Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2014 – 2019

Message from the Director GeneralThe Department of Local Government and Communities (the department) is committed to achieving the State Government’s vision for a better quality of life for all West Australians.

This commitment includes people with disability who use the services and facilities provided by the department, local governments and community service organisations.

The department’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2014-2019, identifies a number of key strategies that will be undertaken over the next five years to address the needs of people with a disability.

These strategies will ensure that all West Australians are able to access our facilities, employment, services and programs.

I have great pleasure in presenting the department’s DAIP, which focuses on improving access and inclusion, so all members of the community can participate equally.

Jennifer Mathews

Director General

ContentsMessage from the Director General.............................................................................2

Department of Local Government and Communities Overview...................................4

Our purpose.............................................................................................................5

Our role....................................................................................................................5

Values guiding our work..........................................................................................5

Our partners.............................................................................................................6

Structure of the department.....................................................................................7

Disability defined......................................................................................................8

People with disability in Western Australia............................................................8

Planning for better access and inclusion.................................................................9

Access and inclusion policy statement..................................................................10

Our commitment to access and inclusion..............................................................10

Development of the DAIP 2014-2019....................................................................11

Implementation of the DAIP 2014-2019.................................................................12

Strategies to improve access and inclusion...........................................................13

Disability Services Act 1993 Schedule 1 - Principles applicable to people with disability..............................................................................................................18

AcknowledgementsThe Department of Local Government and Communities acknowledges the input received from staff and many individuals and groups within the community, which has been invaluable in the preparation of this DAIP.

Department of Local Government and Communities OverviewThe department was established on 1 July 2013 with a clear mandate to deliver tangible outcomes in local communities.

The department provides leadership and advice to local governments throughout Western Australia, including those in the Indian Ocean Territories. It also has a key role in promoting and supporting good governance in the sector through its administration of the Local Government Act 1995.

In addition, the Education and Care Services National Law (WA) Act 2012 and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2012 are administered through the department’s Education and Care Regulatory Unit.

A key focus for the department is on building closer collaboration and stronger partnerships between the State Government, local governments and community service organisations. This will support all members of Western Australian communities with a departmental focus on seniors, young people, women, volunteers, children and families and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The department has a key role in improving families’ capacity to support the wellbeing of their children through the provision of, and support for, programs and services for parents including programs to support parenting and early development in Aboriginal children.

Over 140 different community organisations across the State will benefit from funding provided by the department to support a range of community services.

The department plays a key role in supporting WA’s local governments to plan for strong and sustainable communities, as well as in promoting good governance and regulation and supporting the childhood education and care sector.

One of the department’s major priorities is implementing the reform agenda for Perth’s metropolitan local governments. This will ensure that local governments are well placed to deliver services and meet the needs of their communities into the future.

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Our purposeTo deliver tangible outcomes in local communities.

Our role“Making a difference for local communities”

The Department of Local Government and Communities aims to achieve the best possible outcomes for Western Australian communities by:

Strengthening and supporting the local government and community service sectors

Encouraging and supporting older people to live full and active lives Encouraging and supporting young people to engage in community life Strengthening parenting and enriching the lives of children and families Supporting volunteering in the community Recognising and supporting the valued contribution of carers Identifying and addressing the unique issues faced by women Strengthening and supporting cultural diversity in communities.

Values guiding our work

LeadershipWe will demonstrate leadership across government.

InnovationWe will be proactive and respond to changing community requirements by directing our resources, knowledge and skills to supporting creative community solutions.

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CollaborationWe will build connections, networks and partnerships and engage within government, across sectors and agencies to ensure co-ordination and delivery to the community.

Respect and integrityWe will practice ethical behaviour and be open and honest in our work.

DiversityWe will recognise and value diversity in our workplace and in our community.

CommitmentWe will strive for excellence and be committed to making a difference for communities.

Our partnersWe work with our partners building strong relationships to ensure local outcomes for communities of interest and communities of place.

Commonwealth, State and Local Governments Community services sector Business and industry State Government’s Partnership Forum

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Structure of the departmentThe department is structured into the following four directorates and the Office of the Director General:

Sector regulation and supportThe Sector Regulation and Support Division provides advice and support to local governments and communities in relation to compliance with and understanding of the administered legislation; approves, monitors and supports early childhood education and care services; contributes to the development and implementation of the Council on Australian Government’s National Quality Agenda for education and care services in WA; assists with the administration of the Local Government Advisory Board, Local Government Standards Panel and Local Government Grants Commission; and administers, reviews and develops legislation in addition to processing statutory approvals within the department’s portfolio legislation, and the provision of internal legal services.

Community building and servicesThe Community Building and Services Division provides grant funding for services that build strong communities. It also undertakes strategy development, advice and coordination, research, analysis and planning in the areas of seniors, volunteering, women, youth, carers, early years, families, children, veterans and local government. The division delivers a range of programs and services focusing on parenting and Aboriginal early childhood. The WA Seniors Card Centre is housed within the division and provides WA seniors with access to a range of payments, rebates and concessions. Metropolitan local government reform is also led by the division.

Corporate servicesThe Corporate Services Division manages the overall delivery of corporate services including financial management, human resource management, asset management and accommodation, information and communication technology and corporate governance and compliance.

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Office of multicultural interestsThe Office of Multicultural Interests develops strategies that include everyone—culturally diverse communities, the wider community, business and industry groups, government and non-government agencies—to help develop a society that values and maximises the benefits of its cultural diversity. Its strategies assist organisations to develop policies, programs and services that are accessible and responsive to the needs of a diverse community.

Office of the Director GeneralThe Office of the Director General has overall responsibility for the formulation of policies and oversight of activities to ensure compliance with strategic priorities. The Office comprises of corporate communications, community relations including event management and ministerial support in addition to executive support to the Director General.

Disability definedA disability is any continuing condition that restricts everyday activities. The Disability Services Act 1993 (the Act) defines “disability” as meaning a disability:

which is attributable to an intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments

which is permanent or likely to be permanent

which may or may not be of a chronic or episodic nature which may result in:

- substantially reduced capacity of the person for communication, social interaction, learning or mobility; and

- a need for continuing support services

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People with disability in Western AustraliaAccording to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (2012), 4.2 million people (18.5%) in Australia identify themselves as having some form of disability. In 2009 in Western Australia, this figure was 17.4% of the total population.

The survey also found that approximately 12% of Australians are involved in caring for a person with a disability or an older person. In Western Australia this figure is 11.5%.

WA People with Disabilities

WA Carers

Other West Australians

Planning for better access and inclusionDisability affects one third of the Western Australian population1. It is a requirement of the (the Act) that all public authorities develop and implement a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). The DAIP must outline the ways in which the public authority will provide people with disability the same opportunities as others to access services, facilities, information and employment.

Other legislation underpinning access and inclusion includes:

The Western Australia Equal Opportunity Act 1984 The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1993

1 Disability Services Commission

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The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilit ies

Access and inclusion policy statementThe department will ensure that people with disability, their families and carers are able to access the department’s services, facilities, information and employment. It will provide them with the same opportunities, rights and responsibilities enjoyed by all other people in the community.

The strategies in this DAIP demonstrate the department’s commitment to address the needs of people with disability.

Our commitment to access and inclusionThe department will continually improve access and inclusion for people with disability, their families and carers through the development and implementation of this DAIP. The strategies for this DAIP identifies key areas where access and inclusion can be further improved in line with the seven desired outcomes of the Disability Services Regulations 2004 Schedule 3 (r 8).

These outcomes are that: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.

3. People with disability receive information from the department 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 as other people receive from the staff of the department.

5. People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to the department.

6. People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation undertaken by the department.

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7. People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to obtain and maintain employment with the department

Development of the DAIP 2014-2019

Responsibility for the planning processThe department established a Disability Access and Inclusion Planning Committee in 2014, comprising one representative from each division of the department including human resources to oversee the development, implementation, review and evaluation of the plan.

Community consultation processIn 2014, the department undertook to consult with key stakeholders and draft a DAIP to guide access and inclusion improvements.

The process included:

examination of relevant department documents and strategies;

investigation of contemporary trends and good practice in access and inclusion;

consultation with key staff; and

consultation with the community.

The Disability Services Act Regulations 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 state newspaper or on any website maintained by or on behalf of the State Government authority. Other mechanisms may also be used.

The department has a well-established practice of community consultation in all of its programs. The following strategies were used in the consultation:

Placed an advertisement in the public notices section of the West Australian Newspaper on 17 September 2014 calling for public submission on the department’s DAIP.

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Invited community members, department staff and contractors to provide comments and suggestions on the department’s DAIP through an advertisement on the department’s internet and intranet.

Made available a questionnaire in a variety of formats and on the department’s website from September to October 2014.

Encouraged the community to contact departmental officers during September to October 2014 to discuss some of the difficulties they were experiencing in accessing the department’s services.

Findings of the consultationThe feedback received during the consultation process highlighted the importance of:

Department staff, including contractors and consultants, may not be fully aware or have confidence to provide the same level of service to people with disabilities.

Elements of the department’s website and intranet may require changes and improvements to best meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Regular reviews of key policies to ensure the requirements of people with a disability are fully considered.

Some regional buildings/facilities may not be accessible to all customers and stakeholders.

Events may not always be held in a manner and location that best facilities the participation of people with disabilities.

Implementation of the DAIP 2014-2019

Responsibility for implementing the DAIPIt is a requirement of the Act that the department takes all practical measures to ensure the DAIP is implemented by its officers, employees, volunteers, agents and contractors.

Implementation of the DAIP is the responsibility of all areas of the department. The Office of the Director General will coordinate the overall implementation of the DAIP.

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Communicating the DAIPIn early October 2014 the department sent copies of the draft DAIP to all those who contributed to the planning process for feedback. In mid-October 2014 the plan was finalised and formally endorsed by the department’s corporate executive.

The endorsed DAIP will then be communicated through:

the department’s website and intranet

a notice placed in the West Australian newspaper

the department’s online newsletter subscription services

Director General’s Report.

Copies of the DAIP will also be available upon request in alternative formats such as hard copy format in both large and standard print, electronic format (disk or emailed), audio or braille and the department’s website.

Monitoring the implementation progressThe DAIP will be monitored by the Reference Group to review the progress of the implementation of the strategies identified therein.

A detailed implementation plan has been developed to track specific actions against the strategies outlined to meet each desired outcome of Schedule 3 (r. 8).

In accordance with the requirements of the Act, the department will submit a report to the Disability Services Commission by July each year, on the implementation and progress of the desired outcomes of the DAIP. Reporting on progress of the DAIPs in the department’s annual report for each financial year.

Strategies to improve access and inclusionThe recommended strategies relating to specific DAIP outcomes are informed by the review and consultation. The following strategies will guide the activities that the department will undertake from 2014-2019 to improve access to our services, buildings and information.

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Outcome 1:People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of, and any events organised by the department.

Strategy

1.1 Establish a DAIP Reference Group to guide the development and implementation of DAIP activities.

1.2 Establish an implementation plan to monitor the progress of the DAIP.

1.3 Ensure that staff, volunteers, agents and contractors are aware of, and comply with, the requirements of the DAIP.

1.4 Increase opportunities for people with disability and their families to engage with the department in respect of decisions that affect them.

1.5 Ensure events and activities organised by the department are accessible for people with disability.

Outcome 2: People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the buildings and other facilities of the department.

Strategy

2.1 Ensure that the department’s buildings and facilities are accessible to, and meet the needs of people with disability where possible, including reception areas and future premises leased by the department.

2.2 Ensure signage is clear, easy to understand and meets the needs of people with disability.

2.3 Ensure where possible, adequate parking to meet the needs of people with disability in terms of quantity and location.

2.4 Ensure timely implementation of feedback about access from employees, visitors, key stakeholders, contractors and volunteers.

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2.5 Ensure OSH procedures are in place to safeguard people with disability in the workplace, in the event of a fire, evacuation or other critical incident or while attending an event organised by the department.

Outcome 3: People with disability receive information from the department in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it.

Strategy

3.1 Ensure all new content meets Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level A accessibility standards. Legacy documents to be identified and updated as required. Ensure all new development meets minimum accessibility levels.

3.2 In accordance with the Western Australian Language Services Policy 2014 and guidelines – plan for, fund and deliver language services (such as interpreters and translated documents) to meet the needs of people who are not able to communicate effectively in written and/or spoken English.

3.3 Provide an interpreter when needed free of charge to the client and ensure interpreters are certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) or tertiary qualified (preferably both).

3.4 Ensure publications, templates and relevant documentation are available in alternative formats and accessible to people with disability.

3.5 Participate as a member of the WA Government Web Accessibility Reference Group.

Outcome 4: People with disability receive the same level and quality of service from the staff of the department as other people receive from the staff of the department.

Strategy

4.1 Ensure staff and volunteers are adequately trained in respect to service provision, OSH, signage and accessibility for people with disability.

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4.2 Ensure disability awareness training across the department and for new employees as part of their induction/orientation process and including the use of the National Relay Service and engaging of interpreters.

4.3 Ensure disability awareness information is communicated to key stakeholders, contractors and volunteers and updated as required to support their work.

4.4 Continue to provide advice on the department’s access and inclusion practices through the Office of the Director General.

Outcome 5:People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to the department.

Strategy

5.1 Ensure the department’s complaints management system processes are accessible for people with disability and that those systems are reviewed annually.

5.2 Ensure staff are adequately trained to facilitate and process the complaints received from people with disability.

Outcome 6:People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation by the department.

Strategy

6.1 Establish appropriate protocols to support community consultation and participation from people with disability.

6.2 Ensure information regarding the consultation is available in alternative formats for people with disability, upon request.

6.3 Provide adequate notice of timings and appropriate support to people with disability who may be directly involved in a consultation process.

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Outcome 7: People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access departmental employment (recruitment and retention practices).

Strategy

7.1 Develop innovative strategies to improve the attraction, recruitment and retention of people with disability.

7.2 Provide appropriate training to staff and selection panels on how to communicate with people with disability.

7.3 Ensure the department’s recruitment policies, procedures, templates and language format are accessible to people with disability

7.4 Ensure all documents and information requests relating to employment from people with disability are promptly made available in alternative formats upon request.

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Disability Services Act 1993 Schedule 1 - Principles applicable to people with disability1. People with disability have the inherent right to respect for their human worth and

dignity.

2. People with disability, whatever the origin, nature, type or degree of disability, have the same basic human rights as other members of society and should be enabled to exercise those basic human rights.

3. People with disability have the same rights as other members of society to realise their individual capacities for physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development.

4. People with disability have the same right as other members of society to services which will support their attaining a reasonable quality of life in a way that also recognises the role and needs of their families and carers.

5. People with disability have the same right as other members of society to participate in, direct and implement the decisions which affect their lives.

6. People with disability have the same right as other members of society to receive services in a manner that results in the least restriction of their rights and opportunities.

7. People with disability have the same right as other members of society to pursue any grievance concerning services.

8. People with disability have the right to access the type of services and supports that they believe are most appropriate to meet their needs.

9. People with disability who reside in rural and regional areas have a right, as far as is reasonable to expect, to have access to similar services provided to people with disability who reside in the metropolitan area.

10.People with disability have a right to an environment free from neglect, abuse, intimidation and exploitation.

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Disclaimer: The information and advice within this document is provided voluntarily by Department of Local Government and Communities as a public service organisation. The information and advice is provided in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of this document. The reader of this document should satisfy him or herself concerning its application to their situation. The State of Western Australia, the Department of Local Government and Communities and their officers expressly disclaim liability for any act or omission occurring in reliance on this document or for any consequences of such act or omission. Current as at October 2014.

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The Department of Local Government and Communities’ DAIP is available for viewing and download from the department’s website: www.dlgc.wa.gov.au

For more information, please contact:

Postal Address: GPO Box R1250PERTH WA 6844

Street Address: Department of Local Government and CommunitiesLevel 2 Gordon Stephenson House140 William StreetPERTH WA 6000

Telephone: (08) 6551 87001800 620 511 (Country freecall)

Fax: (08) 6552 1555

Email: daip@dlgc.wa.gov.au

Web: www.dlgc.wa.gov.au

Hearing Impaired: 13 36 77 National Relay Service (NRS)Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) 13 14 50

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