“Disability Royal Commission Delivers Landmark Report Exposing Systemic Failings”

Disability Royal Commission Hands Down Final Report with 222 Recommendations for Change

Introduction

The long-awaited final report of the Disability Royal Commission has been released, delivering a landmark investigation into the lives of people with disabilities in Australia. The report presents 222 recommendations, advocating for a wide range of changes to ensure better support, inclusion, and protection for individuals with disabilities. The report highlights the need for social transformation and emphasizes the importance of creating a truly inclusive society. The recommendations cover areas such as education, employment, justice, accessibility, and cultural safety for First Nations people. This report serves as a momentous step towards a more equitable and inclusive Australia for all.

Recommendations for Change

The disability royal commission’s final report puts forward several significant recommendations aimed at creating a more inclusive society. These recommendations include the phasing out of segregated education, the establishment of a federal government portfolio for disability, and the introduction of a disability rights act. The report also calls for the implementation of a new complaints mechanism, changes to guardianship legislation, and the creation of a national disability commission. In addition, the report highlights the need to reform laws around sterilization, improve accessibility to information and interpreters, and revamp the justice system’s interaction with people with disabilities.

Phasing Out Segregation

One of the key recommendations from the royal commission is the phasing out of segregated education, employment, and group homes. The report suggests that segregated education, including special schools, should end by 2051, while segregated employment should be phased out by 2034. The commission also recommends that group homes should be phased out by 2038.

Split Opinions on Segregated Education and Employment

The six commissioners involved in the inquiry were divided on the issue of segregated education and employment. Three commissioners, including two with disabilities, called for a complete end to segregated schools by 2051. However, the remaining three commissioners urged for a transition without a specific deadline and emphasized the importance of fostering a closer relationship between special and mainstream systems. Similarly, four commissioners recommended the phasing out of segregated employment, including Australian Disability Enterprises, where individuals with intellectual disabilities often earn just over $2 an hour.

Improving Support and Cultural Safety

The report also emphasizes the need for increased support and cultural safety for First Nations people with disabilities. The commission recommends the introduction of culturally safe supports for Indigenous individuals and the removal of barriers to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in remote communities. This recognition of the unique challenges faced by First Nations people acknowledges the importance of addressing cultural differences and providing tailored support.

The Call for Social Transformation

The commissioners stress the importance of social transformation in order to create a truly inclusive society. They argue that inclusion involves reshaping the settings, systems, and daily lives of people with disabilities. The report calls for a comprehensive approach to inclusion, where individuals with disabilities can live, learn, work, play, create, and engage alongside those without disabilities. It recognizes the history of exclusion that has shaped the lives of individuals with disabilities and highlights the need for systemic change to address these deep-rooted issues.

Conclusion: Towards a More Inclusive Australia

The release of the Disability Royal Commission’s final report marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive Australia. The recommended changes, if implemented, have the potential to transform the lives of millions of Australians with disabilities. The call for social transformation resonates with the broader movement towards social justice and equal rights, demanding a shift in attitudes and actions at all levels of society. It is now up to the government and relevant stakeholders to carefully consider these recommendations and take decisive action to create a society that values and supports all individuals, regardless of their abilities. By embracing the principles of inclusion and equity, Australia can truly become a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.