Scoop Images: Deaf People Thank Ruth & Paul
Deaf and disabled people rallied on the steps of Parliament today to celebrate the creation of a telephone relay service to allow deaf people telephone access, and to thank Minister for Disability Issues Ruth Dyson and Telecommunications Minister Paul Swain for making it happen.
After a seven-year battle for the service by Victoria Manning and Kim Robinson, Ms Dyson and Mr Swain announced the relay service would be established as a Telecommunications Service Order (TSO), under the Telecommunications Act 2001.
BACKGROUND:
- Victoria Manning - A
Victory For Deaf And Disabled People
- Paul Swain &
Ruth Dyson -
Government Backs Deaf Relay Service
Disabilities Minister Ruth Dyson, left, in dialogue with Victoria Manning.
Supporters rally.
Left to right:
Telecommunications Minister Paul Swain, Victoria Manning and
Kim Robinson.
Victoria Manning leads a big
sign-clap.
Paul Swain tries his hand at
signing.
Ruth Dyson signed a little, and
then left it to interpreter Anne Wise.
Ruth Dyson and Paul Swain in a
feel good moment, with huge cards signed with thanks.
Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan at
right.