Thursday 18th February 2016

Universal support for universal design*

Dignity for Disability MLC, Kelly Vincent is pleased that the Upper House has given resounding support to her amendments to the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Bill that will increase accessibility for all.

The amendments received unanimous support, meaning South Australian developers will be required to consider universal design for the benefit of all, including people with differing needs and capabilities.

“This is an Australian first. It’s long overdue, and a walk through city and suburban streets shows why we need to promote best practice in access and inclusion planning,” said Ms Vincent.

“It’s startling how often stairs are an impediment; the access arrangements are not clearly signed, or are blocked. Ramps that are too steep, road crossing ramps that just don’t line up, it’s more than frustrating – it’s dangerous.

“Dignity for Disability has ensured universal design principles are now embedded into planning legislation. That’s good news for the whole community – because everyone wants to move around more easily and safely, and that is what universal design provides.

“Universal design goes beyond existing access standards, so rather than retro-fitting a ramp over a step, for example, universal design ensures that there simply is no step. It is inexpensive to implement; in fact it’s really cost-neutral because greater accessibility of public spaces will enable more people to use them safely. Whether you’re a wheelchair or other mobility device user like me, an adult pushing a pram, someone riding a bicycle, delivering goods on a trolley, using a suitcase with wheels, moving furniture etc., you will find universal design principles increase the amenity of the built environment.

“As well as pushing for new, innovative standards, Dignity for Disability continues to seek increased compliance with existing access standards, by lobbying for measures including mandatory compliance monitoring, similar to food safety or occupational health and safety inspections,” said Ms Vincent.

*For some good examples of Universal Design, see this short video (audio described & captioned): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A88E4DH2asQ

Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent notes with interest Premier Jay Weatherill’s new cabinet line-up, and looks forward to working with South Australia’s new Disabilities Minister, Leesa Vlahos.

“While the figurehead may have changed, critical unmet need in disability services remain at acutely high levels, and the state government buck-passing to the Feds just doesn’t cut it,” says Kelly Vincent.

“Many people with disabilities and family carers remain in crisis, and politicians blame-shifting doesn’t get people the support they need for regular showers each week, out of home respite care, nor the provision of social access to the community.

“People with disabilities remain locked out of fair access to education, employment, housing and transport in South Australia due to the state government’s lack of planning and poor priority setting.

“Dignity for Disability remain concerned at the low level of people with disabilities employed by the SA government, and want to see a commitment to considering disability in all areas of government policy.

“With the transition to the full roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) still more than two years away, it is imperative that the incoming Minister for Disabilities is actively engaged in ensuring the provision of high quality case management and services to South Australians with disability.

“We continue our work with Ministers covering health, education, employment, housing, planning, social inclusion, ageing, women, youth and Aboriginal affairs because across these portfolios, the government fails to effectively include people with disabilities,” said Kelly Vincent.

 

December 31, 2015                                                                            

Dignity for Disability MP Kelly Vincent has today expressed concern about the Federal Health Minister’s likely cuts to the Medicare Benefits Schedule that may negatively impact young Indigenous South Australians with disability. 

“The roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme for children and young people in South Australia has already had its fair share of challenges in the past two and a half years; the last thing we need is cuts to the health system that result in further difficulties to our most disadvantaged children in remote communities,” says Kelly Vincent.

“Hearing problems are the most diagnosed disability in Indigenous kids in the APY Lands*, in the north of South Australia. 

“Mooted cuts to ear, nose and throat items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule could devastate the ability of these communities to access adequate services to improve hearing through simple medical procedures. 

“There are multiple challenges faced providing adequate health, education and disability services for young people in these remote communities and we must do everything to ensure that these kids get the same opportunities as their non-Indigenous peers. 

“Students that can’t hear well and without adequate supports, are far more likely to have delayed speech and language skills, and experience learning and behavioural challenges.  

“As reforms to the Medicare item schedule are considered, the impact on these young people must be considered.

“Dignity for Disability call on the Health Minister, Hon Sussan Ley MP, to contemplate the impact these cuts could have in the APY Lands,” said Ms Vincent.

*See this report (Table 1, page 14) for the figures: http://www.ndis.gov.au/ngaanyatjarra-pitjantjatjara-yankunytja

Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent – Media release

Dignity for Disability MLC, Kelly Vincent says colouring in is now officially passé, and the next big thing is joining the dots.

“I would like to begin with number one, and I challenge Jay Weatherill and the SA government take a leaf out of my dot-to-dot book and do likewise,” says Kelly Vincent.

“If the Premier wants to be on trend in 2016, he might like to adopt some of Dignity for Disability’s ideas,” said Ms Vincent.

1. Implement full accessibility across Adelaide Metro bus fleet.
2. Pay communication experts to provide assistance as part of the Disability Justice Plan (just the way we pay translators).
3. Mandate a demerit point penalty for parking in an accessible carpark without a permit.
4. Extend passenger rail from Tonsley to Flinders University and FMC.
5. Support industry to manufacture and service mobility aids and assistive devices locally, and develop post-market vehicle modifications expertise.
6. Incorporate four key universal design features: step-free entry; wider doorways; reinforced bathroom walls for rails and a toilet on the ground floor, in all new housing.
7. Include epilepsy as a disability in SA definition of disability for state services (such as disability parking permit).
8. Increase accessibility in all SA wineries and other venues to improve safety, and increase ageing and disability tourism.
9. Employ more, not fewer, people with disabilities in the SA public sector workforce.
10. Ensure facilities exist in SA schools for therapy sessions under the NDIS.

Silent Night, Silent Chamber

Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent is once again stunned by the lack of response from the State Government to questions asked in Parliament.

“Since the new parliamentary term commenced in 2014 we have asked 83 questions without notice, including a number of supplementary questions, of the government,” says Kelly Vincent.

“It remains difficult for us to get substantive answers from Ministers; only 38 of our questions have been answered.

“The community deserves much better from its elected government, especially when they’ve just rewarded themselves a big fat pay rise.

“Dignity for Disability has questioned the Government on a variety of issues ranging from disability, to education, health services, transport services, and equality.

“Even the answers we have received are often lacking in detail, or fail to adequately respond to the issues Dignity for Disability have raised.

“In 2013 Dignity for Disability called for more accountability for the new Parliamentary term, after receiving only 37 responses to 91 questions asked between 2010 and 2013.

“Dignity for Disability continues to demand better from the State Government, and we’ll remain persistent in our plea for this when Parliament resumes in 2016,” said Ms Vincent.

Dignity for Disability MLC, Kelly Vincent says although it’s a relief that the bi-lateral funding agreement to enable more South Australian children with disabilities to access services under the NDIS has now been signed, it’s been too long coming.

“This is a welcome announcement, of course. Yet Dignity for Disability had hoped that, for the sake of the children and families concerned, this squabble could have been sorted out in a more timely manner,” said Ms Vincent.

“There have been errors in the estimation of the number of South Australian children eligible under the scheme, and this has led to the funding shortfall and the delay. The human face of this is children stuck in limbo between the old Disability SA state funding system and the new NDIS and this has left families baffled, confused and in some cases out of pocket – for those families who have been able to pay for services themselves.

“Today’s signing will come as a huge relief to so many families, and they will be very keen to get back on track with planning meetings as soon as possible.

“The next challenge is working through the issues around service delivery, because Dignity for Disability know it is not a straightforward matter of a child being able to receive therapy services under the NDIS at school because in some cases there is physically no space for therapists to work with students. In other cases schools will not permit private therapists to work on their sites. The importance of early investment in children’s therapy and the advantage this gives to the rest of their school career must not be undervalued. We have to solve this roadblock.

“Challenges are always going to come up with the implementation of such a gigantic scheme as the NDIS. The ongoing commitment of both the South Australian Government and the Federal Government to support the right to services for people with disabilities remains strong, and I welcome the opportunity to continue to work with government to ensure the best outcomes for all people with disabilities,” said Ms Vincent.

Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent – media release
Four Small Steps to Gain 1,000 Accessible Homes

Dignity for Disability MLC, Hon Kelly Vincent is calling on the state government to demand 100 percent accessible housing during its 1,000 homes in 1,000 days project.

“Simple features such as: wider doorways, at least one entry that is step-free, a toilet on the ground floor and bathroom walls reinforced so that they are able to be fitted with appropriate rails when needed. These four simple adaptions to any house plan mean safer, more accessible housing stock for South Australia’s ageing community,” says Kelly Vincent.

“The cost-saving over the lifetime of the dwelling needs to be counted in terms of the guaranteed reduction of falls in the home. With ageing comes an increase in disability, and the sooner we wake up to this and start changing our built environment to accommodate this, the better.

“I have found builders and designers in Adelaide who are shockingly ignorant of the principles of universal design, and that is why I am pushing to have universal design incorporated under the state’s new planning laws.

“Retro-fitting a house to accommodate a wheelchair is retro-thinking. We need to plan for the needs we know our community will increasingly have as we age.

“Universal design is designed to improve people’s lives. We want a thousand new accessible bathrooms, a thousand accessible bathrooms that need to be tiled, a thousand tradespeople getting hands-on experience with accessible building. With this initiative, the government can give a gift of accessibility that keeps on giving to future generations of South Australians.

“Any accessible home is a dream home. Everything is easier with wider doorways: from unpacking the shopping, wheeling a bike inside, getting a pram or moving a wheelchair through, it all becomes simpler when living in a well-designed home, instead of a continual struggle.

“Even if we don’t have fully accessible housing these four core building blocks of universal design would go a long way to improving the lives of the eventual inhabitants of these 1,000 homes.

“Government needs to take the lead and show the building industry that this innovation does not represent a ridiculous cost impost that they so frequently bleat about.

“Dignity for Disability applauds the government’s initiative to boost the local building industry at a time of such struggle for so many, but we say let’s get it right, for the benefit of the whole community.

“Accessibility is an opportunity to future proof housing. We have the opportunity to be an Australian leader in this space and I see no reason not to do so. That’s four small steps for Jay Weatherill, and a giant leap forward for South Australia,” said Ms Vincent.

Kelly Vincent, Dignity for Disability MLC
Disability Pride Parade 2015
In collaboration with Barriers to Justice, DACSSA and Victim Support Service

Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent is proud to headline Australia’s first Disability Pride Parade today while also highlighting the barriers to justice still faced by South Australians.

“In collaboration with DACSSA and Victim Support Service, Dignity for Disability are thrilled to present Australian first Pride Parade as part of Barriers to Justice,” says Kelly Vincent.

“It’s fantastic to spend a moment celebrating International Day of People with Disability and taking pride in our abilities, but we also need to reflect on the many barriers South Australians with disability face every day trying to access the justice system.

“It’s an outrage that people with disability can’t access the justice system, nor the community in general, in the same way everyone else takes for granted.

“In 2015 there have been many positive policy and legislative improvements, but we have a long way to go before Australians with disability enjoy the access our non-disabled counterparts already enjoy.

“I look forward to speaking alongside my fellow South Australians with disability,” concluded Ms Vincent.

Speakers joining Kelly Vincent today include:

Ben Paior Smith: 15, has an intellectual disability, and attends the same school as four generations of his family before him;

Esther Simbi: a mother and African woman with disability, has a Masters degree in Mediation, and is the YWCA’s Crossing the Bridge Project Coordinator;

Bonnie Millen: 29 years old, is a mother of 3 with a son aged 6 who wears both a cochlear implant and hearing aid, like Bonnie herself. Bonnie is on the Board of with People with Disability Australia and Women with Disability Australia, is studying both a Masters in Social Work and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Policy and Social Research;

Phillip Beddall: member of Barriers to Justice and Dignity for Disability Board, and lifelong disability advocate.

Schedule for Disability Pride Parade 2015
10.45am: Assemble at the Christmas tree at Victoria Square/Tarndanyangga
11am: Pride Parade departs Victoria Square/Tarndanyangga
11am – 11.50am: Marching down King William Street to Victoria Square
12noon: Speeches on the steps of Parliament

Kelly Vincent, Dignity for Disability MLC media release
Zero tolerance for violence against PWD

Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent has used International Day of People with Disability (IDoPwD) to again state that it is illegal to use violence against any person.

“Children and young people with disability are especially susceptible to abuse,” says Kelly Vincent.

“News reports about incidents at AEIOU at Huntfield Heights concern matters still under investigation. It is therefore inappropriate for me to make further comment.

“Concerns were raised with me earlier in the year and I promptly took action to draw these matters to the attention of both the SA Minister for Education and the National Disability Insurance Agency.

“All families who place their children in the care of professional staff have a right to expect their children will be safe and well throughout the day.

“Statistically, people with disabilities are at least twice more likely to experience violence than non-disabled people. This fact casts a dark shadow over our nation.

“This is why it has been necessary to strengthen the rights of vulnerable people to give evidence through our justice system in the state’s Disability Justice Plan.

“On International Day of Disability, Dignity for Disability reinforce our zero tolerance stance, and encourage all persons affected to report instances of abuse and for those loving, living, or working with them to support them to do so if needed,” concluded Ms Vincent.

December 3, 2015

Kelly Vincent, Dignity for Disability MLC media release

Ramping up action for United Nation’s Day of Disability

Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent has used International Day of People with Disability to call for urgent intervention by the state and federal governments to address the National Disability Insurance Scheme shortfall in South Australia.

“Through no fault of their own, children and young people with disability are being denied access to basic disability services in this state.  People should not require permission to live an ordinary life,” says Kelly Vincent.

“It’s an absolute outrage that the state and federal Disability Ministers have not put their heads together and figured out a solution.

“5,000 young South Australians and their families wait every single day to hear whether they’ll be allowed to transition onto the Scheme.

“We were promised all eligible people aged zero to 14 years would be rolled onto an NDIS plan during the trial period in South Australia, yet only half the children that have qualified have had planning meetings with NDIS Planners.

“Yet again, people with disabilities and their family carers are in crisis while languishing on waiting lists, all due to failings of government.

“The disability community were promised we would be no worse off but bureaucratic bungling again sees us at the bottom of the proverbial heap yet again.

“We’re fed up with broken promises and lip service.  It’s time for the government to fund and resource plans for all eligible people,” concluded Ms Vincent.