13 September 1999
Breaking down barriers to new technology and e-commerce for older Australians and people with a disability
Date: Monday
13 September
Time: 11.00 am
Place: Rydge's Hotel, Corner Hay and King Street, Perth
Followed by photos at the Council on the Ageing computer training centre
at the Wesley Centre, 93 William Street, Perth.
The Commonwealth Attorney-General, the Hon. Daryl Williams, has asked the President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) Professor Alice Tay to investigate access to electronic commerce and other new service delivery technologies by older Australians and people with a disability.
"Information technology has the potential to transform the way a person can interact with society at large. I am encouraged that the Attorney General shares our concerns for people who are becoming increasingly disadvantaged if they to not have access to information technology", said Professor Tay.
"In this International Year of Older Persons it is especially appropriate that the HREOC should receive this reference from the Attorney General".
"We hope it will bring specific benefits to many people who are elderly or who live with disabilities which in turn will contribute to a more inclusive society", said Professor Tay.
The Commission has developed an issues paper to seek input from interested parties in business, government and the community. The Commission will also conduct a series of focus groups with relevant groups to discuss the issues in detail.
The aims include identifying:
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areas of information and service provision in which equal access is problematic
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the range of technologies that affect access
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the types of barriers to access that currently exist
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current best practice strategies for addressing issues of access.
A copy of the Issues Paper can be accessed at www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights.
For information please contact: Jan Payne, Public Affairs Unit on (02) 9284 9619; or Margie Cook, Public Affairs Unit on (02) 9284 9677.
Details of the reference
The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has been given a reference by the Attorney General, the Hon. Daryl Williams AM QC MP, to
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Investigate the implications for older Australians and those Australians with a disability of the rapid development and use of new technologies in electronic commerce and the provision of government and other services, and outline their specific needs in accessing services which utilise such technologies;
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Examine the difficulties and restrictions faced by older Australians and those with a disability in achieving full and equal access to services utilising new technologies and deriving full benefit from such technologies;
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Advise on options for use of digital technology in removing barriers to access to government and business information and services for older Australians and people with a disability;
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Conduct an audit of the accessibility of Australian government and business internet sites, in particular for people with impaired vision, by reference to the Disability Discrimination Act and relevant Australian and international guidelines;
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Advise on needs and options for education or training to promote equal access to electronic information and services for older Australians and for people with a disability;
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Suggest other steps that could be taken by the Commonwealth and by service providers to improve access for older Australians and those with a disability to services utilising new technologies and suggest strategies for avoiding the marginalisation of these groups as a result of the use by service provider of such technologies; and
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Suggest minimum standards that should be met when introducing new technologies into service provision.
The reference states that the term electronic commerce is to be interpreted broadly and should include electronic services such as banking.
In conducting this reference the Commission has been asked to
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consult with individuals and organisations, particularly with service providers, relevant non-government organisations including those representing those with a disability and older Australians, relevant government authorities and other interested parties;
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have regard to relevant law, practice, research and experience; and
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have regard to Australia's international human rights obligations and is required to provide an interim report by 1 December 1999 and a final report by 31 March 2000
