You and accessing official information
Do I have a right to receive official information in an accessible format?
Probably. Under the Human Rights Act 1993 you have a right to receive information in an accessible format so long as it is not unreasonably burdensome for the organisation to provide it in that format. The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 prohibits all three branches of government - executive, legislative and judicial - from discriminating against you. However, it does not apply if the refusal can be justified. The language in these laws does not, therefore, absolutely guarantee you accessible information.
You will need to be a strong self-advocate.
Try quoting Objective 6 of the New Zealand Disability Strategy if you
encounter resistance. The public service, in becoming more aware, is
committed to making all information available in formats that are
appropriate to individual needs of disabled people.
Can I choose which format to receive official information in?
Yes, so long as the costs and logistics involved in providing it in
that format are reasonable.
Accessible formats include audio, braille, electronic text and large
print. While the law is not watertight, government departments should,
at very least, provide you with official information in a format that's
useable, even if it's not your preferred one.
What about websites?
The State Services Commission has guidelines for official government websites. These include standards to ensure that information is accessible with adaptive technology commonly used by blind and vision-impaired people. Most government agencies have already acted on this.
Who can advocate for me?
Both the Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind and the Association of Blind Citizens of NZ offer this service. See contact details.