Ministry of Economic Development
Introduction
Economic transformation is one of the Government's three key priorities for the next decade, along with national identity and families, young and old.
Success depends on New Zealand businesses transforming themselves into globally competitive firms.
The Government has organised its economic transformation programme around five interlocking themes:
- Growing globally competitive firms
- World-class infrastructure
- Innovative and productive workplaces
- Environmentally sustainability
- An internationally competitive city – Auckland .
The Ministry of Economic Development has a central role in progressing the Government's economic development programme and in advancing a range of other issues which contribute to economic transformation.
Economic growth contributes to the government's broader objectives by underpinning the living standards of New Zealanders. Economic growth can also underpin sound environmental management and social cohesion
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:
- information – such as brochures, letters, publications, websites
- buildings – such as service centres, corporate offices
- services – such as face to face at a service centre, call centres, information electronically or hard copy
- as 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 2006-2007 to improve your accessibility, what this involved, and the effect this has had on disabled people.
Introduced elevators with Braille facility in the Bowen Street , Wellington building
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 | To meet e-Government Web guidelines | Achieved | Continue to meet e-government Web-Guidelines. |
| 2. Meet Web Guidelines versions 3.0 | |||
| 3. Tested accessibility for disabled people | NZ Digital Strategy: To improve NZ digital literacy through ICT and education programme | Achieved education focus | Include disability perspective in Digital Strategy |
| 4. Adapted to increase accessibility | Implement a contestable Community Partnership Fund | Achieved – many of the project recipients were disabled people | Further development of the Community Partnership Fund |
| 5. Download files accessed as HTML, and not only PDF | Ability to download files in HTML and PDF | Achieved | Continue to provide this service |
| 6. Plain English used | Use plain English | Achieved | Continue to provide key information in easy-to read English, Braille, NZSL video clips etc |
| 7. New Zealand Sign Language used | NZ sign language used as appropriate |
2. Hard copy information
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Plain English used | Ensure plain English used in publications | Publications reviewed to ensure availability to people with disabilities | Continue to review publications to ensure availability to people with disabilities |
| 2. Available in alternate formats, on request | |||
| a. New Zealand Sign Language | Use of NZ Sign Language as appropriate | Sign language providers are engaged on request | Sign language providers are provided by the Ministry as required |
| b. Braille | Use of Braille as appropriate | Achieved | Continue to ensure key information is available to the public in Braille |
| c. Audio | Development and implementation of the NZ Relay Service | Ongoing monitoring of the NZ Relay Service | Continue to monitor the NZ Relay Service; preparations for consultation on potential enhancements to the service |
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 | Make NZSL available in video clips as required | NZSL available in video clips | Continue to make NZSL available in video clips |
| 2. DVD/video products have captions and/or NZSL | N/A |
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 | Provide alternative contact points | E-mail, fax contacts provided | Continue to have alternative contacts to telephone e.g. fax; e-mail |
| a. Fax | Provide fax facilities | Fax facilities available and advertised | Continue to make Fax facilities available |
| b. Email | Provide e-mail facilities | Ministry's e-mail address advertised | Continue to provide e-mail access |
| 2. Please tell us if there are other things that your agency does/or is planning to make its information accessible | Digital Strategy | Further development of the digital Strategy | |
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) | Ministry sites meet statutory and regulatory access requirements | Achieved | Continue to ensure that all Ministry sites meet statutory and regulatory access requirements (e.g. NZS 4121) |
| 2. Buildings and sites have Building Code compliance | All sites have Building Code compliance certificates | Achieved | Continue to ensure that our buildings and sites have Building code compliance certification |
| 3. Buildings and sites are audited for accessibility and passed (eg Barrier Free Trust, other accredited accessibility advisor) |
Ministry sites audited for accessibility by Barrier Free NZ Trust | Achieved | Continue to ensure all Ministry sites audited for accessibility by Barrier Free NZ Trust |
| 4. Clear walk paths through floors (for staff and visitors) | To successfully ain continuance in the ACC Partnership Programme | Achieved | Continue to meet requirements of the ACC Partnership Programme |
| 5. Assistive listening devices are in meeting rooms, and functioning checked regularly | Microphones and speakers in meeting rooms as appropriate | Achieved | Continue to provide a PA system in meting rooms as appropriate |
| 6. Elevators announce floors and direction of movement | Elevators announce direction of movement. Lifts have audible floor count installed. | Achieved | This practice will be continued. |
| 7. Elevator buttons have Braille labels | Elevator buttons have Braille letters | Achieved | This practice will be continued. |
2. Contact with the public
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Reception areas are accessible | Reception areas are accessible for wheel chair users | Achieved | Continue this practice |
| 2. Counters used by public are lowered (eg for wheelchair users, people who have a problem standing) | Public counters lowered for wheelchair users. | Achieved | Continue this practice |
| 3. Frontline staff are trained in disability responsiveness | Frontline staff are trained in responsiveness to people with disabilities | Achieved | Continue to provide frontline staff with training to respond to people with disabilities |
| 4. Staff are familiar with NZ Relay service | Relevant staff familiar with Relay service | Achieved | Front line/other relevant staff continue to be familiar with NZ Relay Service |
| 5. Clear and accessible pathways to enter buildings and sites | Pathways are clear and accessible | Achieved | Continue this practice |
| 6. Obvious and visible signage to locate entrances and exits | Obvious and visible signage to locate exits, entrances and floors | Achieved | Continue to provide signage to exits and entrances |
| 7. Accessible car parking available near entrances | The Ministry has set aside car parks specifically for people with disabilities (short-term use) | Achieved | Continue to provide short- term car parking for people with disabilities |
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) | IT applications are accessible | Achieved | Continue to monitor accessibility of IT applications |
| 2. Fire safety and evacuation procedures specify the needs of disabled people (staff and visitors) | Systems in place for dealing with people with disabilities during fire evacuation | Achieved | Continue to monitor procedures for the care of people with disabilities during evacuation |
| 3. Fire alarms have flashing lights to alert hearing impaired/deaf people | Fire alarms have flashing lights | Achieved | Floor wardens are designated to check all floors during evacuation |
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.
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 | Ensure services re responsive to the needs of disabled people | Achieved | Continue to monitor services in terms of their responsiveness to disabled people |
| 3. There is a written policy on use and provision of New Zealand Sign Language interpreters for client meetings | There is no written policy - sign language interpreters engaged on case by case basis | Sign language interpreters engaged on a case by case basis | |
| 4. Staff dealing with service users are trained to understand and be responsive to disabled people's needs | Staff are aware of need to be responsive to disabled persons needs | Achieved | Continue to train staff in responsiveness to needs of disabled people |
| 5.Staff have knowledge of the NZ Relay service, and how to place and receive calls. | Frontline staff aware of NZ Relay service | Staff have been trained in the NZ Relay service |
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 | HR to monitor policies and practices for any discrimination against people with disabilities | Achieved | HR will continue to monitor policies and practices for any discrimination against people with disabilities |
| 2. Recruitment processes are accessible and responsive (eg vacancies advertised with alternative modes of contact, website accessible, supports provided for interviews where necessary) | The Ministry to advertise on our website and NZ Government jobs website. Alternative arrangements are made for people who cannot access the website via NZ Post. | Achieved | Ongoing monitoring of our recruitment practices |
| 3. Human resource staff are familiar with EEO issues for disabled people | HR Staff familiar with EEO issues for disabled | Achieved | |
| 4. Induction training includes awareness of disabled people, as part of a diverse workforce | |||
| 5. Internal agency communications promote the visibility of disabled staff, as part of a diverse workforce | |||
| 6. Data: the number of disabled people employed (using SSC EEO definition of disability) | 30 staff have indicated a disability | Ensure our HR practices continue to be free of discrimination | |
| 7. Data: the number of disabled people currently employed under Mainstream programme | One person employed | ||
| 8. Data: the number of staff employed who were previously under the Mainstream programme | There is no specific plan to appoint under the Mainstream Programme. People are appointed on the basis of their suitability. | Two people employed under the Mainstream programme have subsequently been appointed to permanent roles within the Ministry | Utilisation of the Mainstream Programme as appropriate |
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) | Provide work station assessments for all new staff within the first week of appointment. Ongoing assessments are conducted every two years for as as required | Achieved | Continue with assessments for new staff and provide comprehensive work site assessments for staff experiencing pain and/or discomfort |
| 2. Accommodations in the workplace are provided, if needed (eg desk changes, NZSL interpreters, adaptive computer software) | Achieved | Continue to provide adaptive computer software is provided as required | |
| 3. Data: the number and type of accommodations provided to staff | Accommodations are provided on a case by case basis in consultation with managers and HR | No records kept. | Continue to provide accommodations as required |
| 4. Network of disabled staff supported, if requested | If requested Network to be established | No requests for network | Network to be set up if required by staff with disabilities |
| 5. Disabled staff provided with opportunities for career advancement | Ensure the Ministry's performance management system is not discriminative against people with disabilities | Achieved | Continue to monitor systems and practices to ensure people with disabilities are not discriminated against. Consider including additional questions in the 2008 Staff Survey to identify whether or not staff with disabilities are experiencing discrimination |
| 6. Disabled staff feel included in their workplace and have the same opportunities as non-disabled staff | Ministry's recruitment, performance management and HR practices do not discriminate against people with disabilities | Achieved | Continue to monitor HR policies and practices |
| 7. Please describe any other supports available to disabled staff |
Provision of adaptive software for people with sight impairment; modifications to work stations as required
|
Continuation of these practices | |
Including a disability perspective
Government agencies that have social policy responsibilities should complete this section. A disability perspective should be routinely considered within ordinary policy development work that may directly, or indirectly, impact on disabled people.
What is a disability perspective?
A disability perspective is a viewpoint that considers the needs and aspirations of disabled people and their families/whānau. When you apply a disability perspective to a policy or service you are developing, you need to analyse the impact it will have on disabled people and their family/whānau.
In the past, government policy and programmes have often failed to consider disability perspectives. This has effectively prevented disabled people accessing opportunities and fully participating in society. Government policy and service development that reflects the realities of disabled people's lives can enhance their participation and independence. This contributes to a more inclusive society.
Cabinet requires all papers, where appropriate, to include a disability perspective.
When is it appropriate to include a disability perspective?
Any initiative that directly or indirectly affects disabled people, both within and outside government. Disabled people are present in all social environments - the home, work and the community – of all ages, and in all population groups, such as Maori, Pacific peoples. This means all legislation, policies, programmes and services will potentially impact on them.
Consultation with the disability sector should be considered, where appropriate. The Office for Disability Issues should also be involved on the same basis as other government agencies.
How do I learn more about what a disability perspective means?
The Office for Disability Issues has produced an online resource that explains Cabinet requirements to include a disability perspective in policy development.
This resource can be accessed on the Office website at:
http://www.odi.govt.nz/disability-perspective/
Achievement story
Please tell us about an achievement of your agency in 2005-2006 to include a disability perspective in new policy or service development, what this involved, any consultation with disability sector organisations, and the effect the policy or service has had/or will have on disabled people.
Stakeholder review of Telecommunications Relay Service conducted. Based on conclusions of review the Ministry is investigating merits of enhancing the service by adding a video relay device.
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 | |||
| 2. Quality assurance frameworks include reference to the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the Disability Perspective Toolkit | Information on NZ Disability Strategy provided via the Disability Toolkit (linked to MED's Policy Development Toolkit on the Intranet) | Achieved | Maintain disabilities perspective as part of the Ministry's Disability Toolkit |
| 3. Guides and advice on policy development specify consideration about disabled people as part of a diverse New Zealand population | The requirement for a disability perspective to be included in the Ministry's Cabinet Committee Submission template | ||
| 4. Agency Cabinet paper template includes a disability perspective section | The requirement for a disability perspective to be included in the Ministry's Cabinet Committee Submission template | ||
| 5. Research and evaluation projects include data collection on disabled people | |||
| 6. Consultation on policy and service development includes disability sector organisations | |||
| 7. Data: the number of disability sector organisations consulted | |||
| 8. Examples of Cabinet papers showing a disability perspective | |||
| 9. Examples of other policy documents that show a disability perspective | |||
| 10. Examples of other strategic organisation documents, such as statement of intent, that show a disability perspective | |||
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) |
Leading work that makes a difference
This section is for agencies to describe key work that you are leading that makes a difference in the lives of disabled people. This work may be directly relating to disabled people, or it may be for all people but have a strong impact on disabled people.
You should use this template to:
- describe your planned work
- report progress against previously planned work and/or new work undertaken since the last plan.
There are separate sections for you to record any specific activities in support of:
- New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006
- National Health Committee's 2003 report: To Have an ‘Ordinary' Life: Community membership for adults with an intellectual disability.
You may like to consider whether you can plan implementation action over several years, with milestone dates that you can report progress against annually. There may be a wider goal that your agency is working towards that several pieces of work may contribute to, and you should refer to this goal in the following template.
Achievement story
Please tell us about an achievement of your agency in 2005-2006, what this involved, any consultation with disability sector organisations, and the effect the policy or service has had/or will have on disabled people.
New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006
This section should be used to describe work of your agency in response to the New Zealand Sign Language Act.
In April 2006, the New Zealand Sign Language Act became law. This legislation recognises New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) as an official language of New Zealand , gives the right to deaf people to use NZSL in legal proceedings, and provides guidelines to government agencies on the use of NZSL and on consultation with the Deaf community.
Section 9 of the NZSL Act 2006 states:
- A government department should, when exercising its functions and powers, be guided, so far as reasonably practicable, by the following principles:
- the Deaf community should be consulted on matters relating to NZSL (including, for example, the promotion of the use of NZSL)
- NZSL should be used in the promotion to the public of government services and in the provision of information to the public
- government services and information should be made accessible to the Deaf community through the use of appropriate means (including the use of NZSL).
- Consultation carried out by a government department under subsection (1)(a) is to be effected by the chief executive of the government department consulting, to the extent that is reasonably practicable, with the persons or organisations that the chief executive considers to be representative of the interests of the members of the Deaf community relating to NZSL.
- The purpose of the principles in subsection (1) is to promote access to government information and services for the Deaf community, but nothing in subsection (1) is to be read as conferring on the Deaf community advantages not enjoyed by other persons.
National Health Committee’s To Have an ‘Ordinary’ Life report
This section should be used to describe the work of your agency in response to recommendations in the National Health Committee's report To Have an ‘Ordinary' Life: Community membership for adults with an intellectual disability (September 2003).
You can access this report at:
Your work will have a specific impact on people with an intellectual disability.