Assessment against implementing the Commonwealth Disability Strategy
In the context of the reporting framework for the Commonwealth Disability Strategy, we undertake the roles of policy adviser, purchaser, provider, and employer. The roles of policy adviser, provider, and employer have been examined for the purposes of this report.
Policy adviser role
Work on our Disability Action Plan is progressing in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. As well as demonstrating our commitment to the elimination of disability discrimination, the completed plan will ensure the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in our policies, programmes, and services.
Provider role
Our Client Service Charter addresses the broad principles of the revised Commonwealth Disability Strategy by informing clients that we will take into account any special needs they identify.
A review of our Client Service Charter was undertaken in 2005. The revised charter will be published in a number of formats to cater for a diverse range of clients, including clients with a print disability.
Our websites are specifically designed for accessibility by vision and motor impaired clients. These websites are more than 95 per cent compliant with Braille text readers.
Detention services contracts in operation during 2005-06 required the detention services provider to ensure appropriately qualified personnel identified, responded to, and addressed the special needs of people in immigration detention with a disability. Initial health screening assists in the early detection of people with a disability so we can provide them with appropriate support.
All people in immigration detention with a disability have an individual care plan and access to appropriate equipment and facilities. They are also provided with accommodation to suit their needs. The development plans for new detention centres - and upgrades and improvements to existing centres - incorporate these considerations in line with relevant national building codes.
We consider alternative detention arrangements for people in immigration detention with special needs on a case-by-case basis. If we receive professional advice that the person cannot be adequately cared for within detention facilities, we consider the option of release from detention on a bridging visa. The Migration Amendment (Detention Arrangements) Act 2005, which came into effect on 29 June 2005, provides for more flexible detention arrangements for people in immigration detention, including for minors, families and those with special needs (such as a disability).
Employer role
We ensure our workplace environment complies with occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and provides for additional services beyond those requirements. Following are some of the specific OH&S initiatives that accommodate people with disabilities:
- all buildings are wheelchair-accessible
- disabled toilets are available in every office
- disabled shower facilities are also available at our National Office
- adjustments to the workplace include custom made height-adjustable workstations
- emergency procedures specifically address requirements of people with mobility impairments
- we maintain a register of technologies available to assist staff with disabilities or injuries. These technologies currently in use include voice-activated software, Zoomtext vision assistance software, specialised phones for hearing-impaired people or for use with hearing aids, and a variety of adapted keyboards
- we can put staff members with intellectual and/or psychological disabilities in contact with a workplace support person through an appropriate agency
- any staff member who is experiencing health issues that impact on their ability to function at optimal capacity in the work environment has access to an injury management adviser. The adviser works with the staff member, the manager, and appropriate support agencies to aid the officer's ongoing participation in the workplace
- our National Office building includes features designed to assist sight and hearing-impaired people in elevators as well as facilities for hearing-impaired people in conference rooms. All services have passed independent evaluation and certification.