Action plan aims to enhance equality
12 February 2010
The development of the Karingal Disability Action Plan (KDAP) is one of the organisation’s most ground-breaking projects for 2010.
Part of Karingal’s Strategic Plan, the KDAP includes eight goals seeking to improve employment opportunities, site accessibility, communication and participation in decision making for people with disabilities.
Work has already begun on achieving these outcomes, with terms of reference being developed for the advisory group.
The process of seeking expressions of interest for membership of the group is underway.
Guidelines are being developed to adjust work areas to accommodate employees particular needs, accessibility of buildings and for the use of language and images in promotional material and publications.
A person with a disability will also be recruited as an administration trainee.
Karingal Community Living Service Development Manager, Meg Parsons said the KDAP is an exciting project which aims to position Karingal as a leader in disability services by setting the benchmark with inclusion, accessibility and service provision.
“We will continue to provide updates on the progress of the Disability Action Plan in the Karingal newsletter,” she said.
“This will include specific examples of how we are meeting the goals of the plan.”
The goals of Karingal’s Disability Action plan include:
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Karingal will provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain employment and professional development within the organisation.
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Karingal will provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in decision making and planning processes that inform the current and future operations at all levels of the organisation.
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Karingal will have a workplace culture that maximises opportunities for people with disabilities to fully and equally participate in a range of roles within the organization.
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Karingal will communicate relevant information in a manner that meets the communication needs of all members of the community, particularly people with disabilities.
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Karingal will ensure all programs and services it delivers are accessible, responsive and inclusive and consider the needs and aspirations of each individual.
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All Karingal workplaces and service sites will be safe and universally accessible for all members of the community including those with disabilities.
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Karingal events and promotions will be universally accessible and promote people with disabilities in the most positive manner.
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Karingal will facilitate improved quality of life and outcomes for people with disabilities through the implementation, monitoring and review of the Disability Action Plan.
Karingal Disability Advisory Group - how to get involved:
Karingal is currently seeking expressions of interest for membership of the Karingal Disability Advisory Group.
The group will advise on strategies for the implementation of the Karingal Disability Action Plan. The Advisory group will also monitor the implementation of the Disability Action Plan.
Membership will include people from different Karingal service and geographic areas. Members will also have experience with various disabilities such as but not limited to intellectual impairment, physical impairment, sensory impairment, mental health, acquired brain injury and neurological impairment. Members will be expected to attend four meetings a year
For further information contact Meg Parsons
P – 5249 6118
M- 0419 337 971
E – mparsons@karingal.org.au