The new state disability inclusion plan released by the Victorian Government this week aims to drive “change towards a fairer community supporting every Victorian to fully participate in all areas of life”.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines launched Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan 2022-2026, setting the agenda for the Government’s approach to building a more inclusive and accessible community for the more than 1.1 million Victorians with disability.
On Monday, the Minister said,
“Victorians with disability continue to face barriers to fully participating in society – these reforms will help make Victoria a more inclusive and accessible place.”
Victorian Disability Advisory Council Chair, Dr George Taleporos said,
“People with disability want to live in an inclusive, accessible, and safe Victoria that upholds our rights and maximises opportunities to control our lives. The state disability plan will play an important role in moving us toward this important goal."
Changes to the Disability Act 2006 will be made to increase residential protections for Victorians in disability accommodation and to strengthen quality and safeguards in services for people with disability.
A draft copy of the Disability Inclusion Bill will be released later this year to allow Victorians the opportunity to comment and provide feedback to help shape these important reforms. Co-design with people with disability will be at the heart of this work.
The Government says it has worked closely with the disability sector and advocates to develop the plan, which will drive systemic reform in key areas, including:
- Ensuring people with disability are at the table in designing policies, services, and programs
- Working with Aboriginal Victorians with disability and listening to what works best for them
- Recognising and addressing forms of structural discrimination people with disability face
- Building accessibility into everything government does
Inclusive Victoria: State Disability Plan 2022–2026 is available in accessible formats, including Easy Read, braille, audio and Auslan versions.
Go to Inclusive Victoria: state disability plan (2022-2026).
