Inclusive Victoria: state disability plan (2022–2026) and Victorian Autism Plan extended
The current State Disability Plan and Victorian Autism Plan have been extended to 2027. The Victorian Government will consult on the next State Disability Plan in 2026. This means:
- we can respond to national reforms in the new plan.
- there will be more time to consult with the disability community.
Under the extended State Disability Plan the Victorian Government will continue to progress the systemic reforms, which are changing the way we work, including making information, infrastructure and public spaces more accessible. The government will also continue to work to improve outcomes for people with disability, including:
- support for people with disability accessing healthcare
- accessibility and inclusion in sport and recreation
- greater inclusion in schools
- support for children with complex disability support needs.
Timeframes
In 2027:
- The next four-year State Disability Plan will be released.
- A final report on the current State Disability Plan will be released.
The Victorian Autism Plan will have the same timeline as the next State Disability Plan.
In 2026, the Victorian Government will share more information on the new State Disability Plan. This will include ways the disability community can contribute.
The Victorian Government will continue to work with the disability community. We are committed to improving inclusion and accessibility for people with disability.
Victorian autism plan: 2023 refresh
The Victorian autism plan was refreshed in 2023. Read the Victorian autism plan: 2023 refresh.
The vision for the Victorian Autism Plan is:
An inclusive Victoria where autistic people enjoy lives with real opportunities for choice, participation and contribution within our community.
The plan was developed in response to the findings of the 2017 Parliamentary inquiry into services for people with autism spectrum disorder.
The Victorian Government consulted with a diverse range of autistic people, their families and supporters, and autism organisations to develop the plan. It has committed to annual public reporting to track the plan’s progress and will continue to work with the Autism Plan Advisory Group.
Auslan
Our language
The government recognises the power of language in changing community attitudes and promoting inclusion of Victorians with disability.
We asked individuals and advocacy bodies about which term they thought we should use in this plan. We have chosen to use the term "autistic people" because most people told us they preferred this wording. The term "autism spectrum disorder" is used when referring to recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Services for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but is not preferred.
Throughout the plan we also use the term "autism community" to mean autistic people, their families, carers and supporters, and autism-related organisations.
In this plan, "Aboriginal" refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge the terms "Aboriginal", "Indigenous" and "Koori(e)" do not capture the entire diversity and complexity of Victoria's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. Our intent is always to use terms that are respectful, inclusive and accurate.
Minister's foreword
The Victorian autism plan sets out a vision and a plan which guides Victoria's work to be more inclusive of all people with disability.
Personal stories
Read the personal stories of Eli and Chantelle McGuinness, Louise Mackenzie and Bailey Müller.
Introduction
This is Victoria's plan for autistic people to enjoy opportunities for choice, participation and contribution within our community.
About the Victorian autism plan
This plan aims to address key issues identified by the inquiry through a coordinated, whole-of-government strategy implemented over five years.
About autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects people's social communication and interaction, patterns of behaviour, interests and activities.
Overview of the plan's vision, principles and intended outcomes
An inclusive Victoria where autistic people enjoy lives with real opportunities for choice, participation and contribution within our community.
Commitments by outcome domain
The list below summarises our commitments for making improvements in the daily lives of autistic people in Victoria.
Outcomes indicators
Absolutely everyone introduced a comprehensive set of outcomes indicators and measures for people with disabilities in Victoria.
Outcomes and commitments
Commitments from across the Victorian Government that will address the exclusion and discrimination experienced by autistic people across many parts of daily life.
Implementation
A committee comprising senior representatives of government departments will oversee the implementation of this plan.
Appendix 1: Consultations
The aspirations of the autism community in Victoria have guided development of this plan.
Appendix 2: Policy context
This plan reflects other important reforms and strategies that aim to improve the quality of life for people with disability in Victoria.
Appendix 3: Our engagement approach
The government recognises that autistic people are experts in what is best for them.
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