Welcome to Disability ACT
The role and responsibility of Disability ACT is to plan, develop strategic policy, allocate funding and provide and monitor services for people with disability in the ACT and the families that care for them.
These activities are undertaken within the broader departmental framework and in accordance with the Vision and Values statement.
Current Topics
Disability E-News
Disability ACT is now trialing a bi-monthly e-newsletter to provide relevant information that is of interest to the sector.
The latest edition is now available on the Disability E - News page. We welcome your feedback.
ACT Accessible Public Transport Plan
ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Transport, Jon Stanhope, launched the ACT Government's Accessible Public Transport Action Plan 2009-2012 on Wednesday 30 September 2009.
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/move/public_transport/accessiblepublictransport 
Australian Government announces feasibility study into long-term care and support for Australians with disability
On 23 November 2009 the Government announced that as part of the National Disability Strategy, the Productivity Commission has been commissioned to undertake a feasibility study into long-term care and support for people with disability in Australia.
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/news/Pages/feasibility_study.aspx 
International Day of People with Disability (I-Day)
On 3 December every year International Day of People with Disability (I-Day)
is celebrated worldwide recognising the achievements and contributions of people with disability.
I-Day brings together people with disability, community organisations, business, individuals and all levels of government. The Day unites people in the celebration and acknowledgement of the contributions, skills and achievements of people with disability.
There are many activities and events organised across the ACT
for the week of I-Day.
Future Directions: Towards Challenge 2014
The ACT Government has released Future Directions : Towards Challenge 2014 which is a policy framework to improve outcomes and opportunities for Canberrans who have a disability. The framework, developed by the Strategic Governance Group, will guide priority areas for disability policy and service delivery through to 2014. More information
Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Complaints Line
New Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Complaints Line 
Update on the Transition of aCe to LEAD
The transition of aCe to LEAD has been underway since October 2007 and has progressed smoothly. It was agreed at the beginning of the transition that Disability ACT would review progress within the first two years to determine what elements of the service delivery were working well for participants and their families, and what elements, if any, need to improve. Disability ACT is also keen to learn from this process and be even better positioned in the future when managing service transitions.
Both Disability ACT and LEAD are keen to confirm the elements of the service that are working well for participants and those that need to be improved. This information will also inform Disability ACT’s learning’s in relation to the transition of services between providers.
Disability ACT has written to all participants and their families, and relevant Disability ACT support workers to ask for their feedback about the transition process, through a survey which will provide advice as to how the current program is meeting participants needs.
The information gathered from this survey will be used to strengthen the service provided by LEAD.
The key elements of the Implementation Progress Report will be:
A. Feedback provided by participants and families to assess the new services’ performance in the areas of:
- Accessibility and communication
- Inclusiveness
- Assessment and individual planning
- Learning and Life Skills development
- Creating pathways in education and employment
- Creating opportunities; and
- Quality practice
B. An audit of the performance of LEAD against the performance indicators in its Service Funding Agreement with Disability ACT.
The Implementation Progress Report will be informed by:
- A questionnaire survey to obtain input from aCe participants and their families
- A questionnaire survey to obtain input from Disability ACT relevant support workers
- A consultative forum between the aCe Advisory group and the Executive Director Disability ACT.
- A cross program audit to be undertaken by the Department of Housing and Community Services’ Finance and Budgets branch. The direction of the audit will be informed by feedback from stakeholders and will include analysis of service output and financial reports, assessment of service outcomes and compliance against the National Disability Standards.
The Implementation Progress Report will include:
- confirmation of areas of quality performance and outcomes; and
- recommendations about aspects of service delivery that need strengthening; and
- recommendations to address any programmatic or governance shortfalls.
New Aged Care and Rehabilitation Service Community Precinct at Kambah
ACT Health are establishing a new Aged Care and Rehabilitation Service Community Precinct at Kambah that will be the site for a range of services including:
- Equipment Loan Scheme
- Transitional Therapy & Care Program
- Prosthetics & Orthotics
- Specialised Wheelchair and Posture Seating Service (SWAPS)
- Independent Living Centre
- Aged Care & Rehabilitation Service Intake
- Driver Assessment & Rehabilitation Service (DARS) Vocational Assessment and
- Rehabilitation Service (VARS)
More information and back issues can be found on the ACT Health website
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Frequently Asked Questions Community Precinct (October 2009) 
Community Partners Newsletter
Community Partners Newsletter
Word 80.5 |
PDF 1,009kb
The ACT Social Enterprise Hubs
The ACT Social Enterprise Hub, a partnership between Social Ventures Australia (SVA), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), The Snow Foundation, Mental Health Community Coalition (MHCC), ACT Health and the Department of Housing and Community Services ACT, is designed to assist the development and accelerate the growth of social enterprises in the ACT.
Social Enterprise Hubs
It is not easy to set up and run a business – even more so a social enterprise. The Social Enterprise Hubs focus on equipping social entrepreneurs, existing enterprises and community organisations with the appropriate tool set to create and sustain a business that has a social objective.
Social Enterprise Hubs offer business and support services that might otherwise be inaccessible or unaffordable to social enterprises. Services include:
- tailored advice in business planning
- assistance in exploring and developing new market opportunities
- access to professional resources in areas such as legal, accounting, marketing HR or IT support
- capacity Building Programs – building skill sets in the areas of feasibility, business planning, financial management, marketing and performance evaluations
business mentors
- regular information and networking opportunities
The key objectives of a Social Enterprise Hub are to:
- Increase the sustainability of new or existing social enterprises
- Increase employment opportunities and quality of life for people with serious disadvantage in the labour market
- Increase the capacity of social entrepreneurs to run sustainable social enterprises
- Improve social inclusion within the local community
Information Sheet
Word 32kb |
PDF 1.3mb
Media Release
Word 77kb |
PDF 39kb
Changing Landscapes 2009 Baseline Report
Word 28kb |
PDF 308kb
Food Connect Graduating Impact Report
Word 22kb |
PDF 1.5mb
Muooz 2009 Impact Statement
Word 24kb |
PDF 801kb
Paperworks 2009 Baseline Report
Word 30kb | P
PDF 299kb
Canberra Times Article
Word 25kb |
PDF 911kb
Process for 2009 School Leavers
Disability ACT funds two primary formal support models:
- Transitional Pre vocational Support – available for up to 3 years
This type of service can assist people who have the capacity to participate in vocational activities such as employment, volunteering, further education, training, but who are not ready, or not able to do so without additional support.
- Ongoing Community Access Services
Community access services assist school leavers to maintain and further develop their artistic and recreational learning, life skills, to use community facilities and to participate in community events. Community access should be individualised, and provided in inclusive and normative community locations.
What are we doing?
To receive formal assistance from Disability ACT school leavers and their families need to develop a plan. This plan will outline their goals and ideas/strategies to achieve them. Obviously everyone’s goals and strategies will be different and there is not a prescribed or preferred format for the plan.
For further Information
Disability ACT is conducting 2 information sessions for 2009 School Leavers the information session will address Disability ACT response to School Leavers with a disability and is to talk to students, their families and teachers about the approach being taken.
Referral Form
Word 169kb |
PDF 108kb
Planning
Word 87kb |
PDF 53kb
2009 School Leaver Information Pack W
Word 109kb |
PDF 76kb
Dickson College
Phillip Avenue
DICKSON ACT 2602
28 July 2009 at 6:00pm and
Canberra College (Woden Campus)
Launceston Street
PHILLIP ACT 2606
29 July at 6: 00pm
Or please contact Disability ACT Information Service on 6207 1086 or email on DisabilityACT@act.gov.au
Harmonisation of Disability Parking Permit Schemes in Australia
New disability parking scheme – have your say
The Australian Government is seeking community feedback about the proposed Australian Disability Parking Scheme. The scheme aims to provide a new permit that is recognised across Australia and improved rules around its use.
It is proposed that the Scheme will ensure there is a clear and fair policy to establish one set of eligibility criteria, national minimum standards for parking concessions, and one Australia-wide parking permit to replace more than 100 different parking permit types currently issued across Australia.
The Australian Government will hold public consultations throughout June 2009 to allow all people the opportunity to give input and feedback on the direction of the new scheme. The ACT public information session will be held 23 June 2009.
People can register to attend this session or seek advice about making a submission by contacting 1800 630 740 or 1800 555 677 (TTY).
For more information and to download copies of the discussion paper, please visit the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs’ website www.fahcsia.gov.au
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Disability Parking Media Release
Word 37kb |
PDF 21kb
HINI Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza)
On the basis of the most recent advice from the ACT Chief Health Officer that the ACT has moved to the PROTECT phase of our pandemic management plan for H1N1 Influenza, Disability ACT has slightly amended its response to this issue. Please note the updated correspondence from the a/Director to families and carers in relation to our support services.
Guardians H1N1 respite 19 June Final Confirmed Health
Word 218kb |
PDF 32kb
H1N1 AS Guardians 19 June 09 Final Confirmed by Health
Word 47kb |
PDF 30kb
The H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza) virus is a new strain of influenza, which is being seen in outbreaks around the world and in Australia.
Although nearly all cases of illness (outside of Mexico) have been relatively mild, health authorities are concerned about this virus for a number of reasons.
The virus appears to be much more contagious than seasonal influenza;
- There is no vaccine currently available that will protect against this strain of influenza;
- There is no apparent immunity to the virus within the population;
- While cases have been confirmed in all age groups, the majority of confirmed cases have been people under the age of 30 and people with no known underlying conditions; and
- It is still uncertain how this virus may change in response to other viruses which are circulating during Australia's influenza season.
Adults are potentially contagious for about 24 hours before and for up to 7 days after they become unwell. Children may be contagious for up to 10 days.
Because H1N1 Influenza 09, like other forms of influenza, is spread mainly by coughing or sneezing, personal hygiene is important in helping to stop the spread of the infection. This includes covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands regularly with soap.
The situation is dynamic, so you may wish to consult these sources of information which are updated regularly:
Letter to families accessing Disability ACT Respite
Word 54kb |
PDF 35kb
Letter to families and guardians of residents of the Disability Accommodation Services
Word 52kb |
PDF 36kb
Links
Quick Guide to Home Quarantine
ACT Health 
Recruitment of the 2009-11 Disability Advisory Council
The Minister for Disability and Housing is seeking expressions of interest from the community for membership on the 2009-11 ACT Disability Advisory Council.
The Council plays a critical role in providing independent and strategic advice to the ACT Government on issues affecting people with disability and the people who support them. More information.
Children and Young People with a Disability and their Families
Children and Young People with a Disability and their Families Policy
Word 311kb |
PDF 105kb
ACT Disability Policy Framework 2009-2014
ACT Disability Policy Framework 2009-2014
The ACT Government is updating its policy framework to improve outcomes and opportunities for Canberrans who have a disability.
ACT Companion Card Program
ACT Companion Card Program
The ACT Companion Card program is currently under development and will form part of a national scheme that will include reciprocal arrangements with other States and Territories. This will allow ACT cardholders to use their card at over 1,800 businesses across Australia that currently accept the card.
The Companion Card Program currently operates in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
Review of the Role of Government as a Provider of Disability Services
The Review of the Role of Government focused on the strategic priorities that need to be considered in the delivery of disability services over the next 5-7 years. Through a very comprehensive consultation process with a wide range of stakeholders, the Review has delivered a set of 12 recommendations that, together with the recommendations from the Evaluation of Future Directions, continue to bring us closer in reaching the aspirations articulated in Challenge 2014.
Final Think Tank Report
PDF 189kb
Progress Report on Think Tank Recommendations
Word 75kb |
PDF 55kb
Pathways from Hospital
The issue of transition to community living for long-term patients in hospital with complex and ongoing needs is a consistent and significant challenge for staff and service providers.
A joint project from ACT Health and Disability, Housing and Community Services (DHCS) has commenced to develop and implement a solution.
Pathways from Hospital
Word 48kb |
PDF 56kb
Young People in Residential Aged Care Project: Community Update
Letter to Residents
Word 110kb |
PDF 46kb
Young People in Residential Aged Care Project: Community Update
Word 40kb |
PDF 36kb
Site Context Aerial Plan
PDF 265KB
Site Plan
PDF 121kb
Information Meeting - Accommodation Support Services
The next Information Meeting for families and Guardians of Disability ACT's Accommodation Support Services (formerly known as Meet the Director) will be held on Tuesday June 8 2010 at Level 1, Nature Conservation House, Belconnen on the corner of Emu Bank and Benjamin Way in Belconnen. The meeting room has a hearing loop available.
Latest Information Meeting Report
Announcing the BLITS Website
BLITS - Business Leaders Innovative Thoughts and Solutions - http://www.blits.org.au 
BLITS promotes initiatives that value and engage people with disabilities as customers, suppliers, employees and employers in business the arts and sport.
The BLITS website is provided as a point of reference and contact for businesses in the ACT and Region engaging with people with disabilities as customers, suppliers, employees and employers in business the arts and sport. This site offers a useful business information directory, business profiles and a diary dates section.
A regular BLITS E-News facility is available to those using the ‘sign up’ facility.
The BLITS motto says it all: ‘Business + Disability = Smart Thinking’
Review of the Role of Government as a Provider of Disability Services
The Review of the Role of Government focused on the strategic priorities that need to be considered in the delivery of disability services over the next 5-7 years. Through a very comprehensive consultation process with a wide range of stakeholders, the Review has delivered a set of 12 recommendations that, together with the recommendations from the Evaluation of Future Directions, continue to bring us closer in reaching the aspirations articulated in Challenge 2014.
Final Think Tank Report
PDF 189kb
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The latest information on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is available on the United Nations' Convention specific website at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/
Workforce Strategy
In 2007 Disability ACT sought comments on the report The Disability Workforce Strategy for the ACT Disability Sector.
This report is part of a project initiated by Disability ACT around the advancement of the workforce across the disability sector in the ACT. This is a long term project with implementation expected to be undertaken over a three year period.
Following the consultative period a Workforce Working Group was established to progress, in partnership with the ACT community, a strategy that works towards a sustainable, stable and well-trained disability workforce.
The ACT Disability Workforce Working Group held their first community forum on 30 April 2008. This forum, the first in a series of events, provided information on current issues, trends and initiatives locally and nationally regarding the disability workforce. A proposed action plan was tabled and feedback sought from participants. Key themes identified to work on are relationships, marketing, recruitment, retention, training and data.
In addition to this work there has been a significant advancement for the disability workforce. NDS Queensland is taking carriage of a national workforce capacity project. Services from each state and territory have been selected to research and pilot a range of recruitment and retention strategies.
In addition to the work being undertaken in the ACT, you can access information on the NDS national workforce project at:
http://www.ndsqldprojects.net/nwp/index.htm 
For further information on the Workforce Strategy Project or a copy of the report, contact:
David Addison
Email: David Addison