Our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan provides a clear framework to enhance our ability to include and respond to the needs of people with disability, whether they are caregivers, patients, clients, volunteers or members of the broader community.
A Disability Access and Inclusion Plan outlines how our organisation can remove barriers and create disability-friendly hospital services and environments where people with disability can participate fully, safely and with dignity.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, disability includes a wide range of physical, mental, sensory, neurological and intellectual conditions, protecting people from discrimination based on these experiences.
The Social Model of Disability reminds us that it is not a person’s impairment that limits participation, but the barriers created by society. This principle is reflected in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which defines disability as the interaction between individuals and the attitudinal or environmental barriers around them.
Our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan outlines how St John of God Health Care will address these physical, communicative and attitudinal barriers by creating services, workplaces and spaces where people with disability are respected, understood and supported to thrive.
Priority areas and commitments
Our service users
We are committed to delivering care that exceeds expectations and is inclusive of all. The voices and experiences of people with disability are essential to shaping services that are hospitable, respectful and responsive.
Our commitments:
- Amplify the voice of people with disability in consumer advisory bodies.
- Improve physical accessibility across all sites.
- Ensure timely and effective identification of support needs.
Our caregivers
We aim to foster a workplace culture where all caregivers, including those with disability, feel valued and supported. We are committed to building awareness, capability, and inclusive practices across our workforce.
Our commitments:
- Increase visibility, voice, and representation of people with disability.
- Provide education and training to enhance disability awareness and competence.
- Build partnerships to grow the employment of people with disability across St John of God Health Care.
Our community
As a leading health care provider, St John of God Health Care embraces its role in advocating for social inclusion and employment equity. We will continue to collaborate with individuals and organisations to create meaningful opportunities for people with disability.
Our commitments:
- Increase employment opportunities for people with disability through partnerships with disability employment services.
- Celebrate and promote diversity as a core expression of our Mission.
Consultation
Our plan was developed in collaboration with people with disability within St John of God Health Care, members of the broader community, and peak disability advocacy organisations. We are deeply grateful for their insights and contributions which help ensure our approach is practical, meaningful, and creates an inclusive health care environment.