Focus groups about Accesshub

The Government has contracted ACCAN (Australian Communications Consumer Action Network) to research the ways in which people who are Deaf, Deafblind, or have hearing or speech impairment use the new Accesshub website.

Accesshub is a telecommunications information website provided by the Australian Government. It provides a range of information resources about how to use the National Relay Service (NRS) as well as information about mainstream communications equipment and services which may be suitable alternatives to the national relay service for some people. Accesshub can be found at the following link: https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/services-people-disability/accesshub

ACCAN is undertaking a number of focus groups in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart with people who use the NRS and have used Accesshub. There will be three focus groups specifically for people who are Deafblind:

• The Sydney focus group will be held on Thursday 22 August from 1.30pm-4pm. The venue is Vision Australia: Level 7, 128 Marsden St, Parramatta.
• The Melbourne focus group will be held on Monday 26 August from 1.30pm-4pm. The venue is CAE: 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
• The Hobart focus groups will be held on Thursday 29 August from 1.30pm-4pm. The venue is the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel: 1 Macquarie Street Hobart.

The focus groups will go for about 2.5 hours. When you arrive there will be an information sheet and consent form to fill out, as well as a short questionnaire. During the focus group, we will ask questions about the Accesshub website. Participants will be encouraged to offer feedback and insights on the current website, and how it could be improved.

Participants will receive a $100 gift card to thank them for participating in this project. Light refreshments will also be provided. All of these focus groups will be live captioned and Auslan interpreted. ACCAN is able to support participants to attend the focus groups if needed, for instance, by providing cab charge vouchers or travel reimbursements, or arranging accessibility supports.

If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact Meredith Lea from ACCAN. Meredith can be contacted via email at: Meredith.Lea@accan.org.au or on the phone: (02) 9288 4000. Please be sure to provide any details about your accessibility requirements (e.g. hearing loop, or the type of interpreter you require) and/or your dietary needs.