‘Equity for All’ Alumni Network enhances alumni knowledge about digital inclusion
Posted: 25 August 2025
On 6 August 2025, over 90 Australia Awards alumni from across South Asia and Mongolia attended an online training on the practical application of online tools for digital inclusion.
The session was facilitated by Equity for All Alumni Network member Sagar Prasai, an Australia Awards alum from Nepal and Director of Diverse Patterns, a Kathmandu-based professional services firm specialising in disability inclusion, diversity, digital accessibility and social research. With over a decade of experience, he leads a team that partners with development bodies such as government agencies, non-government organisations and private sector actors to embed inclusive practices across programming and operations.
Sagar (middle) captured together with fellow Nepali alumni during the 2025 Regional Alumni Workshop in Colombo.
The session focused on using tools such as Microsoft applications, social media and audiovisual technologies to make digital content more accessible. Participants learnt how to ensure that everyone can fully participate in digital spaces, regardless of intellectual or physical capabilities.
Sagar shared several key practices to achieve this, such as writing concise and descriptive ‘alt text’ to help people who are blind or visually impaired understand the content of images through screen readers; using clear, plain language to enhance audience understanding; selecting high-contrasting colour palettes to support users with low vision or colour-blindness; formatting hashtags by capitalising each word so that screen readers recognise word boundaries and pronounce them accurately (e.g. #FriendshipDay); and leveraging built-in accessibility features on platforms like WordPress, Microsoft products and social media channels when uploading images or composing posts.
There was an overwhelmingly positive response to the training. Reflecting on the session, Bhutanese alumna Karma Choden said, “It was truly worthwhile and eye-opening, particularly in understanding how digital technology can be leveraged to promote greater inclusivity through digital accessibility.”
Alumna Karma Choden from Bhutan.
Karma also commented on how relevant the training was. “I learnt that making digital content like reports, posts and notifications accessible to everyone, including those with intellectual and physical disabilities, is not only possible but also essential for equity,” she said. “I was surprised to discover that many tools are already available to help with this, including features built into Microsoft products and other platforms. I am now familiar with concepts which are crucial for creating accessible documents.”
The Equity for All Alumni Network was recently established at the Regional Alumni Workshop 2025 held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It aims to bring together Australia Awards alumni from South Asia and Mongolia who are passionate about advancing equity for people with disability and marginalised communities across the region. Through shared knowledge, collaboration and innovation, this network aims to create a powerful platform for inclusive development.
Join the Equity for All Alumni Network on LinkedIn.