The Andrews Labor Government today released an ambitious plan to further break down the barriers people with a disability continue to face.
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley today launched Absolutely Everyone: State Disability Plan 2017-2020 at the Victorian Blind Cricket Association’s Twenty20 cricket match between the Renegades and the Stars.
The work and leadership of Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria to ensure people with a disability have a pathway to fully participate in their programs is an example of an organisation working hard towards creating an inclusive Victoria.
The plan that comes in to effect from 1 January 2017 showcases a whole of government approach to support and include people with a disability.
Former Strathbogie Shire Mayor Colleen Furlanetto has been appointed as the chair of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council – the body that gives people with a disability a voice in public policy, provides a key role in planning and in monitoring implementation of the plan.
Key actions to occur over the next three years include:
- Funding to encourage public and private workplaces to employ people with a disability
- Leadership scholarships to see more people with a disability involved in decision making
- Ensuring as our suburbs grow we embrace universal design to see accessible community hubs
- Improve access to public transport options especially in rural and regional Victoria
The Labor Government has led the way in promoting Changing Places facilities – fully accessible public toilets with hoists across 15 new sites, including Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. More will be announced at key transport interchanges and community facilities.
The plan is informed by the ideas of people with a disability and their supporters who contributed to consultation discussions and submissions.
It can be accessed at , via email at ofd@dhhs.vic.gov.au or by phone on 1300 880 043 or TTY 133 677.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley
“Every Victorian deserves equality – but sadly, that’s not always the case for more than one million Victorians with a disability.”
“We’ll keep working to see that Victoria has a place for everyone – a more inclusive society is how we improve our communities and grow our economy.”
“To maximise the benefits of the NDIS – we must do more – in the public and private sectors to ensure that people with a disability can participate in everyday life.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020