ࡱ> DFCM X/bjbj== &DWW+Sl*******>8FZ4>@ $J j*j**jjjp**jjjn[** 0+b>  (c 0@ H"j>>****University Disability Action Plan Implementation Report - July 2000 Introduction This report provides an outline of achievements to date identified through a review of the implementation of the University of Tasmanias Disability Action Plan (DAP) recently undertaken. A Disability Action Plan is a dynamic document. Its implementation requires regular monitoring and review to ensure that it remains useful in fostering an inclusive culture within the University. Organisational changes within the University, progress made on implementation of the Plan, and release of additional DDA standards all create a need for amendments and adjustments to the Plan on an ongoing basis. The action plan is reviewed annually by the Equal Opportunity Committee to monitor the progress made towards the achievement of the objectives and evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies undertaken. Since University Council approved the DAP in July 1998, a number of objectives have been achieved. Others are still being addressed. There is now recognition that some of the time-lines established in the Plan were not realistic and that some of the responsibilities for achieving objectives need to be more clearly identified. A number of operational guidelines have been developed and disseminated by the Disability Service to assist University staff in the implementation of strategies. There remain however, many gaps to fill, especially in regard to the issue of access to information. If the remaining objectives of the DAP are to be achieved, the implementation process requires a much greater University wide level of commitment and accountability. The development of a combined University Equal Opportunity/Student Equity Plan, Building an Inclusive Community, will facilitate implementation of the Action Plan objectives in a generic manner. The new plan, being developed with the 1998 Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act in mind, will contain new strategies and clearly identified actions, time-lines, responsible officers and reporting checklists. Progress to Date The following section summarises progress made to date on the implementation of the University of Tasmanias Disability Discrimination Action Plan. DISABILITY AWARENESS Objective 1 That there is increased awareness and understanding of the rights and needs of staff and students with disabilities within the University community. Progress to date Staff development has begun with the running of state-wide forums and presentations to academic school staff meetings. Disability awareness information is being included in staff induction packages and student orientation pamphlets. Objective 2 That staff and students have easy access to accurate and up to date information and resources. Progress to date Disability related policies are now available university-wide. Up to date information related to technology and inclusive practice is being provided via web university-wide. Current information related to students needs is being provided to academic staff through a process of Advocacy Memos. Articles have been published irregularly in University staff and student publications. ACCESS TO FACILITIES & INFORMATION Objective 3 That physical access barriers are reduced and any new building work meets the access requirements of people with disabilities. Progress to date A plan for upgrading of existing buildings to provide physical access has been developed. Signage is being upgraded progressively. An architectural brief which will provide clear guidance for architects involved in construction within the University is being developed. A formal process for prioritising minor building works has been developed and implemented. Objective 4 That the University environment is safe and secure for all students and staff Progress to date Reviews of emergency evacuation procedures, OH&S policy & procedures and University commercial facilities to ensure access, safety and security have been undertaken, and incorporated in procedures but these changes are still to be evaluated. Occupational Health and Safety policy and procedures have been revised to include reference to the rights of people with disabilities. Objective 5 That people with disabilities are able to access information and are able to communicate with staff. Progress to date Guidelines and processes to assist in making information available have been developed by the Disability Service and made available via the Web. An increasing number of University documents are now available electronically including policies, procedures, agendas, minutes and UniTas. Some University publications now make known to readers the availability of information in accessible format. The Disability Service has developed a process for meeting requests for accessible format of materials and information. Specialised technology and software is made available to students through access to the SEAL Centres and to staff in their offices. TTYs have been installed within Student Services at Launceston & Hobart. OUTREACH AND ENROLMENT Objective 6 That more people with disabilities undertake undergraduate and postgraduate study at the University of Tasmania. Progress to date All outreach and recruitment programs now target prospective students with disabilities along with other equity target groups. University wide pamphlets and promotional videos are inclusive of people with disabilities. An informative booklet for school leavers is being developed by the Stae Disability Liaison Officer. Objective 7 That the University is able to meet the study related needs of students with disabilities in a timely manner. Progress to date Funding for the needs of students with high support requirements has been identified but is currently being met from the Academic Administration budget rather than centrally. Information regarding access and disability services is included with all offers of student places. Procedures have been established to ensure that planning meetings are convened by the disability service involving students and key staff for all students with disabilities with high support requirements. SUPPORT SERVICES Objective 8 That a comprehensive range of support and advocacy services is available to students with disabilities and they are regularly involved in consultations regarding these. Progress to date Evaluation of disability services to be conducted in the context of the Universitys student services policy. A review of the effectiveness of SEAL resources in relation to the numbers and needs of students with disabilities has led to the redevelopment of the SEAL areas and the increase in hours for Disability staff. Disability Service policy and procedures are being revised. Specialist training for Disability Advisers provided through SDLO and professional development activities such as Pathways conferences. SEAL groups in Launceston and Hobart are active and operating independently with support from the disability service as requested. Objective 9 That students with disabilities and staff are aware of the services available to them. Progress to date Information useful to staff with disabilities is now included in all staff induction packages. Course handbooks and most promotional material now includes reference to the Universitys commitment to provide a work and study environment that is inclusive of people with a disabilities. Guide to Disability Services and specific disability related information is now distributed to students who identify as having a disability either through the enrolment process or through Student Services. Student orientation programs and bridging courses are inclusive of students with disability. TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT PRACTICES Objective 10 That teaching delivery and assessment practices are flexible and responsive to the requirements of students with disabilities. Progress to date Progress has been made towards ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to lecture and course materials as more schools make information available electronically. Increasingly, schools are adopting flexible procedures to enable students to negotiate changes to course requirements or undertake courses part-time where the effects of their disabilities make this necessary. A resource manual Inclusive Practice is Good Practice has been developed by the SDLO to assist staff to meet the needs of students with disabilities. A document which outlines alternative assessment arrangements and practices has been developed for the information of staff & students. This is about to be reviewed and edited. Objective 11 That students with disabilities achieve similar levels of academic and employment success to other students. Progress to date The Student Equity Unit is monitoring retention and academic success of students with disabilities with a view to improving both. The Career Service has introduced a number of initiatives which will enhance the career development and student employment opportunities of students with disabilities. A project focussing on employment outcomes in this area will begin soon. The SDLO is about to begin a project which involves liaison with professional bodies regarding the issues surrounding professional registration of students with disabilities. INCLUSIVE UNIVERSITY CULTURE Objective 12 That, where possible, the University meets the requirements of students and staff with disabilities in an inclusive manner and facilitates the full participation of students and staff with disabilities. Progress to date The needs of staff and students with disabilities are now included in the triennial planning process through the University Plan and the various equal opportunity and equity plans. There is increased awareness of the need to hold ceremonies, functions and activities in accessible facilities and that invitations are inclusive of the needs of people with disabilities. The Students with Disabilities Advisory Committee effectively provides students with disabilities the opportunity to contribute to the development of policies and services within the university. Objective 13 That employment policies and practices comply with the requirements of the DDA and facilitate the recruitment and employment of people with disabilities. Progress to date The 1995 Equal Opportunity for People with Disabilities Policy and the strategies and measures contained therein have been reviewed. Job application packages now include specific reference to the Universitys commitment to anti-discrimination in the workplace and the willingness to provide reasonable accommodations to assist people with disabilities to undertake work requirements. Funding sources for services and equipment for staff with a disability have been identified. 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