Australia is known as an accessible country, giving importance on meeting the specific needs and requirements of people with disabilities. To make sure the various industries and sectors in Australia are in adherence with the provisions of the rights of disabled individuals, the Disability Discrimination Act was imposed.
Legal framework: What is the Disability Discrimination Act?
The Disability Discrimination Act of 1992 is a legislation that protects the rights of people with disabilities being discriminated against. The act dictates that PWDs must be treated equally when it comes to education, employment, and access to public and government services.
Breaking barriers in the workplace
People with disabilities must not be discriminated against when looking for employment opportunities, provided they meet the requirements for the job. Also, workspaces must be accessible to accommodate the needs of employees with disabilities. Installation of ramps for easy access of a manual and electric wheelchair, adaptive toilets, elevators and lifts to flexible work schedules, break barriers in the workplaces for individuals with disabilities.
Equal learning opportunities
Aside from equal opportunities in the workplace, the Australian Government Department of Education also released their own, the Disability Standards for Education (2005) that outline the requirements that educational institutions must meet to be accessible. The institutions must make their facilities accessible to students using wheelchairs or those with hearing or visual impairments for these students to thrive academically, in spite of their disabilities.
Accessible public spaces
When it comes to making public spaces accessible, the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards outline the requirements for accessibility of not only public spaces but also government buildings, transportation hubs, and recreational facilities. These spaces and establishments must-have amenities that can help people with disabilities move around public spaces independently and without needing to ask for assistance.
Accessible transportation hubs for self-sufficient travel
An accessible transportation system ensures people with disabilities a sense of self-sufficiency. The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (2002) lists the requirements for public transportation to be accessible. Among these requirements is for buses to have low floors for easier embarking and disembarking of a wheelchair or electric mobility scooter, audible announcements, and accessible train and bus stations.
Inclusive digital realm
Inclusion and accessibility is not only limited to the physical world but must also include the digital realm. The DDA also requires websites, mobile apps, and other online services to be accessible to all users, especially those with visual and hearing impairments. For a website and a mobile app providing online services to be inclusive, screen readers and other assistive technologies must be able to help individuals with disabilities access relevant information such as text-to-speech.
Accessible housing
Accessible housing is a fundamental right for people with disabilities. But as of 2021, the National Construction Code (NCC) still did not impose any mandatory standards for housings to be accessible. Most homes have unsuitable layouts that make it difficult to manoeuvre a wheelchair, inaccessible bathrooms, andnarrow hallways and doors.
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have been advocating for federal laws to impose mandatory laws on accessible housing for people with disability in Australia.
Conclusion
Understanding the rights of people with disabilities is not just to adhere to legal obligations but what is morally right. In Australia, the several legislations imposed provide an all encompassing governance for protecting and promoting the rights of people with disabilities.
From equal employment and education opportunities, to accessible public spaces and housing, Australia ensures every citizen can live their lives fully and enjoy equal opportunities.
