Disability Services Commission Annual Report

2.2 Service Reports — Strategic Coordination
During the year, strategies were developed to further involve Aboriginal consumers in
the standards monitoring process. These strategies will be trialled in 2008–2009.
The Commission launched its Reconciliation Action Plan in June 2008, which
features a broad range of strategies. In addition, the National Disability Service has
been funded to employ an Aboriginal project officer.
In the area of policy and research, the online Annual Client and Services Data
Collection system was redeveloped, while the 2006 Census data was analysed to
update statistics on disability in WA. The 2008 Consumer Satisfaction Survey was
completed to determine satisfaction levels of service users with services provided or
funded by the Commission.
Other achievements in the area of Strategic Coordination during 2007–2008 included
the development of an eligibility and access resource, consultations on the future role
of the Health Resource and Consultancy Team (HRCT), further implementation of the
Substantive Equality Five Year Plan, investigating options for sector-wide staff
training and development and monitoring the implementation of the State
Government’s equity plan across the Commission. In addition, negotiations on the
fourth Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement continued.
Looking Forward ‣‣‣
In 2008–2009, we will:
implement appropriate recommendations from the statewide consultation on
health outcomes for people with disabilities;
develop a framework to evaluate all aspects of the ‘Count Us In!’ community
education campaign in the context of the Commission’s Strategic Plan;
work with the Commonwealth Government and other States and Territories to
develop a national Companion Card scheme for eligible people with disabilities
who require a companion to accompany them;
work with the business reference group to explore the feasibility of launching a
WA chapter of the Australian Disability Employers Network;
re-run the Count Us In television advertisements, with print media
advertisements based on employment of people with disabilities and parking;
implement the inaugural Count Us In Scholarships;
finalise negotiations for a new national disability agreement; and
implement the new quality management framework.
40 Disability Services Commission Annual Report 2007–2008