Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry - Te Manatu Ahuwhenua, Ngaherehere
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Work Plan. 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006
1. Recruitment and Selection
Desired Outcome
All externally advertised vacancies are accessible to the widest possible audience.
Description
Ensure that appropriate recruitment options and sources are selected by Ministry managers so that vacancy advertisements reach, and are accessible to, the widest possible audience.
Maintain relationships with Workbridge and Mainstream Supported Employment Programme, with a view to enhancing placement opportunities within MAF.
Measures and Timeframes
Increase in the number of disabled people applying for positions within the Ministry, with a view to making at least one supported appointment by June 2006
Links to NZ Disability Strategy
Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people - Objective 4; and Foster an aware and responsive Public Service – Objective 6.
2. Human Resource Policies
Desired Outcome
MAF Human Resources policies and procedures are responsive to and support the needs of disabled people.
Description
All Ministry staff who write policy and procedures are well-informed on EEO issues and all policies and procedures reflect the expectations of the Ministry in relation to the elimination of discrimination.
Measures and Timeframes
Review of all current HR Policies for compliance by December 2005.
Promote the specific provision for sick leave in be used in relation to disability, so that it is acknowledged and accommodated wherever possible.
Provide diversity and disability awareness training for all staff by June 2006
Links to NZ Disability Strategy
Ensure rights for disabled people - Objective 2; Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people - Objective 4; and Foster an aware and responsive public service – Objective 6.
3. Education and Training
Desired Outcome
Training opportunities for disabled staff are identified and implemented.
Description
Ensure that disabled staff are provided with appropriate training opportunities to assist them in overcoming barriers.
Measures and Timeframes
Specifically identify training needs of disabled staff though the review of the Performance Management System to be completed in August 2006.
Links to Strategy Objective and Action
Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people - Objective 4.
4. Policy, Legislation, Service Development and Delivery
Desired Outcome
Heightened awareness by MAF staff of the needs of disabled people, leading to increased opportunities.
Description
MAF will ensure that its policy, service development and delivery is consistent with the objectives of the New Zealand Disability Strategy, as appropriate.
Measures and Timeframes
All future strategies and final reports will consider the needs of disabled people, where applicable.
Peer reviews of all papers will be conducted for consideration of the needs of disabled people and consistency with other government policies.
Links to NZ Disability Strategy
Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people – Objective 4; Foster an aware and responsive public service – Objective 6; Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues – Objective 10.
5. Accommodation, Building Access and Emergency Preparedness
Desired Outcome
All MAF offices and facilities are accessible to disabled staff and visitors.
Description
Ensure that new and existing MAF buildings and facilities are assessed for accessibility to disabled people and that appropriate actions are taken to maximise accessibility, where practicable.
Outcomes and Timeframes
Accessibility audit, to be reviewed in December each year, to ensure compliance of all MAF buildings with New Zealand Access Standard 4121.
Links to NZ Disability Strategy
Ensure rights for disabled people – Objective 2; Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people – Objective 4; Foster an aware and responsive public service - Objective 6.
6. Publications, Communications & Website
Desired Outcome
All publications and information, including the MAF website, will fulfil the requirements for independent access by disabled people.
Description
Use standard templates, where possible, so that pages are easier to navigate.
Implement navigation aids to make it easier for a blind person's text reader to interpret.
Provide descriptive alt tags on graphic elements.
Provide all public documents in a format that is accessible and printer friendly.
Downloadable files will be available in HTML format.
Reception areas are accessible by a designated fax line that is included in the lists of contact numbers for the department.
Measures and Timeframes
Consult with disabled people on accessibility and user friendliness of website and modify in accordance with the feedback received by 31 December 2005.
Improve the E-Government Watch Audit rating for accessibility to information and publications on the MAF Website.
Links to NZ Disability Strategy
Provide opportunities in employment and economic development for disabled people – Objective 4; Foster an aware and responsive public service - Objective 6.