Western Australia’s public authorities have achieved 100 per cent compliance on providing disability access and inclusion plans, as detailed in the Minister’s Progress Report tabled in State Parliament today.
Under the Disability Services Act 1993, the State’s 208 public authorities are required to submit a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) progress report for 2018-19.
The Minister’s Progress Report shows the ongoing commitment of public authorities across WA to using innovation and creativity to address issues of access and inclusion.
DAIP initiatives focus on outcome areas designed to ensure the inclusion of people with disability and address the requirement that public authorities’ facilities, services and information meet the needs of all people.
The initiatives driven by public authorities through DAIPs have a direct impact on the lives of more than 360,000 individuals with disability in Western Australia, and their 200,000 carers.
The announcement of 100 per cent compliance comes in the same week that International Day of People with Disability was celebrated and the McGowan Government announced its five per cent target for employing people with disability in the public sector by the end of 2025.
As stated by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:
“The McGowan Government’s vision is for all Western Australians to live in a welcoming and inclusive community.
“Achieving 100 per cent compliance for submitting plans across all 208 authorities is a great first step and now we have to ensure the various authorities will actually deliver on what they’re stating in their reports.
“Access and inclusion requires an ongoing commitment to affording people with disability the best opportunity to thrive across education, health and employment, and enabling them to undertake valued roles in their communities.
“The consultation undertaken with stakeholders in the development of the Government’s State Disability Strategy throughout 2019 will provide the insights to drive future improvements to the inclusion and empowerment of people with disability.”
