Disability Service Plan Progress Report

Transcription

1 Queensland Treasury and Trade Disability Service Plan Progress Report 1 January 2014 to 30 September 2014 Absolutely everybody Great state. Great opportunity. And a plan for the future.

2 Priority 5 Strategy 5.1 Prepare Queensland Government departments to transition disability funding and services to the National Disability Insurance Agency. Develop a clear understanding of disability funding and services currently provided across the Queensland Government to inform transition planning for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Queensland Treasury and Trade (QTT) is leading the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) modelling project for Queensland to: capture information on clients accessing Queensland Government disability related services, the services they are accessing and the cost of these services collate information on the composition of current and planned spending on NDIS eligible clients model a range of scenarios for the rollout of NDIS in Queensland that could be accommodated within committed funding. Report on the profile of NDIS eligible clients, services and expenditure data. Report on NDIS rollout options for Queensland to inform the Queensland NDIS transition plan is to be agreed with the Australian Government by December The Queensland Government Statistician s Office has developed a database of clients accessing disability services, the services they are accessing and related costs. Information on current spending on potential NDIS clients has been compiled. Future financial implications for NDIS eligible clients are currently being assessed. QTT is working closely with the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services on all modelling and related activities. Budget Portfolios Division Communities Group The information from the NDIS modelling project will provide the evidence base for a bilateral agreement with the Australian Government for transitioning eligible participants to the NDIS, and for a Queensland Government implementation plan. Work is also progressing on modelling of NDIS rollout scenarios. 1

3 Priority 6 Strategy 6.4 Enhance mainstream services and facilities to enable genuine choice and participation in areas including education, employment, health, justice services and housing. Improve the capacity and accessibility of health services, including preventative services and health promotion to people with disability Invest in research to improve health and participation outcomes for people injured in motor vehicle crashes. A range of projects are being funded that align to the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme s research priorities with a focus on traumatic brain, psychological and whiplash injuries. $1.8 million invested ( ) in research by the Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine (CONROD). Some highlights include: Two year longitudinal study of CTP claimant health outcomes Systematic review of treatments for traumatic brain injuries Fact sheets on psychological impact of minor injuries Randomised controlled trials on treatment of whiplash injuries Established a Professorial Fellow in Traumatic Brain Injury Research at the Queensland Brain Institute ($1.5million committed over ) Workshops for clinicians treating whiplash Symposium for clinicians, agencies and insurers on the psychological impact of minor injuries Workshops for clinicians and insurers on post-traumatic stress disorder Deliver case management training to CTP scheme providers CONROD engaged with residents and families in re-design of Long Stay Care facility CONROD engaged with media on design elements to optimise rehabilitation Consumers preferences being captured by CONROD in housing designs and models of care for people with traumatic brain injury. Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) 2

4 Priority 7 Strategy 7.2 Promote genuine participation in the community. Improve accessibility of public places and spaces Monitor planning for new Government accommodation or new structures, ensuring appropriate building standards are applied so structures such as doorways, and stairs do not act as a barrier to employees and customers with mobility issues. As required There is minimal activity expected in the lead up to the transition to 1 William Street but any undertaken will be carried out with the Department of Housing and Public Works. None Facilities Unit, Corporate Group Human Resources, Corporate Group Maintain a register of adjustments implemented, including: assistive technologies work area adjustments medical car parks occupational/ergonomic assessments strategies and changes to process/practice. A register is maintained and monitored regularly. Engage with relevant business areas including Health and Safety Representatives and Facilities Unit. Human Resources, Corporate Group Facilities Unit, Corporate Group Projects Queensland is managing the delivery of the 1WS office tower project, to ensure disability needs are met. 1WS is being designed to all current standards and building codes in relation to people with a disability. In some cases the design goes further than current requirements including: Fire rated safe havens on each level providing safe lift access for people with a disability; and any ensuites provided in the building to be designed to accommodate people with a disability. Accommodating people with a disability also includes end of trip facilities and the retail facilities being provided by the developer. Design of the external public realm of 1WS has been prepared, reviewed and determined to be compliant with codes. The fitout design has been completed, reviewed and determined to be compliant with codes and incorporates: fire rated safe havens on each level providing safe lift access for people with a disability; and all ensuites in the building will be able to accommodate people with a disability. The end of trip facilities design has been completed, reviewed and determined to be compliant with codes. Engagement has taken place with facilities managers and CEOs in all tenant agencies (DPC, DSDIP, QTT and PSC). The State, through the building owner, has had the base building and fitout designs reviewed by a Disabilities Discrimation Act consultant, and for the fitout an ergonomist has been engaged to provide advice on workplace health and workplace inclusiveness. Projects Queensland 3

5 7.2.3 Undertake workplace health and safety audits to identify potential hazards that may be obstructive or inadequate for employees or customers with a disability. At least annually and ongoing The QTT Health and Safety Representatives network and Work Health Safety Strategic Committee consults with all groups across QTT. Annual hazard audit completed in August Human Resources, Corporate Group Health and Safety Consultative Networks Strategy 7.3 Provide government and public information in diverse languages and accessible formats, including formats that best meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Continue to ensure that information is available to clients in diverse languages and accessible formats Engage with relevant business units as required. Reponsible area All QTT Groups Ensure QTT s websites are designed and developed to make the content available to as many users as possible, including: people with disabilities who may use assistive technologies rural and regional users people using non-pc internet devices including hand-held devices and mobile phones people with slower internet connections or less than state-of the-art equipment. QTT s websites continue to be managed in accordance with Information Standard 26 Internet, including compliance with Web Content Accessibility Standards (WCAG) 2.0. The department has developed a new website with features to improve accessibility, including a mobile-friendly responsive design, reduced download times, and greater compliance with WCAG 2.0. The new site is scheduled for release in December The department has scheduled further improvements to other QTT websites, including responsive design, reduced download times and greater compliance with WCAG 2.0. These websites will be upgraded in early QTT provides a page-level feedback form and contact address to report issues, including those relating to accessibility. Where possible, the department consults with stakeholders and key clients when developing its websites. All QTT Groups 4

6 7.3.3 Where appropriate, ensure that interpreter services are engaged to assist in communicating with people who have limited proficiency in English, or who are deaf or hard of hearing. In 2014 QTT s Interpreter and usage procedure was reviewed. Information is published on QTT s Intranet on how to engage interpreters and translators. Engage with relevant business units as required. All QTT Groups Client focussed services receive specific advice in terms of engaging and initiating requests for interpreters Ensure that all QTT public customer service areas display information on the availability of interpreter services (for example, the Queensland Interpreter Card) and relevant business areas/employees are provided with an Queensland Interpreter Card Kit. as required Queensland Government Service Centres manage enquiries on behalf of QTT, therefore, those procedures around signage is the responsibility of Smart Service Queensland. Nil All QTT Groups Strategy 7.5 Promote and provide access to communication and assistive technologies that are appropriate and affordable. Reponsible area Continue to ensure that QTT employees with a disability receive appropriate support and technology to perform their job, including: engaging specialists/organisations to identify the adjustments, technologies and workplace modifications required for the employee providing contemporary assistive technologies as identified regularly reviewing reasonable adjustments and assistive technologies to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the employee. Regularly scoped and monitored via work health and safety consultative networks. Work Health and Safety Program (Human Resources), consult across all Groups to ensure appropriate support is provided. All QTT Groups in conjunction with Human Resources 5

7 Other actions (eg. policies and procedure, complaints mechanisms, staff attitudes and awareness raising, access to buildings, information and communication, and recruitment and retention). Recruitment, retention and career opportunities in the public sector Review QTT s Recruitment and Selection Guideline and practices to ensure they are non-discriminatory and provide sufficient guidance to managers and selection panels on factors to consider when recruiting employees with a disability. Responsive policies, procedure and planning QTT s Recruitment and Selection Guidelines have been reviewed, updated and published on the department s intranet. Relevant stakeholders were consulted where applicable. Human Resources, Corporate Group Review all QTT s human resource policies, guidelines and procedures ensuring that they do not discriminate against people with a disability. Complete review QTT s human resources policies, guidelines and procedures have been reviewed and are inclusive of people with a disability. Consultation undertaken with directors and managers across all groups. Human Resources, Corporate Group 6

8 Other actions (eg. policies and procedure, complaints mechanisms, staff attitudes and awareness raising, access to buildings, information and communication, and recruitment and retention). Invest in research and work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to improve road safety and prevent transport-related injuries that could result in CTP claims and long-term disabilities. Program of research activities developed in conjunction with QPS and DTMR to reduce accident frequency and CTP scheme costs with a focus on young drivers and rear end collisions. Invested over $2.5 million ( ) in research by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland (CARRS-Q). Highlights include successful completion of two projects relating to young drivers: Analysis of all young driver crashes over six years ( ) identified features and trends, and opportunities to enhance the Graduated Licensing scheme to mitigate key risks. Developed a best practice toolkit for learner driver mentor programs. This toolkit will be released in the first quarter of 2015 and will be a valuable reference for organisations running these programs. Research on rear end crashes has commenced and is due for completion in Helped to sponsor the inaugural Queensland Police Central Region Road Safety Week in promoting road safety messages. Toolkit project involved extensive consultation including surveys with a variety of stakeholders currently or previously involved in running these programs including government, local councils and representatives from community organisations Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) 7

9 Other actions (eg. policies and procedure, complaints mechanisms, staff attitudes and awareness raising, access to buildings, information and communication, and recruitment and retention). Provide funding to the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS) to facilitate the transition of young people with acquired brain injury to adult-based services. Including transitional processes in QPRS s existing practices following project completion. Project has successfully integrated the transitional care program into daily practice of QPRS staff. Resources have been refined and adapted for use at the new Lady Cilento Children s Hospital. Resources shared with other children s hospital departments to help develop similar transitional care processes. Program presented to rehabilitation staff of compulsory third party and workers compensation insurers. Further dissemination planned at paediatric conferences and in peer reviewed journals. Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) In relation to Queensland arrangements for lifetime care and support for eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, QTT provides advice to shape policy to ensure eligible NDIS clients in Queensland receive timely and value for money services through the National Disability Insurance Agency Analysis and advice provided on the NDIS. QTT continues to engage with all jurisdictions to provide advice on NDIS policy issues. QTT is working closely with the following agencies on NDIS policy matters: Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services; Department of Premier and Cabinet; Queensland Health; Department of Housing and Public Works; Department of Transport and Main Roads; and Department of Education, Training and Employment on NDIS policy matters. Budget Portfolios Division Communities Group In relation to Queensland arrangements for lifetime care and support for people who are catastrophically injured at work and in motor vehicle accidents, QTT provides thorough analysis and advice to the Queensland Government on how Queensland can meet its obligations under the Heads of Agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments on NDIS. Analysis and advice provided on the proposed National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS). Contributed to the Council of Australian Governments Consultation Regulation Impact Statement on the proposed NIIS for motor vehicle accidents. Engagement has occurred with the Australian Government, other states and territories, and Queensland Government departments. MAIC, Health And Community Services Branch and State Actuary s Office Analysis and advice to Government is ongoing. 8

10 Contacts For more information about our plan, contact our Human Resources Branch on (07) or Other languages and formats The Queensland Government is committed to providing accessible services to Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you need an interpreter, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on We will provide alternative formats (including large print) on request. Contact us on (07) or If you use the telephone typewriter or a computer with a modem, please call the National Relay Service on (TTY/voice calls) or (speak and listen).