Vincent to visit disability hot spots
06/08/2012
Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent today embarks on her first overseas study tour to investigate social services, health, transport, housing and urban planning in relation to disability.
The 26 day trip will assess the legislative, policy and service features of the Denmark, Norway, Sweden and United Kingdom and will focus on the capital cities of these western European countries
“These countries are leaders in one aspect or another and all acknowledge human rights should be afforded to all people with disabilities,” says Ms Vincent.
“Highlights will include staying in a hotel chain that exclusively employs a disability coordinator, meeting with peak disability organisations and government departments in each location and learning about how the Autism Act for adults in the UK impacts on people with autism.
“Other issues such as self-managed funding, wheelchair friendly urban planning and transport and chronic pain management will also be researched.
“I look forward to discussing the findings of my study trip with the media, community and parliamentary colleagues on my return.
“We are on the cusp of life changing, once in a generation reform in the disability sector with the introduction of the NDIS.
“With these reforms imminent, it’s essential we incorporate the successful features of international models in disability,” said Ms Vincent.
