The Disability Information and Resource Centre

The Social Inclusion Board is now seeking the views of all South Australians to inform the development of its Blueprint for disability reform.

The Commissioner for Social Inclusion, Monsignor David Cappo says that the views of all South Australians are important as our current approach is not sustainable.

Full details on the Blueprint and how to make a submission can be found here.

Submissions can be made until Monday 27th September 2010. The final Blueprint for reform will be released in mid-2011.

Important links from the above page:

• News Release: SOCIAL INCLUSION DISABILITY REFORM: ACTIVATING CITIZENSHIP
• Activating Citizenship: A Social Inclusion Blueprint for Disability in South Australia
• The Online Survey
• A list of Community Meetings happening over the next two months.

From July 1st a draft Health & Community Services Complaints Commissioner (HCSCC) charter has been widely distributed for consultation.

More information on the charter and how to make a submission can be found on the HCSCC website.

HCSCC is holding community consultation sessions in six regional locations across South Australia. Sessions will provide information to consumers, carers and health and community service providers about the draft Charter to encourage feedback. Consultation sessions have been scheduled in the following areas:

• Berri on Monday 26 July 2010
• Mt Gambier on Tuesday 27 July 2010
• Pt Pirie on Thursday 29 July 2010
• Pt Augusta on Thursday 29 July 2010
• Murray Bridge on Monday 2 August 2010
• Whyalla on Thursday 5 August 2010

If you would like to know more about the consultation sessions in any of these locations, or if you would like to know how to help consumers, carers or other staff to participate, please contact Lisa Firth on 08 8226 8651 or by email at Lisa.Firth@hcscc.sa.gov.au.

You are invited to read this media release regarding the upcoming review of the National Standards for Disability Services. From 17 to 21 May DIRC will be hosting a phone in to provide people with disability and their families the opportunity to have their say on the national standards.

National Standards for Disability Services Community Consultation

The National Standards for Disability Services (National Standards) are being reviewed. Consultations are occurring across Australia from April to July 2010.

The South Australian consultation period will be from Monday 3 May 2010 to Sunday 27 June 2010. This is a chance for South Australians have a say about how disability services should be provided and how they can achieve better outcomes for people with disability.

People with disabilities, their families, carers, advocates, representative groups, service providers and the wider community are encouraged to participate.

Detailed information is available on a national website including a discussion paper and ‘easy read’ version:
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability/improving_supports/national-quality-framework

In SA, there are three ways to provide feedback on the National Standards:

1. Online survey

Individuals can complete an online survey at the above national website.

Throughout the consultation period access to computers and assistance will be available for people to complete the online survey at the Disability Information Resource Centre (DIRC) at 195 Gilles St Adelaide, Ph 8236 0555.

2. Written Submissions

Written submissions can be made through the above national website in electronic or hardcopy versions. This is the preferred method for organisations or community groups to provide feedback.

3. Phone-In

A phone-in hosted by Disability Information Resource Centre will be held during the week of 17 to 21 May 2010 to provide further information about the consultation and how you can participate. This will operate Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Metropolitan callers can phone 8236 0555, TTY is 8223 7579 or 1300 305 558 for country callers.

Further information is available by phoning the Office for Disability & Client Services, Disability SA, Department for Families and Communities on 08 8226 6052.

The National Human Rights Consultation has set up a new online discussion forum at
http://openforum.com.au/NHROC/
This provides an opportunity for you to post your ideas, thoughts or questions concerning human rights in Australia.
This forum is open until Friday, 26 June 2009.

People with disabilities from rural and remote areas are invited to have their say on what the Federal Government should be doing to meet their needs.

If you can’t make it to a FAHCSIA or AFDO face to face consultation please complete the survey below.

The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations has organized an on line survey for people to fill in. Not only can people tell us what they want they also have the chance to go into a draw for a $300 gift voucher.

The on line survey can be accessed at www.afdo.org.au/survey/nds

What is the National Disability Strategy?

The Commonwealth Government is committed to introducing a National Disability Strategy. The  NDS will provide guidance to Government about what actions should be taken to ensure a more inclusive and universally accessible society for all people.

A discussion paper on the NDS and dates of consultations can be downloaded from www.fahcsia.gov.au  All submissions to the NDS are due by 5pm AEST Monday December 1, 2008

The vision of the NDS is to:

a.. Ensure social, economic and cultural participation of people with disability and their families
b.. Provide timely and dignified support for people with disability, their families and carers
c.. Eliminate discrimination experienced by people with disability and their families.

The Department of Families, Health, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs will be conducting consultations in all Australian Capital Cities about what should go into the NDS.  FaHCSIA has asked the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations to undertake consultations in rural and remote Australia, with women, indigenous people and people from non English speaking backgrounds. AFDO will be going around the country to meet with people during November and there is a list of general consultations at www.afdo.org.au

For more information please ring
Lesley Hall
CEO
Australian Federation of Disability Organisations
03 9662 3324

For information on participating in the formulation of the Federal Government’s National Disability Strategy link to the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs web-site at:

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/nds.htm