Accessible Telecoms logo

ACCAN has developed a service to assist seniors and people with disability to find phones, tablets, accessories and apps that can help them communicate with others. This service is called Accessible Telecoms.

ACCAN has developed a resource which provides a series of guidelines on how to make publications, presentations, meetings and documents accessible for people with disability.

Download:  docxAccessibility Best-Practice Resources4.65 MB

Download:  pdfAccessibility Best-Practice Resources271.91 KB

Relevant legislation

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the Australian telecommunications regulator overseeing among other things:

  • The Telecommunications Act 1997
  • the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999
  • The Telecommunications (Equipment for the Disabled) Regulations 1998

People with disabilities have the right to access voice telephony, or an equivalent, under the Universal Service Obligation (USO).

The following information is for the Disability Equipment Programs offered by Telcos.

The following table contains useful disabilty contacts:

In order to sign up with some businesses, such as phone companies or internet providers, consumers are often required to be able to prove their identity. This can be problematic for people who do not have the typical standard identification documents such as a driver licence or a passport.

This tip sheet is intended to outline alternative methods that are accepted by telecommunications companies, specifically, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.