The University of Adelaide, Disability Action Plan 2008-2013
The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha states in his introduction to the University of Adelaide Disability Action Plan 2008-2018 that,
“Responsibility for implementation of the plan is spread across the University as all members of the University community have an obligation to the values of equal opportunity for people with a disability …”
The University of Adelaide, Disability Action Plan 2008-2013 (DAP) has been designed in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992) (DDA) and the Disability Education Standards (2005).
The Disability Action Plan 2008-2013 is an active demonstration of the Mission, Vision and Values of the University of Adelaide and assists the strategic goal of ‘Building a Great Research University’.
The University of Adelaide Strategic Plan 2008-2012 underpins the implementation of the DAP across the University community through the following Values, Statements and Strategic Goals:-
“We will act with fairness, integrity and responsibility.”
“The University supports social justice, equality of opportunity and cultural diversity, and seeks to implement these in the conduct of its activities and relationships. We have reaffirmed our commitment to a vision for a United Australia, expressed in our July 2003 Statement of Reconciliation.” (p.4)
“As a public institution whose role is to provide education, the University of Adelaide restates its commitment to social justice, equal opportunity and cultural diversity”; (p.10)
“Recognises the central importance of its students and the responsibility to provide them with a superior educational experience through its teaching excellence”; (p.11)
“Attracts the best students irrespective of national, cultural or social origins”; (p.11)
“Ensure that equality of opportunity is an intrinsic element of our recruitment and career development policies.” (p.29)
The DAP is divided into three distinct sections each with a specific goal:-
Goal: To create an inclusive educational, research and employment experience for students and staff with disabilities through incorporation of disability issues into existing planning, implementation and evaluation procedures.
Goal: To ensure that University’s policy and practices comply with the requirements of the DDA, show no direct, indirect or systemic discrimination towards students with a disability and create and maintain excellent learning environments for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Goal: To ensure that the University’s employment policy and practices comply with the requirements of the DDA, show no direct, indirect or systemic discrimination towards people with a disability and facilitate the recruitment and employment of people with a disability.
Each of these sections then includes a number of Objectives or Key Result Areas against which the performance of the University will be measured. Responsibilities for these Objectives and Key Result Areas have been assigned to various positions throughout the University.
The Responsibility Matrix provides a ‘snapshot’ of the ‘Responsible Officer’ positions against each of the areas for consideration identified in the DDA and by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
By preparing and submitting the DAP to the AHRC, the University is taking a best practice approach to ensuring equal access for students with disabilities. Whilst it is not a requirement of the University under the DDA to include actions to ensure equal access for its employees, the inclusion of such initiatives reinforces the commitment to ensure equality of access for all people with a disability.
The University of Adelaide Disability Action Plan 2008-2013
Responsibility Matrix, University of Adelaide Disability Action Plan 2008-2013
For further information in relation to students please contact: Student Support Services (08) 8303 6044.
For further information in relation to staff please contact: Lee Atkinson-Barrett, Workforce Strategy Consultant (Equity and Diversity) in the Human Resources Branch on (08) 8303 8180.
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