Disability access and inclusion in 2024 and beyond

Review of the State Disability Inclusion Plan

In 2023, the Department of Human Services commenced an extensive consultation process involving over 730 participants to consider the priorities and future focus of the new State Disability Inclusion Plan (the State Plan).

A consultation report was released in July 2024 which consolidated the feedback received and has set the basis upon which the new State Plan will be developed.

DHS will continue to collaborate with people with disability and/or neurodivergence, their parents and carers, non-government organisations and all State authorities.

This work will also trigger the development of new Disability Access and Inclusion Plans (DAIPs) across all State Government departments and local councils.

Further information about the consultation.

Implementing the new SA Autism Strategy 2024–2029

In June 2024, the South Australian Government launched the State’s first Autism Strategy 2024–2029 (the Strategy), which sets out a 5-year roadmap for the government to help improve the lives of Autistic people of all ages and their families.

The Strategy will work alongside, and interact with, the many inclusion-related initiatives underway, including the new State Disability Inclusion Plan.

Find out more about the SA Autism Strategy 2024–2029.

Stay updated on what is happening in 2024 and beyond — join our growing Disability Talk database.

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The new Disability Inclusion (Review Recommendations) Amendment Act 2024

Legislative recommendations arising from the Final Report on the Review of the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA) have been enacted through the new Amendment Act 2024, which passed both Houses of Parliament in June 2024.

The Amendment Act 2024 will see new legislative requirements come into force, including:

• Stronger provisions for measurable and meaningful outcomes in the State Disability Inclusion Plan and a target for public sector employment of people with disability
• Greater recognition of the additional barriers experienced by LGBTIQA+ people with disability, people with disability living in regional areas and those who have significant intellectual disability or vulnerability due to disability
• The establishment of a dedicated lived experience committee to support the preparation and review of the State Disability Inclusion Plan
• Ensuring DAIPs developed by State authorities remain consistent with the State Disability Inclusion Plan and that the needs of priority groups are properly addressed.

Language used throughout the Act has also been enhanced to make it explicit that people with disability, regardless of age, have a right to be safe and to feel safe. The Act has also been strengthened to ensure programs and policies are developed, as appropriate, through co-design, consultation or other processes with people with disability.

Changing Places

The Government of South Australia and Local Government Associations have joined the Commonwealth Government in a tripartite funding model to share the costs associated with building new Changing Places facilities across South Australia.

Changing Places provides suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, supporting people with disability to have more equitable access to essential facilities in their community.

This funding has resulted in two new Changing Places facilities recently constructed at:

• George Bolton Swimming Centre, City of Burnside
• Fabrik Arts and Heritage Centre, Adelaide Hills Council.

Another two Changing Places will be constructed at the Pasadena Community Centre and Glenthorne National Park.

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