Lawson, R.V.; Charlton, D.H.; Harrison, S.E.; Kaiser, L.H. 2025 Enhancing accessibility in science communication: best practises and recommendations for geohazard advice. Lower Hutt, NZ: Earth Sciences New Zealand. GNS Science miscellaneous series 151. 59 p.; doi: 10.21420/ZZDW-HX90
Abstract
The Science Advice Evaluation Review project, part of the CASCADE (communication and assessment of geohazard risk for science advice) meta-programme, sought to evaluate science-advice products against good practise and end-user needs. Globally, an estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability and therefore represent a large user group for science advice. This report examines howto make science communication accessible, particularly focusing on audio-visual media, maps and text content for geohazards advice in New Zealand. Sections identify the minimum legal requirements that Earth Sciences New Zealand should adhere to as a Crown entity, review grey and academic literature of best practise for web accessibility and provide examples of accessible content from organisations similar to Earth Sciences New Zealand nationally. We present tools and checklists for creating and testing content and suggest areas for future ongoing work (auths)
