Commonwealth Disability Strategy
In the context of the reporting framework for the Commonwealth Disability Strategy, this assessment examines the department’s roles of policy adviser, purchaser, provider and employer.
Policy adviser role
The department started preliminary research on developing a Disability Action Plan in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The plan, to be developed and implemented in the next financial year, will demonstrate commitment to the elimination of disability discrimination. In particular, the plan will address ways in which the department can attract, recruit and retain people with disability.
Provider role
The department’s Client Service Charter addresses the broad principles of the revised Commonwealth Disability Strategy by informing clients that the department will take into account any special needs they identify.
A review of the Client Service Charter was undertaken in 2005. The revised charter was launched in June 2006 in a number of formats to cater for the needs of clients, including those with a print disability.
Detention services contracts in operation during 2006-07 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 helps in the early detection of people with a disability so the department 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.
The department considers alternative detention arrangements for people in detention with special needs on a case-by-case basis. If the department receives professional advice that a person cannot be adequately cared for within detention facilities, it considers 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
The department ensures its workplace environment complies with occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation and provides for additional services beyond those requirements. Following are some of the specific OHS initiatives for people with disabilities:
- all buildings are wheelchair-accessible
- disabled toilets are available in every office
- disabled shower facilities are also available in the National Office
- adjustments to the workplace include custom made height-adjustable workstations, ergonomic equipment and aides
- emergency procedures specifically address requirements of people with mobility impairments
- maintaining a register of technologies available to assist staff with disabilities or injuries. 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
- facilitating contact between staff members with intellectual and/or psychological disabilities and a workplace support person through appropriate agencies
- providing access to a rehabilitation case manager for any staff member who is experiencing health issues that impact on their ability to function at optimal capacity in the work environment – the case manager works with the staff member, managers and appropriate support agencies to help the officer’s ongoing participation and contribution in the workforce
- features in the department’s National Office building help 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
- option to work flexible hours.