1. Purpose

HSR Southern Cross is committed to upholding and promoting the rights of people with a disability and providing accessible products and services. This policy formalises HSR’s commitment and establishes a framework for the provision of HSR’ Services to enable people with a disability, their parents, carers and family to actively participate.

2. Background

HSR acknowledges that all people, regardless of ability, have the same rights and that these rights are enshrined in legislation. HSR is legislated to develop a Disability Action Plan and does so in conjunction with staff and management. The Disability Action Plan reflects our commitment to improve outcomes for people with a disability and identifies initiatives to improve access and inclusion of people with a disability.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all HSR staff, employees, contract staff and management. The policy guides HSR’ efforts to address barriers and discrimination, promote inclusiveness and promote participation for people with a disability. It applies to HSR service planning and delivery, the development and planning of our infrastructure, the procurement of company motor vehicles, through engagement and consultation of staff and employees.
This policy was developed in conjunction with and is consistent with the principles of HSR Equal Employment Opportunity Policies and Procedures

4. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, HSR recognizes the wide-ranging definitions of disability. The following definitions are a guide to samples listed in the NSW State Disability inclusion Plan (Act 2014)

• There are currently more than One (1) Million people living in NSW with a disability
• They live with a wide range of conditions and impairments
• Some conditions and impairments are present at birth
• Some disabilities are acquired or develop during the lifetime from such incidents as accidents, illness or injury
• Some people may require increase support needs over time
• Some people may experience fluctuating or episodic disability
• This can be prevalent for individuals with mental health conditions and illness
• Some people are said to have a dual disability, such as intellectual disability and mental illness, giving rise to different support needs

5. Policy

HSR Southern Cross aims to be a company that participates in the community. Our goal is to be a place where people living with a disability and their parents, carers and families are able to participate and be included.

To meet this aim HSR will:

• Establish and maintain a Consultative Committee responsible with the task of implementing the Disability Action Plan
• Implement the actions in the Disability Action Plan to improve outcomes for staff, employees and the greater community
• Promote and participate in ongoing consultation with staff, employees and the community to ensure that the needs are understood
• Identify barriers that would prevent people with a disability from being able to participate or be included and address these through the Consultative Committee
• Participate through partnerships that enhance outcomes for people with a disability in the workplace and the community
• Facilitate advocacy and mentoring opportunities
• Enhance the capacity of HSR staff to meet the needs of the diverse community
• Comply and promote adherence to the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) with the aim to ensure that there is no discrimination based on disability in any of the services provided by or to HSR Southern Cross

6. References

• Disability Inclusion Act 2014
• Disability Inclusion Regulation 2014
• Government Sector Employment Act
• Disability Discrimination Act 1992
• NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
• NSW Disability Inclusion Plan
• National Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020
• National Disability Insurance Scheme Website
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

7. Related Documents

• HSR Southern Cross Company Handbook
• HSR Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
• HSR Mentoring Program