Natale Cutri

Which of the following statements best describes you?
I’m a person with disability.

Question 1:
During the first stage of consultations we heard that the vision and the six outcome areas under the current Strategy are still the right ones. Do you have any comments on the vision and outcome areas being proposed for the new Strategy?

I support the proposed vision and outcomes of the new disability strategy.

Question 2:
What do you think about the guiding principles proposed here?

Engagement of people with disability is important and must be constant and regular throughout a decision making process. Engagement of service providers who offer services for people with disability or with consultants who claim they have expertise in providing advice in relation to the needs of people with disability is no substitute for engaging those with a lived experience of disability.

Question 3:
What is your view on the proposal for the new Strategy to have a stronger emphasis on improving community attitudes across all outcome areas?

A stronger emphasis on community attitudes is very important. Disability confidence training should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum in primary and secondary education and for all employees as well as for politicians at all levels of government as part of their induction programs.

Question 4:
How do you think that clearly outlining what each government is responsible for could make it easier for people with disability to access the supports and services they need?

Clearly outlining what each government and non-government organisation is responsible for is very important because it provides clarity for people with disability when accessing goods and services. There also needs to be measures put in place to ensure accountability. The onus on accountability should not be with the person who has a disability.

Question 5:
How do you think the Strategy should represent the role that the non-government sector plays in improving outcomes for people with disability?

There needs to be incentives for non-government organisations to be inclusive and accessible and there needs to be consequences when this is not the case.

Question 6:
What kind of information on the Strategy’s progress should governments make available to the public and how often should this information be made available?

Reporting should include measurable benchmarks of the vision and objectives and should be annual. Determining whether these outcomes are being delivered should include direct feedback from people with disability as well as through other research and analysis. Where there are failures in delivery these should be reported and explanations should accompany that information.

Question 7:
What do you think of the proposal to have Targeted Action Plans that focus on making improvements in specific areas within a defined period of time (for example within one, two or three years)?

I support this approach. Targeted action plans could be implemented for the following: education, health, employment, sport and recreation, access to the build environment, access to goods and services, access to information, civic and community participation.

Question 8:
How could the proposed Engagement Plan ensure people with disability, and the disability community, are involved in the delivery and monitoring of the next Strategy?

An engagement plan could include: which disability groups have you engaged, frequency of engagement, relevance of engagement and communication of outcomes of engagement to those being engaged.

Question 9:
Is there anything else you would like to share about the ideas and proposals in the position paper?

The position paper is really good however ensuring it is implemented is important and that there is appropriate accountability for implementation.