet them.
DACoP mailing list
DACoP members will receive 1 email a month including things like:
- topics of interest from the community
- upcoming presentations
- recent accessibility guidance and resources
- news or invitations to accessibility-related events
- updates from the Web Standards team.
To opt out at any time, email web.standards@gdda.govt.nz. You’re still welcome to attend sessions even if you’re not on the mailing list.
Monthly sessions
DACoP meets online using Microsoft Teams on the last Thursday of each month, from 10am to 12pm. Attendance is free and you can come and go as you like, depending on your schedule.
To get the Teams link, email web.standards@gdda.govt.nz.
Session format
Each session typically includes 1 or 2 presentations, followed by open discussion. The format is informal and supportive — perfect for asking questions and sharing ideas.
Sessions are not recorded
To foster open conversation, sessions are not recorded. We only record the organisations represented and the topics discussed.
Utility links and page information
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