South Australia Seeks Feedback on Making the State More Accessible and Inclusive: Insights from Disability and Queer Advocate Evan Johnson
The South Australian government is inviting feedback from people with disabilities, their families, carers, and the disability sector on how the state can become more accessible and inclusive. In an interview with disability and queer rights advocate Evan Johnson, we explore why it is crucial for individuals to have a say in shaping policies that affect their lives.
As a physical disabled and neurodivergent queer person, Evan Johnson is an active member of the South Australian Government Disability Engagement Group. The group’s mission is to provide insights into the experiences and desires of the disabled community to key stakeholders within the government. Their input is particularly important in the development of the new State Disability Inclusion Plan.
The current four-year plan, known as Inclusive SA, will soon come to an end. Evan highlights the significant changes it has brought about in various aspects of life for people with disabilities in South Australia. The plan’s scope extends beyond medical care, encompassing all areas of life, with a focus on community engagement.
Inclusive SA has already yielded positive outcomes, such as the implementation of accessibility measures at popular seaside locations through collaborations between the State Government, local councils, and community groups. Additionally, guidelines for inclusive playgrounds have been developed, and a smartphone app called Pavely provides information on the accessibility of Adelaide’s venues and businesses.
Despite these advancements, Evan stresses the need for further progress in creating an inclusive South Australia. This necessitates the formulation of a new State Disability Inclusion Plan, which should be informed by the expertise, experiences, and advice of diverse individuals with disabilities across the state.
To initiate the conversation, a Discussion Paper has been released that explores the concept of intersectionality – the idea that various aspects of a person’s identity can expose them to overlapping forms of disadvantage. Evan agrees that the new plan should consider intersectionality, as certain communities, such as First Nations people, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, regional residents, and queer individuals may face compounded challenges in accessing healthcare and education.
The State Government is eager to hear from a wide range of individuals with disabilities, their families, carers, and the disability sector during the consultation process. Evan highlights the importance of lived experience in shaping policies, stating that it brings unique insights that would otherwise go unnoticed.
In addition to public consultation, targeted forums, workshops, and interviews will be conducted to ensure that a diverse range of voices is included in the plan. Priority groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse people, women, children, LGBTIQA+ individuals, older people, and those living in regional or remote communities, will also be specifically engaged.
Once the consultation process concludes, a draft State Disability Inclusion Plan will be created based on the feedback received. The community will have an opportunity to provide further input to ensure the plan effectively addresses their needs and drives positive change towards inclusivity for South Australians with disabilities.
To participate in the community consultation process, individuals can offer their feedback until December 3, 2023. The South Australian government encourages everyone to contribute their voices to shape a more inclusive and accessible future for the state.
