Consultation opens for South Australia’s first State Disability Inclusion Plan

The State Government wants to hear from people with disability, their families and carers
and anyone interested in promoting the inclusion of people with disability to create SA’s first
State Disability Inclusion Plan.

The four-year plan, which will be finalised by October 2019, will improve access to mainstream supports and services for people with disability.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the State Government is committed to improving access and inclusion for all South Australians.

“The plan is a much-needed step for all people with disability and will list outcome areas to specifically improve access and inclusion,” said Minister Lensink.

“It will set whole-of-government priorities and strategies for achieving a more inclusive South Australia, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“All South Australians should have equal dignity and fair access to opportunities. We are committed to promoting an inclusive community where everyone can participate in social, economic and civic life.

“To help us develop the plan, members of the public will have six weeks to have their say online, via email or post, or at one of five community forums. “We would like to hear from you how we can continue to foster better, more inclusive communities for every South Australian.”

A discussion paper is available online at YourSAy for people to provide their feedback and ideas before April 26, 2019.Community forums will be held on the following dates and locations:

• Salisbury: Monday 8 April 2019, 1.30pm – 4pm at City of Salisbury (John Harvey Gallery), 12 James St, Salisbury
• Noarlunga: Thursday 11 April 2019, 1.30pm – 4pm at City of Onkaparinga (Civic Room), Ramsay Place, Noarlunga Centre (adjacent Colonnades Shopping Centre)
• Adelaide CBD: Friday 12 April 2019, 1.30pm – 4pm at State Library (Hetzel Lecture Theatre), North Terrace (corner Kintore Ave), Adelaide

Mount Gambier: Monday 15 April 2019, 12.30pm – 3pm at Mount Gambier Library (Multi-function Room), 6 Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier

• Whyalla: Thursday 18 April 2019, 12pm – 2.30pm at Whyalla Public Library (Vicki
Ledo Room), 7-9 Ekblom St, Whyalla Norrie

Minister Lensink said the plan will also take into consideration the needs of those groups that are often subject to additional layers of discrimination.

“This includes women and children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” said Minister Lensink.

The plan is a direct result of the Disability Inclusion Act 2018, which was the first Bill passed by the Liberal Marshall Government and aims to support people with disability to fulfil their potential as citizens.

The Act provides a legal framework to support equal access and participation for people with disability in the community including in recreation, education, health, employment and transport.

To read the discussion paper and share your views on what shape the first State Disability Inclusion Plan will take, visit www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/decisions/inclusion-plan by April 26 2019.