Foreword

In March 2006 the Queensland Parliament passed the Disability Services Act 2006. The Act details the rights of people with a disability and commits all Queensland Government agencies to plan for improved service provision to people with a disability.

This guide has been prepared to assist you as a public sector employee to identify strengths in current engagement practice which can be built upon, and identify opportunities to engage more effectively with people with a disability.

Effectively engaging people with a disability and the broader disability sector in the business of government will enhance service provision and is an important step towards building more supportive and inclusive communities.

In July 2005 I hosted my inaugural Minister’s disability conference on the Gold Coast. The Shared Visions conference represented an exciting opportunity for a broad cross-section of people with a disability, family members, carers and sector representatives to engage with a range of Queensland Government delegates to discuss issues and trends influencing the disability sector during the next 20 years.

The visions which emerged from this conference recognised that everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive community. Participants at the second Shared Visions conference in 2006 provided feedback on this guide and shaped the top 10 tips for engaging with people with a disability included in the executive summary.

Government and public sector employees are already engaging with people with a disability, their families, friends, carers, supporters and people involved in disability work, in many positive ways across the state. However, we can do more.

I encourage all public servants - wherever you work and whatever you do - to explore opportunities to engage Queenslanders with a disability and others from the disability sector in your work. In doing so, you will be joining me and many others in enhancing service provision and equality of opportunity for all.

Warren Pitt, MP
Minister for Communities, Disability
Services, Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Partnerships,
Seniors and Youth