Accident Compensation Corporation
Introduction: About ACC
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) administers New Zealand ’s accident c ompensation scheme. The scheme provides no fault injury cover for everyone, everywhere in New Zealand , seven days a week. ACC also works to reduce the overall incidence and impact of injury in New Zealand , through the delivery of injury prevention, effective rehabilitation and compensation services.
ACC is a Crown entity responsible for:
- working to reduce the incidence and severity of accidents
- collecting personal injury cover levies
- determining whether claims for injury are covered by the scheme and providing entitlements to those who are eligible
- paying compensation
- buying health and disability support services to treat, care for and rehabilitate injured people
- advising the Government
- providing accident cover, injury prevention services, case management, medical and other care and rehabilitation services.
ACC’s pledge is to prevent injury, to provide the best treatment and care if injury occurs, and to quickly rehabilitate people back to work or independence at a price that offers high value to levy payers and all New Zealanders.
To fulfil this pledge, ACC works to ensure that it treats disabled people with dignity and respect by improving the quality of information available, the services available and how to access them. Through its services and responsibilities, ACC has a significant connection with the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
Level 1 Activities: Universal responsiveness to disability issues
| Accessible government information | Achieved / available | Planned this year | N/A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Agency’s websites In 2006/07, work will be undertaken to ensure that ACC websites move towards adher ing to international web standards and the E-government in New Zealand strategy. This includes ensuring ACC websites follow best practice in relation to accessibility. |
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| Meet e-government Web-Guidelines 2.1 | Yes | |||
| Tested for accessibility for disabled people | Yes | |||
| Adapted to increase accessibility to disabled people | Yes | |||
| Downloadable files available in HTML, not only PDF | PDF only | Yes | ||
|
Other publications and public information available in alternative formats. (see Level 3 Activities) (eg key information available in easy-to-read English, Braille, NZSL video clips, captions on TV adverts, etc) |
Yes | Yes | ||
| Agency makes available alternative forms of contact (ie phone and fax numbers, email addresses, etc) | Yes | |||
| Accessible government buildings and sites | Achieved / available | Planned this year | N/A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All agency’s buildings and sites meet statutory and regulatory access requirements (eg NZS 4121) | Yes | |||
| Agency’s buildings and sites have Building Code compliance certification | Yes | |||
| Agency’s buildings and sites audited for accessibility by Barrier Free NZ Trust | Yes | |||
| Agency’s buildings and sites accessible. In 2006/07, ACC will be undertaking an accessibility audit of all ACC buildings, offices and branches. | ||||
| Frontline staff receive training in disability responsiveness | Yes | |||
| Reception areas accessible | Yes | Yes | ||
| Counters lowered for wheelchair users | Yes | Yes | ||
| Telephone staff familiar with using NZ Relay service1 | Yes | |||
Other accommodations
|
Yes | Yes | ||
| Accessible government services | Achieved / available | Planned this year | N/A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service policies and procedures include reference to disability issues | Yes | |||
| Information / data on services provided to disabled people is recorded | Yes | |||
| Service staff receive disability responsiveness training | Yes | |||
| When contracting for new or up-graded IT applications and environments, ACC considers accessibility by disabled users where appropriate. | Yes | |||
| Responsive government employment practices | Achieved / available | Planned this year | N/A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resource policies and procedures include Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) issues for disabled people | Yes | Yes | ||
| Recruitment and selection of vacancies responsive to disabled people (eg vacancies advertised to the widest possible audience, vacancies list alternative forms of contact – phone, fax, email, etc) | Yes | |||
| Human Resource staff familiar with EEO issues for disabled people (eg staff receive disability responsiveness training, staff familiar with the Disability Perspective Tool Kit2, etc) | Yes | |||
| Disabled staff are supported | ||||
| Individual assessments of workplace accommodations or support are provided (eg work station assessments) | Yes | |||
| Accommodations provided to disabled staff (eg work station adaptations, special equipment, New Zealand Sign Language interpreters, etc are provided) | Yes | |||
| Disabled staff provided with opportunities for career advancement | Yes | |||
| Agency supports a disabled staff network group | Not currently available |
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| Internal agency newsletters promote the positive presence of disabled staff people | Yes | |||
Other support provided to disabled staff
|
Yes | |||
| Information and data on disabled people is collected | Achieved / available | Planned this year | N/A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information on agency’s responsiveness to disabled staff people | ||||
| Number of disabled people employed (we recommend you use the State Service Commission’s EEO disability information) | 69 ACC Staff 4 | |||
| Data on disability related accommodations, adaptive equipment, etc, provided by your agency | Data on disability related equipment provided to staff is not collected across ACC. | |||
| Number of disabled people employed under the State Service Commission’s ‘Mainstream programme’. | 1 ACC Staff | |||
| Information on agency’s responsiveness to the disabled public | ||||
| Information and data on agency’s contact with the disabled public is recorded (eg consultation with disabled groups) | Yes | |||
| Information / data on agency’s disabled client group recorded | Yes | |||
Level 2 Activities: Disability perspective included in ordinay work
| Disability responsiveness training and resources | Achieved / available | Planned this year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disability responsiveness training offered to all staff | Yes | ||
| Promotion of the Disability Perspective Tool Kit5 within your agency6 (e.g. this website resource distributed to policy and strategic personnel, receiving training or advice on the use of this resource, etc) | |||
| Disability perspective included in ordinary work | Achieved / available | Planned this year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key documents to incorporate a disability perspective | |||
|
Yes | ||
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Yes | ||
|
Yes | ||
|
Yes | ||
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Yes | Yes | |
1. Communication Resources for People with Serious Injuries
Description
ACC plans to develop a set of communication resources that support people with serious injuries to make informed decisions about their lives. The development of a set of resources builds on existing material such as the ACC video/DVD “living with serious injury” to help support people with serious injuries.
The set of resources will provide people with serious injuries and their families with information that:
- helps them self manage their injuries on a day to day basis
- outline ACC services and entitlements that can support them
- informs them of relevant ACC processes.
Desired Outcome
To assist disabled people make informed decisions about their lives.
Outcome measures and timeframes
An action plan for the development of resources is expected to be completed by August 2006. The action plan will include key milestones and timeframes for each piece of the set of communication resources.
Links to Strategy objective and action
Recognise that it is disabled people who are experts on their own experience – action 1.2.
Provide education to ensure that disabled people understand their rights, recognise discrimination and are able to be self-advocates – action 2.2.
Provide information about career options, ways to generate income, and assistance available for disabled people – action 4.4.
Improve the quality of information available, including where to go for more information, the services available and how to access them – action 6.4.
Provide education and information for families with disabled family members – action 15.3.
2. Serious Injury Reference Group
Description
ACC plans to develop a Serious Injury Reference Group in 2006/07. The Serious Injury Reference Group will assist ACC in the development of effective rehabilitation services and processes. The Group will also look at ways ACC can better communicate to people with serious injury.
Desired Outcome
Improving ACC services and processes by working in partnership with disabled people.
Outcome measures and timeframes
The Serious Injury Reference Group is expected to be established by August 2006.
A work plan and terms of reference for the Group will be developed by November 2006.
Links to Strategy objective and action
Recognise that it is disabled people who are experts on their own experience – action 1.2.
Encourage disabled people to take part in decision-making as service users, as staff in the delivery of services, and in the governance, management, planning and evaluation within all services that disabled people access – action 5.1.
Ensure that all government agencies treat disabled people with dignity and respect – action 6.3.
Develop and maintain effective rehabilitation services – action 7.4.
3. ACC Rehabilitation Framework – Stage Two
Description
In 2005/06 ACC began a comprehensive review of its current rehabilitation model. The purpose of the review was to ensure that ACC rehabilitation services are people centred and designed to meet their needs.
Stage one examined problems with the operation of the current Rehabilitation Model and proposed a new vision for ACC rehabilitation.
In 2006/07, ACC plans to consult with a wide range of stakeholders including people with injuries on the proposed Rehabilitation Framework. Consultation with the Serious Injury Reference Group will assist ACC to identify gaps between the new framework and current rehabilitation practice.
Desired Outcome
Develop rehabilitation systems and structures in partnership with disabled people.
Outcome measures and timeframes
A consultation plan on the proposed rehabilitation framework is expected to be completed by September 2006.
ACC plans to undertake a gap analysis of differences between the new framework and current rehabilitation practice. The gap analysis will centre on whether current rehabilitation practices provide:
- comprehensive assessments – that review a person’s circumstances, context and goals and not just their injury
- sustainable employment – working with the person to achieve their goals and ambitions with the aim of achieving sustainable employment
- an integrated service model – that brings together services across ACC and informal/formal social systems into a comprehensive rehabilitation plan
- supported independence – the right support and services to allow people to take control and live an everyday life
- an ACC Purchasing strategy – that balances flexibility and financial control.
The gap analysis is expected to be completed by March 2007.
Links to Strategy objective and action
Recognise that it is disabled people who are experts on their own experience – action 1.2.
Collect and use relevant information about disabled people and disability issues – action 10.1.
Encourage disabled people to take part in decision-making as service users, as staff in the delivery of services, and in the governance, management, planning and evaluation within all services that disabled people access – action 5.1.
Develop and maintain effective rehabilitation services – action 7.4.
4. ACC Supported Living and Employment
Description
ACC plans to develop supported employment and living services for people with traumatic brain injury. These services will enable people with traumatic brain injury to participate in everyday activities such as living in the place of their choice and being able to work for a living.
Desired Outcome
Support the participation of disabled people in the community through every day activities such as leisure and employment.
Outcome measures and timeframes
ACC plans to have the service contracted by October 2006.
Monitoring and quality evaluations of the service will be undertaken in February 2007 and June 2007.
Links to Strategy objective and action
Provide education and training opportunities to increase the individual capacity of disabled people to move into employment – action 4.1.
Educate employers about the abilities of disabled people – action 4.3.
Encourage the development of a range of employment options recognising the diverse needs of disabled people – action 4.8.
Ensure that overarching processes, eligibility criteria and allocation of resources are nationally consistent, but that individual needs are treated flexibly – action 7.1.
Develop and maintain effective rehabilitation services – action 7.4.
Support quality living in the community for disabled people – action 8.1.
5. Disability Awareness Kit for ACC Staff
Description
ACC plans to develop a disability awareness kit for ACC staff. The disability awareness kit will assist ACC staff to identify and address barriers to effective service delivery for disabled people.
Desired Outcome
ACC staff that can identify and address barriers that may impact on the rehabilitation and participation of disabled people.
Outcome measures and timeframes
ACC plans to have an interactive ACC staff training module completed by May 2007.
Links to Strategy objective and action
Recognise that it is disabled people who are experts on their own experience – action 1.2.
Encourage disabled people to take part in decision-making as service users, as staff in the delivery of services, and in the governance, management, planning and evaluation within all services that disabled people access – action 5.1.
Develop mechanisms to ensure that all government policy and legislation are consistent with the objectives of the New Zealand Disability Strategy – action 6.1.
Adapt public sector training to ensure that service development and service delivery are consistent with the New Zealand Disability Strategy – action 6.2.
6. Accessible ACC Information
Description
ACC plans to increase the accessibility of information in 2006/07. The provision of accessible information will ensure that disabled people have access to accurate and timely information about ACC in a manner appropriate to their needs.
Desired Outcome
To ensure the widest possible access to key ACC information by the public including people with a range of disabilities.
Outcome measures and timeframes
ACC plans to develop the following formats for key ACC information:
- A DVD that incorporates both New Zealand Sign Language and subtitles for use by the Deaf community.
- Large Print format
The new formats are expected to be completed by July 2007.
Links to Strategy objective and action
Recognise that it is disabled people who are experts on their own experience – action 1.2.
Encourage disabled people to take part in decision-making as service users, as staff in the delivery of services, and in the governance, management, planning and evaluation within all services that disabled people access – action 5.1.
Improve the quality of information available, including where to go for more information, the services available and how to access them – action 6.4.
Improve timeliness of service provision – action 7.7.