National Disability Strategy – NSW Implementation … Disability Strategy NSW Implementation Plan...

National Disability Strategy

NSW Implementation Plan 2012–2014

Creating a more inclusive NSW

2 | National Disability Strategy NSW Implementation Plan

Foreword I have been privileged to talk with many people with disability and their family and carers about what they want in their lives and what makes it difficult. I have heard stories of achievement and great love, resilience, courage and humour. I have also heard about the hurt, frustration and disadvantage caused by social exclusion.

The NSW Government is committed to shifting the structural and attitudinal barriers that have impacted on the lives of those with disability. This National Disability Strategy NSW Implementation Plan 2012–2014 represents the first plan that captures the NSW priorities and actions across government to promote inclusion for people with disability.

The NSW plan recognises the importance of ensuring access to mainstream services and opportunities so that people with disability enjoy the same rights and opportunities that others take for granted including access to education, entertainment, health, transport and housing.

Effecting significant change in the way things are done does not rely solely on Government. Local organisations, councils, businesses, neighbours and friends all have an important role in strengthening communities. Future NSW disability plans will need to reflect more diverse partnerships and an inclusive community.

The NSW Government recognises the challenge of responding to community needs and deliver to what people with disability require and are entitled to. Equity is only possible if people with disability are empowered and supported by mainstream and specialist disability service providers. The NSW plan complements the implementation of Stronger Together 2 and the first stage launch sites for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

I am pleased to launch the NSW plan to implement the National Disability Strategy in NSW. It demonstrates the O’Farrell Government’s commitment to fairness and addressing the social disadvantage experienced by people with disability and how this is the responsibility of all NSW Government departments. The NSW plan is an important step in making NSW a better place for us to live.

Andrew Constance Minister for Disability Services

National Disability Strategy NSW Implementation Plan | 3

ContentsForeword 2

1 Introduction and purpose of plan 4

2 Background 9

About the NDS 9

About the NSW plan 10

About the plan’s development 11

About the plan’s structure 12

NSW Disability Action Plans 13

3 Overarching NSW strategies 14

4 NSW priorities and actions 2012–2014 16

➊ Inclusive and accessible communities 17

➋ Rights protection, justice and legislation 24

➌ Economic security 29

➍ Personal and community support 33

➎ Learning and skills development 38

➏ Health and wellbeing 43

5 Putting the plan into action 48

Participating Departments 50

Acronyms 50

Definitions 50


1 Introduction and purpose of planDisability is an issue that affects not only the four million Australians with disability, but also their families, carers and the broader community. There are 1.3 million people in NSW with disability, of which 420,000 have a severe or profound disability that affects their ability to communicate, get around and care for themselves.

This plan is the NSW Government’s initial response to implementing the National Disability Strategy (NDS), a 10 year Council of Australian Governments (COAG) commitment to improve the lives of people with disability across Australia. The plan builds on existing NSW disability reforms and includes new initiatives that support the Government’s commitment to providing people with disability and their families and carers with greater choice and control over their lives by introducing self directed supports and individualised budgets.

Importantly, the plan demonstrates the NSW commitment to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Convention) (see highlight box on page 5). It documents how the Government will remove barriers that prevent people with disability from exercising their rights as equal and valued members of the community. This requires planning that takes account of a person’s life journey, as well as their families and carers.

Photo courtesy of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT


The goal of the NSW plan is to create a more inclusive NSW, where mainstream services and community facilities are accessible to people with disability, enabling them to achieve their full potential. Included on page 8 are some quotations from people with disability describing what inclusion means for them.

Specialist disability support will also be reformed to enable those who need it to exercise choice and control in the way they receive services. Consistent with the aims of the NDS, the NSW plan recognises that not all people with disability are alike and that they have specific needs, priorities and perspectives based on their personal circumstances.

The successful implementation of the NDS will require action and engagement from all NSW Government agencies. It will also require the support and commitment of Local Government and non-government and business groups to meet the 10 year goals.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

In 2008 the Australian Government committed the nation to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Convention emphasises that people with disability have the same human rights as all other people. It commits participating governments to take all necessary steps to ensure these rights can be effectively exercised and that as far as possible barriers to their exercise are removed.

Implementing rights under the Convention is not limited to the provision of specialist services to people with disability. It requires a commitment to ensure that mainstream services are provided in a way that does not directly or indirectly discriminate against people with disability’s full participation along with other people. This focus on mainstream access means that all levels of government, as well as other parts of the community, have a role to play in delivering the Convention’s articles.

The Convention identifies political, civil, social, economic and cultural rights and sets out the means of ensuring that people with disability can exercise these rights.

The six NDS policy areas (see page 9), and the majority of the NDS NSW implementation plan priorities and actions reflect the broad scope of the Convention. Each section of the NSW plan (see Section 4) references the relevant Convention articles to demonstrate these links.


Inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in NSW

The prevalence of disability amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander* people is significantly higher than the general population. Until recently the prevalence of disability in Aboriginal communities has been only anecdotally reported. However a report by the Commonwealth Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision made the following conclusions:

Nationally the proportion of the Indigenous population 15 years and over, reporting disability or long term health condition was 37 per cent (102,900 people). The proportions were similar in remote and non-remote areas. This measure of disability does not specifically include people with a psychological disability.

Historically, much of the focus on Aboriginal people with disability has been from a health perspective. Whilst essential, particularly in terms of determining primary health interventions, this perspective has come at the cost of failing to recognise the social aspects of Aboriginal people with disability. Aboriginal people with disability are significantly under-represented on a population basis in beneficial social programs, including health, community and disability services. The fact remains that the needs of the vast majority of Aboriginal people with disability remain unmet.


It is important to remember that discussions about disability in Aboriginal communities focus on human rights and resultant entitlements, not on the traditional labels of disability. The most effective and culturally appropriate way to achieve true engagement with Aboriginal people is to consult with them in their own communities. Cultural learning principles should be applied in all engagements with Aboriginal people, in that people learn from each other as distinct from a ‘teacher/ student’ relationship. It is acknowledged that most departments, agencies and/or organisations may have individual policy statements when working with Aboriginal people and their communities. It is recommended that these are included in all staff induction packages and training materials.

Aboriginal people said:

“ we want to get to know people first”

– the meaning being they just don’t want someone visiting, providing a service and then leaving. They want to build a personal rapport. Aboriginal people are suspicious of people who arrive at their homes unannounced or with no introductions.

“blackfella way is to always be available”

– the implication being that the clock off at 5pm approach is not appropriate for effective service delivery.

More information can be found at:

www.adnnsw.org.au: ‘Telling it Like it Is’, report on community consultations with Aboriginal people with disability and their associates throughout NSW, 2004–2005.

www.adhc.nsw.gov.au: Living Life My Way Consultations with Aboriginal Communities Report, 2012.

www.pc.gov.au/gsp/indigenous: Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Key Indicators 2005 Report, Commonwealth Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision.

* The term Aboriginal is used to make the document easier to read, recognising that the strategy refers to both Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.

http://www.adnnsw.org.au

http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au

http://www.pc.gov.au


What community inclusion means to people with disability

Community inclusion means...

“Inclusion becomes seamless, where people

are welcoming of diversity and there is no need to

apologise”

“Employment does not only

provide people with an income, it also raises self esteem, gives a sense of

achievement and the satisfaction that they are a contributing member of

society”

“People, especially

children, have learnt to value

each other on an equal basis”

“Being

there, belonging and being missed when you are not

there”

“Respecting a person’s ability to do

things”

“When I no longer

have to explain what happened

to me”

“People

will choose to include

themselves”

“Not having

to say sorry for having a disability or for inconveniencing people because I do

things differently”

“People

stop staring”

“Disability is so widely

understood in the community that

nobody has to ask what disability is”

“In a socially

inclusive community, people will go up to a

person with disability and talk to them, have welcoming neighbours,

and be able to take the kids anywhere”

“In a socially inclusive school,

children will know to look out for and help

other children who may be struggling to join in”


2 Background

About the NDS

In February 2011, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed the National Disability Strategy 2010–2020. The NDS outlines a 10 year plan to improve the lives of Australians with disability, promote participation, and create a more inclusive society. It has a vision of ‘an inclusive Australian society that enables people with disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens’.

The NDS focuses on six policy areas that require a whole-of-government, whole-of-life approach to disability planning and service delivery:

➊ Inclusive and accessible communities The physical environment including public transport; parks, building and

housing; digital information and communications technologies; civic life including social, sporting, recreational and cultural life.

➋Rights protection, justice and legislation Statutory protections such as anti-discrimination measures, complaints

mechanisms, advocacy, the electoral and justice systems.

➌Economic security Jobs, business opportunities, financial independence, adequate income

support for those not able to work and housing.

➍Personal and community support Inclusion and participation in the community, person centred care and

support provided by specialist disability services and mainstream services; informal care and support.

➎Learning and skills Early childhood education and care, schools, further education, vocational

education; transition from education to employment; life-long learning.

➏Health and wellbeing Health services, health promotions and the interactions between health

and disability systems; wellbeing and enjoyment of life.

The COAG Standing Council on Community and Disability Services will report to COAG regarding progress on implementing the strategy every two years.


About the NSW plan

The NSW Government resolved to develop a NSW implementation plan to complement the national NDS commitments and planning. This was communicated to all NSW Ministers and Departmental heads in August 20111.

The NSW plan builds on the Government’s directions and commitments as outlined in NSW 2021, which aims to strengthen the NSW skill base, improve customer service experience, keep people healthy, break the cycle of disadvantage, make it easier for people to be involved in their communities, and enhance cultural, creative, sporting and recreation opportunities.

NSW 2021 also outlines a commitment to increase opportunities for people with disability by providing support tailored to the individual that will allow them to realise their potential. To implement this, the Government has committed to:

■ place people with disability, their families and carers at the forefront of decision making regarding their needs and aspirations through self directed supports and individualised budgets

■ increase participation of people with disability in employment or further education

■ increase the proportion of people (aged five years and over) with severe and profound disability involved in activities outside the home.

The NSW plan builds on the State’s strong foundations in disability, including a range of legislation, policy frameworks and inquiries across government. It supports the intent of Stronger Together 2: A new direction for disability services in NSW 2011–2016 to increase the opportunities for people to exercise more choice and control over their supports and funding arrangements, using a person centred and lifespan approach in service planning and delivery.

Important foundations that have shaped the NSW approach to the NDS include the:

■ Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA)2 and the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, which recognise the rights of people with disability to be treated equally before the law and making it unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s disability. Standards arising from the DDA, including for education, transport and premises are also in place or being systematically developed.

■ NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010, which includes a Carers Charter to recognise the role and contribution of carers to our community and to the people they care for.

■ NSW Disability Services Act 1993, which requires all NSW government departments to develop a Disability Action Plan (DAP) (see highlight box on page 13).

The priorities and actions listed in Sections 3 and 4 relate to the NSW Government’s initial phase of implementation under the NDS for the 2012–2014 period. Further implementation plans will build on this until the strategy’s conclusion in 2020.

The NSW plan will guide the NSW Government in its implementation of the NDS. A more detailed baseline report with measures against each action will be developed to complement this plan. The baseline report will be made public in early 2013.

1 NSW Premier’s Memorandum (M2011–15) 2011.2 The NDS NSW implementation plan has been linked to standards arising from the National DDA including:

Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (2002); Disability Standards for Education (2005); and Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards (2010).


About the plan’s development

Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) was the lead agency responsible for the development of the NDS NSW implementation plan, in collaboration with the Department of Premier and Cabinet and The Treasury.

To ensure that the NSW plan reflects a whole-of-government approach, ADHC formed the NSW Interdepartmental Implementation Committee (NIIC) comprising senior representation from all NSW government departments. The NIIC is responsible for overseeing the plan and ensuring it is integrated with other government commitments, including COAG commitments and NSW 2021 initiatives, and reforms to disability action planning.

Between October 2011 and July 2012, ADHC facilitated a number of targeted NDS-related communication and consultation initiatives, primarily with existing disability consultative groups. These activities informed the priorities and actions for inclusion in the NSW plan. In addition, feedback from extensive consultations on Stronger Together 2 and person centred approaches has been reviewed to identify priority issues relevant to the NDS.

The Strategy and Policy Division in FACS will be leading the implementation of the NSW plan. FACS is committed to ongoing engagement with the disability sector. There will be ongoing engagement through government planning processes with people with disability, their families and carers and other interested parties to inform the implementation of this plan and the development of subsequent plans.

While this plan represents a combined, whole-of-government effort to implement the NDS in NSW, it does not preclude other disability reforms or developments being implemented. It is anticipated that individual departments will pursue additional disability initiatives over time consistent with the NDS outcomes and Disability Action Planning (see highlight box on page 13).

Further, while this plan sets specific priorities for 2012–2014, it does not limit other priorities being adopted in subsequent implementation plans.


About the plan’s structure

Below is a diagram that outlines each component of the plan and their relationships as laid out in Section 4.

NDS outcome areas

■ The NSW plan is shaped around the six NDS outcome areas, with direct links to the Convention.

■ In addition, the plan describes a number of overarching NSW strategies (Section 3).

■ In Section 4 each outcome begins with the stated goal of the outcome, followed by a short description of the area within the NSW context.

Achievements to date

■ Under each NDS outcome area, some recent related NSW initiatives or achievements are listed.

■ Each of these have been initiated or fully implemented over the last 5 years.

NSW priorities

■ Next the plan lists a set of high level NSW directions or priorities related to the outcome area.

■ While these reflect the key focus areas for NSW in 2012–2014, many are likely to continue into later phases of NSW’s implementation of the NDS.

Indicators of progress

■ The plan lists a set of key indicators. These are designed to measure progress against the high level NSW priorities, rather than measure individual actions.

■ Where possible established targets such as those from NSW 2021 have been used.

■ A complementary set of measures for each action will be developed. These will be documented in an initial baseline report and will be regularly tracked over time.

2012–2014 Actions

■ At the end of each outcome area is a table that lists key actions the NSW Government will implement in the 2012–2014 period.

■ As noted above, a detailed baseline report and action plan will accompany this section of the plan, including timeframes, performance measures and sub-actions.

Implement & monitor

■ Section 5 of the plan lists various measures to ensure the plan is effectively implemented and monitored.

■ It also outlines a process to ensure NSW is well placed to refine or redirect the plan in subsequent NDS planning phases up until 2020.


NSW Disability Action Plans

Under the NSW Disability Services Act 1993, the Annual Reports (Departments) Regulation 2010 and the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Regulation 2010, NSW Government departments and statutory bodies are required to plan and report on how they plan for improved access for people with disability through the preparation of Disability Action Plans (DAP).

In 2008, ADHC provided guidelines for Disability Action Planning to assist departments with the preparation and implementation of their DAP. These guidelines were structured around seven outcomes:

■ identifying and removing barriers to services for people with disability

■ providing information in a range of formats that are accessible to people with disability

■ making government buildings and facilities physically accessible to people with disability

■ assisting people with disability to participate in public consultations and to apply for, and participate in, government advisory boards and committees

■ increasing employment participation of people with disability in the NSW public sector

■ using government decision-making, programs and operations to influence other agencies and sectors to improve community participation and quality of life for people with disability

■ providing quality specialist and adapted services where mainstream services are not responsive or adequate to meet the needs of people with disability.

While the DAP outcomes are consistent with the NDS, including its policy directions and actions, NSW will align the DAP and NDS processes. This decision will result in new guidelines that integrate the NDS and Disability Action Planning being developed in 2012 (see Section 3 Overarching NSW Strategies on pages 14–15).

Aligning the NSW DAP and NDS processes will ensure government effort is consistent with the priorities and actions contained in the NDS NSW implementation plan.


3 Overarching NSW strategies

A) NDS training and information package

The Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) will lead the development of a comprehensive training and information package aimed at improving access and service quality for people with disability. The package will be distributed to all State and Local Government agencies. The key focus of the package will be on ways to fully integrate disability issues into mainstream planning, operations and service delivery processes.

The NDS package will incorporate advice on the impacts of the Convention. It will include practical guidance on how to adopt an inclusive and responsive approach to quality customer service, accessible services, staff training and complaint handling that benefits all users. The package will complement and link with other NSW plan initiatives including:

i) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) (Action 1.a)

ii) NSW guidelines on universal design principles and premises standards (Action 1.b)

iii) complaints management (Action 2.d)

iv) ongoing disability planning by government departments (see C below).

B) Research on barriers and enablers to community inclusion

FACS will conduct research in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders to identify leading national and international best practice in reducing barriers and promoting community inclusion for people with disability. The findings will be made public.

This information will identify gaps in effort and provide a strong evidence base to inform the next NDS NSW implementation plan from 2014. It will also assist local government, commercial and community provider efforts to progress inclusion at the local level.

Five overarching strategies will be implemented to ensure NSW Government departments and other stakeholders have the necessary information and guidance to successfully implement the NDS directions, as well as the capacity to measure impacts over time.


C) New Disability Action Plan guidelines

New Disability Action Plan guidelines will be developed and distributed to assist all NSW Government departments align their disability planning, actions and reporting with the NDS.

The guidelines will provide a more effective approach to disability action planning that will result in cultural and systemic change. They will explain how to incorporate disability issues into mainstream planning and operational business. They will also assist in fostering a more integrated approach across government agencies consistent with the Convention. In addition the guidelines will include practical information on inclusive practices relevant to government, non-government sector, business and the community as a whole.

D) Building capacity and providing support to exercise choice and control

ADHC will oversee various capacity building initiatives and decision support options to develop the skills and confidence of people with disability, their families and carers to plan and exercise choice and control over the supports and services they use. This will include practical and culturally appropriate steps to enable people with disability, their families and carers to better advocate on their own behalf. It will also include providing access to comprehensive information about local services, including details of service quality.

These initiatives link directly to the NSW commitment to enabling people with disability to have greater choice and control over their lives, where the views of individuals, their families and carers are respected and where they have a genuine ability to direct their own lives. They also link with the Convention and the importance given to maximising the ability of people with disability to exercise legal capacity and have their rights, will and preferences respected.

E) Tailoring priorities and actions to specific groups

While the majority of priorities and actions contained in Section 4 of the plan have the potential to benefit most people with disability in NSW, the Government recognises that there is a need to tailor responses to different groups including young people and people from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. FACS will continue to meet with key stakeholders to ensure future phases of the plan include initiatives that are directly tailored to these groups.


4 NSW outcomes, priorities and actions 2012–2014


1

Inclusive and accessib

le com

munities

About the areaThe NSW Government is committed to contributing to the NDS outcome that people with disability live in accessible and well designed communities with opportunities for full inclusion in social, economic, sporting and cultural life. This is consistent with Articles 9, 19, 20, 23 and 30 of the Convention.

NSW recognises the role governments can play in encouraging participation in sport, recreation and the arts as these activities provide a catalyst for people to get together, talk and share experiences. The inclusion of people with disability in these community activities has the power to break down discrimination and build stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities. It can also provide a springboard for all areas of social participation, including employment. These issues however, are not for the Australian and State Governments alone. There is a critical role for local government, as well as broader community and business groups, in promoting acceptance and access for all members of our society.

Since 1993, with the introduction of the Disability Services Act (DSA), NSW has implemented a whole-of-government approach to removing the barriers encountered by people with disability in their community. This includes the requirement that all NSW Government departments prepare Disability Action Plans (see description on page 13).

Commencing in 2002, NSW initiated a range of programs to implement the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. This involved establishing a schedule of works to meet the compliance timeframes set by the standards. It also involved providing transport operators and providers with advice and support to remove discrimination from public transport services throughout the State.

For many years NSW has been active in improving access to public buildings through its building codes and practices. In 2010 efforts were refocused with the adoption of the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. These requirements and specifications are important as they provide for dignified and reasonable access to buildings, and a capacity for people with disability to use the facilities.

In 2007 the NSW Government implemented Stronger Together: A new direction for disability services in NSW 2006–2016, committing an additional $3.32 billion to improve services for people with disability, their families and carers. A cross-government plan – Better Together: A new direction to make government services work better for people with disability and their families – 2007–2011 – was also put in place to improve access to mainstream services.

NDS outcome area 1: Inclusive and accessible communities


1


le com

munities

Achievements to dateOver the last five years, major initiatives have been implemented in NSW to improve access and participation of people with disability in community life:

■ more than $1.7 billion spent on works to improve the accessibility of infrastructure including access to buses, trains, train stations and taxis, including wheelchair accessible taxis

■ more than $3 million spent on capital works to improve access to the building and service infrastructure across the justice system in NSW, including courtroom access, provisions of augmentative hearing equipment and accessible prison facilities

■ major investments to extend the provision of early intervention initiatives and innovative projects, including via the establishment of twenty Early Start Diagnosis Support positions to provide support to families and children with disability or developmental delay

■ commissioning of an independent review of significant difficulties with the availability of assisted school transport services for some school students with disability at the start of the 2012 school year and implementation of all recommendations arising from that review

■ major capital works programs to improve access by people with a mobility disability to cultural institutions including Sydney Opera House, Art Gallery of NSW, Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay, Australian Museum, and Powerhouse Museum. Refurbishments were made at the State Library of New South Wales to enhance access to services and facilities for people with disability

■ various Arts NSW initiatives to increase participation in the arts and cultural sectors by people with disability. In 2011 this included funding 31 new programs and projects, 14 of which occurred in regional NSW, with 34 programs and projects funded in 2012, including 15 in regional NSW

■ implementation of the You’re in the Game – NSW Disability and Sport and Physical Activity Framework

■ improved access to the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, enabling access to all three levels

■ implementation of the Transcultural Rural and Remote Outreach Project, a major initiative to strengthen the responsiveness of mainstream mental health services in rural areas

■ initiatives through Local Government and the community, such as the development of a Master Plan for the Collaroy Precinct. This Master Plan seeks to deliver a holistic approach for public infrastructure upgrades to provide the highest standard of accessibility for all members of the community.


1


le com

munities

NSW prioritiesTo build on these past achievements NSW will focus its efforts on the following set of priorities under the NDS outcome area 1. Many of these priorities are likely to continue beyond 2014:

1.1 Increase opportunities for people (aged five and over) with profound and severe disability involved in out-of-home activities (NSW 2021).

1.2 Increase participation of people with disability in sport, recreational, arts and cultural activities (NSW 2021).

1.3 Improve accessibility through better design of public buildings, social housing and infrastructure.

1.4 Improve the accessibility of government information and signage, including via the web, for people with disability consistent with industry standards.

1.5 Implement upgrades to transport systems to enhance accessibility for the whole community.

1.6 Increase community awareness about the value of an inclusive society, which promotes inclusion of people with disability in all aspects of community life.

Key indicators of progressIn addition to establishing measures against each action, the following indicators will be used and reported on in relation to the NSW priorities for NDS outcome area 1:

■ increase in the proportion of people aged five years and over with profound and severe core activity limitation who have participated in out-of-home activities (NSW 2021)

■ increase in the level of compliance of fixed transport infrastructure in line with the DDA Accessible Public Transport Standards to 55% across the transport network by 2014

■ increased numbers of people with disability participating in the arts in NSW

■ increased numbers of people with disability involved in sport and recreation activities in NSW.


1


le com

munities

Key actions: the first two years

Through the leadership and direction of the listed lead agency, between 2012 and 2014 NSW will implement the following initiatives:

1 Inclusive and accessible communities Lead Partners

1.a) Make all NSW Government websites accessible by:

i) implementing mandated website accessibility standards: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (Level A by 31 December 2012 and Level AA by 31 December 2014)

ii) distributing a suite of online tools to assist agencies update their content

iii) providing information sessions on achieving website accessibility to NSW Government funded service providers and local councils.

Premier & Cabinet

All Depts

1.b) Systematically improve access to buildings and housing in NSW by:

i) developing and distributing NSW guidelines on universal design principles, with specific reference to accessible buildings, improved signage and procurement practices

ii) providing advice and monitoring adherence to the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010.

Planning & Infrastructure

All Depts

Local Govt

iii) implementing and monitoring universal standards agreed in regard to new social housing (including public and community housing) and affordable housing.

Finance & Services

Family & Community Services

1.c) Implement measures to improve the availability of accessible toilets by:

i) improving information about the locations of accessible toilets

ii) standardising keys to increase access to existing toilets.


Planning & Infrastructure

All Depts

Local Govt


1


le com

munities


1.d) Continue to improve the provision of accessible and adaptable social housing to people with disability by:

i) undertaking timely modifications of social housing on an agreed and as needs basis for tenants with disability

ii) incorporating universal design features into new developments to ensure high quality adaptable properties for the future

iii) giving consideration to providing, where possible, an extra bedroom for accommodating live-in carers for public housing tenants with significant disability

iv) implementing exemptions to the income eligibility rule when a public housing applicant requires a live-in carer

v) implementing exemptions relating to the Carer Allowance when determining income eligibility for public housing

vi) considering location needs when assessing applications for housing assistance (such as access to key services or supports)

Finance & Services


Various Govt and NGO partners

vii) training staff and working with other providers to support health and other complex needs of people with disability living in supported accommodation in the community.


NSW Health

1.e) Implement measures to make transport in NSW more accessible by:

i) improving the safety and accessibility of the transport environment for all users, including pedestrians, wheelchair and mobility scooter users

ii) enhancing customer service and information for all public and private transport customers

iii) improving accessible transport for rural communities

iv) increasing the availability and response times of wheelchair accessible taxis

v) improving the efficiency and effectiveness of NSW community transport systems.

Transport for NSW

Public and private transport providers

Various NGO partners

1.f) Improve access to information about private vehicle access and usage by people with disability, including:

i) car modifications and licensing for people with disability

ii) NSW service stations providing driveway assistance.


Transport for NSW

NSW Health

NRMA


1


le com

munities


1.g) Support Local Government to plan and provide for more inclusive communities by:

i) working with local councils in the development and implementation of their Community Strategic Plans and Delivery Programs to incorporate the approach and actions contained in the NDS NSW implementation plan

ii) developing a web based disability planning resource for Local Government.

Premier & Cabinet

Local Govt

1.h) Implement a NSW strategy to improve participation in the arts by:

i) increasing the participation by people with disability in NSW arts programs

ii) increasing support for the professional development of artists with disability

iii) supporting employment and volunteering opportunities for people with disability in the arts and cultural sector.

Trade & Investment, Regional Infrastructure & Services

State and Local Govt & other arts organisations

1.i) Increase information available on sport and physical activity options available to people with disability by:

i) enhancing information provided on specific sports for people with disability, including via expansion of the online resource Gateway to Sport

ii) developing local level inclusive sports directories to provide information, support and network opportunities available in the community for people with disability

iii) developing an online calendar of events for sport for people with disability.

Education & Communities

State and Local Govt and other sports & recreation providers

1.j) Increase participation in mainstream sport and recreation and improve access to sport and recreation facilities across NSW by:

i) conducting research to build an evidence base on current participation and barriers for people with disability

ii) increasing support for State Sporting Organisations in NSW to:

a) grow the numbers of people with disability within their sports

b) introduce a range of volunteering and officiating roles for people with disability




1


le com

munities


1.j) iii) developing Phase 2 You’re in the Game: NSW Disability Sport and Physical Activity framework

iv) continuing the Sports Links program, in partnership with the School Sport Unit, to introduce more students with disability to community sporting opportunities

v) working in partnership with the Royal Rehabilitation Centre to stage the second Return2Sport forum to promote opportunities for people with disability, particularly in rehabilitation.



1.k) Implement the Event Access and Inclusion Project to improve access and the participation of people with disability in major Sydney and other NSW community events by:

i) providing advice to event planning groups and networks on disability access and inclusion

ii) managing the implementation of disability and access plans into the core work of event policy, planning and event delivery networks and groups

iii) developing and promoting best practice outcomes in terms of inclusion and access in event policy, strategy and program initiatives.

Premier & Cabinet

All Depts

Various NGO partners

Event organisers

1.l) Provide $1.0 million to support the 2013 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games.



Special Olympics

State and Local Govt and other sports providers

1.m Implement the ADHC Regional Sector Planning Framework through local and regional planning by:

i) working with communities to identify local needs and service delivery priorities for local people with disability, their families and carers

ii) developing regional and local actions that assist the disability service system to ensure its services meet these needs and accommodate self directed supports and individualised budgets

iii) developing local actions that assist mainstream agencies to ensure that people with disability are able to access these services as part of the general community

iv) developing partnerships with Local Government so that people with disability are better able to access and participate within the local community.


Various State, Local Govt and NGO partners


2

Rig

hts protectio

n, justice and leg

islation

About the areaThe NSW Government is committed to contributing to the NDS outcome that people with disability have their rights promoted, upheld and protected.

This is consistent with Articles 5, 11–17, 22 and 29 of the Convention, as well as Article 23 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. These documents highlight people with disability’s equal protection under the law. They also champion their fundamental right to equal access to justice, non-discrimination, protection from abuse and violence, as well as full participation in political life.

In recognition of these rights NSW has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at improving access to justice, providing support and in other ways protecting people with disability’s rights as citizens.

For many years NSW legislation, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against individuals on the grounds of their disability, has served as the driver for rights protection. The key pieces of legislation are the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

People with disability, particularly women, experience more violence than others. In 2011 the NSW Government endorsed the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. To support its implementation, a NSW Domestic and Family Violence Framework is being developed to strengthen practice responses to domestic, family and sexual violence and to improve integration and coordination of policy. This framework will inform the next NDS NSW implementation plan.

Achievements to dateOver the last five years, major initiatives have been implemented in NSW to reform legislation, protect the rights of people with disability, and improve their access to justice including:

■ development and provision of staff disability awareness training, called Flexible Service Delivery, to improve people with disability’s access and participation in mainstream services in the justice system

■ distribution across the State of over 70,000 Capacity Toolkits – a comprehensive guide relating to decision making capacity for professionals, community workers and carers

■ adaptations to court environments, procedures and judicial practices to provide access to the justice system for people with disability

■ modifying infrastructure to better accommodate jurors with physical disability and/or hearing impairments

NDS outcome area 2: Rights protection, justice and legislation


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■ development and promotion of resources for legal practitioners to improve access to the justice system by people with intellectual disability

■ Justice Health screening of young people in juvenile custody for physical, sensory, cognitive disability and mental illness in order to provide appropriate supports within 48 hours of entry

■ introduction by Justice Health of Community Integration Teams that link young people leaving juvenile custody who have mental health, cognitive disability and alcohol and other drug issues into community supports

■ establishment of the Community Justice Program that provides accommodation and clinical and accommodation support services to people with intellectual disability who are exiting custody. Currently the program provides over 200 places with numbers set to rise to 400 as part of the Stronger Together rollout

■ establishment of a justice project, working with Women NSW, focused on supporting people with disability who are victims of domestic violence and are engaged in justice issues

■ establishment of the Juvenile Justice Joint Tenancy Assistance Program and Juniperina Housing and Support Program, which provides accommodation support to homeless young people with complex needs in partnership with Housing NSW, Community Housing, Community Services and non-government organisations

■ establishment of a Corrective Services pilot program aimed at supporting offenders with intellectual disability to access suitable accommodation and other support services when they transition into the community

■ development by Corrective Services of screening procedures for people with a range of disabilities (cognitive, physical and sensory) in order to provide appropriate supports while in custody

■ development by Corrective Services of pilot offender behaviour focused programs both in custody and in the community, which are specifically designed to respond to the learning styles and abilities of people with intellectual disability

■ implementation of safeguards to protect children and young people in voluntary out-of-home care, many of whom have disability, through the accreditation and/or registering of agencies involved in voluntary out-of-home care by the Children’s Guardian

■ implementation of iVote for the 2011 NSW Parliamentary elections which allowed electors with vision impairment and other forms of disability to vote from home using either computers or telephones with touch tones.


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2.1 Promote awareness and acceptance of the rights of people with disability in line with the Convention.

2.2 Provide increased support for people with disability and complex needs to participate in legal processes on an equitable basis.

2.3 Improve outcomes for people with disability who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

2.4 Maintain safeguards and high levels of protection for children and adults with disability, including through effective guardianship arrangements where necessary for people with heightened vulnerabilities.

Key indicators of progressIn addition to establishing measures against each plan action, the following indicators will be used and reported on in relation the NSW priorities for NDS outcome area 2:

■ reduce the number of people who are incarcerated, including those with cognitive impairment

■ increase the range of programs and support options for people with disability involved in the justice system

■ increase in the number of people with disability standing at the 2016 Local Government elections from 130 in 2008, which represented 2.9% of candidates.


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Through the leadership and direction of the listed lead agencies, between 2012 and 2014 NSW will implement the following initiatives:

2 Rights protection, justice and legislation Lead Partners

2.a) Implement new State-wide measures designed to support people with disability who are engaged with the criminal justice system or at risk of entering the system by:

i) developing assessment tools appropriate to people with disability in order to streamline access and participation in court based programs and also address risk factors that lead to crime

ii) investigating the feasibility of expanding the collection and sharing of reasonable adjustment information data electronically across justice agencies to better support people with disability

iii) improving coordination between courts and referring agencies

iv) progressing reforms that arise from the NSW Government Senior Officers Forum focused on early intervention, diversion, offender behaviour focused programs, post-release programs and support for individuals with complex needs involved in the criminal justice system.

Attorney General & Justice

Various Govt & NGO partners

2.b) Develop policy arising from the recommendations of the NSW Law Reform Commission’s review of criminal law and procedure applying to people with cognitive and mental health impairments.


2.c) Support the NSW Trustee and Guardian through Community Service Obligation Funding to maintain high levels of protection for people with disability requiring these services.


2.d) Develop and distribute resources for government agencies to improve access to complaints handling in relation to people with disability.

NSW Ombudsman

All Depts

Anti-Discrimination Board

2.e) Instigate measures that encourage more people with disability to stand for election at the Local Government elections in 2016.

Premier & Cabinet

Local Govt

2.f) Incorporate and reflect the NDS and the core values of Articles 5, 12 to 16 of the Convention and other articles where relevant in all relevant reviews, updates or drafting of NSW legislation and regulations.

All Depts


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2 Rights protection, justice and legislation Lead Partners

2.g) Develop and pilot a supported decision making framework that maximises the autonomy of people with disability in decision making for their life decisions in line with the Convention.


NSW Trustee and Guardian


2.h) Expand disability awareness training and Flexible Service Delivery programs for all staff working across the justice sector, including courts, legal aid, relevant policy officers, prosecutors, Juvenile Justice, Justice Health and Corrective Services staff.


Justice Agencies

Anti-Discrimination Board


ADHC funded NGOs

2.i) Develop and implement guidelines for officers of the NSW Police Force when working with suspects and offenders who may have cognitive impairments.


ADHC funded NGOs

2.j) Further develop support programs and initiatives run by Corrective Services NSW for people with disability including programs in Additional Support Units and custody and community based programs.


2.k) Improve options for people with disability to participate in democratic processes in NSW in line with Article 29 of the Convention by:

i) continuing the implementation of the computer and telephone based iVote systems

ii) improving information and access to voting sites.

Premier & Cabinet

2.l) Continue to fund participation of people with intellectual disability who are in contact with the criminal justice system to participate in the Community Justice Program. This program provides alternatives to offending behaviour.


Justice Agencies


2.m) Implement education measures to raise awareness of the vulnerable witness legislation and options for alternative provisions for people with cognitive impairments.


Justice Agencies



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About the areaThe NSW Government is committed to contributing to the NDS outcome that people with disability, their families and carers have economic security, enabling them to plan for the future and exercise choice and control over their lives.

Consistent with Articles 19, 27, 28, 29 and 30 of the Convention people with disability have a fundamental right to participate in, and fully contribute to, the social and economic life of the community. However, people with disability are still under-represented in the workforce. Employment not only represents economic independence but an increased sense of self worth, the opportunity to contribute to society, and a sense of belonging and connection with other people.

People with disability generally have lower employment rates than the broad population. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2009 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, the employment rate of people with disability in NSW aged 15 to 64, who need to use aids and equipment and cannot easily complete tasks without assistance, is 54%. This contrasts with a 73% employment rate for the same ages in the general population of NSW.

As our population ages, it will become even more important that the talents of all Australians are included in the workforce. The shrinking labour market means that employers will need to recruit from a wider and more diverse population pool, including people with disability, to ensure they remain productive and economically viable. Research has found that there is a strong business case, as well as an ethical case, to enable the employment of more people with disability.

Achievements to dateOver the last five years, major initiatives have been implemented in NSW to improve the economic security of people with disability, their families and carers:

■ under Stronger Together One 6,450 young people who left school were supported through expanded and improved post school programs. 1,500 of these have successfully moved to employment

■ provision was made for NSW Government departments to procure goods and services directly from disability employment organisations without the need for a competitive process. In addition, the policy has encouraged State-owned corporations to use the same exemptions

■ the Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Disability Employment) Act 2011 was introduced to encourage the employment of people with disability, as part of the Stronger Together 2 initiative. From January 2012 it provides a one-off rebate of up to $4,000 paid to employers of eligible new employees who have completed the ADHC funded Transition to Work program and are working an average minimum of 12 hours a week

NDS outcome area 3: Economic security


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■ a number of Department of Premier and Cabinet initiatives focused on NSW public sector employment opportunities for people with disability including the:

2008 establishment of a government agency reference group to provide advice on practical strategies and best practice examples for all NSW public sector agencies

organisation of a series of consultative forums across NSW to gather the experience of NSW public sector employees with disability

2010 launch of EmployABILITY, the strategy to increase employment opportunities for people with disability in the NSW public sector.


3.1 Increase participation of people with disability in employment (including open employment) or further education (NSW 2021).

3.2 Support the recruitment of staff with disability in NSW, with an initial focus on increasing employment opportunities within the NSW public sector.

3.3 Increase participation of volunteers with disability in community activities (NSW 2021).

3.4 Implement new flexible accommodation options that better cater to the individual circumstances of people with disability.

3.5 Increase access to sustainable and affordable housing for people with disability, with a specific focus on improved social housing options and programs.


■ 60% of Transition to Work participants move into employment or further education by 1 July 2014 (NSW 2021)

■ 10% of disability service users are using individualised funding arrangements by 1 July 2014 (NSW 2021)

■ increase in the number of people with disability requiring an adjustment employed across the NSW public sector and in Local Government

■ increase in the number of public sector apprenticeships, cadetships and traineeships awarded to people with disability

■ increase in the number of procurements by the public sector that are awarded to registered disability employers.


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Through the leadership and direction of the listed lead agencies, between 2012 and 2014 NSW will implement the following NDS initiatives:

3 Economic security Lead Partners

3.a) Implement the EmployABILITY strategy across the NSW public sector aimed at enhancing the employment, development and retention of employees with disability.

Public Service Commission

All Depts

Local Govt

3.b) Facilitate effective pathways for school leavers with disability to enter mainstream employment, employment readiness programs or supported employment programs (where required) by:

i) increasing options for school students to set vocational goals including through the Transition Support for Students Program

ii) increasing pathways between the Transition to Work program and Commonwealth employment programs

iii) creating additional incentives and options for employers to employ people with disability

iv) providing more individualised, self directed approaches to employment planning.




3.c) Implement measures outlined in the NSW Volunteering Strategy to increase number of people with disability participating in volunteering activities in NSW, including activities that are potential pathways to employment.


All Depts

3.d) Undertake new research to identify systemic barriers to improve employment outcomes for people with disability.

Public Service Commission

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3.e) Require new social housing developments to be adaptable and accessible, based on universal design features, in order to provide increased accommodation options to tenants with disability.

Finance and Services


Planning and Infrastructure

3.f) Support local councils to develop strategies to increase the diversity of their workforces to include more people with disability.

Premier & Cabinet

Local Govt

Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW


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3 Economic security Lead Partners

3.g) Implement new flexible accommodation options for people with disability by:

i) expanding the range, availability, quality and flexibility of accommodation options

ii) improving the quality of accommodation supports

iii) improving the capacity, accessibility, flexibility and quality of attendant care packages

iv) assisting with future planning and development of accommodation supports for older people with disability and their carers.



3.h) In terms of financial subsidies to improve access to basic services for people with disability, continue to provide:

i) Private Rental Assistance through Housing NSW to enable eligible people with disability to access appropriate private sector accommodation whilst awaiting offers of suitable social housing



ii) subsidised travel through the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme to residents with a severe and permanent disability

Transport for NSW

iii) public transport and private vehicle concessions to Disability Support Pensioners and persons in receipt of a carer payment.

3.i) Implement, promote and monitor the Work and Development Order Service which allows eligible people, including people with intellectual disability or cognitive impairment, to work off unpaid fines through training, voluntary work or treatment.

Finance & Services




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About the areaThe NSW Government is committed to contributing to the NDS outcome that people with disability, their families and carers have access to a range of supports to assist them to live independently and actively engage in their communities. This is consistent with Articles 9, 19, 20, 23, 26, 28 and 30 of the Convention.

Stronger Together 2 outlines key reforms to reshape and improve the way that people with disability, their families and carers are supported in NSW. In 2011–12 self directed supports and individualised and portable funding arrangements (i.e. how support resources are used) became available in NSW; by the end of 2013–14, anyone receiving disability services will have the option of using an individualised and portable funding arrangement.

This will provide people with disability and their families and carers with choice regarding the supports and services they receive. It will also substantially enhance most individuals’ independence through delivering portability and flexibility in funding. Key to the Government reforms is providing individuals, families and carers with support to assist in their planning and decision making.

As part of these reforms ADHC is working with a broad range of stakeholder groups to promote the changes and smooth the transition process. This includes discussions with groups representing culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. For example, to ensure approaches to disability support are effective for Aboriginal people, ADHC supports the Aboriginal Disability Network as the peak advisory body to represent the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Achievements to dateOver the last five years, major initiatives have been implemented in NSW to improve the personal and community supports available to people with disability, their families and carers. This has included:

■ 4,000 new case management places provided to support families to plan their lives and navigate access to supports

■ up to $8 million to extend the provision of early intervention initiatives and innovative projects, including establishing the twenty Early Start Diagnosis Support positions

■ 8,000 new therapy, early childhood intervention and family support services to build children’s skills and support families at key transition points

NDS outcome area 4: Personal and community support


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■ over 300 people receiving intensive in-home support packages to enable them to remain living with their families in the community. Over 1,000 more people have moved into permanent specialist community living places

■ an increase of over 4,500 respite places to assist families and carers of people with disability

■ since 2003, the expansion of the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) – a partnership program between NSW Health, Housing NSW and the non-government (NGO) sector – to provide stable and secure accommodation linked to support services (accommodation support, clinical care and rehabilitation) for people with mental illness and varying levels of disability

■ Improved access to aids and equipment by:

simplifying access to the NSW Health disability programs that provide assistive technology by consolidating them under central administration of EnableNSW

reducing waiting times for equipment from more than one year to less than three months and eliminating waiting times for consumable products

ensuring that there is consistent access for the same level of need across NSW

developing evidence based guidelines to support better outcomes for people who use assistive technology

increasing the information about what is available through EnableNSW programs by developing a website and publishing fact sheets

ensuring interstate portability of people’s assistive technology in partnership with other jurisdictions across Australia.

In respect to children, NSW is currently implementing various reforms under the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children which recognised disability both in parents and children as a risk factor for child abuse and neglect.

The enactment of the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010, incorporating a comprehensive NSW Carers Charter, has provided a strong platform to enable NSW carers to be better recognised, supported and valued by the community and government alike.


4.1 Implement reforms focused on self directed supports and individualised budgets that enhance choice and flexibility for the diversity of people with disability, their families and carers.

4.2 Strengthen life-span approaches for people with disability, their families and carers to increase choice, reduce uncertainty and facilitate sound planning and timely decision making.

4.3 Increase the availability of individualised funding for people with disability and thereby increase the responsiveness of the broader service system to individual needs.

4.4 Enhance access to disability aids and equipment across NSW.


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4.5 Increase access to disability related information, services and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

4.6 Implement the NSW Carers Charter including measures designed to improve recognition and support of carers.

4.7 Provide more opportunities for people with disability to participate in recreational and other opportunities outside their home, and provide critical respite for their carers.

Key indicators of progressIn addition to establishing measures against each plan action, the following indicators will be used and reported on in relation to the NSW priorities for NDS outcome area 4:

■ increase in the number of people with disability in NSW using individualised funding arrangements (NSW 2021)

■ increase in the proportion of people (aged five and over) with a profound and severe disability (core activity limitation) involved in out-of-home activities (NSW 2021).


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4 Personal and community support Lead Partners

4.a) Implement self directed supports and individualised budgets to guide the expansion of support by:

i) developing a framework and implementation plan for this support based on extensive consultation processes

ii) establishing individualised and portable funding arrangements to those receiving disability services, including through encouraging the take-up of the Attendant Care Program Direct Funding Model

iii) improving access to information and developing decision support resources to enable people with disability and their carers to actively engage in making informed decisions about available support options, including mainstream, community based and specialist services

iv) implementing measures to build the capacity of people with disability and their families and carers to self manage their supports

v) establishing cross-agency joint planning and approaches to improve referral, coordination and service access for all people with disability, including those with primary physical and sensory disability, and/or Acquired Brain Injury.


Various Govt & NGO partner agencies

4.b) Implement the principles and directions contained in the Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 by:

i) establishing a state-wide carers policy framework supported by various resources

ii) developing and implementing a carer education strategy for public sector staff.


All Depts

4.c) In partnership with the Australian Government, build options for older workers in day programs and Australian Disability Enterprises to transition to age appropriate community living.




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4 Personal and community support Lead Partners

4.d) Enhance the cultural appropriateness and accessibility of all disability programs and services by:

i) implementing the directions and measures contained in the Aboriginal Cultural Inclusion Framework 2011–2015 which includes new models of accountability

ii) implementing the Services Our Way – Aboriginal Intensive Support packages

iii) implementing the directions and measures contained in ADHC’s Valuing and Managing Diversity: Cultural Diversity Strategic Framework 2010–2013 and the Language Services Guidelines, which include initiatives to better integrate cultural diversity into ADHC’s core business.



4.e) Develop options for person centred approaches for the delivery of sustainable and effective assistive technology services.

NSW Health Various Govt & NGO partner agencies

4.f) Increase the availability of quality early childhood intervention supports to promote skill development for children 0–6 years, and support for their families and carers.



4.g) Continue to develop an Aboriginal Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) to implement a model of service delivery that is culturally appropriate for Aboriginal people with mental illness.


4.h) Implement reforms under the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children to better assist at risk parents, carers and their children with disability.



4.i) Develop a recreation and respite framework to help people with profound and severe disability participate in recreation and leisure based options outside the home, including through mainstream services.



Also see deliverables under outcome area 1 including those related to improved social housing products and services listed at 1.d)


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About the areaThe NSW Government is committed to contributing to the NDS outcome that people with disability achieve their full potential through their participation in an inclusive high quality education and training system that is responsive to their circumstances. It is also committed to ensuring people with disability have opportunities to continue learning throughout their lives. This is consistent with Articles 21 and 24 of the Convention.

The Australian Government Disability Standards for Education 2005, subordinate legislation to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, sets out the rights of students with disability to access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability. It also sets out obligations on all education authorities to ensure this, including pre-schools, schools and tertiary education providers, through the provision of ‘reasonable adjustments’ where required, in consultation with the student or their associate.

Over the last two decades the NSW Government has continued to expand the range of services and programs that provide additional support for school-aged children and young people with disability in more than 2,200 NSW public schools. Services support students with disability in regular or mainstream classes, in special schools, specialist support classes and specialist education programs including students in Juvenile Justice custody through their Education and Training Units.

The NSW Government also provides a wide range of programs and services to support vocational education and training that is aimed at building the skills base in NSW and increasing workforce opportunity and participation, including for people with disability. This includes funding to support and grow training and workforce participation of underrepresented groups. A wide range of nationally recognised training courses are provided through TAFE NSW institutes and Adult and Community Education colleges across the state, including services and programs to support access and participation.

Achievements to dateOver the last five years, major initiatives have already been implemented in NSW to improve the learning and skills development of people with disability including:

■ provision of funding for the Supporting Children with Additional Needs (SCAN) program which supports children from a number of priority groups, including those with disability to access and participate in preschool, occasional care and vacation care services

■ provision of grants under the Intervention Support Program (ISP) for non-government organisations to help support the participation of children with disability in educational programs including transition to school programs

NDS outcome area 5: Learning and skills development


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■ increased resources for education services and programs providing additional support for more than 90,000 students in NSW government schools from Kindergarten to Year 12 who have an identified disability or additional learning and support needs

■ finalisation of the National Partnership Agreement for More Support for Students with Disabilities to improve educational outcomes for students with disability. This initiative will see the Australian Government provide an additional $48 million to NSW over 2012 and 2013 for projects that build the capacity of every NSW public school to meet the learning and support needs of students with disability

■ establishment of the Best Start assessment process for every kindergarten student in NSW government schools, including those with disability, to help teachers identify students’ literacy and numeracy skills at the beginning of Kindergarten. The assessment helps teachers develop effective learning programs to build upon what students currently know

■ implementation of policy and standards for NSW public schools for curriculum planning and programming, assessing and reporting to parents to account for the needs of all students from Kindergarten to Year 12, including students with disability

■ development of NSW Guidelines for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) including participation expectations, special provisions and consent requirements from parents/carers regarding withdrawal and/or exemption from testing

■ increased professional learning opportunities for teachers and educational support staff to support their understanding and skills in meeting the needs of school students with special education needs

■ improved job outcomes for people with disability in apprenticeships and traineeships through the Joint Group Training Program

■ development of a Vocational Education, Training and Employment Program to support and monitor mental health consumers in public mental health services through the employment and education process

■ numerous other TAFE NSW initiatives including:

employment of over 100 Teacher Consultants with specialist expertise in a range of disability areas

fee exemption for one TAFE NSW course each year for students with disability, plus a concession fee for further enrolments during the year

policies and procedures that ensure equitable access, flexible delivery, and reasonable adjustments for application, enrolment, attendance, participation and assessment, as well as inclusive curricula able to be customised to meet individual student needs

a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ADHC and TAFE NSW aimed at supporting young people with disability to access TAFE NSW as part of their Transition to Work or Community Participation program. The MoU assists not just ADHC and TAFE staff to work collaboratively, but also ADHC funded service providers

monitoring and reporting on enrolments and completions by students with disability and benchmarking performance against other jurisdictions to help improve participation rates and educational outcomes

■ establishment of the NSW Centre for Effective Reading, a specialist service supporting primary school aged students with complex reading difficulties and their teachers, including direct support for rural and remote students


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■ provision of training courses, programs and financial incentives for training providers to increase the workforce participation of disadvantaged groups, including people with disability, including the Strategic Skills Program, the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Training Program and the Regional Training and Employment Strategy

■ upgrade of the online Skills Recognition website, which enables people in remote areas or who have mobility or access needs to self-evaluate the skills they have acquired against national qualifications or units of competency

■ development of resources which are available through the SkillsOnline website to specifically support people with disability

■ continuation of current commitment with the disability support sector to develop and improve assistance package for apprentices with disability, including improved information and support for employers and supervisors.


5.1 Improve learning outcomes and educational experiences for school children with disability.

5.2 Implement best practice approaches to transition planning through the post schools programs and Transition to Work initiatives.

5.3 Upgrade or modify education facilities and student amenities to improve access for people with disability to learning opportunities.

5.4 Support workforce development for early childhood teachers and educators to facilitate the inclusion of children with additional needs and build confidence and skills in engaging with children and young people with disability.


■ proportion of young people with disability in the 20–24 year old age group who have achieved Year 12 or a qualification at Level 3 or more of the Australian Qualifications Framework

■ increase in the number of NSW school students with confirmed disability with a personalised learning and support plan (NSW 2021)

■ 60% of Transition to Work participants move into employment or further education by 1 July 2014 (NSW 2021)

■ reduction in the unemployment rate between people with disability and the overall community (NSW 2021)

■ increase in the number of people with disability participating in training opportunities, including at TAFE NSW

■ increase in the number of educational staff participating in training on meeting the learning and support needs of students with disability.


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5 Learning and skills development Lead Partners

5.a) Implement a strategy to support the participation of children with disability in a quality early childhood education program in the 12 months prior to formal schooling.



5.b) Conduct a review of early childhood education funding in NSW including consideration of how funding could be more effectively targeted to support children in priority groups, including those with disability, to access and participate in early childhood education programs.



5.c) Improve early childhood and teacher training curricula and course content to support inclusion and skills for engaging with children and young people with disability in mainstream settings.



5.d) Continue to provide a range of enrolment and support options for students with disability reflecting the choices that parents and carers make for the education of their children, including:

i) additional education support within regular classes

ii) specialist classes in regular and special schools.



5.e) Continue to improve access to education facilities including modifications and upgrades to student amenities through capital works programs and through access modifications for individual students where required.




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5 Learning and skills development Lead Partners

5.f) Strengthen the capacity of all public schools to meet the learning and support needs of students with disability through implementation of the Every Student, Every School strategy by:

i) increasing options for professional learning for teachers

ii) developing networks to share specialist education knowledge and expertise across schools

iii) establishing a specialist learning and support teacher provision in every mainstream school

iv) developing tools and materials for teachers to identify the educational needs of individual students in consultation with parents and a standards framework to underpin personalised learning and support for all school students with disability who require adjusted learning

v) improving the accessibility of information for school communities about supporting the educational needs of students with disability.



5.g) Facilitate smooth pathways:

i) for school leavers with disability to directly enter employment, employment programs or employment readiness programs, vocational education and training, or higher education

ii) for adults (of all ages) with disability to access and participate in vocational education and training.



5.h) Improve options for people with disability to develop skills by:

i) placing greater emphasis in the Community Participation program for people to build work skills

ii) increasing options for people in the Community Participation, Life Choices and Active Ageing programs to actively participate in their communities.




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About the areaThe NSW Government is committed to contributing to the NDS outcome that people with disability attain the highest possible health and wellbeing outcomes throughout their lives. This is consistent with Articles 6, 7, 23, 25 and 26 of the Convention.

Key to these commitments is the Government’s goal to restore confidence in the public health system by rebuilding hospitals and health infrastructure, re-engaging clinicians, and giving communities and health care providers a strong and direct voice in improved local patient care.

By focusing on illness prevention, including a strong focus on mental health, the Government will reduce the incidence of chronic disease on the health system and keep the NSW community active and healthy.

Achievements to dateOver the last five years, major initiatives have already been implemented in NSW to improve the health and wellbeing of people with disability, their families and carers. Under Better Together, this included:

■ the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding, involving the former Department of Health, Department of Education and Training, and Ageing, Disability and Home Care to improve access to therapy for people with disability

■ the establishment of new rural services, diagnostic screening assessments and support networks programs for children and young people with autism.

In addition NSW Health and partner agencies have implemented various reforms and programs including:

■ the State-wide Infant Screening-Hearing (SWISH) program which provides universal hearing screening of infants born or residing in NSW in the first three months of life, and access to intervention services in a timely manner

■ the development of a Service Framework for people with intellectual disability, including the establishment of the Agency for Clinical Innovation Intellectual Disability Network and three pilot programs to improve access to and participation in a range of comprehensive and coordinated health services

■ the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding between NSW Health and Ageing, Disability and Home Care on the provision of services to people with intellectual disability and mental illness

■ the State-wide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) Program which ensures children with complex visual needs are referred to an eye health professional for comprehensive assessment. Information on the program is in 12 community languages

NDS outcome area 6: Health and wellbeing


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■ components of the NSW Health My First Health Record have been translated into 10 languages and a healthy pregnancy book for Aboriginal women has been developed

■ the Transcultural Rural and Remote Outreach Project is a major mental health initiative that is trialling service delivery models to strengthen the cultural responsiveness of mainstream mental health services in rural areas

■ publishing Being a Healthy Woman: an educational resource for women with intellectual disability, their families, health care providers, carers and support workers

■ developing and making available a training package for doctors on the provision of quality services to people with intellectual disability. To date both general practitioners and public hospital registrars have undertaken the training.


6.1 Keep people with disability healthy and out of hospital

6.2 Provide world class clinical services with timely access and effective infrastructure (NSW 2021)

6.3 Improve health care of people with intellectual disability

6.4 Improve outcomes in mental health, including for young people

6.5 Reduce the rate of children and young people with disability reported at risk of significant harm.


■ improved health outcomes for people with intellectual disability through the evaluation of the implementation of the Service Framework

■ increased positive experiences for people with disability within the health system through the evaluation of the Patient Survey and through the evaluation of the Patient and Carer Experience

■ increased representation of people with disability on Government committees

■ reduced number of children and young people with disability who are reported at risk of significant harm and a reduced number who are in statutory out-of-home care (NSW 2021).


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6 Health and wellbeing Lead Partners

6.a) Through Local Health Districts and Ministry of Health agencies improve engagement of people with disability by having representation of people with disability on local advisory, coordination and planning groups.

NSW Health Health Districts

6.b) Implement measures under the NSW Service Framework for People with Intellectual Disability by:

i) developing enhanced models of care for people with intellectual disability through clarifying clinical roles and responsibilities

ii) improving referral pathways with particular emphasis on aspects of care related to challenging behaviours

iii) investigating the establishment of a state-wide patient/client database to improve client outcomes

iv) mapping health services catering for people with intellectual disability, across the different age ranges, and link with services provided by other agencies such as ADHC, Community Services and Department of Education and Communities

v) working with key education providers to enhance the curriculum and teaching resources related to healthcare for people with intellectual disability.

NSW Health





6.c) Improve services to people with disability and carers attending, being admitted to or leaving hospital by:

i) developing consistent processes for transfer of care (discharge planning) to ensure safe and effective transfer of care for patients who are transferred home or to ongoing care from the acute hospital service

ii) including carer status in the electronic admissions system of NSW hospitals to record whether a person has or is a carer

iii) developing a joint guideline on procedures to address patients/outpatients who are resident of an ADHC funded home

iv) encouraging more flexible non-emergency transport services that meet the needs of patients who currently have access issues and incorporate into planning processes across Local Health Districts, Ambulance Service of NSW and the Ministry of Health.



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6.d) Implement strategies in the NSW Oral Health Strategic Directions 2011–2020 to improve oral health care for people with disability.

NSW Health Local Health Districts

6.e) Implement a range of measures to improve eyesight in preschool age children by identifying complex visual issues prior to commencing school.


6.f) Identify and support the families of infants with hearing loss by:

i) providing access to newborn hearing screening

ii) developing initiatives regarding meeting the needs of people with disability, including a DVD for families of children with hearing loss

iii) developing a comprehensive database to monitor.



6.g) Through the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service improve access to information and support to assist people with disability make lifestyle changes in relation to healthy eating, being physically active, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

NSW Health Local Health Districts

6.h) Develop a cross agency Overweight and Obesity Plan, which encourages and promotes healthy lifestyles through better eating behaviours and physical exercise.


6.i) Implement measures under the Memorandum of Understanding on Children and Young People with a Disability, which commits Community Services and ADHC to work together to meet the needs of affected children and young people with disability.



6.j) Conduct medical assessments of children and young people on entering out-of-home care to identify issues requiring attention and direct them to appropriate support services.

NSW Health



6.k) Market Chronic Disease Management and Out-of-Hospital programs at carer and disability forums, in boarding houses licensed by ADHC and ADHC funded residential facilities.


6.l) Develop the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative Plus (HASI) to implement a model of service delivery that provides 16 and 24 hours of support in the community for people with mental illness.


6.m) Develop the Boarding House Support Initiative (BHoSI) to implement a model of outreach support for people with mental illness living in boarding houses.



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6.n) Continue to develop mental health services for children and young people through:

i) the Early Psychosis Program to address psychosis at its earliest stages when first recognised in young people

ii) the Parenting Program for Mental Health to coordinate and assist Mental Health services to prevent behavioural and emotional problems in young children in NSW

iii) the NSW Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services program providing specialist mental health services to children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years and their families.


6.o) Promote School-Link as a collaborative endeavour to improve the mental health of children and young people in NSW to strengthen formal and informal links between mental health services and educational institutions.

NSW Health



6.p) Implement the Access Framework for Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Problems Requiring Inpatient Care.

NSW Health


5 Putting the plan into actionTo manage the delivery of the NDS NSW implementation plan, and ensure its achievements can be built on in subsequent phases of the NDS, a number of mechanisms have been put in place.

GovernanceThe Minister for Disability Services will oversee the plan and provide the policy directions and context for its implementation. The Minister will also take responsibility for advocating in Cabinet for initiatives and reforms that integrate disability issues into mainstream government decision making.

The Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) will be responsible for supporting and advising the Minister on matters related to the NDS and the NSW plan. Through its membership of key national NDS committees, FACS, in collaboration with the Department of Premier and Cabinet and The Treasury, will also ensure the NSW plan is implemented in a manner that complements national NDS initiatives, as well as other state and national planning and reporting requirements.

As the plan’s implementation requires a whole-of-government perspective, the Government will continue to convene the NDS NSW Interdepartmental Implementation Committee (NIIC) to monitor the implementation of this plan, and progress the next plan. The NIIC, chaired by FACS, is comprised of senior representatives from all government departments, nominated by their Directors-General to coordinate input on behalf of all agencies within their department.

Through the FACS Director-General, the Justice and Human Services Chief Executive Group will be kept informed of progress under the plan. Where required, the group will be involved in high level decision making and direction setting.

In addition, the NSW Disability Council will have a key role in monitoring the progress under this plan and will be regularly consulted in the planning and implementation of key priorities and actions.

Stakeholder feedback and inputTo complement the above governance arrangement, FACS is committed to ongoing communications with people with disability, their families and carers, as well as service providers. The ADHC website www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/nds will contain regular updates and media releases regarding the plan’s implementation. It will also contain opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback and comments.

In addition, a dedicated FACS phone line will be set up to answer stakeholder queries and to capture feedback provided.

As stakeholder feedback and engagement is vital to the plan’s success, there is a commitment to ongoing consultation with people with disability and disability and carer organisations. Consultations will include people living in rural and regional areas. Consultation processes will provide an update on the plan’s implementation, provide input to the delivery of specific measures, seek feedback on the impact of reforms to date and provide an opportunity for input on how the 2012–2014 initiatives could be built on in subsequent phases.


As subsequent NDS plans will include a focus on young people, culturally and linguistically diverse people and Aboriginal people (see Overarching NSW strategies, Section 3E), FACS will also continue to meet with representatives from these sectors and others interested in providing feedback on specific NDS initiatives and future options.

ReportingThe key indicators of progress included in this plan will be used to provide an indication of success against NSW priorities. In addition, each action in the plan will have an output or outcome measure. These will be captured in the baseline report that will complement the plan.

Lead agencies listed in the plan will provide updates on their progress against the identified measures, with FACS responsible for updates and monitoring the plan as a whole. A consolidated NDS NSW progress report will be prepared and posted on the FACS website in 2013, including outcomes to date against the indicators listed. A more substantial two year report covering achievements for 2012–2014 will be prepared in 2014.

As much as possible, all NDS NSW reports will be integrated and aligned with national NDS reporting requirements, as well as complement other state commitments including NSW 2021 reporting.

In addition to monitoring progress against the plan initiatives, departments will continue to develop Disability Action Plans (DAP) in line with current legislative requirements. The new DAP guidelines due in 2013 (see Overarching NSW strategies, section 3C) will provide direction on this and ensure streamlined reporting aligned with the six NDS policy areas.

Next phase of planNo later than mid 2013, FACS will instigate a new phase of consultation and development to help shape the second NDS NSW implementation plan, likely to cover the 2015–2018 period. It will take into account the processes listed above.


Participating Departments

DAG&J Department of Attorney General and Justice

DEC Department of Education and Communities

DPC Department of Premier and Cabinet

DTIRIS Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services

FACS Department of Family and Community Services

F&S Department of Finance and Services

Health NSW Health

Transport Transport for NSW

Treasury The Treasury

Acronyms

ADHC Ageing, Disability and Home Care, Department of Family and Community Services

COAG Council of Australian Governments

DAP Disability Action Plans

DDA Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992

NDS National Disability Strategy

NIIC NDS NSW Interdepartmental Implementation Committee, comprising government department representatives

NGO Non government organisation

The Convention United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Definitions

People with disability The NSW plan is responsive to a social model of disability where people are not disabled by their impairment but by the barriers in the community that prevent them gaining equal access to information, services, public transport, housing, education, employment, and social/recreational opportunities.

Such barriers may be:

■ physical, such as inaccessible buildings and streetscapes

■ infrastructural, such as a lack of appropriate transportation

■ procedural, such as accepting applications only in writing

■ social, such as a lack of information in accessible formats and also the attitudes of people; or

■ attitudinal, where people in the community have negative perceptions and reactions to people with disability.


When a community removes these barriers, the results are that people with disability are much more included and can function at increased levels of independence, with less reliance on others and specialist services. This approach is in line with the Convention, where the disabling effect of people’s interaction with barriers that hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others is also recognised.

The NSW plan promotes a broad and inclusive definition of people with disability. For the purposes of the NDS and the NSW plan, the term ‘people with disability’ refers to people with all kinds of impairment from birth or acquired through illness, accident or the ageing process. It includes cognitive impairment as well as physical, sensory and psycho-social disability. In addition, the NSW plan, like the NDS, recognises that not all people with disability are alike. People with disability have specific needs, priorities and perspectives based on their personal circumstances, including the type and level of support required, education, sex, age, sexuality, and ethnic and cultural background.

There are a number of other critical definitions of disability which appear in both State and Australian Government legislation. For example, disability is defined in the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (ADA), while the Disability Services Act 1993 (DSA) defines the target groupings for disability services.

The DDA definition is broad ranging and covers physical, sensory, intellectual and psychological disability. It includes:

■ total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions

■ total or partial loss of a part of the body

■ the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness

■ the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness

■ the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body

■ a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction

■ a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgement or that results in disturbed behaviour

CarersA carer is defined in the Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 as an individual who:

■ provides ongoing personal care, support and assistance to any other individual who needs it because the other individual:

is a person with disability (as defined above)

has a medical condition (including a terminal or chronic illness)

has an mental illness, or

is frail and aged.

A person is not a carer for the purposes of this Act in respect of care, support and assistance that the person provides:

■ under a contract of service or a contract for the provision of services, or

■ in the course of doing voluntary work for a charitable, welfare or community organisation, or

■ as part of the requirements of a course of education or training.

Department of Family and Community Services

Level 5, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Phone (02) 9377 6000 TTY (02) 9377 6167

Email [email protected] Web www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/nds

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