On 16 February 2009, Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, announced that his Department would undertake a feasibility study into whether a disability equipment program that is independent of telecommunications carriers should be established.

More information on the study (including the discussion paper) and the Signposts for Change Forum can be found at www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/telephone_services/access_for_people_with_disabilities/independent_disability_equipment_feasibility_study

The Minister made the announcement at the Signposts for Change: People with Disabilities and Telecommunications Forum in Melbourne.
Comprehensive public consultation is being undertaken as part of the study.

This consultation includes:
• a discussion paper (submissions closed on 17 April 2009),
• focus groups with individuals from the disability community, and
• face-to-face consultations with disability and consumer advocates, carriers, health professionals, industry representatives and government departments.

As part of the consultation process, representatives from the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy are visiting Novita Children’s Services on Thursday 25 June 2009. The representatives would welcome the opportunity to meet between 6 – 10 clients who are interested in sharing their personal experiences in accessing or trying to access telecommunications equipment or services in a focus group setting.

When: 2 pm Thursday 25th June 2009 for approx. 2 hrs
Where: NovitaTech, 171 Days Rd, Regency Park SA 5010
If you are interested in being involved in this focus group please contact:
Glad Greco Phone 1300 85 55 85, Email: glad.greco@novita.org.au as soon as possible but no later than Monday 15th June 09.
If you require additional information, please contact either:
Rob Garrett Research & Innovation, Novita,
Email: rob.garrett@novita.org.au Phone: (08) 8243 8263, Fax: (08) 8243 8208 or
Nadine Coutts Consumer Engagement, Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, GPO Box 2154 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Email: nadine.coutts@dbcde.gov.au Phone: (02) 6271 1862  Fax: (02) 6271 1850
Please note that numbers for the focus group may need to be limited. Assistance may be available for transportation by taxi to and from the focus group.

• Bathrooms, Toileting and Incontinence
• Bedding
• Communication Aids and Telephone Access
• Household and Kitchen Equipment
• Lifting, Transferring, Ramps and Hoists
• Personal Care
• Vehicle Modifications
• Wheelchairs, Scooters (Gophers) and Buggies

To link to the full listing of information sheets click here.