Ministry of Economic Development
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation Work Plan. 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006
Introduction
The Ministry of Economic Development leads the development and implementation of the Government’s economic development agenda. The Government’s economic objective is to increase New Zealand’s growth rate so per capita income returns to the top half of the OECD and stays there.
Given the importance of income growth to the well-being of New Zealanders, and the Ministry's sphere of influence and operation, its primary focus is to ensure that the business environment promotes a higher rate of sustainable income growth for New Zealanders. For example, policies and programmes such as the Growth and Innovation Framework and the Ministry’s industry and regional development initiatives are focused on creating an environment for higher sustainable economic growth, and in this way make a significant contribution to improving the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
Many of the economic challenges facing people with disabilities are also facing other New Zealanders and can be addressed through general economic development policies. However, there are some instances where general policy or delivery approaches will not suit the particular needs and values of people with disabilities.
The Ministry also delivers almost all its services to business via the internet. It therefore tries to ensure that its information is able to be accessed by people with disabilities)
The Ministry can impact on people with disabilities in a range of ways:
- in specific policy areas with a direct and distinct impact on people with disabilities (e.g. Regulatory Framework for the Building Industry);
- in the generic policy development process (by identifying any disability issues);
- through specific initiatives (Telephone Services for the Disability Community);
- through business service delivery (e.g., access to our websites).
The challenge for the Ministry is to understand where “points of difference” justify distinctive policy or programme settings. The Ministry also works to ensure that programs targeted to business are designed and delivered in a way that makes them accessible to people with disabilities and other significant groups in the economy.
This strategy sets out the key areas for the Ministry’s involvement in areas related to people with disabilities (both internal and external to the Ministry) to ensure its contribution is targeted and adds value.
This year the focus will mainly be on developing our capability in-house so that disability issues are considered when developing policy or delivering services.
1. Telephone Services for Disability Community
Description
Lat year the Ministry implemented this legislation. This year we have moved our focus to monitoring its performance. The legislation ensures the provision of a telecommunications relay service of the required functionality for people with hearing and speech impairments as a telecommunications service obligation (TSO) under the Telecommunications Act 2001.
Desired Outcome
To enable hearing and speech impaired people to communicate with any other user of the standard telephone network.
Links to Organisational Development Strategy Objective and Action
Implementing regulations and any policy decisions under the Telecommunications Act 2001 within the timeframes set by Government.
Outcome Measures and Timeframe
To monitor performance of the relay service and obtain feedback on the service through the relay advisory group established by the Minister.
2. Recruitment
Description
Identify actions to reduce barriers so we can employ a wide range of staff with relevant skills and expertise and recognise diversity in the organisation
Desired Outcome
To employ disabled people whenever possible.
Brand the Ministry as an employer of choice.
Links to Organisational Development Strategy Objective and Action
Recruit retain and develop talented people with skills in economics, law, policy analysis, commerce, corporate support, economic development and other relevant disciplines.
3. Policy development System
Description
The Ministry is looking to review its policy development system over the next 12-18 months. The review will look to improve the system, capability and processes required to ensure we always develop high quality policy. In reviewing this we will ensure that the Ministry considers the needs of people with disabilities in the policy development system.
Desired Outcome
The needs of people with disabilities are considered in the development and implementation of the Ministry policy.
Links to Organisational Development Strategy Objective and Action
Our Achievement stems from our deep understanding of what drives sustainable development in New Zealand, what works for consumers, and what works for business.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
Review of our policy development system.
4. Workplace Support
Description
Build and efficiently manage internal systems which support managers to effectively manage the performance of the organisation.
Desired Outcome
All requests by staff for specialised software and hardware will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Improved access to the workplace for staff with disabilities.
Links to Organisational Development Strategy Objective and Action
Build and efficiently manage internal systems which support managers to effectively manage the performance of the organisation. Our focus in the next three years will be our management information systems, IT infrastructure and “fit for purpose” accommodation and facilities.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
- reduce injuries/discomfort through regular workstation assessments;
- modifications to equipment/work area for people with disabilities
- car parking available on a case by case basis for staff with a disability;
- modifications to building to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities;
- Internet and Intranet sites accessible to people with disabilities;
- Intranet and Internet sites tested for accessibility using the BOBBY instrument;
- voice recognition software available for staff with sight impairment or those with OOS type symptoms;
- Work Pace software available as appropriate to all staff;
- text size options available on Internet site;
- culture/climate surveys indicate a supportive work environment.
5. Human Resource Systems
Description
Work/life balance project to take into account a range of options to enable staff to balance work and other areas of their lives.
Desired Outcome
Managers are able to identify needs of staff and where practicable tailor working arrangements to individual needs.
Links to Organisational Development Strategy Objective and Action
Our culture of excellence, personal development, enthusiasm and mutual support attracts and retains talent.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
Options for flexible working arrangements included in the development of the Ministry’s and the wider Public Service Work Life Balance project.
People with disabilities have options to enable them to balance their work and other aspects of their lives.
6. Management Training
Description
All managers are capable of managing a diverse range of staff.
Desired Outcome
Managers aware of disability issues that may affect staff.
Links to Organisational Development Strategy Objective and Action
Targeted management development programmes to equip managers with the skills needed to build the capability of our staff and promote the Ministry as the employer of choice.
Outcome Measures and Timeframes
Climate/culture surveys indicate that people believe they are well managed.