People with a disability, and those with a medical condition may have different communication needs to other Australians. We advise the government about helping people make the most of the communication services they want and need.

In Australia, this intention to provide equal access to services and equipment is backed up by discrimination and telecommunications legislation:

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999
• Telecommunications (Equipment for the Disabled) Regulations 1998
• Telecommunications Act 1997

People can use communication services in a way that best suits them. Options include using specialised phone equipment.

The website www.accesshub.gov.au provides information about communications options for people who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing and/or have speech communication difficulty. Access Hub also provides information about and access to the National Relay Service (NRS).