Information for people with disability
- Access to emergency services
- Media release: Review of access for telecommunication services
- Media release: Gillard Government to improve telecommunications services for vulnerable Australians
- National Relay Service
- Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency
- Access to disability equipment
- Reports and research
- Other useful links
The department provides policy advice to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on telecommunications services for all Australians including people with disability. On this page you will find information on current initiatives, industry obligations and consumer protections, as well as advice on where to find further information on services for people with disability.
Review of access to telecommunication services by people with disability, older Australians and people experiencing illness
The review explored ways to help people in need of assistance to make the most of the telecommunication choices available to them. The findings of the review have informed the tender specifications for the National Relay Service.
Access to the standard telephone service
A standard telephone service is a voice telephone service that meets the any-to-any connectivity test. The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 ensure that people with disability have access to the standard telephone service.
The National Relay Service (NRS) is a telephone access service available to all Australians to assist people who have a hearing or speech impairment or are Deaf to access a standard telephone service. The Australian Government is currently considering how to improve the NRS. Further information on the NRS is available on the National Relay Service website.
Access to disability equipment
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Telecommunications (Equipment for the Disabled) Regulations 1998 enable people with disability to access appropriate equipment for using the NRS.
Access to emergency services
The NRS operates a dedicated '106' text-based emergency service for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
