Rebecca McAlister

Which of the following statements best describes you?
I’m a disability advocate and/or work for a disability peak association or service provider

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 think economic participation in particular better education and awareness for all “mainstream” employers is crucial. Shut the ADE’s. They’ve had their cash cow time. Pay award wages for all and use NDIS supports.

Council DIAPs need to be implemented, and should include an employment target for people with disability.

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

We are behind in our attitude to disability for the general population. Unless you have a family member with a prominent disability, the care and support isn’t there. We need to elevate the “policy holder” message about the NDIS so that the public understand it and their role.

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?

Yes yes yes! And begin with small business and local councils. Then parliament, should be 18% everywhere to reflect the beautiful diversity we have.

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?

This will provide leverage for people with disability and their supports to bust their way into areas where gatekeeping exists. I think government should take control of housing diversity profiles as people with disability are not able to have an independent life in their chosen communities and home towns.

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?

Non government orgs need support to understand and appreciate disability. The social model should be trained, advertised and elevated so it’s the accepted norm. People with disability are still treated with kid gloves and welfare outlook.

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 be quarterly and provided in accessible format, advertised on tv and social media with calls to action in the strategy areas that have deficits.

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)?

Dept of Ed needs a top down inclusive approach to teaching. This will improve every single outcome in the strategy. Parents are feeling lonely and isolated and unwelcome at some/many local schools. A guiding inclusion statement that parents can use to motivate and activate in their schools cloud be developed.

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?

Add better census questions to begin with. Mandatory participant reviewing of disability services and government services (and parents and carers).

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

Thanks for considering my views.