Telstra has a range of products and services that may make using the standard telephone service easier for customers with a disability, in addition to the products available through Telstra's Disability Equipment Program.
For further information, including prices and conditions, call 13 2200 or visit your nearest Telstra Shop.
Please note additional charges may apply for some products.
- Telephone Options and Answering Machines
- Fax Options
- Home Phone Features
- Telstra Mobile
- Payphones
- Internet
- Directories
- Billing Options
Telephone Options and Answering Machines
Extension Ringer
A small ringer with an in-built flashing light and variable ring tone. It is supplied with a 10 metre extension cord which allows you to position the ringer where it is most convenient. You can also adjust the ring volume and pitch.
Cordless Phones
Telstra has a range of cordless phones available for purchase through Telstra Shops. If you have difficulty getting to the telephone or miss calls due to a hearing impairment, a cordless phone may provide the solution.
Answering Machines
If you're missing calls due to a mobility or hearing impairment, an answering machine may be of benefit. A pre-recorded message advises callers to leave a message for you - making it a useful option for the speech impaired.
Rental Telephones
Telstra has a range of rental phones that make it easier for people with vision, hearing and dexterity impairments. Designed with accessibility in mind, our phones feature volume adjustment controls, one-touch memory storage buttons for easy dialling and calling number display.
Fax Options
Fax Machines
Fax machines allow you to send written or printed documents over the telephone network to another fax machine or computer with a fax modem. If you have a hearing or speech impairment that prevents you using the telephone, this provides an alternative means of communication.
Duet® - Phone & Fax Multiple Number
Lets you have a phone number and a fax number on the one telephone line. This is a useful option where there are multiple phone users in the one household who have different communication needs and require both a fax and telephone handset.
Home Phone Features
With our range of Home Phone Features1, you can do much more on your home phone than simply make and receive calls. For more information, call 13 2200.
1. Available on tone phones in most areas. Applicable feature and usage charges may apply.
Three people can have a group conversation at once. This may also be helpful if you have a speech or communication impairment and require assistance to conduct a telephone conversation.
MessageBank is your 24 hours, 7 days a week answering service. MessageBank can be particularly useful if you have a speech impairment, as you can invite people to leave a message. And if you have trouble getting to the telephone quickly, you won't miss important calls.
Lets you call a particular phone number without dialling. You just pick up the phone, wait four seconds and the number is dialled automatically. It's great for storing emergency or frequently called numbers - particularly if you have difficulty dialling.
Lets you make calls by using just a one or two digit code. You can store up to 60 phone numbers, including STD and international numbers. Very helpful for those with a mobility impairment.
With Smart Ring you'll be able to tell who the call is for by the sound of the telephone's ring - ideal for multi-need households.
If you've just missed a call or have difficulty getting to the phone quickly, Call Return may assist you. You can find out the telephone number of the last person who called you and if you wish, return the call.
Call Waiting lets you take a second incoming call by putting your first caller on hold.
If the number you're calling is engaged, Call Back re-dials the number and can let you know when the line is free. Call Back saves you from redialling.
Call Forward allows you to forward your calls to your mobile or another phone.
Calling Number Display allows you to identify who is calling by displaying the caller's telephone number. This network feature also keeps the telephone number of the person calling you if you are unable to answer the call, enabling you to ring back at a later time.
Telstra Mobile
Telstra Mobile customer service is available to provide you with assistance. Call 13 2200 for more information.
Hearing aids, Cochlear Implants and Mobile Phones
More information can be found by visiting our Mobile Phone and Hearing Aids section.
Mobile Phone Services
A message answering service that uses a receptionist to answer your calls and sends the message to you via SMS and/or email. It's a great option if you are deaf or have a hearing impairment.
When you can't or don't want to take calls, use MessageBank - an answering service for your mobile phone.
Text Messaging is like a two way paging service using your mobile phone, without using an operator. It allows you to read and write messages using the phone's screen and keypad. SMS is a useful communication tool for people who have a speech or hearing impairment.
MyInbox - Email and Mobile Messaging
MyInbox is part of MyConnect™ - the next generation of webmail and mobile messaging. Use your existing Telstra or BigPond email address to log in and start using email, online contacts, and calendar, with 1GB of storage. Plus you can link your Telstra mobile to send online SMS/MMS, receive calendar notifications and access your mobile voice and video mail online in one inbox4.
4. Charges apply for sending SMS/MMS, accessing voicemail/videomail and for calendar notification alerts. No additional access/subscription charges apply to MyInbox. Use of MyInbox may affect your monthly usage total.
PocketNews
PocketNews is a fast, convenient, and easy way to receive the latest information on a range of news and events that are important to your lifestyle. Get weather forecasts, breaking news or stockmarket reports all sent to your mobile phone as an SMS message.
Mobile Handset Features
Some mobile phones can have a QWERTY keyboard (like a standard typewriter or PC keyboard) attached to assist in typing SMS or emails. Other mobile phones have a QWERTY keyboard built in as a standard feature. Mobile phone keyboards are usually small, so some users may find typing more difficult and restricted to single finger entry.
Predictive text is a function available on some mobile phones that enables the phone to guess what words you are typing, by using an inbuilt dictionary. This eliminates the need to press each key multiple times, enabling you to send SMS faster and more easily. This is especially useful if you have limited mobility.
Some mobile phones have a vibrate alert function that can be used in conjunction with your ring tones or on its own. When activated, your mobile phone will vibrate when a call or message is received. This function is useful if you are in a noisy environment or you have a hearing impairment.
Visual Flashing Alert
Some mobile phones have visual indicators to show when incoming calls and messages arrive. Additionally, on some mobile phones you can set different colours to apply to family, friends, business associates and so on. A visual flashing alert, if available, can be used in conjunction with your standard ring tones, and/or vibrate alert if your handset has this function.
Alternative Ringing Tones and Volume Levels
You can vary the ring tones and volume of your mobile phone. This may include differentiated tones for different names/numbers stored in your phone. Alternative ring tones may assist in personalising your phone. If you have a vision impairment this may help you to identify who is calling you before you answer the phone.
Some mobile phones allow you to program the names and telephone numbers of people you frequently call so that you need only say the name of the person you want and the mobile phone will dial the number for you. This function is especially useful if you have a vision impairment that makes reading the screen difficult, or a mobility impairment that makes dialling numbers difficult.
Some handsets also have a speaker phone function, where the phone can be put on loud speaker for handsfree operation. This can be very useful if you have a mobility impairment that makes holding a telephone difficult.
Mobile Phone Accessories
A personal handsfree kit allows convenient handsfree use of you mobile phone anywhere (in a coverage area), and includes an earpiece, clip-on microphone and phone connector. Many kits also include an answering button so you can answer and finish calls without pressing any button on the phone. This is especially useful if you have limited dexterity.
Car Kit
A fully installed handsfree car kit gives you a safer way to make and receive calls whilst driving. This accessory is suitable if you need to make or receive calls whilst in the car. An external antenna on the car can improve reception in many areas.
Payphones
Approximately 96 per cent of all Telstra payphones have been upgraded to 'Smart' payphones. They provide improved access for people with a disability.
- Accept all Australian coins currently in use, and Telstra Phonecards
- Have an in-built hearing aid coupler, volume control and a large, easy-to-read display panel
- Tactile orientation notch on the '5' key
- Redial button which redials the last number called automatically
- Generally accessible mounting height.
General Payphone Information
For information on Telstra payphones and to report faults on Telstra payphones call FREECALL™ 180 22446.
6. A free call from most fixed phones.
TTY Payphones
TTY Payphones enable you to communicate by text if you are deaf or have a communication impairment. Over 190 Telstra Payphones have been modified to include a teletypewriter facility and are available at many airports, railway stations and other public venues.
Features
- Slide-out drawer with keyboard and screen
- Drawer remains closed until call answered by TTY
- Accepts all Australian coins and Telstra Smart Cards
- Visual signal (light to indicate whether the phone is ringing or busy).
- Announce button.
Locations of TTY Payphones
TTY users can contact the Disability Enquiry Hotline on FREECALL™ 1800 808 981 (TTY) or FREECALL™ 1800 068 424* (Voice). A location list of TTY Payphones is also available online.
Internet
BigPond®
Telstra is Australia's premier Internet Service Provider. The BigPond range of internet services are designed to meet a variety of needs. Visit BigPond for more information.
Directories
WhitePages® Online
The WhitePages Online site gives you access to over eight million residential, business and government listings throughout Australia.
YellowPages™ Online
The YellowPages site contains business entries from all printed Australian YellowPages Directories.
Telstra Directory Assistance
Telstra Directory Assistance provides the telephone number of the person or organisation you wish to call. This service is available for all listed telephone numbers in Australia and overseas. The number to call for Telstra Directory Assistance is 1223 for all areas within Australia, and 1225 for overseas countries.
Directory Assistance Helpline
Telstra's Directory Assistance Helpline offers a live, operator assisted service that includes telephone number information as well as address information for people who are unable to read, use or hold White Pages or Yellow Pages directories and are unable to satisfactorily use the standard Telstra Directory Assistance service (1223) service. Contact the Disability Enquiry Hotline on 1800 068 424 (Voice) or 1800 808 981 (TTY) or email us.
1234
1234 is a fast, flexible and convenient way to help people find most listed business and residential information, street directions, movies screening and session times, and weather information, all via one easy number - 1-2-3-4 - and you can be connected on request. Visit www.voiceservices.com.au for product and pricing information.
Call Connect 12456
If you know the name of the person or business you're looking for you'll be connected to their number. Or if you're looking for a certain type of business but don't know their name, you can receive up to three business listings from the operator and can be connected to any one of them.
Call Connect Fee Exemption
Telstra customers who are unable, or find it extremely difficult to dial numbers on a telephone and therefore are prevented from using a normal telephone, may be eligible for a Call Connect service fee Disability Exemption. The exemption applies only to Call Connect calls - to 12456 - made from the fixed line telephone service that has been registered for the Exemption, and it only applies to the Call Connect service fee. Customers will still be charged the applicable call charges for connection to the requested number. Applications for registration for this service can be made through Telstra's Disability Enquiry Hotline on 1800 068 424.
Billing Options
Telstra offers a range of billing options for customers with a disability, at no additional cost.
Braille Bill
Customers who are blind have the option of receiving their Telstra standard and mobile telephone bills in Braille.
Features
- Contains the same information as a standard bill, including full itemisation of service and equipment charges.
- Information is laid out in a way that enables you to quickly recognise that the document is a Telstra bill.
- There is no remit section, however the bill is designed for easy payment by phone.
Braille bills can be ordered by calling the Disability Enquiry Hotline on FREECALL™ 1800 068 424 (Voice) or FREECALL™ 1800 808 981 (TTY) or email us.
Big Print Bill
If you have a vision impairment that means you can't easily read your Telstra bill, you may prefer to receive your standard telephone and mobile bills printed in a large font - the Big Print Bill.
Features
- Identical information to that supplied in a standard Telstra bill.
- Printed in a large font.
- Printed on larger paper (approximately twice the size of a standard bill).
- Remit section remains the same size (as the standard bill).
Big print bills can be ordered by calling 13 2200.
Online Bill
You can choose to receive your Telstra bills online. With Online Billing you are able to sort and graph charges on your bill and receive free local call itemisation. A 'calls yet to be billed' option allows you to view and track your calls prior to them appearing on your telephone bill. This can help you to monitor your usage and budget for your telephone accounts. For further information visit Bill Choices.
Single Bill
If you would like to simplify your telephone bills, Telstra's Single Bill is for you. It combines eligible standard telephone, mobile, FOXTEL from Telstra and BigPond services - in one simple, itemised account. Combining two or more eligible types of Telstra services may entitle you to a discount on relevant calls and usage charges. Single Bills can be activated by calling 13 2200.
Bill Payment Options
Telstra offers you a number of ways to make paying your Telstra bills convenient and easy.
- Telstra Direct Debit allows the automatic transfer of funds directly from your nominated bank, credit union or building society account, on the due date.
- BPay offers you the convenience of electronic banking via your participating financial institution. You simply need to call your financial institution and quote the biller code and your account number.
- Pay-by-Phone offers you the flexibility of paying your account over the phone at any time of day.
- Online payment lets you pay your telephone bills over the internet.
- Fax payments can be made with credit cards by Telstra customers who find it difficult using a standard telephone - please contact the Disability Enquiry Hotline to arrange use of this option.
- Email payment can be made with credit cards by Telstra customers who find it difficult using a telephone - please contact the Disability Enquiry Hotline to arrange this option.
For further information about the range of bill payment options, visit Billing & Payments.
Call Cost Information
For long distance call pricing and information about Telstra's international call charges, call 1300 362 162. For more information visit our Home Phones & Plans site.
