Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2012-2017 - Unilife - Curtin ...

disabilityaccess andInclusion plan2012–2017

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 1from thevice-chancellorIt is with pleasure that I present Curtin’sDisability Access and Inclusion Plan2012–2017.While this is Curtin’s second five-year planunder the requirements of the WesternAustralian disability legislation, it is in fact ourthird formal disability plan, having committedourselves to a Disability Services Plan in 1997when this was not a requirement. We still takepride in being the first WA university to do so.Through each of our plans we have strivedto make Curtin a more accessible and inclusiveenvironment for people with a disability tosucceed in higher education. We have evolvedfrom the practice of a ‘removing barriers’approach, to a proactive model of sharedresponsibilities and inclusive design. In thisplan we intend to use the experience of ourinternationally recognised experts to guideus in best practice trends, to engage in theDisability Services Commission’s ‘Count Me In –Disability Future Directions’ strategy, and toembed the principles of ‘universal design’ –a universalist approach to design andprocesses – more fully in our facilities,academic programs and services to ensureaccessibility for the widest range of users.We intend to benchmark ourselves against theworld’s best practices in access and inclusionin higher education, and we seek to be a leaderin our sector.Our students, staff and the WesternAustralian public are our partners in thesegoals and we welcome feedback on ourprogress at any time.Professor Jeanette Hacket AMVice-ChancellorCurtin University

2 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017contentsACKNOWLEDGEMENT......................................................................................................................3EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................4INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................5Who we are......................................................................................................................................................5What we offer..................................................................................................................................................6ABOUT OUR DISABILITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN............................................................7What is a DAIP?...............................................................................................................................................7What is our DAIP about?................................................................................................................................7Strategic alignment of our DAIP...................................................................................................................8Scope of our DAIP............................................................................................................................................8Responsibility for implementing our DAIP.................................................................................................9Agents and contractors...............................................................................................................................10DEVELOPMENT OF OUR DISABILITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN 2012–2017................. 11The Act’s requirements................................................................................................................................11How was our DAIP developed?....................................................................................................................11Review process..............................................................................................................................................11Consultation process...................................................................................................................................11DAIP 2007–2011 consultation and review results..................................................................................12Communicating the DAIP 2012–2017......................................................................................................15KEEPING THE DISABILITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN 2012–2017 FRESH...................... 16Annual Activity Plans...................................................................................................................................16Continual consultation with our students, staff and visitors...............................................................16How will our DAIP be reviewed?..................................................................................................................16DISABILITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN 2012–2017 STRATEGIES.................................... 17REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................. 22GLOSSARY OF TERMS.................................................................................................................... 23APPENDIXES................................................................................................................................... 24

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 3ACKNOWLEDGEMENTCurtin University appreciates the feedbackreceived during the five-year review of ourDisability Access and Inclusion Plan 2007–2011 from our students, staff, and individualsin the Western Australian community. Thishas been invaluable in helping us understandour achievements and the work we still haveahead, and has informed our preparation ofthis Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.Curtin also acknowledges the professionalwork undertaken on its behalf by E-QUALDisability Consultants in reviewing ourDisability Access and Inclusion Plan 2007–2011 and in assisting us to formulate ournew plan.

4 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017executive summaryCurtin University believes in creatingequitable and inclusive access for people witha disability to our facilities, services, eventsand academic programs on all our WesternAustralian campuses. Our Disability Accessand Inclusion Plan (DAIP) affords us a valuableopportunity to signal our commitment toincluding people with a disability in our corebusiness. Our DAIP informs our students, staffand the public about the areas of access andinclusion on all our WA locations that can beimproved, and our strategies to address them.It also recognises there are many ways to dothis. Our strategies are designed to help uswork solidly towards achieving our goal ofinclusion and access for all.Curtin is required by a 2004 amendmentto the Disability Services Act 1993 (WA) toprepare and lodge a DAIP. The DisabilityServices Commission (DSC) is mandatedto receive the plan and to require annualreporting in Curtin’s Annual Report. Curtin isalso required to report to the DSC each Julyon the progress of its plan. A full review of theDAIP must be undertaken every five years.The DAIP supports Curtin’s Strategic Plan2009–2013 and the Teaching and LearningEnabling Plan 2009–2013, and will supportsubsequent strategic plans as they aredeveloped. The intention of the DAIP is toensure people with a disability can accesseducation and services in a way that facilitatesindependence, opportunities and inclusionat Curtin. The six outcomes of the plan havebeen prescribed by the DSC. Curtin voluntarilyadded Outcome 7 to include employment ofpeople with a disability at Curtin in its2007–2011 DAIP, and this is continued inthe new plan.The DAIP will be implemented in AnnualActivity Plans, which have had wide input fromCurtin staff – in particular, from the DisabilityAccess and Inclusion Plan ImplementationCommittee (DAIPIC).This plan replaces Curtin’s 2007–2011DAIP. The strategies identified to achievethe prescribed DAIP outcomes have beendeveloped following a comprehensive reviewand community consultation process involvingstudents, staff and visitors, conductedbetween April and September 2011.

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 5introductionWho we areCurtin’s mission:Curtin is committed toinnovation and excellencein teaching and research,for the benefit of ourstudents and the widercommunity.Our DAIP commits to innovation andexcellence in its actions, for the benefit ofour students and community; and further,makes Curtin accessible to people whoseinnovation and excellence might otherwisebe denied or lost to the community. It buildson our values of social justice and inclusion,and equality of opportunity in educationand employment for all.We are Western Australia’s largest and mostculturally diverse university, with more than47,000 students and 3,500 staff. Our maincampus is located in Bentley – six kilometressouth of the centre of Perth, WA’s capitalcity. We have two additional metropolitancampuses at Shenton Park and in thePerth CBD. We also have a strong commitmentto our regional community, with campusesand education centres across WA, including atKalgoorlie and Margaret River, and at Northamuntil the end of 2012. Domestically, we alsohave a campus in the Sydney Central BusinessDistrict.Curtin has a strong commitment tointernational engagement, maintainingAustralia’s third-largest international studentpopulation. We have offshore campuses inMalaysia and Singapore, and partnershipswith more than 90 education institutionsworldwide.Our teaching areas include the Centre forAboriginal Studies and the following faculties:Curtin Business School, Health Sciences,Humanities, and Science and Engineering.

6 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017Our values are integrity, respect, fairness andcare. We foster inclusion and encourage thedevelopment of graduates who are equippedwith the knowledge and skills required to meetindustry and workplace standards.What we offerCurtin offers a wide range of undergraduateand postgraduate courses in business,humanities, health sciences, resources,engineering and related sciences, andIndigenous studies. We’re also recognised forhigh-impact research across four defined anddistinct areas of focus:• minerals and energy• ICT and emerging technologies• sustainable development• health.We have close links with business, industry,government and the community, and ourcourses have a strong practical focus, withmany involving vocational or work experiencecomponents.Teaching and learningOur aim is to develop graduates who arelifelong learners and who will make a positivecontribution to society.We are widely recognised for the practical andapplied nature of our courses, which providestudents with essential skills through exposureto industry and business. As a result, Curtingraduates are job-ready and prepared, withskills that enable them to make a genuine andpositive influence in their chosen fields.ResearchThrough our research, we aspire to findcreative solutions to significant problems.We are committed to contributing to thesustainable social, environmental andeconomic development of Western Australiaand the broader national and internationalcommunity though our strategy of research inpartnership: building world-class capability inresearch and development through strategicalliances and partnerships.We strive for excellence in our core activitiesof teaching and learning and research anddevelopment.

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 7ABOUT OUR DISABILITYACCESS AND INCLUSION PLANWhat is a DAIP?Curtin is a public authority affected by Part 5of the Western Australian Disability ServicesAct 1993 (as amended 2004) (the ‘Act’), whichrequires us to develop and implement a DAIPto further the principles and objectives of theAct. The principles 1 of the Act apply to howpeople with a disability have the right to berespected and treated with dignity, and havethe same human rights as other communitymembers – regardless of the degree and natureof their disability.What is our DAIP about?We are committed to ensuring equitable andinclusive access for people with a disability toour facilities, services, events and academicprograms on all our Western Australiancampuses. Our DAIP informs our students,staff and the public about the areas of accessand inclusion on all our WA locations that canbe improved, and our strategies to addressthem.These strategies, which are defined in theAct as the minimum standard for DAIPs andare informed by the principles of the Act, worktowards a number of access and inclusionoutcomes which underpin our commitmentto our students, staff and visitors with adisability.These outcomes provided by the DSC formthe basis of our plan:1. People with disabilities have the sameopportunities as other people to access theservices of, and events organised by, Curtin.2. People with disabilities have the sameopportunities as other people to accessCurtin’s buildings and facilities.3. People with disabilities receive informationfrom Curtin in a format that will enablethem to access the information as readilyas other people are able to access it.4. People with disabilities receive the samelevel and quality of service from Curtin staffas other people receive from Curtin staff.5. People with disabilities have the sameopportunities as other people to makecomplaints to Curtin.6. People with disabilities have the sameopportunities as other people to participatein any public consultation by Curtin.Five years ago, Curtin voluntarily addedanother outcome – and it continues in this plan:7. People with disabilities have the sameopportunities as other people to participatein employment at Curtin.1 Schedule 1 listed in full at Appendix A

8 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017Curtin is actively promoting and embeddingthe principles of ‘universal design’ – auniversalist approach to design and processes –in its strategies to achieve these outcomes.Note: Curtin recognises the DisabilityDiscrimination Act 1992 2 (Cwlth) definitionof disability.Strategic alignment of our DAIPCurtin’s commitment to equity and qualityprograms is a core element in our strategicplanning. This DAIP supports the vision,mission and values outlined in Curtin’sStrategic Plan 2009–2013, namely to:• build on our strengths and improve thequality and impact of both teaching andresearch• enhance the student experience• engage with our community• develop an organisational culture thatengages our staff• secure our financial position.Curtin’s strategic plan ensures our students,staff and visitors have equitable access to ourprograms, services and facilities. This DAIPalso supports Curtin’s Teaching and LearningEnabling Plan 2009–2013.Furthermore, this DAIP aligns with Curtin’spolicies that support diversity, ethics andsocial justice, guiding ethical principles,and procedures for the elimination ofdiscrimination and harassment.Scope of our DAIPOur DAIP is determined by state legislationand applies to our WA campuses. It is alsolodged with the Australian Human RightsCommission to demonstrate our compliancewith the federal Disability Discrimination Act1992 and its standards 3 .2 Appendix B3 Disability Standards for Education 2005and Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings)Standards 2010

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 9This ensures that our access inclusionstrategies apply to all our onshore Australiancampuses, and provides the benchmark foraccess and inclusion standards at our offshorecampuses, where a particular country maynot have disability legislation.Responsibility forimplementing our DAIPCurtin’s DAIPIC has the responsibility tooversee the implementation of the DAIP andto report ultimately to the Academic Board.This committee uses a working party modeland meets twice a year. Chaired by theDeputy Vice-Chancellor Education, themembership 4 comprises executive and seniormanagement staff whose organisationalresponsibilities naturally align with end-lineresponsibilities identified in the DAIP. Membersare supported in this role by Curtin’s DAIPImplementation Manager.The role and modus operandi of the DAIPICis being reviewed to determine the bestapproach to the rollout of our new DAIP.4 Full list of members at Appendix C

10 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017Agents and contractorsThe Act directs that Curtin’s DAIP is alsoimplemented by our agents and contractors,with the expectation they provide theirservice in a way that is in keeping withCurtin’s access and inclusion practices.We are required to inform our agentsand contractors about our DAIP, andrequest they report their aligned practicesto us on an annual basis. This will beimplemented through the dedicated websiteunilife.curtin.edu.au/health_wellbeing/AgentContractorDAIPActivities.htm andthrough professional development forCurtin’s contract managers.All Curtin staff, however, are equallyresponsible for the implementation of our DAIPthrough the strategy of embedding inclusivepractices throughout normal business, bothacademic and general.Ultimately, the Vice-Chancellor hasfinal responsibility to ensure the DAIP isimplemented.

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 11DEVELOPMENT OF OURDISABILITY ACCESS ANDINCLUSION PLAN 2012–2017The Act’s requirementsIn preparing our new five-year plan, Curtinhas followed the process set out by the Act to:• undertake a five-year review of our DAIP2007–2011• advertise the review• consult publicly and widely in this review• lodge the review report with the DSC• lodge the new DAIP 2012–2017 withthe DSC• advertise that the DAIP is available inappropriate formats to people with adisability.Curtin also understands the requirementto report the progress of its DAIP in theUniversity’s Annual Report.How was our DAIP developed?A DAIP Review Reference Group 5 was formedin 2011 to manage the review of the currentDAIP 2007–2011. This group of senior staff,all critical to the success of the 2007–2011DAIP, has helped to inform the developmentof the 2012–2017 DAIP by providing valuableinput regarding the strategies, priorities andtimelines.5 Full list of members at Appendix DReview processCurtin decided on an external five-year review.In April 2011, we contracted E-QUAL DisabilityConsultants to review our 2007–2011 DAIP,and to assist in the development of a newDAIP that would comply with the legislativerequirements of the Act and guide theUniversity’s work to ensure equitable access toour buildings, facilities, information, servicesand events for people with a disability over thenext five years.The consultants developed the methodologyfor the review in consultation with DAIPICand the DAIP Review Reference Group. Themethodology included examination of:• Curtin’s DAIP 2007–2011• DAIP progress reports for the DSC andits Annual Report• other relevant documents, plans andstrategies• literature on the changes to disabilitylegislation• contemporary and developing trends, andbest practice in access and inclusion –particularly in other universities.Consultation processCurtin staff, students and visitors, and theWestern Australian public were invited totake part in the consultation to comment onour progress to date; to identify any accessand inclusion barriers and suggest potentialstrategies to be incorporated in the new plan.

12 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017The consultation, conducted from July toSeptember 2011, was advertised or promoted:• in The West Australian on Saturday27 August 2011• in the community Southern Gazette• to all staff and students via email, blog andon the Curtin homepage• by direct offer of an interview to staff andstudents who had identified their interestin contributing, and to all DAIPIC and DAIPReview Reference Group members.The consultation included:• meetings and consultation with keycontacts including the DAIPIC and DAIPReview Reference Group• individual interviews with staff• web-based surveys for staff, students andvisitors, using Survey Monkey• focus groups for students.A total of 94 students and visitors and76 staff contributed to the consultation.At the conclusion of the consultation period,Curtin provided feedback on its DisabilityServices website disability.curtin.edu.au andalso communicated directly with people whohad requested a reply.DAIP 2007–2011 consultationand review resultsE-QUAL’s full report, Curtin University Reporton the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan:Review and Consultation 15 November 2011was tabled with the DSC on 23 March 2012.The report’s executive summary finds that:Curtin has many strategies to improveaccess to its facilities and services forpeople with disabilities, but barriersto full access and inclusion are stillbeing experienced. These include lack ofinformation regarding level of access toBentley Campus locations and buildings;difficult and hazardous wayfindingaround Bentley Campus; emergencyevacuation of people with disabilities;concerns about development and useof Curtin Access Plans; difficulty findinginformation and resources for people withdisabilities at Curtin; access to iLecturesand some software, including StudentOne; insufficient staff awareness andskills to provide support for people withdisabilities; access to Curtin’s complaintsand consultation processes; and concernswith recruitment practices for peoplewith disabilities.The review also found that Curtin has anopportunity to be a leader in this field andto become a benchmark in access andinclusion for other universities due to its staffand student commitment to an inclusiveuniversity community, its voluntary Universal

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 13Design Reference Group, and to its staff withinternationally recognised, relevant knowledgeand expertise.Australia is currently experiencing manychanges in disability policy. In WA, alignmentwith the DSC’s statewide blueprint ‘CountMe In – Disability Future Directions’ strategyprovides further opportunities for forwardthinkingaccess and inclusion initiativesat Curtin. Curtin is on track to promoteuniversal design; to explore new initiatives,including Australian university leadership inthe inclusion of people with an intellectualdisability as students and employees; and toaccommodate our ageing community as staffand students through an academic focus onageing in Curtin courses.Curtin has implemented many initiatives tohelp ensure access and inclusion for peoplewith a disability. These include:• significant contribution to disabilityresearch, particularly through the Centrefor Research into Disability and Society andthe Centre for Research on Ageing• a number of plans, policies and proceduresto address the barriers experienced bypeople with a disability• an endorsed Accessible Information policy,with staff education rollout underway

14 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017• research reports, guidelines and proceduresrelating to the experience of students witha disability, mental health problems andmedical conditions• regular disability awareness training forstaff, including Mental Health First Aidworkshops• investigations into the ‘inherentrequirements’ of university courses (2000,2002), which remain definitive and currentreferences in today’s national discussion• an IT audit of Curtin corporate applicationsand public websites to test accessibility andto determine readiness for the WCAG 2.0compliance requirement• establishment of a Universal DesignReference Group made up of volunteerCurtin staff and students• development of inclusive curricula, andintegration of principles of inclusion anduniversal design into Curtin’s Teaching andLearning Enabling Plan and the Teachingand Learning Handbook• an inaugural universal design competitionopen to all Curtin students and staff, judgedon ideas that could be implemented atCurtin• a streamlined process for sourcing orproviding e-book reference material• ongoing physical access audit of buildingson the Bentley Campus• program of physical access improvementsin new buildings and refurbishments• additional parking facilities, new gradedpathways, new automated doorways, newlifts, rest areas and signage• online alerts sent regarding works beingcarried out on campus• Curtin Properties consultation with DisabilityServices staff regarding physical access• mobility training around the BentleyCampus by the Association for the Blindof Western Australia• an accessible bus on the Bentley Campus• the use of a golf cart by security staff toprovide assistance or transport• an electric mobility scooter for temporaryuse by students, staff or visitors• counselling and disability support• personal Curtin Access Plans developedby Disability Advisers with the student,used to request reasonable adjustmentswith academic staff while maintainingconfidentiality about a disability ormedical condition• peer mentors and peer tutors

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 15• assistive technology/software for studentsand staff• an inaugural Staff Disability Adviserposition, created to support staff witha disability• the contracting of Work Focus(employment service) to assist withrecruitment of people with a disability.Specifically, recommendations relatingto the structure and content of the DAIPto meet legislative obligations and goodpractice are that:• the DAIP 2012–2017 is compliant withthe Act• the expected amendment to the Actregarding equitable employment of peoplewith disabilities is provided for: Curtin hashad a voluntary Outcome 7 (employment)for many years and will continue to focuson achieving best practice in recruitmentand employment of people with a disability• strategies not achieved or ongoing from theprevious plan be rolled over into the DAIP2012–2017, if still relevant• the DAIP contains examples ofachievements so far.The results of the review have guided thedevelopment of our DAIP 2012–2017.Communicatingthe DAIP 2012–2017Curtin will advertise the availability of theDAIP to the WA public in The West Australiannewspaper, and thereafter make it available via:• online at disability.curtin.edu.au• staff professional development programs• staff induction programs• Curtin’s A–Z index, accessed throughthe main Curtin homepage• student newsletters.The DAIP 2012–2017 will be made availablein alternative formats, such as electronic,audio tape or Braille, on request from a personwith a disability.

16 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017keeping the DISABILITYACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN2012–2017 freshAnnual Activity PlansCurtin will take a different approach to aprioritised rollout of our plan over the nextfive years by using Annual Activity Plans.These plans will allow us to mark annualprogress and modify strategies, if required,in the following year. The DAIPIC willmonitor this.Continual consultation withour students, staff and visitorsWe welcome contact about any matterregarding access and inclusion at Curtin tohelp us keep our DAIP relevant. This can bedone by:mail:Ms Michelle RogersDirector, Support ServicesCurtin UniversityGPO Box U1987 PERTH WA 6845fax: +61 8 9266 3052Attention: Ms Michelle RogersHow will our DAIP be reviewed?The responsibility for review and evaluationwill rest with DAIPIC. Monitoring theachievement of tasks in the DAIPimplementation plan will take into accountthe following reporting requirements:• Curtin’s Annual Report• an annual report to the DSC.A five-year review will be in accordance withPart 5 of the Disability Services Act 1993 (WA),namely:• reviewing the DAIP every five yearsor earlier• advertising this intention and invitingpublic consultation• lodging the review and outcomeresults with the DSC• ensuring the DAIP is available andaccessible to people with a disabilityand the public• reporting this process in Curtin’sAnnual Report.Curtin will use the DSC’s reporting template.email: disabilityservices@curtin.edu.auIf you require a hardcopy or another formatof the DAIP, please call +61 8 9266 7850 or1800 651 878 (non-metropolitan).

DISABILITY ACCESSAND INCLUSION PLAN2012–2017 STRATEGIESdisability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 17The recommended strategies relating tospecific DAIP outcomes are informed bythe review and consultation, and includestrategies from the previous plan that havenot been fully implemented. The followingstrategies will guide the activities Curtin willundertake from 2012–2017 to improve accessto our services, buildings and information.Outcome 1: People with disabilities have the same opportunitiesas other people to access the services of, and events organised by, Curtin.STRATEGY1.1 Curtin’s plans, policies and procedures will continue to include references to people withdisabilities and legislative responsibilities where appropriate.1.2 Curtin will review the development and implementation of Curtin Access Plans for students.1.3 Curtin will audit its student study areas, such as Abacus Labs, to ensure their accessibilityfor students and staff with a disability.1.4 Curtin staff will use the Accessible Events checklist to ensure all Curtin hosted events areaccessible to people with a disability.1.5 Curtin will ensure admission, selection and enrolment procedures, including orientationprograms, are inclusive in design and accessible for students with a disability.1.6 Curtin will ensure the design, delivery and assessment of academic programs, and thedelivery of services, are inclusive of, and accessible to, students with a disability.1.7 Curtin will ensure library services and resources are accessible for students, staff andvisitors with a disability.1.8 Curtin will involve Curtin students in the implementation of the Disability Access andInclusion Plan, where applicable.1.9 Curtin will engage with the Disability Services Commission regarding the opportunities inthe ‘Count Me In – Disability Future Directions’ strategy.1.10 Curtin will explore, with the Disability Services Commission and other relevant stakeholders,ways of including people with an intellectual disability in university life.1.11 Curtin will benchmark its access and inclusion practices with other universities.1.12 Curtin will actively promote the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and provide regularupdates to the Curtin community through means identified in the consultation.1.13 Curtin staff are informed about the principles of universal design.

18 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017Outcome 2: People with disabilities have the same opportunities as otherpeople to access Curtin’s buildings and facilities.STRATEGY2.1 Curtin will have a Physical Access Plan that identifies strategies and budgets to improveaccess on Curtin’s WA campuses to ensure legislative requirements are met, with progressregularly reported to the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Implementation Committee.2.2 Curtin will consult with stakeholders regarding access and inclusion, including peoplewith a disability, the Universal Design Reference Group, and appropriate staff, prior to thecommencement of new building projects and major refurbishments.2.3 A Curtin Wayfinding Strategy will be developed to ensure safe and accessible paths oftravel.2.4 A Curtin Accessible Parking and Public Transport Strategy will be developed andimplemented.2.5 Accessible residential facilities will be incorporated in student residence developments.2.6 The Curtin website will have information about physical access for people with a disability.2.7 Feedback about access from students, staff and visitors with a disability will be acted on ina timely and appropriate manner.2.8 Curtin will report annually on its progress to meet the requirements of the Accessto Premises Standards to the Academic Services Committee and the Planning andManagement Committee.2.9 Curtin will have Occupational Health and Safety procedures in place to ensure the safety ofstudents, staff and visitors with a disability in the event of a fire or emergency.

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 19Outcome 3: People with disabilities receive information from Curtin in aformat that will enable them to access the information as readily as otherpeople are able to access it.STRATEGY3.1 Curtin will promote its Accessible Information policy and provide staff education about itsimplementation.3.2 All Curtin’s public documents will include a statement promoting the availability ofalternative formats to Curtin students, staff and visitors.3.3 Curtin distribution lists for media releases and other public information will include peakdisability organisations and community radio.3.4 Curtin will take action to ensure accessibility of corporate applications for people with adisability.3.5 Curtin will take action to ensure Curtin websites and content, including online learningresources and notices, meet World Wide Web Consortium requirements.3.6 Curtin will take action to ensure iLectures and other audio-visual materials are of consistenthigh quality and accessibility.3.7 Learning resources will be made available in accessible formats in a timely manner.3.8 All Curtin communications will use inclusive language and be made accessible to students,staff and visitors with a disability.

20 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017Outcome 4: People with disabilities receive the same level and qualityof service from Curtin staff as other people receive from Curtin staff.STRATEGY4.1 Curtin will promote its information to the public on how it provides services and supportfor students, staff and visitors with a disability.4.2 Curtin staff will be informed, through induction and ongoing training, about theirresponsibilities to students and staff with a disability.4.3 Curtin staff will be supported to provide culturally appropriate services to Indigenousstudents, staff and visitors with a disability.4.4 Curtin staff will be supported in their service delivery to students, staff and visitors witha disability.4.5 Curtin will maintain and promote its policies, codes of conduct and strategies that prohibitdiscrimination, harassment and victimisation of students, staff and visitors with a disability.Outcome 5: People with disabilities have the same opportunities as otherpeople to make complaints to Curtin.STRATEGY5.1 Curtin will provide an accessible complaints process.5.2 Curtin’s accessible complaints process will be promoted regularly via internal and externalmedia and peak disability organisations.5.3 Staff involved in receiving and managing complaints will know how to provide appropriatesupport throughout the process.5.4 Trends in complaints relating to access and inclusion will be monitored and reported tothe Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Implementation Committee for systemic action,if required.

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 21Outcome 6: People with disabilities have the same opportunities as otherpeople to participate in any public consultation by Curtin.STRATEGY6.1 Curtin will continue to provide inclusive opportunities for students, staff and visitors witha disability to participate in Curtin’s public consultations.6.2 Curtin will develop an Accessible Consultation Guide with checklists.Outcome 7: People with disabilities have the same opportunities as otherpeople to access and participate in employment at Curtin.STRATEGY7.1 Curtin will ensure staff recruitment activities are inclusive in design and accessible to peoplewith a disability.7.2 Curtin will ensure staff with a disability are provided with appropriate support to carry outtheir employment responsibilities as specified in their position description.7.3 Curtin will ensure staff with a disability are provided with appropriate developmentopportunities to meet longer-term plans for career development.7.4 Curtin will consider ways of enhancing the employment of people with a disability, such asjob design, working from home and other innovative and flexible employment practices.7.5 Curtin students with a disability will have access to information and support to enhancetheir employability.

22 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017referencesAustralian Government. (2010). Disability(Access to Premises–Buildings) Standards2010 as amended. Disability DiscriminationAct 1992. Attorney-General’s Department.Australian Government. (2005). DisabilityStandards for Education 2005. Attorney-General’s Department, Department ofEducation, Science and Training.Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.(1996). Australian Vice-Chancellors’Committee Guidelines relating to Students witha Disability. GPO Box 1142, Canberra ACT.Commonwealth of Australia. (1992). DisabilityDiscrimination Act 1992 Act No. 135 of 1992as amended.Curtin University. (2011). Report on theDisability Access and Inclusion Plan Reviewand Consultation 15 November 2011.Undertaken on Curtin’s behalf by E-QUAL,PO Box 200, Nedlands, WA, 6909.Curtin University. (2008). Universal DesignReference Group. Terms of Reference.Government of Western Australia. (2009).Count Me In – Disability Future Directions.Published by Disability Services Commission,PO Box 441, West Perth, WA, 6872.National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2011).Website: fahcsia.gov.au.Stickels, C. (2002). ‘Professional RegistrationBoards and Associations and the InherentRequirements of University Courses:Relationship?’ Conference paper presented atPathways 6 Conference, Sydney, 2002.Watts, O., Stickels, C., Fraser, C., Carroll, R.,Stewart, N. & Radloff, A. (2000). Guidelinesand Procedures to assist Universities toExamine the Inherent Requirements of theirCourses (When Accommodating Students withDisabilities and/or Medical Conditions). Projectfunded by Co-operative Projects for HigherEducation Students with Disabilities Scheme,Department of Education, Training and YouthAffairs and undertaken by Curtin University ofTechnology for the Post-Secondary EducationDisability Network, WA, 2000.Wynaden, D., et al. (2010). ‘Improving theUniversity Experience for Students who havea Mental Health Problem’. Research projectundertaken by Curtin University, funded byHigher Education Equity Support Programgrant, 2008–2010.Government of Western Australia. (1993).Disability Services Act 1993 as amended 2004.

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 23glossary of termsDAIPDSCDAIPIC‘THE ACT’Disability Access and Inclusion PlanDisability Services CommissionDisability Access and Inclusion Plan Implementation CommitteeDisability Services Act 1993 (WA)

24 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017appendixesAppendix A:Schedule 1 of the ActAppendix B:Definition of disability as per the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 p. 4Appendix C:Membership of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan ImplementationCommitteeAppendix D:Membership of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan ReviewReference Group

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 25appendix aSchedule 1 – Principles applicableto people with disabilities1. People with a disability have the inherentright to respect for their human worth anddignity.2. People with a disability, whatever theorigin, nature, type or degree of disability,have the same basic human rights asother members of society and should beenabled to exercise these.3. People with a disability have the samerights as other members of society torealise their individual capacities forphysical, social, emotional, intellectualand spiritual development.4. People with a disability have the sameright as other members of society toservices that will support their attaininga reasonable quality of life in a way thatalso recognises the role and needs of theirfamilies and carers.6. People with a disability have the sameright as other members of society toreceive services in a manner that resultsin the least restriction of their rights andopportunities.7. People with a disability have the sameright as other members of society topursue any grievance concerning services.8. People with a disability have the right toaccess the type of services and supportsthey believe are most appropriate to meettheir needs.9. People with a disability who reside in ruraland regional areas have a right, as far asis reasonable to expect, to have access tosimilar services provided to people with adisability who reside in the metropolitanarea.10. People with a disability have a right toan environment free from neglect, abuse,intimidation and exploitation.5. People with a disability have the sameright as other members of society toparticipate in, direct and implement thedecisions that affect their lives.

26 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017appendix BDefinition of disability as perthe Disability Discrimination Act1992 p. 4‘Disability’, in relation to a person, means:a) total or partial loss of the person’s bodilyor mental function, orb) total or partial loss of part of the body, org) a disorder, illness or disease that affectsa person’s thought processes, perceptionof reality, emotions or judgement or thatresults in disturbed behaviourand includes a disability that:h) presently exists, ori) previously existed but no longer exists, orj) may exist in the future, ork) is imputed to a person.c) the presence in the body of organismscausing disease or illness, ord) the presence in the body of organismscapable of causing disease or illness, ore) the malfunction, malformation ordisfigurement of a part of the person’sbody, orf) a disorder or malfunction that results in theperson learning differently from a personwithout the disorder or malfunction, or

disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017 27appendix CMembership of the DisabilityAccess and Inclusion PlanImplementation Committee(2006–2011)Professor Robyn Quin (Chair),Deputy Vice-Chancellor EducationMs Lyn Marks, Executive Officer,Academic Services CommitteeProfessor Duncan Bentley,Pro Vice-Chancellor, Curtin BusinessSchool (PVC Representative) (now ceasedemployment with Curtin)Ms Michelle Rogers, Director, Support ServicesMs Cheryl Stickels, (Co-opted),Disability Access and Inclusion PlanImplementation ManagerMr Stephen Harvey, Executive Director,PropertiesMs Imogen Garner, Curtin University LibrarianMr Marco Schultheis, Executive Director,Strategy and PlanningMr Peter Nikoletatos, Chief InformationOfficer, Curtin Information Technology Services(now ceased employment with Curtin)Dr Sean Murray, Head,Counselling and Disability ServicesMs Tracy Destree, Director, Corporate Risk(now ceased employment with Curtin)Mr William Ryan, Director, Human ResourcesMr Jim Mitchell, Director, Admission andScholarships (for Director, Student Services)Ms Jackie Weinman, Disability Adviser,Counselling and Disability ServicesMs Lynne Vautier, Associate Director,Flexible Delivery and Lending, Deputy forUniversity LibrarianMs Demelza Rusha-Conto, (Co-opted),Student representative, Students withDisabilitiesMs Caroline Jankovic, Staff Disability Adviser,Human ResourcesMr Joseph Quick, (Co-opted),Student Guild PresidentProfessor Dave Hedgcock, (Co-opted),Professor of Urban and Regional Planning,School of Built Environment, and Chair ofUniversal Design Reference GroupMs Ann Paterson, Director,Corporate Relations and Development

28 disability access and inclusion plan 2012–2017appendix dMembership of the DAIP ReviewReference Group 2011Ms Michelle Rogers, Director, Support ServicesMr Stephen Harvey, Executive Director,PropertiesMs Ann Paterson, Director, CorporateRelations and DevelopmentDr Sean Murray, Head,Counselling and Disability ServicesMr William Ryan, Director, Human ResourcesMs Jackie Weinman, Disability Adviser,Counselling and Disability ServicesMs Caroline Jankovic,Staff Disability Adviser, Human ResourcesMr Bernard Hill, Director, ProfessionalStandards and Conduct Unit (now ceasedemployment with Curtin)Dr Angela Fielding, Head of Department,Social WorkMs Sally Vaughan, Disability Adviser,Counselling and Disability ServicesProfessor Errol Cocks, Director, ResearchCentre, School of Occupational Therapy andSocial WorkAssociate Professor Angus Buchanan,School of Occupational Therapyand Social WorkAssociate Professor Robyn Pilcher,School of AccountingMs Cheryl Stickels, Disability Accessand Inclusion Plan Implementation ManagerMr James Davies, Curtin StudentMs Geraldine Lane, Lecturer and UnitCoordinator, Open University, School ofEducationMs Sally Webster, Manager, Student Equityand Diversity

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