practice for people with disabilities
23 March 2006
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has taken
steps to put appropriate measures in place for implementation by the industries
it regulates, for the specific benefit of people with disabilities. The codes
of good practice mark the culmination of a consultative process that began more
than two years ago in November 2003.
The authority is indeed proud to make public the two codes of good practice
in the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors. These codes are to further
assist people with disabilities who are also customers of the concerned
licensees and consumers of the various services they provide.
The process started with the formation of a special committee of council,
which includes senior management.
In November 2003 a meeting of stakeholders comprising representatives of
national disability organisations and the broadcasting and telecommunications
industry was convened. This first meeting was an exploratory one that
communicated what the industry is currently doing to address the needs of
people with disabilities.
The attendance of the stakeholders meeting exceeded expectation as no less
than 31 structures representing a broad range of interested parties from the
private sector; government; non-governmental organisations
(NGOs)/community-based organisations (CBOs) and research bodies as well the
Deputy Director in the office on the Status of Disabled Persons (OSDP) in The
Presidency.
ICASA is committed to ensure that stakeholders concerned provide
broadcasting and telecommunications services to every citizen in our country
regardless of their physical condition without exception. More than the
authorityâs commitment the constitution this is the supreme law calls upon us
to play our part in the achievement of equality in the provision of goods and
services in the sector at large. The national disability strategy in the
Presidency also informs our mandate. We also consulted with international
experts in the field and have come up with industry codes for both broadcasting
and telecommunications licensees whom we believe will go a long way to address
the needs of people with disabilities.
The authority in developing these industry codes invited comment from
industry stakeholders, disability organisations and the general public. After
all the relevant comments had been received a second meeting of the
stakeholders was held in 2005. Subsequent comments were received from licensees
and finally the codes were ratified by ICASA and broadcasting and
telecommunications operators. The media as key stakeholders to the sector is
invited to attend the official signing of these codes.
Details are as follows:
Date: Monday, 27 March 2005
Time: 12h00
Venue: ICASA presentation room, Block C Pinmill Farm, 164 Katherine Street,
Sandton
We look forward to seeing you at this event. This is certainly a project
that ICASA is proud about on reaching this pinnacle moment. A light finger
lunch will be served.
For more information contact:
Jubie Matlou
Tel: (011) 321 8230
Cell: 082 376 0015
E-mail: jmatlou@icasa.org.za
Issued by: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
23 March 2006
Source: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (http://www.icasa.org.za)
