Disability Access and Inclusion Plan - DASSA in HTML

Acknowledgement of Country

Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) acknowledges and respects the traditional custodians of the South Australian regions upon whose ancestral lands our services operate on. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and emerging for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The term ‘Aboriginal’ is used in this document as an all-encompassing term for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.

About DASSA

Our business

DASSA’s strategic intention is the prevention and management of alcohol, tobacco and other drug related issues across South Australia.

DASSA is a statewide health service that provides services and policy advice for alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues, including illicit drugs. This includes:

providing a range of statewide comprehensive treatment services for people with problematic use of alcohol, and other drugs, including a 30 bed inpatient withdrawal unit based at Glenside Health Services, a 24 bed therapeutic community (the Woolshed) and 10 half way community transition beds, outreach case management services within the Adelaide CBD and the APY lands, as well as outpatient services across the metropolitan area and in regional areas throughout South Australia
providing consultation and liaison services, support and development assistance to primary health care, hospitals, non-government and private sectors to facilitate provision of a wide range of treatment and support services
providing a confidential telephone counselling information and referral service - Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS), for the general public, concerned family and friends, students and health professionals
providing and coordinating a range of population programs to address tobacco, alcohol and other drug related problems in South Australia, including tobacco social marketing programs, the police drug diversion program, peer harm reduction programs and the clean needle program for South Australia
providing policy and planning advice to the Chief Executive, Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) and the Minister for Health and Wellbeing related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug issues, under the direction of DHW. This includes responsibility for the funding of non-government alcohol and other drug treatment services.

DASSA’s role in the broader health system is guided by the themes identified in the South Australian Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020-2025 and the overarching theme “Together” which supports everyone working to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of all South Australians.

Our staff

As of 31 August 2020, DASSA employs around 223 people. Approximately one per cent of our employees identify as living with a disability. Note, the reporting of disability by staff was not required at the time of publishing the DAIP, therefore this percentage figure may not be a true representation.

DASSA is committed to enhancing a productive and supportive environment for staff with disability to enable full participation in the workplace.

Strategic context

In 2011, the Council of Australian Governments endorsed the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020, which outlines the agenda for people with a disability to achieve their full potential as citizens. The strategy has resulted in significant disability reforms being implemented across Australia, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providing care and support for people with a permanent and significant disability.

In 2018, the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (the ‘Act’) was passed which seeks to clarify South Australia’s role in supporting people with a disability. The Act supports the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), acknowledging that people living with disability have the same human rights as other members of the community and that the State and the community have a responsibility to facilitate the exercise of those rights. The Act requires all State Authorities to develop and implement a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) to assist in planning and implementing improvements to access and inclusion.

In accordance with Part 1, Section 3 (1) of the Act, ‘disability, in relation to a person, includes long-term physical, psycho-social, intellectual, cognitive, neurological or sensory impairment, or a combination of any of these impairments, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder the person's full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.’

The Inclusive SA: State Disability Inclusion Plan 2019 – 2023 (the ‘State Plan’) was released on 31 October 2019 and demonstrates a strong commitment to create an accessible and inclusive South Australia based on fairness and respect. The State Plan was developed following extensive community and sector consultation, and sets out priorities and actions for State Government agencies and local councils for the next four years under the following themes:

inclusive communities for all
leadership and collaboration
accessible communities
learning and employment.

The State Plan is a requirement of the Act and sets a framework to support State authorities to implement the National Disability Strategy 2010 -2020 and the principles agreed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), while complementing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Our Vision

DASSA has not previously had a DAIP.

The DASSA DAIP sets out the actions we will take over the next four years to achieve a more inclusive South Australia. Our actions align to the key themes and priorities in the State Plan.

DASSA staff will improve their awareness and skills in identifying and supporting people living with a disability throughout their treatment journey. The DASSA DAIP will improve the planning and accessibility of our treatment services and facilities for people living with disability. These improvements will include a particular focus on ‘inclusive actions’ that relate to priority groups living with disability who may access DASSA services, for example, Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

There will be zero tolerance toward discrimination.

Actions

The DASSA DAIP is structured around the themes and priority areas of the Inclusive SA: State Disability Inclusion Plan 2019 – 2023.

1: Inclusive communities for all

Social inclusion is a priority for people living with disability as it affects all aspects of their lives. It is our aim that the contributions and rights of people living with disability are valued and understood by all South Australians and that their rights are promoted, upheld and protected. We also want to ensure that people living with disability are supported to advocate for their own rights.

Priority 1: Involvement in the community

DIAP Priority 1
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Promote DASSA’s Community Partnership Program (CPP) to encourage people living with disability to actively participate and share community perspectives throughout all levels of DASSA.	Drug Policy and Population Health	June 2021	One or more persons living with disability are CPP representatives.
Continue to recruit people living with disability to DASSA’s Community Advisory Council (CAC) to provide broader representation of disability.	Drug Policy and Population Health	June 2021	One or more persons living with disability are CAC representatives.
Review DASSA’s feedback mechanisms and resources to support access for all.	Clinical Executive Committee	December 2021	Ensure client and public feedback systems are accessible to people living with disability.

Priority 2: Improving community understanding and awareness

DAIP Priority 2
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Review DASSA website content and support the Department of Health and Wellbeing (DHW) in the establishment of best practice resources relating to website content to ensure ease of access and clearly understood content for all.	Drug Policy and Population Health	December 2022	Web content meets accessibility standards.

Priority 3: Promoting the rights of people living with disability

DAIP Priority 3
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Hold staff understanding and awareness sessions (involve DHS Disability Engagement Group).	Executive Group	December 2021	Annual information session for staff held by consumer/disability representatives.
Mandatory disability awareness training for staff and included as part of induction programs for new employees.	Residential and Clinical Outreach	Ongoing	All staff complete disability awareness training.
Update DASSA’s client data systems (i.e. CME) to include NDIS registration status. This will enable reporting compliance through the Safety Learning System (SLS) of any adverse event involving a person registered with the NDIS.	Clinical Executive Committee	January 2021	Introduction of data fields for NDIS registration status.

2: Leadership and collaboration

People living with disability want to have a greater role in leading and contributing to government and community decision-making. It is our aim that the perspectives of people living with disability are actively sought and that they are supported to participate meaningfully in government and community consultation and engagement activities.

Priority 4: Participation in decision-making

DAIP Priority 4
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Engage people living with disability including peak agencies and the Department of Human Services Disability Engagement Group, to provide advice on DASSA policies and practices that affect people living with disability.	Drug Policy and Population Health	March 2021	People living with disability contribute to the development and review of relevant policies and procedures. Templates include consultation strategy.

Priority 5: Leadership and raising profile

DAIP Priority 5
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Review DASSA audit register and associated processes to ensure disability-related issues are included and actions are recorded.	Residential and Clinical Outreach	December 2021	Updates to audit register and audit processes.
Review Safety Learning System (SLS) incidents with regards to compliance with the reporting requirements for incidents that pertain to NDIS providers and / or NDIS clients.	Residential and Clinical Outreach	Ongoing	100% compliance with the reporting requirements. Clinical Executive Committee review responses and actions.
Hold consultations with government funded non-government organisations which provide alcohol and other drug services to determine improvements to the planning and accessibility of their respective services which enable better inclusion of people living with a disability.	Drug Policy and Population Health	December 2024	Identified improvements to be incorporated into future funding agreements with appropriate monitoring.

Priority 6: Engagement and consultation

DAIP Priority 6
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Consultation with internal and external advisory groups and individuals to develop recommendations regarding improvements in treatment services accessibility and staff awareness.	Clinical Executive Committee	June 2021	Report from consultation process and implementation plan to DASSA Executive Group.

3: Accessible communities

The accessibility of the built environment, quality services and information is key to ensuring people living with disability are included and have the opportunity to equally participate in all aspects of community life. It is our aim to increase accessibility to public and community infrastructure, transport, services, information, sport and recreation and the greater community.

Priority 7: Universal Design across South Australia

DAIP Priority 7
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Consider modifications to site buildings to improve access for clients and employees with disability.	Business Services	June 2021	Identification of barriers to access and development of a design to address barriers.

Priority 8: Accessible and available information

DAIP Priority 8
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Review existing print resources e.g. facts sheets and consider other key communication resources to ensure content meets the needs of people living with disability.	Drug Policy and Population Health	June 2021	Number of resources updated or developed
Review and develop signage and other resources to support deaf, hard of hearing, blind, vision or hearing-impaired persons in accessing services	Clinical Executive Committee	December 2021	Updates to signage and other resources

Priority 9: Access to services

DAIP Priority 9
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Review number, location and signage of car parking spaces for people with disability	Business Services	December 2021	Report from review to DASSA Executive Group.
Consider areas for improvement within DASSA’s model of care to ensure effective access to DASSA treatment intervention services for people living with disability.	Clinical Executive Committee	June 2021	Report from review to DASSA Executive Group

4: Learning and employment

Workforce participation is fundamental to social inclusion. It provides economic independence and choice, social connections and friendships, value, identity and belonging. It is our aim that people living with disability have access to inclusive places of study and that education and training provides pathways to meaningful and inclusive employment and volunteering opportunities.

Priority 10: Better supports within educational and training settings

DAIP Priority 10
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Review availability and need for resources to support staff living with disability so they can achieve full capacity in their respective role.	Executive Group	December 2021	All staff undertake a workplace and workstation assessment.

Priority 11: Skill development through volunteering and support in navigating the pathway between learning and earning

DAIP Priority 11
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Support career pathways, clinical placements and connections with educational service providers.	Clinical Executive Committee	Ongoing	Number of clinical placements for people living with disability.

Priority 12: Improved access to employment opportunities and better support within workplaces

DAIP Priority 12
Action	Responsibility	Timeframe	Measurable Target
Contact Disability Employment Service (DES) for advice regarding job design, staff recruitment, retention and functional support.	Executive Group	December 2021	Implementation of recommendations following advisory process.
Implementation of DASSA’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Plan 2020-2023 actions with respect to improving employment opportunities and support for people living with disability.	Executive Group	Ongoing	Implementation of D&I Plan.
Methods for evacuation of all people living with disability are identified and regularly tested.	Business Services	Ongoing	Emergency drill reports include review of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans.

Development of the plan

Consultation

Our DAIP was developed in partnership with DASSA’s Clinical Executive Committee and the Executive Group. DASSA also collaborated with DAIP project leads from the Department for Health and Wellbeing and Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.

DASSA prepared an Aboriginal Health Impact Statement which was reviewed by the Aboriginal Leadership Group.

Community and stakeholder consultation to inform DASSA’s first DAIP included:

public consultation through DASSA’s website with promotional support from:
- Department of Human Services Disability Engagement Group (DEG)
- YourSAy Disability Access and Inclusion Plan hub.
review and feedback from:
- DASSA’s Community Advisory Council and Community Partnership Program
- DASSA staff.

DASSA received 18 responses during the consultation period. Comments were analysed and incorporated into the final version of our DAIP to ensure language and actions were inclusive, non-stigmatising and encouraged accountability. DASSA will continue to seek feedback throughout implementation of the DAIP.

We would like to acknowledge and thank those who have contributed to the development of the DAIP including the clients and carers who generously gave their time.

Relationship to other policies, strategies, frameworks

The actions within this document align to DASSA’s Model of Care which outlines core overarching principles for its clinical service delivery across the client journey from referral into DASSA, to transition to primary care or non-government organisations (NGOs). This means that treatment is best matched to the individual person’s needs in the most appropriate treatment setting at the most appropriate time; in partnership with other care providers and with the client at the centre of their own care.

The DASSA Organisational Plan 2020-2021 to 2024-2025 includes actions to deliver accessible, evidence-based and community informed services that focuses on priority communities and aims to reduce stigma. In addition, the Organisation Plan incorporates a key objective to deliver a workplace setting that supports continuous improvement and staff development.

The Department for Health and Wellbeing has developed a new SA Intellectual Disability Health Service Model of Care. DASSA will consider this model of care alongside the DAIP to improve our accountability in providing alcohol, tobacco and other drug treatment interventions services for people with intellectual disability and complex health needs or behaviours.

Implementation process

The DAIP provides designated responsibility to respective divisions within DASSA. Each division will provide regular progress reports to the DASSA Executive Group which will take on the overall responsibility for the implementation of the DAIP. An internal working group will support the Executive Group by coordinating all disability, diversity and inclusion action plans, activities and reporting.

DASSA committees will include ‘Disability and Inclusion’ in their terms of reference as a Standing Item to ensure the implementation of DAIP actions are at the forefront of DASSA service provision, operationalisation activities and staff awareness.

Communicating the DAIP

The DASSA DAIP will be available to our employees, the Community Advisory Council and Community Partnership Program, contractors and agents, and the South Australian community. It will be promoted on our website, and can be made available in other accessible formats and languages upon request.

DAIP monitoring and review

DASSA’s Clinical Executive Committee and Executive Group together with the Community Advisory Council will monitor the implementation of the DAIP. This will include an annual review and report of the progress and measured targets.

In accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2018, DASSA will:

forward a report (through our governance arrangements) to the Chief Executive, Department of Human Services on or before 31 October each year on the operation of the disability access and inclusion plan for the previous financial year
formally review the DAIP every four years or following a review of the State Disability Inclusion Plan.

Glossary and definitions

Accessibility

Accessibility is about ensuring that people with disability have equal access to programs, employment, training, goods and services, premises, communication, information and technology.

Best practice

A method or technique that has been generally accepted as superior to any alternatives because it produces results that are better than those achieved by other means or because it has become a standard way of doing things.

Built environment

Man-made structures, features and facilities viewed collectively as an environment in which people live and work.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)

Culturally and linguistically diverse, also referred to as multicultural, refers to the diversity of people from different countries, including English-speaking countries, have different cultural backgrounds, can speak more than one language, are from different regions in Australia and/or align with different religions.

Clinical Executive Committee (CEC)

The Clinical Executive Committee is a sub-committee of the DASSA Executive Group which advises the Clinical Director on clinical interventions, treatments and rehabilitation services, and general clinical matters within DASSA.

Community Partnership Program

DASSA is committed to involving its community (clients, their families and people impacted by alcohol, tobacco or other drug policy) in all matters affecting them. Our Community Partnership Program is a program of community engagement that allows community members to be actively involved throughout all levels of DASSA, and ensures that community perspectives are always considered.

Community Advisory Council (CAC)

The DASSA Community Advisory Council is a strategic committee for clients, carers and community members to participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of DASSA services and programs and alcohol, tobacco and other drug policy. CAC works with DASSA to create and support a culture and environment where community involvement is paramount at all levels.

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP)

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan prepared by State authorities for their own agency, department or council area.

Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA)

Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia - a statewide service within the Department for Health and Wellbeing.

Disability

As defined by the Disability Inclusion Act 2018, is a long-term physical, psycho-social, intellectual, cognitive, neurological or sensory impairment, or a combination of any of these impairments, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder the person's full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Disability Engagement Group

A Department for Human Services-led register that can be used by other government agencies or councils to obtain advice from people living with disability and the sector about disability issues.

Executive Group (EG)

The Executive Group assists the State Director to meet the strategic and operational objectives of Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA).

Inclusion

Inclusion is about embracing and harnessing our diverse resources. It is about removing attitudinal, behavioural and physical barriers so that everyone feels valued and respected, has equal access to opportunities, and is empowered to participate and contribute their skills and perspectives to their workplace and society.

Model of Care

Defines the way DASSA services are delivered. The model of care outlines evidence-based best practice care and services for a person and population.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

An insurance support scheme of the Australian Government that funds costs associated with disability.

National Disability Strategy 2010 - 2020

The strategy is a shared commitment by all governments to work together to improve the lives of Australians with disability by guiding governments and other organisations to build the wellbeing of people with disability and their carers.

State authority

As defined in the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA) to include a government department, an agency or instrumentality of the Crown, a local council constituted under the Local Government Act 1999 (SA) or any other person or body declared by regulations to be included.

Universal Design

Involves creating facilities, built environments, products and services that can be used by people of all abilities, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptations.

For more information

Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA)
75 Magill Road, Stepney SA 5069
Tel: (08) 7425 5000
Fax: (08) 7425 5015
Email: HealthDASSAGeneral@sa.gov.au

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Last updated: 03 Apr 2022