Accessibility Statement

This statement was last updated on 03/01/2026

We at Rural Esteem are working to make our site www.ruralesteem.com.au accessible to people with disabilities.

1. Our Commitment to Accessibility

Rural Esteem is committed to providing services, information, and engagement that are accessible, inclusive, and respectful of people with diverse needs.

We recognise that accessibility is essential to dignity, participation, and informed decision-making — particularly for people experiencing pressure, stress, or change.

Our approach aligns with Queensland and Australian accessibility and anti-discrimination laws and reflects our commitment to equitable access for rural communities.

2. Legal Framework

This policy is guided by the following legislation and standards:

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)
Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
Australian Human Rights Commission – Accessibility Guidance
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 – Level AA (where reasonably practicable)

Rural Esteem aims to meet these requirements in a way that is proportionate, practical, and meaningful.

3. Scope of This Policy

Rural Esteem’s website and digital materials
Advocacy and navigation conversations
Written information and resources
Referral and follow-up processes
Community engagement and communications

It does not extend to services delivered by third-party organisations we may refer to. Those organisations maintain their own accessibility obligations.

4. Principles Guiding Accessibility

Rural Esteem’s accessibility approach is based on:

Dignity – people are respected and not diminished
Choice – people decide how they engage
Flexibility – reasonable adjustments are welcomed
Early support – barriers are addressed before they escalate

Non-judgement – accessibility needs are not questioned or minimised

5. Accessible Communication

We aim to ensure information is:

written in plain, clear language
available in alternative formats where reasonably possible
delivered in ways that respect individual preferences

This may include:

verbal explanation instead of written material
email, phone, or in-person conversations
extra time for discussion or decision-making
support persons present if requested

6. Website Accessibility

Rural Esteem aims to ensure its website:

follows WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards where reasonably practicable
uses clear headings and readable fonts
provides sufficient colour contrast
supports screen readers and keyboard navigation
avoids unnecessary complexity or time-limited actions

Accessibility improvements are made on an ongoing basis as resources allow.

7. Reasonable Adjustments

Rural Esteem will make reasonable adjustments to enable access, including (where appropriate):

adjusting communication methods
offering flexible appointment times
allowing additional time for conversations
adapting how information is shared

Reasonable adjustments are assessed on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the individual.

8. What Rural Esteem Does Not Provide

To ensure clarity and safety, Rural Esteem does not:

provide clinical, therapeutic, or disability support services
conduct functional capacity or needs assessments
replace specialist accessibility or support providers

Where specialised assistance is required, we will help connect people to appropriate services with consent.

9. Cultural and Geographic Accessibility

We recognise that accessibility in rural contexts includes:

geographic isolation
limited transport
digital access challenges
cultural and community factors

Rural Esteem seeks to reduce these barriers by:

working locally and quietly
offering flexible engagement options
avoiding centralised or urban-centric assumptions

10. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

We welcome feedback on accessibility.

If you encounter a barrier or have suggestions for improvement, you can contact Rural Esteem using the details below. We take concerns seriously and aim to respond respectfully and promptly.

11. Complaints and Rights

If you believe you have been discriminated against or denied access, you have the right to make a complaint.

You may also contact:

Queensland Human Rights Commission
Australian Human Rights Commission

Rural Esteem will cooperate fully with any lawful process.

12. Contact Information

Adam Owens

Adam@ruralesteem.com.au

0475 243 191

If you require information in an alternative format or need support to engage, please let us know.