Review of Access to Telecommunication Services by People with Disability, Older Australians and People Experiencing Illness
The government has released the terms of reference for its review of access to telecommunication services by people with disability, older Australians and people experiencing illness.
The review, announced in 2010, will be undertaken by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. It will consider how best to support access to telecommunication services by people who need assistance. The review will examine ways to maximise the benefits from newer technologies, such as mobile devices and the internet.
The review will also look at how, in the face of changing technology, the National Relay Service (NRS) can best provide assistance to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
New technologies, such as the internet and smart phones, enable many people to communicate with greater independence. The introduction of the National Broadband Network will support their independence even further.
The review aims to explore:
- whether national relay and outreach services could be improved in the light of new technologies
- what more can be done to assist NRS and non-NRS users
- how to build community, industry and government awareness of telecommunication access issues, and
- how to communicate up-to-date information on telecommunication options and consumer rights.
The findings of the review will help inform the Australian Government about the best ways to help people needing assistance to access telecommunication services.
Further information about the review, including how to make a submission or provide feedback in other ways, may be found at www.dbcde.gov.au/disability
Date: 21 July 2011
Media inquiries: media@dbcde.gov.au
