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