Access And Inclusion Policy
Somners is committed to providing access to information, real estate services and interactions in a way that is fair, respectful and inclusive. We aim to reduce unnecessary barriers to accessing our website, property information and services and to support people with different accessibility needs wherever reasonably possible.
Somners' activities include real estate agency services, property information, public resources, digital services and engagement with clients and members of the public. This policy applies across those activities and operates alongside our obligations under applicable laws, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and other applicable legislation.
Scope
This policy applies to information and content published by Somners, our real estate agency and property-related services, communications and interactions with clients and members of the public, and the digital platforms, systems and processes through which those services are provided.
This policy operates alongside other Somners policies and does not limit any legal or regulatory obligation that applies in a particular circumstance.
Accessibility of Our Website and Information
Somners seeks to design and maintain its website so that information and functionality can be accessed by as wide a range of people as reasonably possible, including people who use assistive technologies.
In developing and reviewing the website, we have regard to recognised accessibility practices and standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), where relevant. We also seek to support compatibility with commonly used screen readers and to present content in a way that adapts appropriately across different devices, browsers, screen sizes and viewing configurations.
Web technologies, browsers, devices and assistive technologies vary, and compatibility issues may occasionally occur. If you experience difficulty accessing information or using part of the Somners website, we encourage you to contact us so that the issue can be reviewed and, where appropriate, an alternative means of accessing the information or service can be considered.
We also consider readability, navigation, page structure, contrast, responsive design and the presentation of images, forms and other digital content when developing or refining our website.
Reasonable Adjustments
Where a person experiences an accessibility barrier in dealing with Somners, we encourage them to let us know what assistance or adjustment may help.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include considering an alternative communication method, providing information in another reasonably available format, adjusting the way an interaction is conducted, or making another practical arrangement that assists the person to access information or participate in a service.
Requests are considered having regard to the individual circumstances, the nature of the service or property involved, practical and safety considerations, available alternatives and applicable legal requirements.
Accessible Real Estate Services
Somners seeks to make its real estate services reasonably accessible to people with different needs and circumstances. This includes considering accessibility when arranging communications, property-related interactions, inspections and other parts of the agency process where an adjustment may reasonably assist participation.
Accessibility requirements can vary between individuals and properties. Where you require assistance to participate in an inspection, meeting or other property-related interaction, we encourage you to contact Somners in advance where practicable so that an appropriate arrangement can be considered.
Some accessibility matters relating to a property itself may depend on features of the property, the instructions and rights of the property owner, building configuration, safety requirements or other circumstances outside Somners' control. Where a particular arrangement cannot reasonably be provided, we may consider whether another practical way of providing relevant information or facilitating participation is available.
Non-Discrimination and Fair Engagement
Somners is committed to providing its services and conducting property-related processes fairly and without unlawful discrimination.
We do not unlawfully discriminate in the provision of services, property-related interactions, applications or other dealings on the basis of a protected attribute under applicable law.
Decisions and processes may take account of legitimate matters relevant to the particular service, transaction, property or legal requirement, but must not be based on an unlawful discriminatory criterion.
Somners will not knowingly act on an instruction from a client or another person where carrying out that instruction would require us to engage in unlawful discrimination.
Third-Party Material and External Services
Some information used in real estate and property services may originate from third parties or be supplied in formats that Somners does not control. This can include plans, maps, reports, forms, property documents, government information, property portals and external websites.
Somners cannot control the accessibility of independent third-party websites or systems. Where third-party material creates an accessibility barrier to information needed when dealing with Somners, we encourage you to contact us so that we can consider whether an alternative format, explanation or other reasonable arrangement is available.
Images, Plans and Visual Information
Property information and other website content may include photographs, floor plans, maps, diagrams, charts or other visual material. Where appropriate and reasonably practicable, Somners seeks to provide surrounding text, descriptions, labels or other context that assists users in understanding the purpose of visual information.
Some visual material supplied by third parties may have accessibility limitations that Somners cannot readily alter. If important information is not accessible to you in its published form, you may contact us to ask whether the information can reasonably be provided or explained in another way.
Communication
Somners recognises that people may communicate or access information in different ways. Where reasonably practicable, we will consider alternative communication arrangements where a person advises us that the usual method presents an accessibility barrier.
Any alternative arrangement will depend on the circumstances, the information involved and the practical communication methods available to Somners and the person concerned.
Continuous Improvement
Accessibility needs, technologies and recognised practices continue to develop. Somners periodically reviews its website, systems and service processes and considers practical improvements that can reduce unnecessary barriers to access and participation.
Accessibility is considered alongside accuracy, privacy, security, safety, legal requirements and the nature of the particular information or service being provided.
We may refine our website, systems, processes and accessibility practices as technologies, recognised standards and practical solutions develop.
Accessibility Enquiries and Feedback
Somners welcomes feedback about accessibility and inclusion. If you experience difficulty accessing information, using our website or participating in a service, you may contact us to describe the issue and any adjustment or alternative arrangement that may assist.
We will consider accessibility feedback and requests having regard to the circumstances and applicable legal requirements. Feedback may also be used to identify opportunities for future improvements to our website, systems and services.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect changes in Somners' services, technology, recognised accessibility practices and applicable legal or regulatory requirements.
Last reviewed: 21 August 2026