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Disability Access and
Inclusion Plan 2016-2020
This document is available in alternative formats such as hard copy format in large and standard print, in audio format on compact disc, electronically by email upon request to [email protected]
Acknowledgements The Department of Health gratefully acknowledges the contributions from staff and the community in the development of this Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2016-2020.
We also thank the Disability Services Commission for the guidance and support they have provided.
Enquiries The primary contact officer for questions or feedback on the Department of Health’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2016-2020 is People and Organisational Development, Strategic Business Support.
(08) 9222 2196
Contents 1. Introduction 1
2. Overview of the Department of Health 2
3. Development of DAIP 2016-2020 3
4. The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2016-2020 4
5. Responsibility for implementing the DAIP 2016-2020 8
6. Communicating the DAIP 2016-2020 9
7. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the DAIP 2016-2020 10
8. Achievements from the previous DAIP 2010-2015 11
9. Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Feedback 15
10. Supporting documents 16
Message from the Director General
The Department of Health is committed to ensuring that people with disability, their families and carers are able to fully access the range of services, facilities and information available in the public health system by providing an environment that is readily accessible to all people to ensure no individual is directly or indirectly discriminated.
The Department of Health continues to work in partnership with community groups, and other public authorities to facilitate access and inclusion for people with disability.
I endorse the Department of Health Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2016-2020 and appeal to all staff to actively work towards progressing better access and inclusion in our workplaces.
Over the next four years, the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2016-2020 will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains current and relevant. I am confident that we will continue to build on the many achievements we have achieved for people with disability so far and ensure improvements are made as needed.
Dr D J Russell-Weisz DIRECTOR GENERAL 9 September 2016
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1. Introduction
The Disability Services Act 1993, amended in December 2004, requires public authorities to develop and implement Disability Access and Inclusion Plans (DAIPs). The requirements of DAIPs ensure that people with disability can access services provided by public authorities in Western Australia in a way that promotes their independence, opportunities and participation in the workplace and community at large.
The Department of Health’s previous DAIP 2010-2015 resulted in a range of initiatives that lead to improved access to information, services and facilities for people with disability. Providing equal access for people with disability to its information, services and facilities continues to be a high priority for the Department of Health.
This new Department of Health DAIP effective from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2020 will continue to ensure all staff and contractors including services funded by the Department of Health implement strategies which facilitate better inclusion and access for people with disability, their families and carers.
The Disability Services Act 1993 defines that disability is any continuing condition that restricts everyday activities. Disability can affect a person’s capacity to communicate, interact with others, learn and get about independently. Disability is usually permanent but may be episodic.
Types of disability include:
Sensory - affecting vision and/or hearing.
Neurological - affecting a person’s ability to control their movements for example, cerebral palsy.
Physical - affecting mobility and/or a person’s ability to use their upper or lower body.
Intellectual - affecting a person’s judgement, ability to learn and communicate.
Cognitive - affecting a person’s thought processes, personality and memory resulting, for example, from an injury to the brain.
Psychiatric - affecting a person’s emotions, thought processes and behaviour, for example, schizophrenia and manic depression.
Access and inclusion means different things to different people. A person’s ability to access information, services and facilities is affected by a number of factors, including the degree and type of disability which can vary considerably between individuals. Therefore, processes and outcomes for access and inclusion cannot be prescriptive, and must take into account the diverse needs of individuals and the nature, strengths, priorities and resources of a community. The common elements of access and inclusion are the removal or reduction of barriers to participation in the activities and functions of a community, by ensuring that information, services and facilities are accessible to people with various disabilities (Disability Services Commission 2016).
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2. Overview of the Department of Health
The Health Services Act 2016, introduced on 1 July 2016, provides a legal framework for clear roles, responsibilities and accountabilities at all levels of the system, and a devolved model of governance that enables decision-making and accountability closer to service delivery and patient care.
The Department of Health, led by the Director General, has been established as the System Manager responsible for the overall management, performance and strategic direction of the WA public health system to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe and timely health services.
To ensure the Director General as the System Manager meets this obligation, the Department of Health is responsible for:
issuing binding policy frameworks and directions to Health Service Providers
setting agreed performance objectives with Chief Executives of Health Service Providers
evaluating and performance management of a Health Service Provider under the service agreement
assessing compliance, performance, safety, quality, and patient services via powers of investigation, inspection and audit
conducting inquiries into the functions, management or operations of Health Service Providers as required.
In alignment with the legislation, Health Services Act 2016, Disability Services Act 1993, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986, and the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), each Health Service Provider must also develop a DAIP for their respective jurisdiction.
Therefore, the Department of Health DAIP 2016-2020 applies only to divisions based at:
189 Royal Street, EAST PERTH WA 6004
Grace Vaughan House 227 Stubbs Terrace, SHENTON PARK WA 6008
1A Brockway Road, MOUNT CLAREMONT WA 6010.
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3. Development of DAIP 2016-2020
The Disability Services Act Regulations 2004 set out the minimum consultation requirements for public authorities in relation to DAIPs: State Government Authorities must call for submissions (either general or specific) by notice in a statewide newspaper or on any website maintained by or on behalf of the State Government Authority. Other mechanisms may also be used.
Consequently, the development of the Department of Health DAIP 2016-2020 has been guided by consultation with the external and internal stakeholders. As part of the consultation process, feedback on the draft Department of Health DAIP 2016-2020 was also sought from staff with relevant expertise within the Department of Health and the Disability Services Commission.
To identify best practice, desktop research was also undertaken to review relevant corporate and non-clinical DAIPs and implementation plans. An analysis of previous DAIPs was also undertaken to identify strengths and weaknesses of existing plans, and identify strategies to support people with disability who access the WA heath system.
3.1. Consultation process
The Department of Health has a well-established practice of community consultation. The following strategies were used for this consultation process:
An advertisement was produced to invite comments from the community on how the Department of Health could improve access and inclusion for people with disability. The advertisement was distributed in various formats. These included:
o An advertisement was placed in The West Australian newspaper on Wednesday 1 June 2016.
o Notice of the advertisement was published on the Department of Health’s public website.
o All documentation was available in different formats upon request.
Members of the public and staff were invited to provide feedback to the Human Resource Services by telephone, email, in person or by submitting a separate written response.
A staff consultation process took place in June 2016 as follows: o A notification was published on the Department of Health internal staff website
(HealthPoint) encouraging staff to participate in an anonymous online survey seeking their feedback on the Department of Health’s access and inclusion for people with disability.
o An email was sent for circulation to each Directorate inviting staff feedback.
3.2 Findings of the consultation
Despite inviting feedback through an advertisement in The West Australian newspaper no comments were received from the public. The internal consultation process was well received with 72 staff surveys being completed. The consultation highlighted achievements and progress from the previous DAIP 2010-2015; as well as a range of issues to be addressed.
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4. The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2016-2020
As a result of the consultation process, the following outcomes and corresponding outcome strategies will guide the actions that the Department of Health will undertake from 2016 to 2020 to improve access to its services, buildings and information for people with disability.
The seven key outcomes provide a framework to improve access and inclusion for people with disability, their family and carers. The outcome area strategies will guide the implementation of the Department of Health’s DAIP 2016-2020. Each division within the Department of Health will be responsible for developing their own action plans to achieve the desired outcomes.
The Department of Health’s DAIP 2016-2020 focusses on seven key outcomes:
1. People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of, and any events organised by, the Department.
2. People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the buildings and other facilities of the Department of Health.
3. People with disability receive information from the Department of Health in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it.
4. People with disability receive the same level and quality of service from the staff of the Department of Health.
5. People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to the Department of Health.
6. People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation by the Department of Health.
7. People with disability are able to obtain and maintain employment with the Department of Health.
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DIAP 2016-2020 outcomes and overarching strategies
Outcome 1 People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of, and any events organised by, the Department of Health.
Strategy Timeline
Ensure that the objectives of the Department of Health’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2016-2020 are incorporated into strategic business planning and budgeting processes.
Ongoing
Ensure that all staff, agents and contractors who provide services to the Department of Health are aware of and conduct their business in accordance with the DAIP, the Disability Access and Inclusion Policy and relevant legislation.
Ongoing
Ensure tender documentation for procurement and contracts includes information regarding disability access requirements as per the DAIP.
Ongoing
Ensure that all events organised or promoted by the Department of Health are considerate of and accessible to people with disability.
Ongoing
Outcome 2 People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the buildings and other facilities of the Department of Health.
Strategy Timeline
Ensure that regular access audits of all buildings and facilities are undertaken.
Ongoing
Ensure that the needs of people with disability are considered in the purchasing of equipment (such as furniture) prior to any accommodation changes.
Ongoing
Ensure that all new or redevelopment works provide access to people with disability, where practicable.
Ongoing
Ensure fire wardens are trained in the evacuation procedures for people with disability.
Ongoing
Ensure all administration staff is aware of the facilities available to people with disability.
Ongoing
Ensure community groups are advised of the facilities available at the Department of Health for people with disability
Ongoing
Ensure that, when planning for people who have intellectual, cognitive or psychiatric disabilities, design and service provision considerations include:
need for clear signage
need for clear pathways through a building
provision of information with clear instructions
service provision through personal assistance
well-planned, uncluttered environments.
Ongoing
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Outcome 3 People with disability receive information from the Department of Health in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it.
Strategy Timeline
Ensure that the Department of Health’s internet and intranet websites meet W3C Web standards and are continually reviewed and updated to meet accessibility requirements.
Ongoing
Ensure that systems are in place to develop staff skills in writing clearly and concisely (in plain English) and writing accessible content for the web.
Ongoing
Ensure that staff is aware of the importance of understanding and complying with accessibility requirements when creating/writing publications and content for the web.
Ongoing
Ensure contractors and agents who provide services to the Department of Health are informed of their responsibilities under the current DAIP.
Ongoing
Ensure all Department of Health publications can be provided in alternative formats on request and promote and advertise this availability.
Ongoing
Outcome 4 People with disability receive the same level and quality of service from the staff of the Department of Health.
Strategy Timeline
Ensure that disability awareness training is available for all staff and include awareness information in induction and orientation process for all Department of Health staff.
Ongoing
Ensure that all internal and external training consultants adhere to the principles of the Disability Services Act 1993 and Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1993.
Ongoing
Ensure that the Department of Health’s policies and practices are inclusive and address the needs of people with disability.
Ongoing
Outcome 5 People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to the Department of Health.
Strategy Timeline
Ensure all members of the community, staff and contractors are aware of how they can make a complaint and the avenues available in relation to disability access and inclusion.
Ongoing
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Ensure that the complaint and feedback mechanisms are readily accessible for people with disability.
Ongoing
Ensure complaints related to access to participation in public consultation, decision-making and grievance procedures are resolved to the negotiated satisfaction of the complainant.
Ongoing
Outcome 6 People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation by the Department of Health.
Strategy Timeline
Ensure that public consultation provides equitable access to people with disability.
Ongoing
Ensure that contractors of the Department of Health who conduct public consultation are aware of the access and inclusion responsibilities
Ongoing
Ensure that people with disability and appropriate representation groups are included as part of the consultation process.
Ongoing
Outcome 7 People with disability are able to obtain and maintain employment with the Department of Health.
Strategy Timeline
Ensure that the systems and processes are in place within the Department of Health to build knowledge and understanding of inclusive employment practices.
Ongoing
Ensure that strategies to improve the attraction, recruitment and retention are inclusive and targeted to promote or encourage the employment of people with disability.
Ongoing
Ensure all advertising and recruitment processes are completed in accordance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 1993.
Ongoing
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5. Responsibility for implementing the DAIP 2016-2020
It is a requirement of the Disability Services Act 1993 that public authorities must take all practical measures to ensure that the DAIP is implemented by its officers, employees, agents and contractors.
The Director General and the Departmental Executive Committee (DEC) is responsible overall for compliance with the Disability Services Act 1993 and other relevant legislation. To ensure the Department of Health achieves the outcomes outlined in the DAIP 2016-2020, each division within the Department of Health is responsible for mapping and contributing to the DAIP Implementation Plan 2016-2020.
The Department of Health’s People and Organisational Development unit is responsible for managing the DAIP 2016-2020 planning and implementation process, as well as oversee and coordinate the review and evaluation of the DAIP Implementation Plan 2016-2020.
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6. Communicating the DAIP 2016-2020
The DAIP will be communicated to the community, contractors and staff of the Department of Health by publication on the internet, intranet and by email. Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that all staff without an email address has alternative access to the DAIP. A notification will be published in The West Australian newspaper advising the public that the Department of Health current DAIP and the DAIP Implementation Plan 2016-2020 is available on the Department of Health’s website with different formats accessible upon request to the Department of Health’s People and Organisational Development unit. Feedback obtained will be used to update the DAIP Implementation Plan 2016-20, as appropriate.
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7. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the DAIP 2016-2020
The Department of Health’s People and Organisational Development team will ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the DAIP 2016-2020 to ensure compliance with the requirement of the Disability Services Act 1993 and other relevant legislation. Each division within the Department of Health will be required to contribute to the DAIP Implementation Plan 2016-2020 to ensure the DAIP 2016-2020 outcomes are achieved at a local level.
Regular reviews will enable the Department of Health to assess whether strategies are appropriate, achievable and effective and will assist with amending and improving strategies to achieve the desired outcomes of the DAIP. The DAIP Implementation Plan 2016-2020 may be amended on a more frequent basis to reflect progress and address any access and/or inclusion issues that may arise.
In the event that the Department of Health’s current DAIP is amended, a copy of the amended plan will be lodged with the Disability Services Commission. The Department of Health’s DAIP will be reviewed at least every five years, in accordance with the Act.
The Department of Health will report on the implementation of its DAIP through its annual report and the prescribed progress report template to the Disability Services Commission by 30 June each year. It will outline:
progress towards the desired outcomes of its DAIP
progress of its agents and contractors towards meeting the outcomes of its DAIP
strategies used to inform its agents and contractors of its DAIP through associated procurement and contract documentation.
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8. Achievements from the previous DAIP 2010-2015
Since July 2015, the Department of Health has implemented many initiatives and made significant progress towards achieving better access and inclusion for people with disability. The achievements under the previous DAIP 2010-2015 include:
Outcome 1 People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of, and any events organised by a public authority.
In the planning of any events internal or external to Department of Health buildings, consideration and planning is undertaken to ensure venues selected are compliant with recommended guidelines relevant to access, egress and ease of movement within the building, parking arrangements, transport and travel to and from the building.
Action has been taken to ensure that all community groups have been advised of the facilities available for people with disability and this communication has been provided in clear and concise language and made available in alternate formats.
The Department of Health complies with the WA health system policy 'Delivering Information in Accordance with the State Government Access Policy'. All written and communication materials can be provided in alternate formats for people with disability as required and translators provided if required. All public documents on the Department of Health website are in a PDF format that allows users to view the reports in large print format. Information can be made available in alternate formats including large font, spoken word cassette, disk and Braille as requested.
It is a requirement of all Service Level Agreements between the Department of Health and the non-government organisation sector that disability access and inclusion plans are stipulated and mandated.
Outcome 2 People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the buildings and other facilities of a public authority.
All Department of Health buildings and facilities are accessible to people with disability. All public areas of the Department of Health are accessible to wheelchairs and modified vehicles with access ramps and lifts available to all levels of the building.
Concierge services and dedicated ACROD parking bays are available to members of the public or staff with disability or their family/carers who may require assistance.
The Department of Health has continued to:
Monitor access to the building to ensure ease of access for people with disability.
Ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia and the Advisory Notes on Access to Premises prepared by the Human Rights and Equal Rights Commission and the Disability
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Discrimination Act 1992, when new works to buildings or facilities were undertaken.
Ensure fire wardens are trained in evacuation procedures for people with disability.
In addition, improvements have been undertaken at Grace Vaughan House with the aim of providing universal access and the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network, which has services which operate out of metropolitan and rural hospitals, continues to ensure that these services adhere to the guidelines in place within these hospitals and are fully accessible to people with disability.
Outcome 3 People with disability receive information from a public authority in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it.
The Department of Health is committed to ensuring that people with disability, their families and carers are able to fully access information in the public health system.
The Department of Health complies with the WA health system policy on 'Delivering Information in Accordance with the State Government Access Policy' and the Department of Health website has been designed to meet the State Government's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to AA+ level and the WA Health Communications Policy. The Department of Health Communication Style Guide and the Language Services Policy is reviewed on an on-going basis, to provide direction to health professionals and other staff, to enable clear communication with consumers and carers and to assist in managing health, legal and other risks that may arise in the delivery of health services to people with no or limited English proficiency including people who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment.
The Public Health Division purchases the delivery of a number of statewide health promotion campaigns and programs under service agreements with the not-for-profit community sector. Where contracts involve the supply of services to the public, providers are required to implement the Department of Health’s DAIP, and to report on the extent to which this has been achieved in their annual reporting (schedule 6 of all service agreements). All service agreements include the requirement to ensure web based information meets disability access guidelines, and where practicable, closed captioning is applied to television advertising.
Outcome 4 People with disability receive the same level and quality of service from the staff of a public authority as other people receive from the staff of that public authority.
Delivering information and services is undertaken in accordance with the State Government Access Policy and the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan to ensure the Department of Health continually reviews and maintains a consistent level of service to all staff and members of the public.
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Employees are made aware of the facilities that are available to people with disability within its buildings as part of site inductions and orientations, and the Department of Health continues to provide training and educates staff about working with, and providing services to, people with disability.
Telehealth services within WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network have been provided for patients to allow access to required clinical consultancy services with minimal risk to the patient. Telehealth service uses videoconferencing equipment to enable clinical consultations to take place across two or more locations in the State.
Outcome 5 People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to a public authority.
The Department of Health's Complaint Management Policy outlines the processes for all consumers, patients and carers to make a complaint about the care they receive in a state public hospital. People with disability are provided with the same access to a complaints management process with complaints being able to be lodged via written correspondence, web-based forms, email, and telephone or in person.
All complaints are fully investigated and the outcome provided in a relevant and accessible format.
Outcome 6 People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation by a public authority.
The WA community has the opportunity and is encouraged to participate in public consultation. Consultation with consumer groups inclusive of individuals and groups representing specific disability areas, their families and carers is undertaken to ensure that barriers to inclusion or participation are addressed.
Public consultation is advertised through a range of media and where appropriate includes a range of stakeholders representing patients/consumers (e.g. Health Consumers Council). Additionally, various steering committees managed by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer include consumer/patient representation.
Wherever possible, any public consultation is held in a wheelchair accessible environment to assist people with disability to access and attend meetings.
Feedback provided from public consultations on the delivery format and suitability of venues is used to inform the planning of future events.
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Outcome 7 People with disability have the same access as other people to employment opportunities in a public authority.
The Department of Health adheres to and complies with its key guiding documents such as the WA health system’s Equity and Diversity Strategy 2015-2020 and Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy and Procedure which includes the Public Sector Commission Disability Employment Strategy and Disability Employment Toolkit, to ensure that all recruitment and selection is undertaken in a consistent, open and transparent manner and is inclusive in its approach. Training is provided to those participating in selection processes to ensure full understanding of the relevant Public Sector standards, legislation and regulations including those which relate to disability discrimination. In line with section 5.2.3 of the Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy, modifications are made to the assessment process to meet the individual needs of people with disability, where necessary and reasonable to do so.
Consistent with the Disability Access and Inclusion Policy and in the promotion of an environment where information, services and facilities are readily accessible to employees with disability, the Department of Health has taken steps to review and monitor workplace accessibility on a regular basis, provide additional support as required and ensure that colleagues in the workplace are aware of any specific needs of their co-workers and adapt their work practices as required; including tailoring their methods of delegation and giving instruction to staff members with learning disability. The Department of Health also ensures that any reasonable adjustments are made to work environment and engages appropriate external support as required.
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9. Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Feedback
The Department of Health welcomes feedback on any access issues the community, members of staff or contractors may have encountered with our services or facilities.
The primary contact officer for questions or feedback on the Department of Health’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan is the Manager, People and Organisational Development, Strategic Business Support.
A Feedback form has been designed as a simple way to advise of any access issues experienced. Alternatively, feedback can be given using the contact details provided below.
Disability access and inclusion feedback should be provided to:
Manager, People and Organisational Development Strategic Business Support Purchasing and System Performance Division
(08) 9222 2196
Fax (08) 9222 2108
PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849
Department of Health, Level 3, 189 Royal Street, EAST PERTH WA 6004
13 36 77 National Relay Service (NRS) for the hearing impaired.
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10. Supporting documents
Accessibility, Disability Services Commission, Government of WA http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/understanding-disability1/understanding-disability/accessibility/
Disability Access and Inclusion Plans Resource Manual for Local Government, Disability Services Commission, Government of WA http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/business-and-government1/business-and-
government/disability-access-and-inclusion-plans/steps-for-developing-a-
daip/
Disability Services Commission Access and Inclusion Resource Kit
http://www.disability.wa.gov.au/business-and-government1/business-and-
government/disability-access-and-inclusion-plans/implementing-your-
daip/access-and-inclusion-resource-kit/
WA Health Disability Access & Inclusion Policy OD 0586/15 http://www.health.wa.gov.au/circularsnew/circular.cfm?Circ_ID=13191
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This document can be made available in alternative formats on request for a person with a disability.
© Department of Health 2016
Copyright to this material is vested in the State of Western Australia unless otherwise indicated. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced or re-used for any purposes whatsoever without written permission of the State of Western Australia.
