Actions - Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Wellbeing SA

The Wellbeing SA Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020 – 2024 is structured around the themes and priority areas of the Inclusive SA: State Disability Inclusion Plan 2019-2023.

Inclusive communities for all

Social inclusion is a priority for people living with disability as it affects all aspects of their lives. It is our aim that the contributions and rights of people living with disability are valued and understood by all South Australians and that their rights are promoted, upheld and protected. We also want to ensure that people living with disability are supported to advocate for their own rights.

Action 1

Wellbeing SA staff have an improved awareness of people living with disability and are encouraged to develop an inclusive culture. (Linked to Inclusive SA : Action 8 and 9)

Priority:

  • Priority 2: Improving community understanding and awareness
  • Priority 3: Promoting the rights of people living with disability
Inclusive communities for all actions
Responsibility Timeframe Measurable target
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year In consultation with DHS, Wellbeing SA will explore, acquire and implement a disability awareness training package/module by 30 May 2021. Where possible, the training package will be developed in consultation with or presented by people with disability and improve staff awareness of priority groups (women, children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culturally and linguistically diverse people).
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year 100% of our staff will complete online disability awareness training by 30 June 2021.
WBSA Human Resources 1 Year. Ongoing Disability awareness training will be included in orientation package for all new Wellbeing SA staff from 30 May 2021.
WBSA Human Resources 1 Year. Ongoing From 30 January 2021, all new Wellbeing SA employees will complete disability awareness training within 3 months of commencement.

Action 2

Wellbeing SA develops best practice resources relating to communication, websites and events that are accessible (multimodal) and inclusive to ensure that we improve accessibility of all Wellbeing SA communication (including State Government websites). (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 21 and 22)

Priority:

  • Priority 1: Involvement in the community
  • Priority 3: Promoting the rights of people living with disability
Inclusive communities for all action 2
Responsibility Timeframe Measurable target
WBSA Executive team 1 Year and ongoing Wellbeing SA will develop an internal communication strategy to promote disability awareness and an inclusive culture by June 2021. Including communicating the DAIP and engaging teams in discussions about promoting and advocating for the rights of people with disability through policy and practice.
The Communication standard will include consideration of production of information in languages other than English.
WBSA Communications 1 Year Wellbeing SA’s inclusive best practice Communication Standard will be developed in consultation with local peak disability organisations by 30 June 2021, and will comply with the Online Accessibility Policy and promotes the Online Accessibility Toolkit.
WBSA Communications 1 Year The Wellbeing SA Communication Standard will be implemented and operationalised for all new documentation by June 2021.
WBSA Communications 1 Year The Wellbeing SA, Open Your World website will be compliant with the DPC Online Accessibility Policy and related guidelines. with a review of the accessibility of the website will be undertaken using a co-design process that includes people living with a disability. Diverse opinions will also be sought from people living with disability within priority groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and people from a CALD background to ensure inclusivity.
WBSA Communications 2 Year Existing resources will be audited and prioritised for updates, in line with the Communication Standard, by June 2022.
WBSA Communications 3 Year All Wellbeing SA existing and new resources will be compliant with the Communication Standard by June 2023.
WBSA Communications 2 Years Wellbeing SA will consult with peak bodies, people living with disability, families and carers to seek feedback on available resources by June 2022.

Action 3

Wellbeing SA develops a comprehensive understanding of the South Australian community demographics, and where the community intersects with us. (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 7)

Priority 2: Improving community understanding and awareness

Inclusive communities for all action 3
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year Wellbeing SA will develop inclusive definitions and data indicators to monitor relevant community demographics by December 2021. (In consultation with DHS who are leading the development of data indicators). Ensuring that priority groups (women, children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culturally and linguistically diverse people) are recognised.
WBSA Executive Team
2 Years Wellbeing SA will consult with peak bodies, people living with disability, families and carers to review definitions and data indicators by June 2022.
WBSA Executive Team 1, 2, 3, 4 Year and Ongoing Wellbeing SA will conduct annual reviews, in August each year, using relevant data indicators to monitor and evaluate inclusive engagement.

Leadership and collaboration

People living with disability want to have a greater role in leading and contributing to government and community decision-making. It is our aim that the perspectives of people living with disability are actively sought and that they are supported to participate meaningfully in government and community consultation and engagement activities.

Action 1

Wellbeing SA develops an Equity and Inclusion policy that facilitates inclusive decision making, meaningful engagement, and aligns with Wellbeing SA agency values. (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 14)

Priorities:

  • Priority 4: Participation in decision-making
  • Priority 6: Engagement and consultation
Leadership and collaboration action 1
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year Wellbeing SA will develop and implement the draft Equity and Inclusion policy that reflects our agency and values by September 2021.
This policy will be developed through a process of co-design which includes people living with disability and their carers. Diverse opinions will also be sought from people with living disability within priority groups such as older persons, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and people from a CALD background to ensure inclusivity.
It will also include review of SA Health Equity of Access to Health Care Policy Directive (PDF 584KB), United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disability (and other relevant UN conventions), and state and national legislation and policy.
WBSA Executive Team 3 Year Wellbeing SA will undertake an audit of existing policies, services and programs to determine compliance with the Equity and Inclusion policy by December 2023. This includes the identification of priorities to reduce inequalities and plan for improvements for access and inclusion.

Action 2

Wellbeing SA ensures people living with disability are included in all community engagement, co-design and consultation processes. (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 14)

Priorities:

  • Priority 4: Participation in decision-making
  • Priority 6: Engagement and consultation
Leadership and collaboration action 2
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 2 Year Develop a mechanism (e.g. inclusive and representative community engagement group and community surveys) to engage with stakeholders and shape decision making within Wellbeing SA. This is evidenced through the inclusion of people living with disability in WBSA projects and processes by June 2022.
WBSA Executive Team
2 Years Wellbeing aims to ensure that this mechanism will include representatives from priority groups (women, children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culturally and linguistically diverse people) and support the inclusion of people with disability (including psychosocial disability), advocacy groups, providers, peak bodies.
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing Apply data indicators (refer action 3) to determine opportunities for improved inclusive community engagement, co-design and consultation.
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing Wellbeing SA will develop consultative relationships with the DHS Disability Engaging Group and/or the DIT Disability Access and Inclusion Committee.

Action 3

Wellbeing SA advocates for safe and timely supports (including psychosocial supports) that enable people living with disability to actively participate in decision-making. This includes decisions relating to an individual’s health and wellbeing outcomes. (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 30)

Priority 5: Leadership and raising profile

Leadership and collaboration action 3
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA ICS Executive Director Ongoing Continue to work in partnership with the Department for Health and Wellbeing Local Health Networks and peak organisations representing people living with physical, psychosocial, cognitive, neurological and other disabilities to improve the interface between acute public hospitals and the NDIS.
This is evidenced through a reduction in the number of discharge delay days for people with disability who have completed their acute care and are seeking to transition back into the community with appropriate supports.
WBSA PPH Executive Director 4 Year Young people living with disability will be included in Wellbeing SA's contribution to achieving the Youth Action Plan. This is evidenced through the Wellbeing SA contribution to the Youth Action Plan.

Action 4

Wellbeing SA promotes prevention and population health strategies for people living with disability by applying a lens across the prevention continuum (primary – secondary – tertiary. (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 30)

Priority 5: Leadership and raising profile

Leadership and collaboration action 4
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA PPH Executive Director 3 Year Conduct research on the needs, barriers, and health outcomes (i.e. secondary and co-morbid conditions) for people with disability to ensure people with disability benefit equally from public health care programmes. Develop actions for improvement (would require across sector engagement and commitment).
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing Work with disability agencies to increase the capacity of agencies and community workers so they can play a role in preventive health care services.
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year and Ongoing Wellbeing SA will implement the DHS consultation and engagement toolkit (to be developed by DHS by December 2020)

Action 5

Wellbeing SA ensures people who live with disabilities which attract additional stigma such as that created by mental illness, are included in the co-design of health promotion activities and other related projects.

Priorities:

  • Priority 4: Participation in decision-making
  • Priority 6: Engagement and consultation
Leadership and collaboration action 5
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing People living with psychosocial disability are included in the development and design of health promotion activities and other relevant Wellbeing SA projects.

Action 6

Wellbeing SA promotes days/months of significance (i.e. International day of people with disability, Autism awareness month, Mental Health Week) to raise the profile and celebrate the contribution of diversity.

Priorities:

  • Priority 5: Leadership and raising profile
  • Priority 6: Engagement and consultation
Leadership and collaboration action 6
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year and Ongoing Develop a calendar of events, with activities, related to people living with disability to raise awareness and promote diversity.
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year and Ongoing Explore opportunities for people living with disability and peak organisations to facilitate information sessions with Wellbeing SA staff and celebrate diversity during days/weeks of significance.

Accessible communities

The accessibility of the built environment, quality services and information is key to ensuring people living with disability are included and have the opportunity to equally participate in all aspects of community life. It is our aim to increase accessibility to public and community infrastructure, transport, services, information, sport and recreation and the greater community.

Action 1

Wellbeing SA applies the principles of universal design to all facilities, websites, programs, services, policies and practices to inform better health and wellbeing outcomes for all South Australians. (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 21 and 22)

Priority 3: Promoting the rights of people living with disability

Accessible communities action 1
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year Explore, acquire and implement universal design training package/module by 30 March 2021 which considers the sensory, social, cultural, economic and physical environment design principles. (http://universaldesignaustralia.net.au/introduction-to-universal-design/)
WBSA Human Resources 1 Year Universal Design training is included in orientation for all new Wellbeing SA staff from 30 March 2021. 100% of Wellbeing SA staff have completed Universal Design training by 30 June 2021.
WBSA Executive Team
1 Year and Ongoing
Explore opportunities for partnership application of universal design in policy and projects in both metropolitan and rural areas. Report on the application of universal design through partnerships annually.

Action 2

WBSA workplaces and events are accessible and incorporate the principles of universal design across all areas to ensure physical, social, sensory, economic and cultural inclusion. (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 17. 21, 22, 26)

Priorities:

  • Priority 7: Universal Design across South Australia
  • Priority 9: Access to services
Accessible communities action 2
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year Undertake a workplace audit of WBSA workplaces, in line with the infrastructure maintenance and upgrade schedule to determine physical, cognitive and sensory barriers to accessibility for people living with disability (signs, lighting, wayfinding, entry and exit – including emergency evacuation) and that includes assessment by an external accredited access consultant) by 30 June 2021 .
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing Holistic Universal design principles are applied to all office upgrades and in planning for programs and events. This is evidenced through the review and planning documentation.
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year Review universal design of current and future Wellbeing SA workplaces and events, including public transport access, entry, accessible car parks, sensory considerations (crowds, lights etc.) for staff and visitors. 100% of planning processes include engagement with people living with disability.

Action 3

Wellbeing SA develops a decision making tool to determine when communication resources need to be tailored to meet the needs of people living with specific types of disability (Braille, Auslan, sensory considerations etc.). (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 21, 24 and 25)

Priority 8: Accessible and available information

Accessible communities action 3
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Communications 1 Year Wellbeing SA will develop a communication decision making tool by December 2021, noting that if requested, the resource must be provided in the specific format (i.e. Braille) (Refer to action 2).

Action 4

WBSA grant, tender and commissioning guidelines include a principle, to support people living with disability via universal design principles and community engagement

Priorities:

  • Priority 7: Universal Design across South Australia
  • Priority 9: Access to services
Accessible communities action 4
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team
1 Year Explore the ability for grant, tender and commissioning guidelines to include a principle for inclusion of people living with disability by December 2020.
WBSA Executive Team
2 Year
Include the principle in the grant guidelines, and apply to the next grant round e.g. Healthy Towns challenge, open your world, cervical screening
WBSA Executive Team 2 Year Tender and commissioning guidelines will include a principle to engage with people living with disability

Learning and employment

Workforce participation is fundamental to social inclusion. It provides economic independence and choice, social connections and friendships, value, identity and belonging. It is our aim that people living with disability have access to inclusive places of study and that education and training provides pathways to meaningful and inclusive employment and volunteering opportunities.

Priorities:

  • Priority 10: Better supports within educational and training settings
  • Priority 11: Skill development through volunteering and support in navigating the pathway between learning and earning
  • Priority 12: Improved access to employment opportunities and better support within workplaces

Action 1

Wellbeing SA has principles of support to attract, recruit and retain people living with disability.

Priority 12: Improved access to employment opportunities and better support within workplaces 

Learning and employment action 1
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year and Ongoing Wellbeing SA will review employment and HR processes to ensure there are clear processes* in place for staff that welcome, identify and support people living with disability in the workplace by 30 June 2021. This includes making easy read role descriptions available.
*Processes for people living with disability must go beyond the universal design, to how we welcome flexible arrangements and ensure the social and emotional environment is meeting their needs; and this must be ongoing support to sustain employment (not just provided on commencement of employment).
WBSA Executive Team 2 Year Wellbeing SA will establish and implement principles of support that can be applied to meet the flexible needs of WBSA employees, volunteers and students living with a disability. The principles of support will be developed through a co-design process which engages people with disability and peak bodies. The principles of support are designed for executive and management, and focus on universal access (workplace modifications, adjustments and assistive technology), removing barriers, and career advancement for people with disability.
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing Wellbeing SA principles of support will be continuously reviewed and improved, including actively seeking and incorporating feedback from people living with disability and qualified and experienced professionals.
WBSA Human Resources
1 Year and Ongoing Wellbeing SA will develop and implement an anonymous survey for applicants following the recruitment process to monitor and improve the application of the principles of support.
WBSA Human Resources Ongoing Wellbeing SA will develop a de-identified system to record, and reports annually on, the percentage of people living with disability that are employed across WBSA

Action 2

Wellbeing SA celebrates diversity and is an employer of choice for people with disability and promotes an inclusive and diverse workforce. (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 39)

Priorities:

  • Priority 11: Skill development through volunteering and support in navigating the pathway between learning and earning
  • Priority 12: Improved access to employment opportunities and better support within workplaces
Learning and employment action 2
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 2 Year Wellbeing SA management and leadership will complete training and professional development that support an inclusive and diverse workforce, i.e. Unconscious Bias training,
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing 100% of Wellbeing SA vacancies will be advertised with Disability Employment Service providers.
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing 100% of Wellbeing SA managers and Executive have completed professional development in providing accessible and inclusive selection and recruitment processes.
WBSA Executive Team 1 Year and Ongoing Wellbeing SA will review positions vacant and development of new roles that would be ideally suited for placement for people living with disability; actively encourage people living with disability to apply for these positions.

Action 3

Wellbeing SA provides meaningful learning opportunities through volunteering, work placement and mentor opportunities for people living with disability (Linked to Inclusive SA: Action 31, 35, 36, 37)

Priority 11: Skill development through volunteering and support in navigating the pathway between learning and earning

Learning and employment action 3
Responsibility Timeframe Measureable target
WBSA Executive Team 2 Year Develop and trial a project of placement, volunteering, mentoring for volunteers and/or students living with a disability which includes opportunity for peer support from people living with disability.
WBSA Executive Team
2 Year Share learnings from project with South Australian government partners and disability employment agencies to advocate for further trials and inclusive workplaces.
WBSA Executive Team 3 Year Undertake a staff survey of staff that have supported people living with disability during placement, mentoring and/or volunteering that identifies learning opportunities for staff, and evidence of gaining a deeper understanding and awareness of people living with disability.
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing Increase employment opportunities across all levels through the targeting of job opportunities for people living with disability under section 65 of the Public Sector Act 2009 (SA) which provides for employment opportunity programs. At least two people per year with disability are provided the opportunity for volunteering, mentoring, or placement at Wellbeing SA.
WBSA Executive Team Ongoing Wellbeing SA will work with the OCPSE to actively promote the OCPSE South Australian Public Sector Disability Employment Strategy 2020-2023, utilising the Public Sector Employment toolkit.

Contents of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020 to 2024 — Wellbeing SA