People With a Disability

Principles

People with a disability should be provided with services to enable them to achieve their maximum potential as members of their community. This principle is expressed in the NSW Disability Services Act 1993 and supported by NSW Government policy, which demonstrates a commitment to improving the life experiences of people with a disability.

The NSW Government has adopted the following related objectives:

• the achievement of a planned, coordinated and flexible approach to policy and service provision in NSW for and with people with a disability and their carers
• the creation and promotion of opportunities, services and facilities which enable people with a disability and their carers to participate in the wider community and to attain a better quality of life
• the provision of ways for State Government service providers to measure and report on their progress in increasing access for people with a disability.

(Refer to Schedule 1 of the Disability Services Act 1993 (NSW) and the NSW Government Disability Policy Framework.)

The basic human rights of people with a disability are also supported by State anti-discrimination law.

(Refer to Part 4A, Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).)

Key Obligations of Agencies

1. Produce a Disability Action Plan
The NSW Disability Services Act 1993 requires agencies to do the following:

• Prepare and implement a plan (known as a Disability Action Plan), according to the principles set out in the Act
• Report periodically on the plan

2. Avoid discrimination against people with a disability
The NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 makes discrimination on the basis of disability unlawful in certain circumstances. Agencies are required to do the following:

• Avoid direct and indirect discrimination on the grounds of disability
• Make reasonable adjustments for people with a disability

Lead Agency and Further Help

The lead agencies are the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and the Anti-Discrimination Board. However, your agency may have a policy or a person responsible. Refer to them first.

• NSW Disability Services Act 1993 obligations – contact the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
• Advice to the NSW Government on issues affecting people with a disability, their families and carers – contact the Disability Council of NSW.
• NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 obligations – contact the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board.