Have your say: South Australians affected by disability asked to shape the next State Disability Inclusion Plan. Photo: Halfpoint.
South Australians with disability, their families, carers and the disability sector are being asked to help shape the next State Disability Inclusion Plan, which will be used to inform a new four-year strategy from 2024.
Community members can participate in the public consultation via an online survey or make a submission via email, with a discussion paper available for further information.
“It is essential that the new State Plan draws on the expertise, experiences and advice of people with disability and those with lived experiences,” Minister for Human Services Nat Cook said.
The new plan will build on the inaugural and soon-to-expire State Disability Inclusion Plan – Inclusive SA. It will work alongside the State Autism Strategy and be guided by the state’s commitments under Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS).
“With the help of the first State Plan, we’ve made some excellent progress towards a more accessible and inclusive community, but there is much more to be done,” she said.
Key priority areas are:
- Employment and financial security
- Inclusive homes and communities
- Safety, rights and justice
- Personal and community support
- Education and learning
- Health and wellbeing, and
- Community attitudes.
In addition to the public consultation, the Department of Human Services is engaging non-government organisations to deliver targeted forums, workshops and interviews with people with disability and the disability sector to ensure their voices are included in the plan.
“We want the voices of the one in five South Australians with disability front and centre of this new State Plan to ensure it makes a difference,” Ms Cook said.
A draft plan will be created when the consultation plan is finalised. Further consultation will take place to ensure the plan accurately reflects the feedback provided and will make a positive difference to the lives of South Australians with disability.
For more information and to have your say, visit State Disability Inclusion Plan by 3 December 2023.
