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Telstra prize highlights the benefits of modern communications for people with disability
In conjunction with Telstra and the Telecommunications Journal of Australia (TJA), the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, today announced Dr Denise Wood as the inaugural winner of the Telstra-TJA Christopher Newell Prize for Telecommunications and Disability. Dr Wood is a researcher and senior lecturer in the School of Communication, International Studies and Languages at the University of South Australia.
In accepting the prize for her paper "Communicating in Virtual Worlds through an Accessible Web 2.0 Solution," Dr Wood said that her research, which is part of an Australian Learning and Teaching Council project to improve access to 3D virtual learning environments, had identified the benefits of Web 2.0 and 3D Virtual Worlds such as Second Life for people with disabilities.
“There are a large number of groups in Second Life that provide opportunities for people who identify as disabled, or who have an interest in disability, to socialise, share information or receive support services. However, for these benefits to be realised, there is an urgent need for developers to address the identified accessibility challenges posed by such dynamic, media rich environments,” Dr Wood said.
The $20 000 Prize, initiated by Mr Shorten and sponsored by Telstra, is awarded for the best original paper offered for publication by the TJA that demonstrates the tangible benefits that an innovative use of telecommunications technology can deliver in assisting individuals with disabilities. The prize recognises and commemorates the ground-breaking work that the late Revd Canon Dr Christopher Newell AM undertook within the telecommunications industry from 1990 to 2008 in representing the needs of people with disability. Dr Wood will use the proceeds of this award to extend research into accessibility solutions for people with disability in collaboration with colleagues from universities and community groups across Australia, the US and the UK.
Mr Phill Sporton, Executive Director, Telstra Service Delivery, said Telstra was pleased the inaugural award attracted a high level of interest, which is evidence of the community’s regard for the benefits of modern communications technologies for people with disability.
“At Telstra we know that technology innovation and access, combined with exceptional customer service, is fundamentally important for us and our industry – priorities that Christopher taught us so much about, in particular for people with disability. With four important papers being published, I am sure Christopher would also be pleased with this contribution to the literature on disability and telecommunications,” Mr Sporton said.
Telstra has agreed to again sponsor the prize with the TJA in 2011. Details for entry can be obtained by visiting www.acs.org.au/acstsa. The 2010 winning paper, and other accepted papers can be accessed in the May 2010 edition of the Telecommunications Journal of Australia.
Reference Number: 147/2010
