In the Victorian public sector, we are making lasting changes to how we work. Inclusive Victoria: state disability plan midway report 2022–2026 shows the progress of these reforms.
Actions from the Victorian autism plan are contributing to systemic reform. The actions focus on:
- Aboriginal self-determination
- disability-confident and inclusive workforces
- effective data and reporting.
Notable examples of reform in those areas include:
- supporting culturally sensitive autism assessment and diagnosis through Aboriginal community-controlled providers
- the Mindful Autism Assessment Capability and Capacity project expanded in 2024
- an Australian-first toolkit to support neurodivergent employees in the Victorian public sector
- applying universal design principles in educational settings
- expanding the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program in public sector workforces and programs to:
- all key public transport operators
- some additional health services, supported by the disability liaison officers in health services program
- Victoria Police.
The Victorian Government is working harder to include autistic people’s voices when developing policy and programs. There are key examples below.
- The Autism Education Strategy Advisory Group continues to guide the implementation of the Autism education strategy. The group gives advice on how the strategy can help outcomes for autistic students.
- The Inclusive student voice toolkit was co-designed with the Youth Disability Advocacy Service. The toolkit launched in 2022.
- Western Health’s disability liaison officers worked with the Western Health Disability and Neurodiversity Advisory Committee on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
- The Victorian NDIS Community Advisory Council has members who are autistic and parents of autistic children. It also has a representative from Amaze. Amaze is a Victorian organisation that represents and supports autistic people and their communities.
- In June 2023, the Department of Families Fairness and Housing established the first LGBTIQA+ Disability Inclusion Expert Advisory Group. The group co-design policies and inform decision making by the Victorian Government. Members include autistic people and neurodivergent people.
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