Bendigo disability experts want accessibility to be a focus of the next Victorian State Disability Plan.
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The state government is developing its plan for the next four years, effective January 1.
“We want all Victorians so share their views on what we need to do to prioritise the needs of people with a disability,” Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley said.
Amicus chief executive officer Ann-Maree Davis said the state government needed to be leading the way in terms of disability policy development.
“I’ve been working in the industry for almost 30 years, and despite how long equal opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation has been in place, we’ve still got a long way to go,” she said.
She said it was important people were well informed about the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“In terms of making sure that people with a disability, their families, the [disability] service system, and generic services are ready to take on this massive sector reform,” she said.
She said challenges specific to Bendigo for people with a disability included its historic buildings, which were not constructed with disability access in mind.
“Even going out for dinner can be problematic,” the restaurateur said.
Radius acting chief executive officer Noelene Karlsen said participation was something many people took for granted.
“Radius recognises that for various reasons, people with a disability, their families and carers often face barriers that preclude them from enjoying access to aspects of Victorian life available to others,” she said.
“Access extends well beyond just entry to buildings, the built environment and the obvious visible things we move around, work and play in.”
She said access also encompassed the processes used to deliver a service.
“It refers to the provision of information to our staff and to the public... access to information, goods, services and programs offered by our system,” she said.
“It also refers to the events we hold and the customers and clients we serve.”
“There are an increasing number of people acquiring a disability throughout their lifetime.”
One in five Victorians have a disability.
Mr Foley said more needed to be done to maximise the benefits of the NDIS and to make sure people were able to fully participate in the community.
People with a disability are more likely to experience discrimination, live in poverty, have poorer health, have lower levels of education, and be unemployed.
The Victorian State Disability Plan 2017–2020 Discussion Paper explores four themes – active citizenship, rights and equality, economic participation, and making the most of the NDIS.
The state government allocated $3.3 million in the budget to initiatives benefiting people with a disability, including leadership scholarships, improving participation in the workforce, and creating accessible public toilets.
Mr Foley invited people to visit the state disability plan website or call 1300 880 043 or TTY 133 677 for more information about the consultation process.