The Disability Royal Commission releases overview of responses to the ‘Promoting Inclusion’ issues paper

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has published an Overview of responses to promoting inclusion issues paper. 

The issues paper was released on 4 December 2020 and asked a series of questions on what should be done to promote a more inclusive society that supports the independence of people with disability and their right to live free from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Royal Commission received 74 responses which expressed a range of views which will inform the Royal Commission’s work.

Responses to the issues paper reflected on the meaning of inclusion and identified core characteristics of an inclusive society. Responses described an inclusive society as one that:

  • Recognises and enforces human rights
  • Adopts meaningful practices of co-production and co-design
  • Embeds universal design to ensure full accessibility
  • Provides culturally competent and safe services
  • Recognises the social model of disability, and
  • Promotes a sense of belonging.

Many respondents described inclusion as a human right and noted that an inclusive society is one in which all members are treated equally and provided with equal opportunities.

Autism Spectrum Australia ( Aspect ) wrote “…the lack of knowledge, awareness of diverse needs, and mandated drivers for inclusive human rights recognition entrenched in Australian law has resulted in an Australian society that is currently far from inclusive, and often not even accessible.”

The responses identified the following barriers to a more inclusive society for people with disability;

  • Law, policies and practices
  • Community attitudes and behaviours
  • Intersectional barriers such as race, gender, age and sexuality
  • Segregation and exclusion
  • Physical and environmental barriers

Respondents also identified barriers experienced by people with disability in specific settings and systems including, education, employment, health and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Queensland Advocacy Incorporated wrote; “The exclusion of people with disability is directly correlated with an increased risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. People who are isolated and separated from the wider community are subject to less safeguards and protective oversight ‘from the gaze of citizens’ and are therefore more vulnerable to acts of abuse and violence.”

Proposals for change

Respondents to the issues paper made many proposals for change. The proposals for change are broadly grouped into the following categories:

  • Nothing about us without us
  • Government leadership
  • Changing attitudes and behaviours
  • Addressing segregation
  • Ensuring accessibility
  • Providing access to safe and quality services
  • Strengthening oversight and accountability
  • Measuring and monitoring performance towards inclusion.

Please direct all inquiries to the Disability Royal Commission Media team on 0436 841 166 or via our email DRCmedia@royalcommission.gov.au