Speak to the person, not their difference.

Use respectful and inclusive language that is culturally appropriate and respectful of the diversity of your reading audience.

Use of images in the text

Pressbooks’ layout has been designed for clear communication of concepts and the EPUB format is often considered the most accessible for screen-reading software. It takes into account web accessibility guidelines, use of colour, use of fonts and white space frames.

Guidelines for adding images:

• Only use images, tables and videos that enhance your reader’s understanding
• Resist the temptation to include images to break up the text
• Provide all attribution at the time that you upload the image. You can return later to the media library to update the attribution if necessary.
• Add alt-text  – alt-text describes the image for readers who use a screen reader, or when the file doesn’t load correctly. Complete the alt-text field and description when the image is uploaded
• Use high-quality images that have not been distorted
• Select medium size images and align them to the centre of the screen
• For smaller images, align the image left and right to place the text next to the image as above
• For quick loading, use images that are less than 2MB
• Avoid using GIF files, cartoons or content that distracts from your message.

Western Sydney University policy

Western Sydney University’s Respect and Inclusion in Learning and Working Policy covers concepts relating to inclusive language in the working environment and all teaching and learning materials.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Australian Government Style Manual provides guidelines for culturally appropriate and respectful language when writing with, for, or about First Nations Australians.

These guidelines include recommendations to^[1]:

• consult with traditional owners, local elders, community and content experts when writing about sensitive matters like cultures and history.
• acknowledge that Welcome to Country is distinct from an Acknowledgement of Country, with different requirements and meanings.  Always capitalise both.
• acknowledge the diversity within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There are many nations, cultures and languages within this group. Use specific names of the nation, island or community name before broad terms such as Aboriginal or Indigenous.
• use respectful language that is specific, empowering and strength-based that discusses cultural activity in the present tense. Avoid shorthand terms, deficit language and careless use of terms like ‘myth’, and ‘legend’ when referring to beliefs.

Age diversity

Refer to age only if it is necessary. Use respectful language and consistent style if age is relevant. Choose terms such as ‘older people’, ‘retired people’, ‘retirees’ or ‘senior Australians’ instead of ‘old people’. ^[2]

Cultural diversity

All people living in Australia are referred to as Australians.

Mention people’s cultural affinity only when necessary and avoid using words such as ‘ethnic Australians’ or ‘ethnic groups’.

Use the terms ‘given name’ and ‘family name’ in place of ‘Christian name’ and ‘surname’ and be careful to acknowledge the different cultural conventions for the order of names.^[3]

Gender and sexual diversity

Use terms that recognise gender equality and avoid terms that discriminate on the basis of a person’s gender or sexual identity. Use a person’s correct preferred pronouns.

Avoid gender-specific job titles eg. use firefighter in place of fireman, supervisor in place of foreman, flight attendant in place of stewardess.^[4]

Check for changes in language use

Take care in the use of language about gender and sexual diversity because the discussion is evolving and the language may change. Consult the Australian Government Style guide for specific updates.^[5]

People with disability

When you are writing about people with disability, focus on the person and only mention the disability when it’s relevant to the content. Check with the individual or community about whether they prefer person-first or identity-first language^[6]:

• people with disability [Person-first language]
• disabled person [Identity-first language]

Incorporate accessible design

Use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 guidelines to display your content. Ensure that all users are able to:^[7]

• perceive the content – use contrasting colour schemes and provide text alternatives for all video, audio and image files including alt-text and descriptions for all content
• operate the navigation and interface – ensure all content is operable using a keyboard, or mouse( pointer)
• understand the information and interface – navigation is predictable and standard throughout the book. Language is at an appropriate level and avoids unusual words, colloquialisms and shortened words
• access the content using assistive technologies – avoid text expressed as an image, and provide alt-text and descriptions for all content.

Western Sydney University brand colours pass online accessibility standard checkers. The Pressbooks EPub format also meets accessibility guidelines. Use only the customisations described in Customising for Western Sydney University textbooks.