People With Disabilities

The Greens (WA) value the diversity in abilities among individuals and the diversity of contributions that people with disabilities make to our society. We are committed to the inclusion, equal status, and recognition of people with disabilities as valued and participating members of our society. 

Goals

The Greens (WA) want: 

• improved overall quality of life for people with disabilities, and their protection from deprivation, hardship and poverty
• people with disabilities to be integrally involved in all levels of decision and policy making across society, including the planning of services for people with disabilities
• increased allocations of resources to ensure the equal participation of people with disabilities
• an end to discriminatory attitudes and practices at all levels
• an end to informational, legal and infrastructure barriers
• equalities in the provision of goods and services to people with disabilities
• accessible means for people with disabilities to bring complaints of discrimination. 

Initiatives

The Greens (WA) will initiate and support legislation and actions that: 

• transfer the power from government and service providers to those with disabilities themselves to determine their best interests
• ensure adequate physical access throughout the community, including to cultural, sporting and recreational activities
• eliminate inappropriate accommodation in institutions and provide the opportunity to live independently in the community in well supported, age appropriate, accommodation
• recognise, support and safeguard the role of carers by providing appropriate financial support and respite services

Discrimination

• recognise people with mental health issues as falling under the umbrella of people with disabilities
• establish legally enforceable rights-based legislation for people with disabilities
• reform the civil and criminal justice system to address the over representation of people with disabilities in the criminal justice system and the provision of inappropriate legal services and support to people with disabilities

Funding

• combat under-funding as well as lack of funding in current schemes
• provide the funds required to address the shortfall in critical support for people with intellectual disabilities in services such as therapy, accommodation support, day programs, supported employment and respite care, thus enabling people with disabilities to live a decent life

Education

• ensure the appropriate allocation of funds to enable access to primary, secondary and tertiary education through special aides
• provide special education centres for those who cannot access mainstream education
• provide educators for those who cannot attend educational facilities outside their place of residence

Employment

• establish economic independence by widening choice and opportunities for people with disabilities to fully participate in society by providing fully integrated employment in the open and competitive labour market
• encourage employment of people with disabilities by providing incentives to employers and appropriate vocational, technical and training programs
• continue to provide and expand sheltered employment for those who cannot access open employment

Specially Disadvantaged Groups

• recognise the added disadvantage of women, ethnic minorities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with disabilities and ensure culturally appropriate and language specific services for these groups
• ensure that the special needs of people with disabilities who live in rural or remote communities are met
• ensure that the special needs of people with disabilities who enter Australia as refugees are met

Local Government and Non-Government Organisations

• encourage local government participation in administering policies for people with disabilities
• support the role of non-government organisations in the disability sector.