Novita Research Report - 2004 to 2007 - Novita Children's Services

69Project titleContributorsSummaryTelecommunications advisory service for people with physical limitationsToan NguyenIn 2005, through the sponsorship of Snowy Hydro Ltd, NovitaTech ran a nationaltelecommunications road show around Australia aimed at raising and promoting awarenessof telecommunications options and equipment for people who have a physical limitation. Asa result of this public exposure and a growing reputation for successful research, extensiveknowledge and expertise in the area of accessible telecommunications, NovitaTech hasbeen receiving telephone and email requests for information, ideas and assistance to findtelecommunications solutions for people with physical limitations from all over Australia.Given that the service has not been promoted, this indicates the need for atelecommunications advisory service for Novita and non-Novita clients, therapistsand other professionals seeking advice and support to obtain appropriate accessibletelecommunications solutions and services.MethodResultsImplicationsStatusWith appropriate funding, this service could provide the information and support needed toenable Australians with physical limitations access the telecommunications network.NovitaTech has been responding to all telephone enquiries regarding telecommunicationsaccess, options and solutions for people with a physical limitation and logging theenquiries in an Excel spreadsheet. The spreadsheet records the name of the enquirer, theorganisation that they work for (if applicable), the nature of the call and the responses orrecommendations made, the duration of the call and the date the enquiry was received orresponded to. The log provides evidence of the need for funding to maintain this service forall Australians with a physical limitation.Since December 2005, NovitaTech has received an average of one telephone and emailenquiry per week on telecommunications access from people all over Australia. The natureof enquiries varied between the types of people that call up for assistance. Typical enquiriesreceived were:• therapists seeking information and recommendations on the type of mobile phones,accessories or software for their clients to use for security and communication purposes• general public seeking advice on appropriate mobile and home solutions for themselvesor for their elderly parents so that they can independently access the telecommunicationsnetwork to maintain contact with friends, family members and for security and emergencypurposes• end users seeking support to troubleshoot problems that they encountered with theirmobile phone and other telecommunications equipment and accessories.NovitaTech has developed a reputation in providing this service due to our knowledgeof disability issues, the end-users’ needs and the technology available. To date,telecommunications providers have been unable to provide this support successfully acrossthe range of emerging products.Based on the frequency of enquiries received for a non-promoted service, we expect thisservice would be heavily used by the disability and ageing community once it is fundedand promoted. NovitaTech is looking for funding avenues and partnerships to enable thisimportant service to continue and the costs associated with the service to be funded.Ongoing