Ministry of Transport
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation 2007. Work Plan 2007-2008 and Report on Progress 2006-2007
Introduction
The Ministry of Transport is the Government's principal transport policy advisor. The Ministry leads and develops transport policy within the framework of the New Zealand Transport Strategy (NZTS).
The NZTS outlines the government's vision for transport in New Zealand and describes how the transport system can respond to the social, economic and environmental needs of the nation. In taking a holistic view of the transport system, the NZTS recognises that while roads are the main focus of government land transport expenditure, there is a need to consider all transport options, including walking, cycling and public transport.
The NZTS guides decision-making on transport by central government agencies and provides a reference for local government, business and communities. The services or ‘outputs' that are provided by the Ministry, such as policy advice or revenue management, contribute to the achievement of the NZTS.
he Ministry of Transport is an Equal Employment Opportunities employer and places considerable effort in developing strategies which will recruit and retain staff. The focus to employee the best suitably qualified person for the position and in this area the Ministry of Transport has proven success in employing people with disabilities who possess the right skills, experience and qualifications at the time a vacancy occurs.
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
The Ministry of Transport has a number of staff with disabilities ranging from hearing loss through to mobility issues.
A recent employee on a one year contract has been provided with support in finding suitable temporary accommodation and the provision and allocation of a car park within a realistic and reasonable distance from work. In office the person has been provided with a comprehensive ergonomic assessment of the working environment and additional support is currently being sourced which may result in the temporary loan of an adaptable wheel chair for use in office.
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 | Work with new CMS tool to improve compliance. | CMS proved inadequate for requirements, but site retained basic accessibility features. | Implement new technology with greater emphasis on compliance (with 3.0). |
| 2. Meet Web Guidelines versions 3.0 | Identify areas requiring attention for compliance. | Identified some areas where greater compliance was required. | Project to redevelop website and replace CMS. New site being designed with a focus on compliance. |
| 3. Tested accessibility for disabled people | Was carried out as part of site redesign. | Testing carried out by third party. | Testing of new site once completed. |
| 4. Adapted to increase accessibility | Make some minor fixes to site navigation to enhance use of screen readers. | Made some minor fixes to site navigation to enhance use of screen readers. | Site redevelopment with Web Standards 3.0 compliance. |
| 5. Download files accessed as HTML, and not only PDF | Identify areas where this was not being met. | Identified several files where PDF only was supplied. Provided HTML alternative. | Continue to identify areas of non-compliance and address. |
| 6. Plain English used | Plain English training for MoT staff. Creation of Plain English guidelines. | Plain English training for MoT staff. Creation of Plain English guidelines. | Improved web publishing process. |
| 7. New Zealand Sign Language used | Nil. | Nil. | Currently Nil. |
2. Hard copy information
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Plain English used | SOI and Annual Report | SOI, Annual Report and Motivate magazine written in ‘easy to read fonts, limited to no use of text against coloured background and in plain English | Same |
| 2. Available in alternate formats, on request | |||
| a. New Zealand Sign Language | Nil | Nil – Not specifically requested by the public | Nil |
| b. Braille | Nil | Nil – Not specifically requested by the public | Consideration will be given if requested |
| c. Audio | Nil | Nil – not specifically requested by the public however radio ads have been produced to provide a simple message | As required |
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 | “Choke the Smoke” and “Low Carbon Diet” campaigns have been very visual but not with captions | Two TV adverts run as stated | All options will be considered should the Ministry be required to deliver TV adverts |
| 2. DVD/video products have captions and/or NZSL | Nil | Nil | TBC |
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 | In use – web and links through appropriate related sites when necessary | Web. Telephone, fax | No enhancements planned at this time |
| a. Fax | In use | In use | Continue |
| b. Email | In use | In use | Continue |
| 2. Please tell us if there are other things that your agency does/or is planning to make its information accessible | Nil | Nil | |
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) | MoT has occupied 5 floors of a multi tenanted building (Novell House) since March 06. The building meets all regulatory and access requirements | On going monitoring | |
| 2. Buildings and sites have Building Code compliance | Novell House is Building Code compliant | ||
| 3. Buildings and sites are audited for accessibility and passed (eg Barrier Free Trust, other accredited accessibility advisor) |
The building is checked monthly by an IQP/LBP for accessibility. In addition our part of the accommodation has been audited for accessibility by and passed the Barrier Free Trust | On going | |
| 4. Clear walk paths through floors (for staff and visitors) | We can confirm that there are clear walk paths through our floor for staff and visitors | On going | |
| 5. Assistive listening devices are in meeting rooms, and functioning checked regularly | We do not have assistive listening devices in the meeting rooms. Our meeting rooms have soundproofing to prevent noise spill. Our conference suite rooms which have a multifunctional sound system with remote microphones are the rooms usually booked to accommodate staff and visitors with hearing impairment. | On going | |
| 6. Elevators announce floors and direction of movement | The building owners have no plans to install this function as the current lifts cannot support the technology. There are no plans to replace the lifts in the foreseeable future. | ||
| 7. Elevator buttons have Braille labels | The lifts buttons do not have Braille labels. | The building owner has indicated that they would be consider changing the current buttons when the lifts are refurbished (no timeline given |
2. Contact with the public
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Reception areas are accessible | Public step straight from one of four lifts into our reception area | ||
| 2. Counters used by public are lowered (eg for wheelchair users, people who have a problem standing) | The reception counter was designed with a lowered section to accommodate wheelchair users and people with problems standing | ||
| 3. Frontline staff are trained in disability responsiveness | Frontline staff have been trained in disability responsiveness | ||
| 4. Staff are familiar with NZ Relay service | Existing frontline staff are familiar with the NZ Relay service | Information on the service forms form part of training for new frontline staff | |
| 5. Clear and accessible pathways to enter buildings and sites | Existing frontline staff are familiar with the NZ Relay service | ||
| 6. Obvious and visible signage to locate entrances and exits | There is obvious and visible signage to locate entrances and exits | ||
| 7. Accessible car parking available near entrances | There is metered parking in front of the building |
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) | As appropriate in accordance with e-Government Guidelines | Continue | |
| 2. Fire safety and evacuation procedures specify the needs of disabled people (staff and visitors) | The Ministry's fire safety and evacuation procedures specify the needs of disabled people | Continual maintenance and improvement will be sought | |
| 3. Fire alarms have flashing lights to alert hearing impaired/deaf people | Within our accommodation if the fire alarms are activated there are flashing lights to alert hearing impaired/deaf people. In addition on the ground in the floor lift lobby lights are triggered if the area should get filled with smoke to guide people to an alternative exit. The Ministry is also using a ‘buddy' system as necessary. | Continual monitoring |
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 | Taken in to account in the development of policy and advice | The Ministry of Transport responds to individual needs and provides support and responds to the needs of disabled people accordingly | Continual improvement and training for staff in order to meet the needs of disabled people |
| 3. There is a written policy on use and provision of New Zealand Sign Language interpreters for client meetings | As required – although there have been no requests for such support | Policy being reviewed | |
| 4. Staff dealing with service users are trained to understand and be responsive to disabled people's needs | Staff training | Staff have undergone training although a number of staff have left. | Training will be provided to all staff who have a customer facing position and those who feel that they will benefit from such development. |
| 5. Staff have knowledge of the NZ Relay service, and how to place and receive calls. | To be considered |
Disabilities and number of staff
The Ministry of Transport employ a number of staff with a range of disabilities for example: 1 x mobility/walking; 2 x hearing; several with chronic back and/or other physical disability e.g. arm injury related to reduced strength/sensation.
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.
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 | EEO policy reviewed Review of Induction training |
Being finalised | Ongoing review to reflect legislative and best practice changes |
| 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 has attracted and employed staff with disabilities during 2006-2007 | Monitor and continue EEO recruitment | |
| 3. Human resource staff are familiar with EEO issues for disabled people | HR and Admin staff were made familiar with issues faced by disabled people | Reinforced through practical experience gained by employing staff with disabilities | Monitor and continue to build on developments in this area |
| 4. Induction training includes awareness of disabled people, as part of a diverse workforce | Induction training to be reviewed | Induction training being developed and expected to be delivered during 2007 | Deliver revised Induction training |
| 5. Internal agency communications promote the visibility of disabled staff, as part of a diverse workforce | Promoting diversity within the workplace by focusing on staff achievement through internal communications | Treat all staff equally without being detrimental to staff managing disability | Monitor |
| 6. Data: the number of disabled people employed (using SSC EEO definition of disability) | The Ministry of Transport does not ‘set targets' – we do not plan on this basis | Six | n/a |
| 7. Data: the number of disabled people currently employed under Mainstream programme | None | The Ministry of Transport maintains links with Mainstream and similar organisations | Consider options and availability of work following the Ministry of Transport's restructure |
| 8. Data: the number of staff employed who were previously under the Mainstream programme | Attempted to employ to a position in the Communication team – unfortunately this fell through | None | Refer to 7 above |
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) | All work stations and staff undergo an ergonomic assessment upon appointment and periodically as required. Stations are adapted as required Supporting equipment e.g. keyboards, chairs supports are purchased on a “required basis” |
All assessed and reviewed Equipment purchased as required |
Continue to undertake checks and provide appropriate support |
| 2. Accommodations in the workplace are provided, if needed (eg desk changes, NZSL interpreters, adaptive computer software) | Provided as required | Needs have been met | Continue and address as required |
| 3. Data: the number and type of accommodations provided to staff | All positions assessed and accommodation met | All positions assessed and accommodation met – however, specifically for two staff members with mobility (one short term) accommodation has been met | Continue as required |
| 4. Network of disabled staff supported, if requested | Not requested | Not requested | If requested - consider |
| 5. Disabled staff provided with opportunities for career advancement | Staff are considered on merit and ability - opportunities are available to all staff for career advancement and development | Open opportunities available to all staff | Continue to promote opportunities |
| 6. Disabled staff feel included in their workplace and have the same opportunities as non-disabled staff | The Ministry of Transport promotes equity, equality and participation | Equity and equality and promotes participation | Continue to promote |
| 7. Please describe any other supports available to disabled staff | The Ministry of Transport assesses needs on a case by case basis and provides support as necessary | ||
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:
Achievement story
The Ministry concluded work on the Total Mobility Review which provided for improved pedestrian facilities for disabled people – covered in the Government released national strategy for walking and cycling, ‘ Getting there – on foot, by cycle.”
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 | (Ongoing) Assessing the recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission in their inquiry, and making recommendations to government on how to respond to the relevant recommendations. See additional information below |
A briefing to the Minister was submitted which considered the recommendations and suggested areas for further work- there has been significant progress in a number of areas. Ministry staff have attended the Office for Disability Issues advisory council as a means of receiving feedback particularly on passenger transport policy. |
Continue to attend the Office for Disability Advisory Council meetings to present information and seek feedback on passenger transport policy. Further consideration of how to progress the Human Rights Commission Inquiry recommendations which are not currently being addressed. |
| 2. Quality assurance frameworks include reference to the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the Disability Perspective Toolkit | Every effort has been made to ensure QI in this area by appropriate sign off at appropriate levels | The Ministry of Transport plans to include a QA position within the organisation structure which will provide consistency across frameworks | |
| 3. Guides and advice on policy development specify consideration about disabled people as part of a diverse New Zealand population | Generally accepted as part of the Ministry's work considers public access to services and transport | Continue to seek improvements | |
| 4. Agency Cabinet paper template includes a disability perspective section | Yes | Continue | |
| 5. Research and evaluation projects include data collection on disabled people | Where appropriate to be considered/included | ||
| 6. Consultation on policy and service development includes disability sector organisations | Yes – as appropriate | ||
| 7. Data: the number of disability sector organisations consulted | Refer to Q 9 below | ||
| 8. Examples of Cabinet papers showing a disability perspective | All Cabinet papers include a section titled disability perspective which considers the implications of the Cabinet paper for people with disabilities | ||
| 9. Examples of other policy documents that show a disability perspective |
The development of a framework to measure improvements in access and mobility, this will enable the collection of data at a national and regional or local level. |
||
| 10. Examples of other strategic organisation documents, such as statement of intent, that show a disability perspective | SOI makes reference to “a healthy society, Improving Access and Mobility and Protecting & Promoting Public Health” | ||
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) | We are working closely with Land Transport New Zealand to assist them in developing operational policy to improve the accessibility of passenger transport. | We will continue to work with Land Transport New Zealand to improve the accessibility of passenger transport. |
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.
1) Assess Options in response to the Human Rights Commission Inquiry into Accessible Public Transport
Description
Assessing the recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission in their Inquiry, and making recommendations to government on how to respond to the relevant recommendations.
Desired outcome
The specific impacts on the disabled community will depend on what the result of the assessment is. It is desired that the outcome of this work is that a clearer understanding is developed of what action the government will take to address the issues faced by disabled individuals using public land transport. It must be noted that accessible land transport is linked with accessible building practices generally, such as accessible footpaths, and should be understood in the context of the entire journey.
Outcome measures and timeframes
This work is included in the Ministry's work programme in 2007/08. A more detailed timeframe will be developed as part of the work. The output will be advice to the Minister of Transport. The Ministry is currently at the project scoping stage. The Ministry will provide advice to the Minister in August 2007 on the feasibility of introducing national standards for public land transport accessibility.
Links to Strategy objective and action
New Zealand Disability Strategy
8.5 Require all new scheduled public transport to be accessible in order to phase out inaccessible public transport.
8.7 Develop nationally consistent access to passenger services where there is no accessible public transport
New Zealand Action Plan for Human Rights
Section 3.8 Access to and provision of quality services/Te whakarato tonu me to wātea ki ngā tikanga kairangi.
• Make public transport more accessible to disabled people by implementing recommendations of the Human Rights Commission Inquiry into Accessible Public Land Transport.
2) Develop a framework to measure accessibility
Description
The development of a framework to measure improvements in access and mobility. This will enable the collection of data at a national and regional or local level.
Desired Outcome
The development will help focus future policy work and identify aspects of the transport system that require improvements in accessibility and monitor progress towards improving access and mobility.
Outcome measures and timeframes
The proposed release of the Evaluation Framework for Transport Accessibility by December 2007.
Links to Strategy objective and action
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people.
3) Develop education programmes and information for older drivers
Description
Support Land Transport NZ with the development and provision of educational programmes/courses, publications and information for older drivers, their families and communities on how to safely operate a motor vehicle in later years.
Desired outcome
Help improve older persons-safety in operating a motor vehicle in later years, and help educate and provide information on the options available to senior citizens to maintain a mobile and active lifestyle without the use of a private motor vehicle.
Outcome measures and timeframes
The Minister for Transport Safety will report the findings of this evaluation project to Cabinet in the middle of 2008.
Links to Strategy objective and action
Objective 8: Support quality living in the community for disabled people.