Because everyone's differentFor more than 20 years, Telstra has been at the forefront of initiatives that enable people with diverse abilities to access the telephone. Today, Telstra's commitment to accessibility can be seen across the broad spectrum the company's activities.
DISABILITY ACTION PLAN
Telstra was one of the first major corporations in Australia to develop and lodge a Disability Action Plan with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1996. This Action Plan outlines Telstra's commitments to ensuring that products, services, information and buildings are more accessible to people with diverse abilities. The Plan is reviewed and updated every three years.
SPECIALISED RENTAL PRODUCTS
Telstra is the only Australian telecommunications carrier with a comprehensive Disability Equipment Program that supplies a range of products and services which cater for the diverse needs of people with a disability.
Customers wishing to find out more about this program can visit www.telstra.com.au/disability/catalogue or contact Telstra's Disability Enquiry Hotline on FREECALL 1800 068 424* (Voice) or FREECALL 1800 808 981* (TTY) or via email disabilityenquiryhotline@team.telstra.com
SPECIALIST STAFF
Customers who would prefer to discuss their requirements in person can visit one of six specialist Telstra Aged & Disability Centres in each state capital.
To make an appointment, simply call FREECALL 1800 068 424* (Voice) or FREECALL 1300 366 299* (TTY).
ACCESSIBLE BILLING INFORMATION
Telstra customers who are Blind and those who have impaired vision have the option of receiving their Telstra bill in either a Braille or large print format - both formats contain the same billing information as a standard bill. Customers can call 13 2200 for more information. Telstra's new online bill is also accessible to customers with a disability, as web pages are compliant with the World Wide Web Consortium's accessibility guidelines.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Telstra's Centre for Accessibility, based at Telstra Research, is an internal R&D resource to ensure that Telstra's online services are accessible to all users. This means that the design aspects allow people with disabilities access to all of the information and/or functions which are available to all users. In the short-term, the major focus for the Centre is achieving online accessibility for blind users of our web site. For more information visit www.telstra.com.au/accessibility
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Telstra is also a major employer of people with disabilities who are employed in a range of managerial, customer service and technical positions, through a variety of programs which aim to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace.
LISTENING TO CONSUMERS
At Telstra, we recognise the importance of listening to and understanding our customers' needs and have established a formal consultative group, Telstra's Disability Forum, which meets twice yearly and comprises representatives from national peak disability organisations.
These and other initiatives reflect Telstra's commitment to diversity and accessibility and a recognition that our customers and staff have diverse needs that require smart, innovative and customised solutions.
* A free call from fixed phones.
