The NSW Government has released its Guidelines for disability action planning by NSW Government agencies.The Guidelines embody the NSW Government's commitment to an equitable whole-of-government approach to the provision of services for people with a disability. The Guidelines also provide agencies with a tool to develop action plans that better reflect their responsibility for outcomes relating to people with a disability and for implementing the NSW State Plan and Better Together initiatives.

 

This memorandum explains the new policy and planning framework for disability action planning by NSW Government agencies as contained in the Guidelines. The requirements outlined in this memorandum and the Guidelines for disability action planning by NSW Government agencies replace the NSW Disability Policy Framework, December 1998.

 

The majority of NSW Government agencies have a legislative responsibility under the NSW Disability Services Act 1993 to develop a Disability Action Plan. In addition, all agencies have obligations under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 which recognises the right of people with a disability to equality before the law and makes discrimination on the grounds of disability unlawful.

 

Following a review of disability action planning policy and reporting requirements, the NSW Government has updated the framework for disability action planning to align to whole-of-government priorities. The framework simplifies and streamlines the requirements for agencies and re-affirms the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) as the lead NSW Government agency to implement and monitor disability action planning.

 

The disability action planning process is an opportunity for every agency to plan for equitable services, facilities, and jobs for people with a disability through the delivery of better services that promote fairness and opportunity for all citizens. The Guidelines for disability action planning by NSW Government agencies provide a flexible framework for agencies to use in developing and implementing effective Disability Action Plans. The Guidelines also provide a suggested step by step approach for agencies in developing their Plans.

 

Agencies are encouraged to link disability action planning to mainstream service planning so that they can take account of the agency's core business, client relationships, planning cycles, and corporate objectives. It is recommended that planning includes strategies that support agency obligations under the NSW State Plan and Better Together.

 

The Guidelines outline three levels of planning. Agencies will be required to develop Disability Action Plans in accordance with the level(s) of planning that best match the services they provide, and their responsibilities in relation to people with a disability.

 

Each level of planning has a corresponding set of outcomes, which contribute to an overall goal of providing equitable services, facilities, and jobs for people with a disability, through the delivery of better services that promote fairness and opportunity for all citizens. Agencies are expected to structure their plans to meet some or all of these outcomes.

 

In line with the requirements of the NSW Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Regulation 1995, agencies arerequired to report on disability action planning in their annual report. To assist agencies, the Guidelines provide a suggested format for agencies to use to report on Disability Action Plan implementation in their annual report.

 

The Internal Government Red Tape Review (Stage 2) is currently reviewing the requirements for annual progress reporting by small agencies. The Review is considering the modification of annual report requirements for Disability Action Plans so that small agencies are only required to report every three years. The outcome of the Review should be available in the near future.

 

The Guidelines outline a flexible approach for agencies to follow when developing a Disability Action Plan. Some agencies may develop a plan as part of their broader corporate planning process. Other agencies may want to undertake a discrete disability action planning process.

 

For agencies that choose the latter approach, the Guidelines suggest steps to follow that include the allocation of a lead officer, a consultation period, and publication of the plan. Agencies are encouraged to work together where appropriate to co-ordinate their planning, and to nominate a ‘disability champion' at executive level to offer support and promote the action plan and related activities.

 

All NSW Government agencies were required to notify DADHC of the status of their current Disability Action Plan (using the proforma included in the Guidelines) and forward any completed Disability Action Plans to the Disability Action Planning Unit at DADHC by 30 November 2008. Any plans which are not current should be finalised and submitted by 30 June 2009. All subsequent plans and significant updates to plans should align to the new framework and be made available to DADHC once approved by the agency.

 

The Guidelines for disability action planning by NSW Government agencies are accessible from the DADHC website; www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au. The Guidelines are available in a variety of formats including Braille, large print, E-text and MP3.

 

DADHC is developing tools and training to support and assist agencies. These will be available on the DADHC website, and will include good practice tools and other support materials. Tools and support materials will be made available progressively from December 2008. Face-to-face training for agencies was provided by DADHC in November 2008, and on-line training will be available in the first half of 2009.

 

The Disability Action Planning Unit's contact details are below.

 

Disability Action Planning Unit

Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care

Level 5, 83 Clarence Street

Sydney NSW 2000

[email protected]

 

Nathan Rees MP

Premier