Amateur Radio - an inclusive hobby

The amateur radio community is made up of many different peoples. They come from all walks of life. We once described radio amateurs as ranging from newspaper-boys to kings - with that albeit apt phrase now outdated.

A recent report by the Radio Society of Great Britain is a reminder about the make-up of communities, including amateur radio, in that they include people of all abilities.

The RSGB was concerned about one of its members who had been subjected to the unacceptable on-air behaviour of some, when they heard his robotic sounding voice.

He had undergone a total laryngectomy which significantly alters speech production. This requires an external mechanical sound source to be able to speak.

Here we had someone, after battling a life-threatening illness, wishing to continue with his amateur radio activity, and a few insensitive people hurling verbal abuse at him on air.

A similar situation occurred in Australia too, when a radio amateur recovering from a stroke was given a bad time when it was repeatedly suggested his slurred speech was due to alcohol consumption.

One of the strengths of amateur radio is that provides access to the spectrum for duly qualified persons, but not in an exclusive or elitist manner, accepts people of all abilities and background.

We all can have a role to play in seeking to ensure that equity of access is maintained!

VK3PC Jim Linton

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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