A message to therapeutic goods sponsors, TGA staff and advisory committee members

On 1 March 1993, the Disability Discrimination Act came into effect. This Act applies to many aspects of life, such as employment and education, and aims to ensure that people with a disability are not disadvantaged in their access to goods and services.

The TGA's actions

The Act specifically states that it is unlawful to discriminate in the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs. In 1994, the Government endorsed the Commonwealth Disability Strategy which establishes a ten-year plan to eliminate disability discrimination in all areas of Commonwealth responsibility. The Strategy requires Commonwealth agencies to take positive actions in their policies, programs, services and facilities to reflect the aims of the Act.

Over the next two years the TGA will be introducing a number of measures to meet these requirements.

How easy is it to use therapeutic products?

• Can the label on a drug product be read by someone with impaired vision?
• Can the instructions for the use of a therapeutic device be easily understood by someone with an intellectual disability?
• Would a person with colour blindness be able to read the warnings on a product label? TGA staff will comment on specific potential problems with labelling and packaging which come to their attention during product evaluation.

The Therapeutic Goods Committee will be asked to:

• consult with appropriate organisations about problems experienced by people with a disability;
• advise on principles sponsors should consider in the design of labelling and packaging for therapeutic goods; and
• monitor the industry's progress in introducing appropriate labelling and packaging.

How easy is it to get information from the TGA?

The TGA's information services will be enhanced by the introduction of TTY facilities and the provision of information in formats appropriate for people with a disability, including electronic formats. Requests for information in an alternative format will be considered and a solution negotiated.

A role for everyone

There is a role for all TGA staff and expert advisors, for all sponsors and their staff and for users of therapeutic goods, to identify problems and to do something about it. If you have any ideas, let us know so that we can all work together on a solution!

Further information

Information on the Disability Discrimination Act is available from the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, which has offices in each State.