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.
Date: 6 Nov 2023
Victorian autism plan
The original Victorian autism plan was published in 2019.
Summary and Easy read versions of the plan
Audio and Auslan versions of the plan
Language
In this plan we use the words ‘autistic people’ because most people in the autism community told us they prefer this term. This is in keeping with a broader trend towards using identity-first language. We acknowledge that many people still value person-first language such as ‘person with autism’.
We use the words ‘autism spectrum disorder' when talking about the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Services for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, we know that many autistic people and advocacy organisations do not use this term.
We also use the term ‘autism community' to mean autistic people, their families, carers and supporters, and autism-related organisations.
We use the word ‘Aboriginal' to refer to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge the terms ‘Aboriginal‘, ‘Indigenous' and ‘Koori(e)’ do not capture the 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 refreshed plan will continue to help us make our community more inclusive for autistic Victorians.
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the First Peoples and Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and waterways on which we live.
Treaty and Truth in Victoria
We acknowledge the impact of colonisation to this day and seek ways to rectify past wrongs, including through truth-telling and the development of Treaty.
Executive summary
This refresh is part of a commitment to review the plan at the midway point.
About the refreshed autism plan
The vision for the Victorian autism plan has not changed during the refresh. It is grounded in the same advice from autistic people and the Advisory Group that informed the original plan.
Inclusive Victoria’s policy framework
The refreshed plan has a strong and deliberate connection with Inclusive Victoria.
Actions
These new and refreshed actions reflect and more closely and align with the priorities outlined in Inclusive Victoria.
Evaluating outcomes
We have created an outcomes framework to evaluate the refreshed plan. It is based on Inclusive Victoria's framework of four pillars, 14 outcome areas and 22 priorities.
Key terms
Definitions of terms used in the Victorian autism plan: 2023 refresh.
Updated