Broadband, disability and the role of standards

Australia's broadband future has the potential to realise tangible benefits for consumers living with disability. This paper discusses the importance of bridging the digital divide between Australia's disabled and non-disabled consumers, the role that broadband industry standards can play in bridging this divide and the importance of including people with disability in the development and promotion of best practice standards for broadband products and services. The paper argues that through implementation of best practice 'access-for-all' standards for broadband products and services, which have been developed in consultation with end-users with disability, the implementation of a ubiquitous broadband network will help bridge this digital divide and provide Australians living with disability increased inclusion and participation in all aspects of Australian society.