2. Strategic context

In 2018, the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA) (the Act) was passed because the South Australian Government recognised that a stronger commitment to access and inclusion planning for people living with disability was needed.

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 UNCRPD is underpinned by eight guiding principles based on respect, equality and non-discrimination and was ratified by Australia in 2008, and the Optional Protocol signed by Australia in 2009.

The National Disability Strategy (NDS) is a coordinated plan across all levels of government to improve the lives of people living with disability, their families and carers. The NDS is Australia’s response to the UNCRPD and is designed to ensure the principles of the UNCRPD are incorporated into policies and programs across Australia. Currently, the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments are working towards developing a new national disability strategy for beyond 2020.

Areas of policy action under the NDS are:

1. Inclusive and accessible communities
2. Rights protection, justice and legislation
3. Economic security
4. Personal and community support
5. Learning and skills
6. Health and wellbeing.

Inclusive SA: State Disability Inclusion Plan 2019–2023 (the State Plan) was released on 31 October 2019. It was developed following community and sector consultation. The themes within the State Plan are:

1. Inclusive communities for all
2. Leadership and collaboration
3. Accessible communities
4. 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 (NDS).

The annual reporting against the State Plan will align the South Australian Government’s achievements against the NDS’s areas of policy action.

2.1 Strategic alignment of Disability Access and Inclusion Plans

Long Description