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.
Have a say on standards for disability services
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.
Better Access to Premises for Persons with a Disability
Attorney-General the Hon Robert McClelland, MP
2 December 2008
On the eve of International Day of Persons with Disability, the Rudd Government today tabled draft Disability Standards for Access to Premises.
The Standards will help provide better access to new and upgraded public buildings for people with a disability by making it clearer what is required to avoid discrimination. The requirements of the Standards will be mirrored in the Building Code of Australia. This will greatly reduce complexity by aligning building law and discrimination law.
“The Rudd Government’s view is that access to public and commercial buildings for all members of our society is critical for achieving social inclusion,” Mr McClelland said.
“These initiatives will have a positive impact on the daily lives of people with a disability – providing better access to premises such as shops, government offices and hotels. It will make their rights clearer and more certain.”
Minister for Innovation Senator Kim Carr said, “Harmonising the access requirements and the Building Code of Australia will not only provide people with a disability with greater access to public buildings but it will provide certainty for the building industry.”
The Premises Standards were requested by the building and disability sectors back in 2001. Regrettably, the former Government failed to deliver. In contrast, the Rudd Government has made these a priority, tabling the draft Standards after only 12 months.
“Access to premises has been put in the too hard basket for too long,” Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services Bill Shorten said.
“This is a significant step forward in giving people with disability the opportunity to fully participate in public life.”
This work is part of the Rudd Government’s long term agenda to achieve better outcomes for people with disability and their families.
The Government intends referring the draft Standards to the House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee for a final public consultation, which will report in the first half of 2009.
The Standards and documents can be accessed at: www.ag.gov.au/premisesstandards.
