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Key Dates

2024 round now closed.

> View more information about our Grants Program

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grants@accan.org.au
or phone 02 9288 4000

Grants Information

How Grants are assessed

Deaf Australia

Since publication of the ‘What Standards?’ Auslan translation guidelines in 2015, the NDIS and pandemic have significantly reshaped Auslan user needs. This project will evaluate and update these guidelines by reviewing current usage and compliance across Australia, improving guidelines for Deafblind consumers, and incorporating emerging Auslan-first products, often viewed as a better alternative to translations. Ultimately, the findings will provide Auslan translation guidelines for current and foreseeable requirements, deeper consideration of Deafblind needs, and an understanding of when Auslan-first products should be produced instead of Auslan translations.

ACCAN’s purpose, as outlined in our Strategic Plan, is to work for “communications services that are trusted, inclusive, accessible and available for all.”

Our approach to priorities

ACCAN has revised the way in which we approach our policy priorities, in consultation with our members. Feedback from members supported a movement to setting out our enduring priorities, which reflect our long-term areas of policy focus, and more immediate proactive areas of policy focus or policy themes.

What products are available?

The product you choose should be the one that best matches your usage requirements. If your business operates in a single location and only needs the internet for email and a small amount of web browsing, then a standard consumer grade retail plan will be fine. However, if your needs are more complex or you have a high demand for reliable high speed services then it may be worth engaging someone to do a full assessment of your telecommunications needs on a commercial basis.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technologies are the most commonly available broadband connection type in Australia today. DSL enables high speed data transmission over copper wire telephone lines. DSL comes in a range of types according to upload and download data rates, often referred to as the 'speed.' The actual performance will also depend on how long the copper wires are between your premises and the service provider's equipment as well as the quality of those wires.

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The Strategic Plan provides insights into ACCAN’s mission, values and strategic goals. The Plan will direct the organisation’s work for the next three (3) years and sets out how ACCAN will achieve its mission of available, accessible and affordable communications that enhance the lives of consumers.

Download: ACCAN Strategic Plan 2021-2024 1.35 MB

Download:ACCAN Strategic Plan 2021-202435.21 KB

What is Quickflix?

Quickflix is a video on demand service provider that allows consumers to watch subscription or premium streaming video entertainment online. Key information about this provider includes:

Quickflix is one of Australia’s longest established video streaming companies.
The video streaming service can consist of either subscription service or a premium pay-as-you-go service.
Physical discs, such as Blu-ray and DVD titles, are also available for rent.

How can I join and play videos using Quickflix?

To join Quickflix, you will need a credit or debit card.

Go to the Quickflix website
Select the plan you wish to purchase.
Follow the on-screen prompts.

In addition, searches for Quickflix in Google can reveal bonus offers. There are also offers on the Quickflix site.

To watch Quickflix, you will need a device that is:

Connected to the internet
Capable of running a web browser or a Quickflix app

Devices can include:

Smart TV
Game console
Streaming media player
Smartphone or tablet
Desktop or laptop computer

Specific information can be found on the Quickflix Device page.

What accessibility features are common to playing videos online?

There are two main features that support the playback of online videos in an accessible way:

Captions: this is the text version of speech and other sound that can be provided on videos. Captions can be either open (which means the captions are always on) or closed (which allows the consumer to turn the captions on or off).
Audio description: this is when spoken narration is used to describe visual content. Narration is usually included between bits of dialogue and can be used to describe visual elements such as scenes, settings, actions and costumes.

In addition, the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has produced the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 to make sure that creators of web and app content can include accessibility features such as captions, audio description and an accessible interface for assistive technology users. A simplified version of this standard is also available.

How accessible is Quickflix?

According to research conducted by Curtin University, Perth:

Closed captions are available on some videos if the distributor provides it.
Audio description is not available.
The website and apps on devices such as tablets are not entirely WCAG 2.0 compliant, meaning that some users are likely to experience difficulties in finding and playing video content with their assistive technologies.

What tips and tricks can I use to overcome the accessibility barriers on Quickflix?

Here are some tips and tricks provided by consumers that have used Quickflix to maximise your accessibility:

Try a different device: consumers have indicated that some platforms may be easier to use with assistive technologies than others. For example, if you are having difficulty with the website, the app on an Android-based tablet or an iOS device such as an iPad may work better with the device’s built-in accessibility features
Use physical discs instead: due to Quickflix having limited captioned content and its difficulty in identifying accessible titles, it may be worth exploring Quickflix’s Blu-ray and DVD titles to locate the captioned or audio described movie you are seeking on a physical disc.

Are there more accessible video on demand services available?

There are a number of different subscription video on demand services available to consumers, and these services offer different accessible content. With most services offering some form of free trial, it may be worth testing a service to determine which one works best for you. In addition to this tip sheet, Curtin University has also created tip sheets for Netflix Australia, Stan, Presto and Foxtel Play.

The video I want to play is not accessible. What can I do?

If you are unable to find or play a video due to accessibility issues, there are a number of steps you can take to voice your concerns. Please refer to the Video on Demand Subscription Services: Accessibility and Your Consumer Rights tip sheet created by Curtin University as part of this series or follow the links in the help section below.

Where can I get additional help and information?

For additional help regarding Quickflix, you can go to:

The operation of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from charges on telecommunications carriers.

Home wireless provides internet at one location using a modem/gateway device with a mobile SIM card. It requires power from a socket in your house. A number of people and devices can connect to the internet through the modem/gateway.

It is important to check that the provider offers coverage at your house!

Young man talking on his phone at the computer

Experiencing Financial Hardship

Welcome to ACCAN’s financial hardship portal. Here you can find useful information about what you can do if you are struggling to pay your bills.

Financial hardship happens when you are unable to meet repayment obligations for services that you’re using.

If you find yourself unable to pay a bill you will need to tell your service provider that you are experiencing financial hardship so that they can help you.

You can also talk to a financial counsellor for free and anonymous help.

Visit ‘How Can I Get Help’ to see the contact details for your service provider, and for more information about financial counsellors.

Centrelink Telephone Allowance

If you have a Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you might be eligible for the Government’s Telephone Allowance, as included in the Pensioner Supplement or Seniors Supplement.

You can read more information about whether you can get the Centrelink Telephone Allowance by clicking here.

Telstra Pensioner Discount

The Telstra Pensioner Discount provides eligible pensioner customers with a monthly call discount on their Telstra home phone service.

If you are eligible for the discount, you can also get free access to Call Control, a waiver on late payment fees, and fee-free payment options.

You can register by calling Telstra on 13 2200.

Telstra Home Phone Essential package

The Telstra Home Phone Essential package is a cheaper home phone plan for eligible Telstra customers.

To be eligible you must hold an eligible Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card.

Family using technology

Throughout our lives, we accumulate a variety of assets. In the past, these have traditionally included things such as houses, cars, finances and other tangible possessions. These assets are considered when drawing up a will in the event of our passing.