Working with Wide Bay Advocacy
Working with Wide Bay Advocacy
Strengthening access without compromising identity
Wide Bay Advocacy (WBA) is an independent, organisation supporting people across the Wide Bay region of Central Queensland. Their mission is to promote and defend the rights and interests of people who face barriers in their everyday lives. Led by committed community members and allies, WBA strengthens local advocacy networks from the ground up and ensures people experiencing disadvantage are heard, supported, and represented.
When WBA began developing the Foundational Supports Community Champions (FSC Champions) program, they recognised the importance of embedding accessibility from the start. To support this work, WBA engaged Ability Works Australia (AWA) forming a long‑term, collaborative partnership.
Our role is to help WBA communicate their mission clearly and accessibly, using the tools and identity they already have.
Comprehensive accessibility support
Our UX researchers and accessibility specialists bring extensive experience in co‑design and inclusive research. Our team has co‑facilitated inclusive research workshops, developed guiding principles used globally, and helped organisations embed accessibility earlier in their project lifecycles. These practices informed our approach with WBA, ensuring accessibility is not an afterthought but a core design principle.
AWA continues to support WBA to ensure the FSC Champions program is accessible across all areas – from processes and communications to digital assets, training, resources, and templates. This included:
- Conducting a website accessibility audit,
- Website usability testing by people with lived experience,
- Remediation planning, and
- Developing accessible document templates, program standards, training materials, and accessibility guidance resources.
Strengthening accessibility without changing the brand
Our work began with a detailed review of WBA’s style guidelines, website, and document templates. Rather than recommending new platforms or unfamiliar systems, we focused on refining what already worked. This included identifying accessibility improvements, adjusting formatting and structure, and offering practical ways to apply WBA’s existing brand in accessible formats.
A key example is the refinement of WBA’s colour palette. Using their existing colours, we introduced subtle adjustments that significantly improved contrast and visual clarity. Colours that previously failed to meet WCAG requirements were paired or adapted to achieve AA – and in some cases AAA – without losing the essence of the original brand. These small changes create a big impact for community members who rely on clear, readable content.
Co‑designing the foundations of the FSC Champions program
As part of the program, WBA established an Expert Advisory Group (EAG) – a group of stakeholders who help shape how the program operates. They co‑design processes, advise on inclusive practices, and ensure accessibility is embedded across all program activities.
AWA supports the EAG by co‑facilitating workshops, developing the EAG plan and terms of reference, establishing meeting cadence, and creating accessible meeting materials and guidance resources. Together, we built shared ways of working that support the accessibility needs of Champions, the EAG, and the broader community WBA serves.
This early work laid the groundwork for a program that is not only accessible, but sustainable and community‑led.
Building capability through training
A core part of our partnership is strengthening WBA’s internal capability. AWA provided training through Inclusive Research Workshops, accessibility guidance sessions, and ongoing capability‑building activities.
We also provided Disability Inclusions Foundations (DIF) training – delivered by Irith Williams and Bri Norton with co‑facilitators with lived experience of disability. This training builds confidence, capability, and inclusive workplace culture. It offers practical strategies for accessibility, communication, and collaboration, while challenging assumptions and deepening understanding of how people with disabilities can be supported in the workplace and community.
“Building in accessibility from the beginning was an important part for our program. We needed to be able to accommodate the access needs of people with disabilities from the outset. The Ability Works team has taken us through a learning process. We couldn’t have done this by ourselves.” – Jo Leveritt, CEO Wide Bay Advocacy
This capability uplift supports WBA’s commitment to psychological safety and aligns with emerging regulatory requirements. We were proud to complete the DIF training with WBA late last year.
A long‑term partnership focused on impact
Our relationship with WBA is ongoing and intentionally structured for long‑term impact. Over a two‑year roadmap, we continue to work together through monthly EAG meetings, accessibility audits, testing of program materials, development and refinement of program standards, and regular share–back and planning sessions.
This sustained collaboration ensures accessibility remains embedded, consistent, and responsive to the needs of the community.
Through this partnership:
- WBA gains accessible systems, processes, and communications
- The community gains more inclusive support pathways
- WBA builds internal capability to sustain accessibility long‑term
- The program becomes safer, more equitable, and more effective
- Staff gain confidence and capability through training and co‑design
Accessibility that strengthens identity
Being accessible doesn’t mean compromising your brand, your processes, or the things that matter to your organisation. It means using your existing tools, styles, and systems in ways that work for everyone.
“With WBA, we’re proving that accessibility isn’t an overhaul – it’s an expansion. It strengthens what’s already there, supports the people doing the work, and ensures every member of the community can engage, understand, and participate.” – Morgan, Marketing Communications Specialist, Ability Works Australia