12/07 1 March 2007
Reports released on key disability issues
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan today welcomed the release of two independent consultancy reports on communications disability equipment and services.
“The two reports address different aspects of the disability equipment issue,” Senator Coonan said.
“This issue has been of concern to many in the disability community with the rapid development and deployment of digital technologies.
“The reports reflect the independent findings and assessment of consultants contracted by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts to undertake the studies.”
The first report, Review of the provision of telecommunications equipment to consumers with disabilities, looked at the current arrangements in place for providing equipment to people with disabilities. It examined the adequacy of the current legislative, regulatory and self-regulatory framework for the provision of telecommunications equipment and of disability equipment programs provided by the Universal Service Provider—Telstra—and other carriers. It also examined information on international arrangements for the provision of specialised telecommunications equipment.
The second report, Assessment of text any-to-any connectivity options—future directions for text communications, assessed the technical feasibility and financial viability of the text server proposed by the Communications Alliance, formerly the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF). The proposed text server provides any-to-any text connectivity for people who are deaf or who have a hearing or speech impairment. The report also identified and assessed alternative Australian and international solutions that had arisen since the release of the ACIF report.
This is the first time that an independent report has been conducted on arrangements for the provision of disability equipment since 1998.
“The findings of these independent reports are an important part of the Australian Government’s future policy development process,” Senator Coonan said.
Media Contact: Katherine Meier - 0417 441 141