From: Andrew Stewart [astewart@printacall.com.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 24 December 2002 3:45 PM
To: ECITA, Committee (SEN)
Subject: Fwd: Best Practice rationale
Attention Derek Drinkwater,
Acting Secretary


This following is the Deafness Forum response to the question asked by the Chair of the Senate Enquiry into the Australian Telecommunications Network on Thursday, 28th November, 2002 (page ECITA 191 of the Hansard).



"The purpose of this document (Best Practice in Telecommunications for People with Disabilities in Australia) is to outline best practice for government, industry and the community sector in order for people with a disability to achieve access to and equity in telecommunications products and services in Australia.

TEDICORE has been active for the past four years with its involvement in industry and government working groups, advisory bodies, public inquiries and fora. It has also published research articles and developed discussion papers and position papers on topics of importance to the disability community. This Best Practice document therefore represents these activities and the collected information and experience in terms of access to telecommunications for people with a disability.

Finally, and most importantly, the Best Practice Guidelines have been developed to highlight the many areas which still need addressing. The document, with its set of recommendations, will form the basis for continued work by TEDICORE to achieve equity and accessibility in telecommunications. This document was born out of the frustration many people with disabilities have in the area of telecommunications. Not one of these recommendations has yet been taken up!"



Regards

Andrew Stewart
Ph: 02 9809 2392