Access to Information is Power

Information is empowering.

For many people, access to information simply depends on how engaged they choose to be. Some days they may want to book appointments or set aside time for ‘life admin’, other days they may just want to be a bystander, reading the news and scrolling social media. Absolutely normal, yeah?

For people with a disability – particularly a sensory loss – information access is finite and oftentimes, sporadic. This leads to frustration, isolation and disempowerment. The choice of engagement is a luxury we’re not afforded.

Take these examples:

I have included a screenshot of a recent conversation using the National Relay Service. This is a platform which uses a third person to communicate via text, what the provider is saying on the phone. I type my responses, and the person verbally communicates for me. I was trying to get through to my bank, to link my new phone to my online banking.

This is an annoying process for most people but the access I had was so limited as to be impossible. I was at the mercy of the relay officer, who was at the mercy of Macquarie Bank’s automated menus.

Safe to say, this was a big, fat fail.

Luckily my lovely husband has a wonderful set of ears and helped me sort out my banking. Not everyone has this privilege. I personally hate having to rely on others for this. It feeds into my biggest fear that I’ll be alone one day and have no autonomy over my place in the world.

Another screenshot is to do with booking tickets to see a film with a mate. A typical pastime for most.

Hoyts cinemas don’t have the option to book a companion card ticket on their website, and the movie was very popular. I tried using the Hoyts bot as I’m unable to call the phone number.

A ‘simple’ question became an impossibility.

Most people would see the option of using the bot or online chat systems, as a great way to provide access to people unable to use the phone. Sadly, these platforms often fall short of providing useable service.

These are just two examples of how communication is vital in ensuring a connected, empowered community. It also shows just how much effort it takes to try to get 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 for many people.

Lived experience is real thing, y’all.