Disability Action and Inclusion Plan launched

The plan outlines a series of actions and initiatives to be achieved over the next three years to make the Victorian Parliament more accessible to and inclusive of people with disability.

'We are making a commitment to address any barriers that exist which prevent or discourage people with disability from actively participating in the life and work of our Parliament,' said Colin Brooks, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

'The Victorian Parliament serves all Victorians and it’s vital that Victorians with disability have every opportunity to take part in our democracy,' he said.

Priorities in the plan include:

• enhancing the accessibility of Parliament’s built environment providing
  opportunities for all people to access and engage in Parliament events, public hearings, programs and services
• ensuring Parliament’s communications and information are accessible to all
• building disability awareness and confidence in Parliament’s employees.

Among actions already underway are some works that will help to improve access to Parliament House for people with disability, use of Auslan interpreters for online parliamentary activities, and production of a regular news bulletin about Parliament in Auslan to make parliamentary information more accessible.

'This plan has been developed in consultation with representatives from peak disability advocacy and resource organisations across Victoria. We thank them for their work and commitment,' said Nazih Elasmar, President of the Legislative Council.

'Together, working with the community, we can ensure that the Victorian Parliament is accessible to and inclusive of all Victorians,' he said.