This paper presents discussions on Australian government
policy regarding the intersection of disability, telecommunications and participation,
using three case studies involving the national broadband network (NBN),
digital television and mobile telephones. Ellis examines issues of digital
accessibility and usability that affect the disabled community in Australia and
outlines both governmental and private enterprise options for the funding
needed to make appropriate digital technologies available to individuals with
disabilities. This review will focus on the digital technologies and access, or
lack thereof, for people with disabilities discussed in the paper.
The NBN, at the time when the article was written (2011), had
attracted criticism from those who identified it as having gaps in the policies
that affected people with disabilities. Those gaps identified in the article by
Ellis were access and affordability. Ellis makes a valid argument for an
increase in national internet accessibility, through a joint partnership
between government and industry, with a set of policies and standards that
enable people with disabilities affordable access to a high speed broadband
network. Baker and Moon (2010, p.3) echo this viewpoint when investigating wireless
accessibility issues for disabled people in the United State of America. They
call for an enforcement of existing technology legislation and regulations that
affect disabled people, as well as government policy initiatives and research that
will result in an increased level of access to wireless technologies for
disabled people that address their individual needs (Baker & Moon, 2010,
p.3).
Ellis addresses the possibilities and potential pitfalls of
digital television for people with disabilities by allowing various levels of
customisation, such as audio or caption selections and expresses concern that,
despite the technical support offered through the government’s Household Assistance Scheme, (which was designed to provide technical and financial
support to those who received the full pension), the assistance would not be
enough to fully empower those individuals under the scheme, and that the scheme
itself would not include disabled people not eligible for the full pension. Ellis
expresses a similar concern with regards to smart phones, in that their
potential to improve the quality of life for disabled people is dependent on
their affordability, accessibility and usability. With regards to the effective
use of digital television and smartphones, Ellis presents findings from Nguyen et al (2007) that found education and training have a positive impact on how
people with disabilities used their digital devices, which Ellis cites as being
of vital importance, particularly when the usability of digital devices is an
issue for people with disabilities.
Ellis highlights the benefits of smartphone technologies accessible for disabled people, but also warns against high costs and potential lack of interest in a commercial market. However, Doughty (2011, p.94) takes the stance that that with the falling prices of smart phones, and the relatively low cost of downloadable applications, smart phones are becoming more economical than having numerous standalone devices to aid a disabled person. Both views have merit, but Ellis’ concern for a lax commercial market is shared and echoed by Goggin and Newell (2007, p.163) who suggest that for inclusive technology to be truly accessible and affordable, there needs to be commitment and co-operation from the commercial and non-commercial sectors, as well as consultation with the customers. Ellis also suggests that Australian policies must acknowledge that consultation is required from the people with the disabilities to ascertain how and why they use the technologies. These are valid and insightful suggestions, echoed by Msafiri (2014, p.95) who postulates that approaching the issue with the parameters of consultation, individualization and customization allows the focus of the policies to be on empowerment, which is essential if the outcome is to result in not only increased comfort, but also increased independence and social inclusion.
Ellis highlights the benefits of smartphone technologies accessible for disabled people, but also warns against high costs and potential lack of interest in a commercial market. However, Doughty (2011, p.94) takes the stance that that with the falling prices of smart phones, and the relatively low cost of downloadable applications, smart phones are becoming more economical than having numerous standalone devices to aid a disabled person. Both views have merit, but Ellis’ concern for a lax commercial market is shared and echoed by Goggin and Newell (2007, p.163) who suggest that for inclusive technology to be truly accessible and affordable, there needs to be commitment and co-operation from the commercial and non-commercial sectors, as well as consultation with the customers. Ellis also suggests that Australian policies must acknowledge that consultation is required from the people with the disabilities to ascertain how and why they use the technologies. These are valid and insightful suggestions, echoed by Msafiri (2014, p.95) who postulates that approaching the issue with the parameters of consultation, individualization and customization allows the focus of the policies to be on empowerment, which is essential if the outcome is to result in not only increased comfort, but also increased independence and social inclusion.
Ellis addresses the issues of Australian policies with regard
to access, affordability and usability of the National Broadband Network,
digital television and mobile technology for disabled people living in
Australia. While Ellis does not provide definitive solutions to these issues,
she does offer balanced views of the situations and provide insightful
suggestions as to what actions may positively impact the issues discussed.
Msafiri(2014). Empowering the disabled. Information Development, 30(1), 95.
Connell,
B. O., & Haven, D. (2013). eBooks As a Collection and a Service:
Developing a Public Library Instruction Program to Support eBook Use .
Journal of Library Innovation, 4(1), 53-66. - See more at:
http://reffor.us/index.php#sthash.vYU9YDYh.dpuf
Connell,
B. O., & Haven, D. (2013). eBooks As a Collection and a Service:
Developing a Public Library Instruction Program to Support eBook Use .
Journal of Library Innovation, 4(1), 53-66. - See more at:
http://reffor.us/index.php#sthash.vYU9YDYh.dpuf
Connell,
B. O., & Haven, D. (2013). eBooks As a Collection and a Service:
Developing a Public Library Instruction Program to Support eBook Use .
Journal of Library Innovation, 4(1), 53-66. - See more at:
http://reffor.us/index.php#sthash.vYU9YDYh.dpuf
