NDS policy outcome: People with disability live in accessible and well-designed communities with the opportunity for full inclusion in social, economic, sporting and cultural life.

This outcome includes the physical environment including public transport; parks, buildings and housing; digital information and communications technologies; and civic life including social, sporting, recreational and cultural life.

Where we are:

We have already:

  • Completed accessibility renovations at the entrance to Launceston Police Station
  • Completed accessibility renovations at the main entrance of the Rokeby Academy
  • Completed accessibility renovations to upgrade disability toilets and a disability access ramp at the City Police Station, including consultation with PDAC member David Cawthorn
  • Met Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA for Police, Forensic Science Service and State Emergency Service internet pages
  • Ensured relevant DPFEM web media staff are trained in WCAG standards

We will continue to:

  • Make changes to building and facilities from the prioritised works list
  • For new building and renovations, comply with Building Disability Standards
  • Provide reasonable workplace modifications for employees with disability as identified through individual occupational assessments
  • Maintain a commitment to not discriminate against applicants with disability for operational trainee firefighters and police
  • Utilise Auslan interpreters for emergency situation reports, media releases and press conferences

Emerging issues:

  • Funding/financial restrictions can limit the capacity to renovate and upgrade buildings and facilities
  • The Department wants to raise awareness of the capacity and contribution of people with disability as volunteers
  • The operation of the Disability Working Group for the Department has changed due to changes in key organisation roles. It a priority for DPFEM to ensure that appropriate consultation is undertaken on actions in this Action Plan and on other matters relating to those with disability.

Actions

Number: 1.1
Output/brief description: Ensure conformity with Building Disability Standards for the Government’s $5 million commitment to upgrade New Norfolk Police Station.
Outcome: Improved station access for those with disability.
Who (lead): Manager, Property and Procurement.
Key dates/milestones: TBC – pending Government priorities.
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.2
Output/brief description: Ensure conformity with Building Disability Standards for the Government’s $5 million commitment to replace Longford Station.
Outcome: Improved station access for those with disability.
Who (lead): Manager, Property and Procurement.
Key dates/milestones: TBC – pending Government priorities.
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.3
Output/brief description: Ensure conformity with Building Disability Standards for the Government’s $12 million commitment to create an Emergency Services Hub at Sorell.
Outcome: Conform with contemporary standards.
Who (lead): Manager, Property and Procurement.
Key dates/milestones: TBC – pending Government priorities.
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.4
Output/brief description: Ensure conformity with Building Disability Standards for the new Middleton Fire Station.
Outcome: Conform with contemporary standards.
Who (lead): Manager, Property and Procurement.
Key dates/milestones: Completed by August 2018.
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.5
Output/brief description: Through Project Conexus, update all Departmental intranet sites to meet WCAG 2.0 Standards.
Outcome: All intranet sites meet accessibility standards.
Who (lead): Project Director, Project Conexus.
Key dates/milestones: Go live by September 2018.
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.6
Output/brief description: Promote the Tasmanian Government Accessible Events Guidelines and Checklist to work areas within DPFEM. Through: Intranet notices and Add to Plans and Guidelines section of intranet.
Outcome: Accessible Events Guidelines and Checklist easily available to all staff.
Who (lead): Manager, Policy Development and Research Services.
Key dates/milestones: Completed by September 2018.
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.7
Output/brief description: Provide training to media team on captioning for video media files.
Outcome: Videos posted to DPFEM Facebook and YouTube channel will be accessible to those with hearing impairments.
Who (lead): Manager, Media and Communications.
Key dates/milestones: All staff trained by June 2020
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.8
Output/brief description: 1.8 Provide 26TEN Plain English training to media team.
Outcome: Simpler, more accessible language used in communications.
Who (lead): Manager, Media and Communications.
Key dates/milestones: All staff trained by June 2020
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.9
Output/brief description: Videos on major emergencies and incidents include captioning.
Outcome: Major emergency/incidents videos on DPFEM Facebook/YouTube will be more accessible to those with disability.
Who (lead): Manager, Media and Communications.
Key dates/milestones: The majority of emergency-related videos posted in 2021 have captioning.
Comments: Nil.

Number: 1.10
Output/brief description: 1.10 Review the operation of the DPFEM Disability Working Group, and consider the most effective process for consulting with people with disability.
Outcome: DPFEM has clear pathways for consulting with people with disability.
Who (lead): Commander, Strategy and Support.
Key dates/milestones: Review finalised by December 2018.
Comments: Nil.