Ministry for Culture and Heritage
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation 2007. Work Plan 2007-2008 and Report on Progress 2006-2007
Introduction
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s role is to help make our culture visible and accessible. It provides advice to the New Zealand government on cultural matters and assists government in its provision and management of cultural resources for the benefit of all New Zealanders by funding a range of cultural agencies, and through the direct delivery of various cultural and heritage products and services.
The Ministry’s primary contact with members of the public is through its website.
The Ministry’s websites include:
The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage is Helen Clark and the Associate Ministers are Judith Tizard and Mahara Okeroa.
The work of the Ministry facilitates work that supports the following action steps within the New Zealand Disability Strategy:
5.1 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
5.3 Establish a register of disabled people for government appointments
6.1 Develop mechanisms to ensure that all government policy and legislation is consistent with the objectives of the New Zealand Disability Strategy
6.5 Make all information and communication methods offered to the general public available in formats appropriate to the different needs of disabled people.
9.2 Provide opportunities for disabled people to create, perform and develop their own arts, and to access arts activities.
9.3 Educate arts administrators/organisations and other recreational and sporting organisations about disability issues and inclusion.
9.4 Support the development of arts, recreational and sports projects, including those run by and for disabled people.
Accessible government
All government agencies are asked to prioritise actions to increase their accessibility to disabled people. This is about getting the basics right, so that disabled people can access government on the same basis as other people.
These actions support realisation of the New Zealand Disability Strategy’s objective 6: foster an aware and responsive public service.
Four critical areas where disabled people interact with government agencies are:
nformation – such as brochures, letters, publications, websites
- buildings – such as service centres, corporate offices
- ervices – such as face to face at a service centre, call centres, information electronically or hard copy
- s an employer – such as job application procedures, job descriptions, accommodations in workplaces, intranets.
Achievement story Please tell us about an achievement of your agency in 2005-2006 to improve your accessibility, what this involved, and the effect this has had on disabled people.
Our websites are very user friendly.
Accessible information
Outcome: Disabled people can access publicly available government information on the same basis as non-disabled people. Disabled people know about, access and use government information and services.
Please describe against the suggested action outputs what your agency planned to do in the year ending June 2007, what your actual achievements were, and what you plan to work on for the year ending June 2008. Grey highlighted action outputs are new this year.
1. Online information (internet and intranets)
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Meet Web Guidelines version 2.1 | Make sure websites meet guidelines | Websites meet guidelines to basic level | Continue to meet guidelines |
| 2. Meet Web Guidelines versions 3.0 | Make sure websites meet guidelines | Websites meet guidelines to basic level | Continue to meet guidelines |
| 3. Tested accessibility for disabled people | Testing against W3C WCAG + manual checking for non-automated test parameters | Tested against W3C WCAG + manual checked for non-automated test parameters. Also ODI ran tests on several sites. Results from these tests show that the Ministry's websites are generally achieving government requirements for accessibility. | Testing against W3C WCAG + manual checking for non-automated test parameters |
| 4. Adapted to increase accessibility | Integrate Treaty of Waitangi website and make accessible. Make sure new nzlive.com site accessible | Treaty of Waitangi website integrated into nzhistory.net.nz and made accessible. NZLive.com created in accessible way. | Continue to meet the challenge of making dynamic and multi-media content accessible |
| 5. Download files accessed as HTML, and not only PDF | Files produced by us for general public consumption will all be made available as html | Files produced by us for general public consumption made available as html | Continue to make files produced by us for general public consumption available as html |
| 6. Plain English used | Editors and copy editors given tutoring on writing for web | Editors and copy editors went on writing for the web course. | Continue to keep editors and copy editors up to speed on web writing techniques, including considering FOG Index etc for pitching to general audiences |
| 7. New Zealand Sign Language used | No | NZ On Air provides funding for captioning to the free-to-air television broadcasters, under its statutory obligations to ensure that a range of broadcasts is available to provide for the interests of people with disabilities. The Ministry monitors NZ On Air to ensure it meets its statutory requirements. | The Ministry will continue to monitor NZ On Air to ensure it meets its statutory requirements with regard to captioning. |
2. Hard copy information
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Plain English used | Plain English used in the MCH Annual Report and Statement of Intent | The Stakeholder Communications team will promote the use of Plain English in all its publications, including a brochure about the Ministry (2007/08), and in the MCH Annual Report and the Statement of Intent | |
| 2. Available in alternate formats, on request | |||
| a. New Zealand Sign Language | - | No | No |
| b. Braille | - | No | No |
| c. Audio | - | The Ministry produced a DVD during 2006/07. It did have captions, but no NZSL as it was developed for the Chinese market in China. Some of the video clips on our websites are captioned. | No |
3. Audio/visual resources
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. TV adverts have captions and/or NZSL | - | No | No |
| 2. DVD/video products have captions and/or NZSL | - | The Ministry produced a DVD during 2006/07. It did have captions, but no NZSL as it was developed for the Chinese market in China. Some of the video clips on our websites are captioned. | No |
4. Other information
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Multiple contact points are advertised as well as telephone | Vacancy advertising uses telephone contacts and email. | No | |
| a. Fax | - | No | No |
| b. Email | - | No | No |
| 2. Please tell us if there are other things that your agency does/or is planning to make its information accessible | No | No | |
Accessible buildings
Outcome: Disabled people can visit, work, and move about independently in all government buildings and carry on ordinary activities there, on the same basis as others.
Please describe against the suggested action outputs what your agency planned to do in the year ending June 2007, what your actual achievements were, and what you plan to work on for the year ending June 2008. Grey highlighted action outputs are new this year.
1. Structural elements
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. All buildings and sites meet regulatory access requirements (eg NZS 4121) | - | Access requirements meet for all refurbishment work | Access requirements will be considered in any refurbishment work in 2007/08 |
| 2. Buildings and sites have Building Code compliance | - | Compliance maintained | Maintain Compliance |
| 3. Buildings and sites are audited for accessibility and passed (eg Barrier Free Trust, other accredited accessibility advisor) | |||
| 4. Clear walk paths through floors (for staff and visitors) | - | Yes | Will consider this as part of the proposed refurbishment |
| 5. Assistive listening devices are in meeting rooms, and functioning checked regularly | - | No | No |
| 6. Elevators announce floors and direction of movement | - | The elevators in our building are old and do not have this functionality. | No – this is the responsibility of the Building Owner, we have no influence on such matters. |
| 7. Elevator buttons have Braille labels | - | No | No |
2. Contact with the public
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Reception areas are accessible | Yes | Yes | Will consider this as part of the proposed refurbishment |
| 2. Counters used by public are lowered (eg for wheelchair users, people who have a problem standing) | Yes | Yes | Will consider this as part of the proposed refurbishment |
| 3. Frontline staff are trained in disability responsiveness | Planned for 2006/07 | Brief overview provided to admin/reception staff. | New admin and reception staff will be briefed |
| 4. Staff are familiar with NZ Relay service | Planned for 2006/07 (Admin staff) | Increased awareness of NZ Relay Service. NZ Relay service information will be available for all staff on intranet. | Information about NZ Relay service will remain on intranet. |
| 5. Clear and accessible pathways to enter buildings and sites | - | On-going | On-going |
| 6. Obvious and visible signage to locate entrances and exits | - | On-going | On-going |
| 7. Accessible car parking available near entrances | - | No | No – we do not have any visitor parking |
3. Workplace management
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Contracts for IT applications require accessibility (for staff and/or public users) (eg EDRMS) | - | No | No contracts planed |
| 2. Fire safety and evacuation procedures specify the needs of disabled people (staff and visitors) | - | Yes | Will be reviewed as part of Health and Safety Policy Review during 07/08 |
| 3. Fire alarms have flashing lights to alert hearing impaired/deaf people | - | No | No |
Accessible services
Outcome: Disabled people can access government services on the same basis as non-disabled people.
Please describe against the suggested action outputs what your agency planned to do in the year ending June 2007, what your actual achievements were, and what you plan to work on for the year ending June 2008. Grey highlighted action outputs are new this year.
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage doesn’t generally provide face to face services with the public. This section is not applicable
1. Policy and practice
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Data on service users can be disaggregated by disabled people | - | - | - |
| 2. Services are responsive to the needs of disabled people | - | - | - |
| 3. There is a written policy on use and provision of New Zealand Sign Language interpreters for client meetings | - | - | - |
| 4. Staff dealing with service users are trained to understand and be responsive to disabled people’s needs | - | - | - |
| 5. Staff have knowledge of the NZ Relay service, and how to place and receive calls. | - | - | - |
Being a good employer
Outcome: Government agencies provide equal opportunities in employment for disabled people to be recruited, retained, and promoted on the same basis as non-disabled people.
Please describe against the suggested action outputs what your agency planned to do in the year ending June 2007, what your actual achievements were, and what you plan to work on for the year ending June 2008. Grey highlighted action outputs are new this year.
1. Employment practice
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Human resource EEO policies / procedures specifically recognise disabled people and do not discriminate against them | - | As HR policies are reviewed, we consider implications for disabled people. | As HR policies are reviewed, we will consider any implications for disabled people. |
| 2. Recruitment processes are accessible and responsive (eg vacancies advertised with alternative modes of contact, website accessible, supports provided for interviews where necessary) | - | Adverts have website, email and phone contacts | Adverts will continue to have website, email and phone contacts |
| 3. Human resource staff are familiar with EEO issues for disabled people | - | Yes | Yes - on-going |
| 4. Induction training includes awareness of disabled people, as part of a diverse workforce | - | No | Not planned |
| 5. Internal agency communications promote the visibility of disabled staff, as part of a diverse workforce | - | No | No - our internal communication is usually focused on minutes of management meetings and work programme. |
| 6. Data: the number of disabled people employed (using SSC EEO definition of disability) | - | - We don’t use the SSC definitions. SSC don’t endorse them any more. | No |
| 7. Data: the number of disabled people currently employed under Mainstream programme | - | None | None |
| 8. Data: the number of staff employed who were previously under the Mainstream programme | - | None | None |
2. Supports for disabled staff
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Assessments of workplace accommodations and/or supports are provided (eg adaptive computer applications, flexible working conditions) | - | Yes – this is standard practice. | Yes – this is standard practice. |
| 2. Accommodations in the workplace are provided, if needed (eg desk changes, NZSL interpreters, adaptive computer software) | - | Yes – this is standard practice. | Yes – this is standard practice. |
| 3. Data: the number and type of accommodations provided to staff | - | We don’t keep a centralised record of adjustments | No - We don’t keep a centralised record of adjustments |
| 4. Network of disabled staff supported, if requested | - | Not requested | Not requested |
| 5. Disabled staff provided with opportunities for career advancement | - | Disability is not a factor in professional development or internal recruitment | Disability is not a factor in professional development or internal recruitment |
| 6. Disabled staff feel included in their workplace and have the same opportunities as non-disabled staff | - | Such information not actively sought. No concerns raised. | No change planed |
| 7. Please describe any other supports available to disabled staff | - | - | |
Including a disability perspective
Outcome: Government agencies’ policy development shows analysis of the impact upon disabled people. Disabled people experience an increase in their well-being and ability to participate in society as the result of government policy.
Please describe against the suggested action outputs what your agency planned to do in the year ending June 2007, what your actual achievements were, and what you plan to work on for the year ending June 2008. Grey highlighted action outputs are new this year.
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. New policy and service development specifies the impact on disabled people | - | Yes – where relevant | Yes – where relevant |
| 2. Quality assurance frameworks include reference to the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the Disability Perspective Toolkit | No change | Will review our peer review template during 2007/08 | |
| 3. Guides and advice on policy development specify consideration about disabled people as part of a diverse New Zealand population | We use the Cabinet Manual which includes information on consideration about disabled people | We will continue to use the Cabinet Manual which includes information on consideration about disabled people | |
| 4. Agency Cabinet paper template includes a disability perspective section | We use the Cabinet Manual and consider/include a disability perspective in Cabinet papers, where relevant. | We will continue to use the Cabinet Manual and consider/include a disability perspective in Cabinet papers, where relevant. | |
| 5. Research and evaluation projects include data collection on disabled people | - | - | No applicable research and evaluation planned. |
| 6. Consultation on policy and service development includes disability sector organisations | Planned for 2006/07 | Where relevant, consultation will take place | Where relevant, consultation will take place |
| 7. Data: the number of disability sector organisations consulted | - | N/A | N/A |
| 8. Examples of Cabinet papers showing a disability perspective | None have required a disability perspective in 2006/07 | ||
| 9. Examples of other policy documents that show a disability perspective | None | ||
| 10. Examples of other strategic organisation documents, such as statement of intent, that show a disability perspective | No | ||
Policy making and service development
Outcome: Government agencies’ policy development shows analysis of the impact upon disabled people. Disabled people experience an increase in their well-being and ability to participate in society as the result of government policy.
Please describe against the suggested action outputs what your agency planned to do in the year ending June 2007, what your actual achievements were, and what you plan to work on for the year ending June 2008. Grey highlighted action outputs are new this year.
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. New policy and service development specifies the impact on disabled people | - | Yes – where relevant | Yes – where relevant |
| 2. Quality assurance frameworks include reference to the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the Disability Perspective Toolkit | No change | Will review our peer review template during 2007/08 | |
| 3. Guides and advice on policy development specify consideration about disabled people as part of a diverse New Zealand population | We use the Cabinet Manual which includes information on consideration about disabled people | We will continue to use the Cabinet Manual which includes information on consideration about disabled people | |
| 4. Agency Cabinet paper template includes a disability perspective section | We use the Cabinet Manual and consider/include a disability perspective in Cabinet papers, where relevant. | We will continue to use the Cabinet Manual and consider/include a disability perspective in Cabinet papers, where relevant. | |
| 5. Research and evaluation projects include data collection on disabled people | - | - | No applicable research and evaluation planned. |
| 6. Consultation on policy and service development includes disability sector organisations | Planned for 2006/07 | Where relevant, consultation will take place | Where relevant, consultation will take place |
| 7. Data: the number of disability sector organisations consulted | - | N/A | N/A |
| 8. Examples of Cabinet papers showing a disability perspective | None have required a disability perspective in 2006/07 | ||
| 9. Examples of other policy documents that show a disability perspective | None | ||
| 10. Examples of other strategic organisation documents, such as statement of intent, that show a disability perspective | No | ||
Implementation beyond your agency
Outcome: Government agencies promote action to implement the New Zealand Disability Strategy in other agencies within their monitoring and/or reporting responsibility.
Please describe against the suggested action outputs what your agency planned to do in the year ending June 2007, what your actual achievements were, and what you plan to work on for the year ending June 2008. Grey highlighted action outputs are new this year.
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Advice provided to other agencies on implementing the New Zealand Disability Strategy (including a disability perspective in development of policy, funding, service provision) | Planned for 2006/07 |
The ‘exchange’ intranet (an intranet for the agencies we fund) has links to the NZ Disability Strategy, a progress report and the website for the Office of Disability Issues (July 2006). In 2006 we wrote to agencies encouraging them to develop planning and action on disability responsiveness for both their workplace and services. Sent follow-up letter to agencies in May 2007 seeking information on the initiatives that they currently do or have introduced that support the NZDS. We are happy to share this information with the Office of Disability Issues. |
Liaise with the Office of Disability Issues to identify any areas of concern so that the Ministry can target its efforts with Crown Entities to support the NZDS. |
| 2. NZSL |
In October 2006, MCH formally invited NZ On Air and TVNZ to develop plans for improving Deaf people’s access to public broadcasting services including consultation with the Deaf community. We also invited the agencies to give us feedback on ways that they might have given greater scope for Deaf people to access the broadcast media services they fund or feedback on their plans to do so. Both agencies replied outlining their activities and plans. In October 2006, MCH formally invited relevant Departments to consider scope for providing Deaf people access to information the make available via broadcast media. |
In 2007/08, NZ On Air will consult with New Zealand minority groups, including people with disabilities, to ensure it meets their broadcasting needs, and will keep the Ministry informed of any future developments in relation to these. In 2007/08, TVNZ will similarly consult with the deaf and hearing impaired. |