Accident Compensation Corporation
Winner: Best Plain English Website — Public Sector / Non-Government Organisation (NGO) 2013
Raymond Burr, Communications Programme Manager at ACC, with Lisa Wilde, Awards judge
Judges' comment
This is an impressive website. In a field of good entries, it is a clear winner. One judge said she would use this site as a model in classes she teaches.
Outstanding accessibility enables it to be used by a wide range of people, including those with disabilities. In fact, rarely have we seen such a user-friendly site. It is engaging, logically structured and clear. What’s more, you deal with difficult and emotional issues in a respectful manner.
Media statement
Helping to remove obstacles for people with disabilities, so they can live an everyday life, is important to ACC.
Sometimes, obstacles can be physical, such as buildings that don’t provide easy access. But words can be obstacles too, if they’re not easy to read and understand. This is why plain English is such a crucial part of our Serious Injury & Disability Website.
Many users of this site have a traumatic brain injury. Many have had to relearn how to read, talk and walk. Some experience ongoing difficulties with concentration. Using plain English is one way to help minimise these challenges.
We’re proud to be a finalist in the Best Plain English Website — Public Sector/NGO category. We’ve also been pleased by comments from visitors to our site, who’ve found it useful, uplifting, and inspiring. Check it out at www.acc.co.nz/disability.
Raymond Burr
NSIS Communications & Strategy Programme Manager