Disability and the arts action plan 2008-2010

The Australia Council is committed to ensuring greater access to the arts for all Australians. Through our Arts and Disability Action Plan we aim to ensure that all Australians with a disability are given the opportunity to engage fully with our policies, programs and services. In addition to this, we aim to support a range of initiatives, which increase opportunities for artists, participants and audiences with disabilities to engage in Australia’s arts and cultural life.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) came into effect in July 1992. The purpose of the Act is to recognise that all people with a disability are entitled by law to equal opportunity and to full access to participation within society. The Act acknowledges that any discrimination on the basis of disability is unlawful, providing protection for all Australians.

According to the 2003 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) one in five people in Australia (3.96 million or 20%) have a disability. Within this context Disability is defined as any limitation, restriction or impairment, which is likely to be long-term and restricts everyday activities.

As an Australian Government agency the Australia Council has developed the Arts and Disability Action Plan 2008-2010 to guide the organisation in its operations, programs and strategies in relation to access and equity for people with disabilities. The plan also provides the Australia Council with a framework in which to better articulate both internally and externally our future organisational goals in this area.

The Australia Council’s Commitment

Since January 2003 the Australia Council has invested over $5.5 million in arts and disability activities. This has been to support a range of partnerships and initiatives, provide triennial funding to key organisations and project grants to groups, organisations and individuals working in the area of arts and disability. In 2008-2010 we intend to continue a sustained commitment to arts and disability activities across all our program areas.

In 2008 the Australia Council is pleased to be continuing our partnership with Arts Access Australia – the national peak body for arts and disability, who we have been in partnership with since 2002. We look forward to working closely with them over the next three years to ensure the successful delivery of the plan.

Key Goals

1. Leadership

To take a leadership role in increasing awareness of arts and disability issues at a government, policy and organisational level.

2. Accessibility

To improve access to the Australia Council’s programs, services and the built environment for people with disabilities.

3. Communication

To improve the Australia Council’s communications and promotions relating to arts and disability.

4. Workplace culture

To foster a workplace culture that is responsive and inclusive of people with disabilities.