Executive summary
A disability action plan is developed voluntarily by an organisation and registered with the Australian Human Rights Commission. It demonstrates a commitment to inclusive policies and practices and compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth). It may also be used to demonstrate existing policies and practices in the event of a complaint.
Deakin developed its first disability action plan in 2000.To monitor Deakin’s progress in complying with the Disability Discrimination Act and to meet the University’s commitment to being an inclusive organisation, the need for a comprehensive review of policies and practices in relation to people with disability was recognised.
A Disability Action Plan Working Group was established in 2010 comprising representatives from across the University and a project team from the Equity and Diversity Unit. After an extensive review and consultation process with students and staff, a draft disability action plan was developed and discussed with the Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee, the Vice-Chancellor and each member of the Executive. Their valuable feedback contributed to the final Deakin University Disability Action Plan 2012–2015.
Responsibility for implementing the Disability Action Plan is shared across the University, with relevant actions included in the operational plans of all areas from 2012. The Equity and Diversity Unit will provide support to areas in implementing actions, monitor the progress of the Plan and report annually on progress to the University’s Planning and Resources Committee.
The Disability Action Plan is structured around three overarching aims, which are modelled on the framework of the University's Widening Participation Plan: Aspiration - People with disability (students, staff and community members) want to engage with Deakin University and know they will be included and supported; Access and experience - People with disability are included and supported, and can engage on equal terms during their experience at Deakin University; Achievement - People with disability can realise their full potential in their study, employment or other engagement with Deakin University. Goals and strategies are included under each of these aims, with Executive responsibility and timelines included for each strategy.
Key strategic initiatives of the Disability Action Plan include:
- the development of a University-wide mental health strategy under the leadership of the Equity and Diversity Unit
- a coordinated approach to improving the accessibility of the online learning and digital environments
- an audit to comprehensively review and improve the accessibility of the University’s existing built environment.
The Disability Action Plan is registered with the Australian Human Rights Commission as a web-based plan and available on the Deakin University web site, in hard copy and as accessible pdf (99 KB) and Word (118 KB) documents. It will be promoted widely to students and staff and updated as required in response to feedback, organisational developments and legal changes.
