Now in e-Braille, audio, and large print
The Real Estate Authority (REA), in collaboration with Blind Low Vision NZ, announced the launch of essential real estate consumer information resources in e-braille, audio, and large print formats.
These guides aim to assist individuals who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision in navigating the real estate process effectively.
Valuable information for informed decisions
REA chief executive Belinda Moffat (pictured right) highlighted the significance of these resources.
“Buying or selling property is one of the biggest decisions people may make in their lifetime,” Moffat said.
“People need access to quality information to make well-informed decisions. The more information consumers have, the more confident they will be participating in the real estate transaction process.
Moffat said the new format consumer resources “are designed to support people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision to navigate real estate transactions confidently and independently.”
Empowering independence and choice
Dan Shepherd, general manager of Community and Inclusion at Blind Low Vision NZ, highlighted the importance of these steps.
“By providing accessible formats of consumer resources, REA is enabling people with vision loss to more easily buy and sell property with confidence,” Shepherd said. “For the New Zealanders that Blind Low Vision New Zealand supports, being able to access information in alternative formats removes barriers to participation in everyday life, empowering independence and choice.”
Moffat said REA was dedicated to improving accessibility.
“Publishing these guides is another important step in an ongoing strategy we have to support all New Zealanders in accessing the real estate transaction process,” she said. “We are committed to promoting the accessibility of our services and information, in line with consumer needs.”
Where to access the guides
The e-braille, audio, and large print guides are available for download through REA’s consumer websites, Settled.govt.nz and REA.govt.nz. Additionally, the audio files can be found on Blind Low Vision NZ’s Amazon Audible library.
