Grampians Health launches Disability Action Plan
26 September 2024
Grampians Health has launched our inaugural Disability Action Plan, providing a strategic framework for reducing and removing barriers experienced by people with disabilities across the organisation.
CEO Dale Fraser said the Disability Action Plan was the foundation for an organisation-wide approach to all disability related work, with key priorities of accessibility, inclusivity, and innovation through partnership.
“Our Disability Action Plan is designed to support individuals with a disability who are experiencing barriers to the health services they need,” Mr Fraser said. “This work is informed by people with disability, to ensure that the changes we are making as an organisation are addressing real-life issues so we can provide safe and equitable care.
“This Plan builds on the work our Disability Liaison Office does to provide safer, accessible, and more inclusive care to those accessing Grampians Health’s services. Grampians Health’s goal is to provide an integrated model of care that always puts people first, and the work laid out in Disability Action Plan helps us achieve this.”
Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Veronica Furnier, said the Disability Action Plan would remove physical and attitudinal barriers for people accessing care and employment at Grampians Health.
“It’s important to note that some barriers that ‘disable’ individuals with impairments are not just physical, they can be mental and emotional as well,” Ms Furnier said. “This Plan demonstrates our whole-of-organisation approach and commitment to protecting the rights of people with a disability, not only in the way they receive care but also with regards to opportunities that are available to work at Grampians Health.”
The Disability Action Plan was developed by the Grampians Health Disability Liaison Team with input from key community partners and will be overseen by Grampians Health’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee which also oversees the Gender Equality Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan, and draft Intercultural Action Plan.
We thank those who shared their experiences, opinions, and ideas to help inform and create this Plan. View the Plan here.