The Treasury
New Zealand Disability Strategy Implementation 2007. Work Plan 2007-2008 and Report on Progress 2006-2007
Introduction
The Treasury is the Government's lead advisor on economic and financial policy, and has the overall vision of helping governments achieve higher living standards for New Zealanders.
We focus our efforts on a number of key results that support the Government's goals and have a positive impact of the lives of New Zealanders. These outcomes – economic growth, macroeconomic stability and public sector performance - are closely linked and are the key results we are looking to achieve as an organisation.
The Treasury is also one of three central agencies – responsible for providing leadership, coordination and monitoring across the entire public sector.
Treasury is committed to ensuring that we meet the requirements of the Government's Disability objective to ensure equal access and participation for New Zealanders with disabilities.
Treasury's current Annual Report and Statement of Intent do not provide information on our Disability Strategy, however in future references will be made on our progress in implementing the strategy.
The following strategy paper outlines what we have achieved to date and what future actions we are implementing to ensure continuous accessibility improvement for disabled New Zealanders.
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.
In 2005-2006 we were able to translate Treasury's commitment towards Disability accessibility into action with the continued update of our external websites. We researched and commissioned advice on best practice for marking up complex tables of financial and economic data which make up a large proportion of our publications and website content.
Some short-term improvements to the main Treasury website were made in 2005/06 to make it comply with Web Guidelines version 2.1 in most respects. Core public documents are now available in HTML, which makes them more accessible to users of assistive technologies.
However, the current main Treasury website still presents some problems to disabled users. These problems are being addressed in new site designs that were commissioned and designed for all three Treasury sites in 2005/06, implemented on one of three external sites in 2006/07, but are not due for implementation on the remaining two sites until 2007/08.
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
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 | Review of Treasury websites to assess accessibility | Treasury's current websites meet the web guidelines in most respects, however there are sections of the external websites that do not due to the volume of files on the websites (1200+ publications equating to 16,000 files) and the complexity of some documents. | Given significant organisational changes the websites and intranet are currently under review and reconstruction. Upgrades to Treasury's external websites will be made as per Web Guidelines versions 3.0. |
| 2. Meet Web Guidelines versions 3.0 | As above 1. | As above in 1. |
Upgrades to external websites will be made as per Web Guidelines versions 3.0 and are planned to be completed by June 2008. nfortunately the size of the websites (1200 publications) and the complexity of some documents will prevent all electronic versions of publications from meeting the guidelines i.e. they will only be available in PDF format. Core documents e.g. Treasury advice papers, the Budget etc will meet the web guidelines.
|
| 3. Tested accessibility for disabled people | Have Treasury's website tested for accessibility. | As part of the Treasury websites review Treasury had sample tables of complex data tested for accessibility. We engaged AccEase to formulate advice on best practice for marking up complex financial statements and tables of economic data and their suggestions have been incorporated into the websites review. | As part of the development of the new websites ongoing testing will occur to ensure we are following best practice. |
| 4. Adapted to increase accessibility | • New templates that conform to the web guidelines have been designed and are being implemented on Treasury's external websites during the review. • Large numbers of documents have been converted to HTML |
Ongoing review and research into best practice and implemented where possible. | |
| 5. Download files accessed as HTML, and not only PDF | Large number of documents has been converted to HTML, however due to the high number of files (16,000+) and the complexity (high usage of complex tables and graphs) there will always be a number of documents not converted. | Ongoing activity to continue to convert documents, where possible to HTML. Treasury will offer to convert documents on demand within reasonable timeframes for people with problems accessing PDFs. | |
| 6. Plain English used | Consideration for use of ‘plain English' in the implementation of new websites | Plain English is currently used in all Treasury websites and is an ongoing consideration for new content. It is important to note that not all content can be in ‘plain English' due to the technical nature of some Treasury documents. Treasury has ensured that all discovery level pages are in plain English. |
Ongoing consideration for new content. Staff from Communications are involved in the development of new content for the new sites to ensure plain English is used. |
| 7. New Zealand Sign Language used | Not planned in the disability strategy programme of work. |
2. Hard copy information
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Plain English used | Plain English is always used were possible. It is not appropriate to apply plain English in some posted publications due to the need to maintain the technical language used. |
Nothing additional planned in the disability programme of work. | |
| 2. Available in alternate formats, on request | |||
| a. New Zealand Sign Language | Not planned in the disability strategy programme of work. | ||
| b. Braille | Not planned in the disability strategy programme of work. | ||
| c. Audio | Not planned in the disability strategy programme of work. | ||
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 | Not applicable | ||
| 2. DVD/video products have captions and/or NZSL | Not applicable |
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 | No actions required as already in place. | ||
| a. Fax | No actions required as already in place. | ||
| b. Email | No actions required as already in place. | ||
| 2. Please tell us if there are other things that your agency does/or is planning to make its information accessible | Ongoing – “Appropriate to release information” will be posted on the Treasury website in HTML as soon as practically possible. | ||
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.
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 (e.g. NZS 4121) | Treasury can confirm that the building Treasury leases meets these requirements | ||
| 2. Buildings and sites have Building Code compliance | Treasury can confirm that the building Treasury leases meets these requirements | ||
| 3. Buildings and sites are audited for accessibility and passed (e.g. Barrier Free Trust, other accredited accessibility advisor) |
Treasury can confirm that the building Treasury leases is inspected monthly and annually by IQP (independent qualified person), as required to gain and maintain the building WOF. | ||
| 4. Clear walk paths through floors (for staff and visitors) | Already achieved – continuous awareness and action taken immediately if necessary. | ||
| 5. Assistive listening devices are in meeting rooms, and functioning checked regularly | Treasury will investigate how viable it is to get listening devices installed in a meeting room, after which decisions whether to implement or not will be made. | ||
| 6. Elevators announce floors and direction of movement | Treasury will investigate cost and feasibility. | ||
| 7. Elevator buttons have Braille labels | Treasury will investigate cost and feasibility. |
2. Contact with the public
| Action outputs | Planned 2006-2007 | Actual achieved 2006-2007 | Planned for 2007-2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Reception areas are accessible | Already achieved. | ||
| 2. Counters used by public are lowered (e.g. for wheelchair users, people who have a problem standing) | Already achieved. | ||
| 3. Frontline staff are trained in disability responsiveness | All reception staff have been trained in appropriate evacuation procedures of disabled staff | Provide training for Reception staff in disability responsiveness. | |
| 4. Staff are familiar with NZ Relay Service | Already achieved for reception staff, however wider administrator awareness planned. | ||
| 5. Clear and accessible pathways to enter buildings and sites | This is the building owner's responsibility; however Treasury can confirm that the building Treasury leases meets these requirements. | ||
| 6. Obvious and visible signage to locate entrances and exits | This is the building owner's responsibility. Treasury has requested that the owners review the visibility of disabled access as we believe this could be improved. | ||
| 7. Accessible car parking available near entrances | This is the building owner's responsibility; however Treasury can confirm that the building Treasury leases meets this requirement |
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) (e.g. EDRMS) | A clause referring to the requirement for accessibility will be included as an option in the standard RFP template. | ||
| 2. Fire safety and evacuation procedures specify the needs of disabled people (staff and visitors) | Achieved – Treasury provides stair-lift chairs on three floors - two directly associated with staff with major disabilities and one now on public-access floor. Relevant teams associated with disabled staff are trained in its use as is reception/facilities team on level 5. | ||
| 3. Fire alarms have flashing lights to alert hearing impaired/deaf people | Not planned in the disability strategy programme of work. |
Accessible services
Outcome: Disabled people can access government services on the same basis as non-disabled people.
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 | Not applicable. | ||
| 2. Services are responsive to the needs of disabled people | Not applicable. | ||
| 3. There is a written policy on use and provision of New Zealand Sign Language interpreters for client meetings | A policy will be written 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 | Not applicable. | ||
| 5. Staff have knowledge of the NZ Relay service, and how to place and receive calls | Already achieved for reception staff, however wider administrator awareness planned. |
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.
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 | Review of HR Policies & procedures to ensure they recognise disabled people and do not discriminate against them. | ||
| 2. Recruitment processes are accessible and responsive (e.g. vacancies advertised with alternative modes of contact, website accessible, supports provided for interviews where necessary) | Review of recruitment procedures to ensure they specifically recognise disabled people and do not discriminate against them. | ||
| 3. Human resource staff are familiar with EEO issues for disabled people | Already achieved. | ||
| 4. Induction training includes awareness of disabled people, as part of a diverse workforce | Planned to be incorporated in future inductions no later than June 2008. | ||
| 5. Internal agency communications promote the visibility of disabled staff, as part of a diverse workforce | Not applicable. | ||
| 6. Data: the number of disabled people employed (using SSC EEO definition of disability) |
28 Treasury staff have indicated that they have a disability.
|
||
| 7. Data: the number of disabled people currently employed under Mainstream programme | Nil | ||
| 8. Data: the number of staff employed who were previously under the Mainstream programme | Nil | ||
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 (e.g. adaptive computer applications, flexible working conditions) | The web pages containing this information need to be updated to reflect changes in contact details and processes. | ||
| 2. Accommodations in the workplace are provided, if needed (e.g. desk changes, NZSL interpreters, adaptive computer software) | The web pages containing this information need to be updated to reflect changes in contact details and processes. | ||
| 3. Data: the number and type of accommodations provided to staff | Treasury has about 320 staff. All workstations (desks, chairs) are fully adjustable to suit the person's needs. Large computer screens have been provided for vision impaired staff. Other accommodation needs are assessed as required and appropriate equipment purchased as the need is identified. | ||
| 4. Network of disabled staff supported, if requested | Expressions of interest in a disability network will be advertised and assistance offered to help establish such a network if there is staff interest. | ||
| 5. Disabled staff provided with opportunities for career advancement | There is no separate approach to career advancement for disabled staff, however Treasury believes that current policy and process do not discriminate against disabled staff. | ||
| 6. Disabled staff feel included in their workplace and have the same opportunities as non-disabled staff | Treasury staff who have indicated as having a disability have been contacted as part of the process to develop the Disability Strategy. In general staff indicated that they feel included in their workplace and feel that they have access to the same opportunities as non-disabled staff. One employee commented that Treasury always appeared to take a proactive approach when considering their needs to ensure full inclusion. It has been indicated that Treasury staff could benefit from an increased awareness of OOS and what impact OOS can have on staff that have OOS. As a result of this feedback OOS awareness will be included in Treasury inductions. | ||
| 7. Please describe any other supports available to disabled staff | No additional support is provided to disabled staff apart from what has already been mentioned. However Treasury is always happy to consider suggestions made and implement what is necessary to ensure disabled staff can fully participate in Treasury. | ||
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.
| 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) | Not Applicable. |
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.
This section is not applicable to the Treasury.
New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006
The following describes work the Treasury will be involved in over the coming year in response to the New Zealand Sign Language Act.
1) Develop an ‘Access to New Zealand Sign Language Interpreter' Policy.
a) What time period does this work cover?
This piece of work will be completed during 2007-08, however once implemented will have an ongoing effect.
b) Please describe this work
This work will include writing, implementing and promoting the Access to New Zealand Sign Language interpreter policy for Treasury staff.
c) What difference will this work make to Deaf people's lives?
This policy will increase Treasury staff awareness of the needs of deaf people and provide advice on how to best meet their needs through a NZSL interpreter.
d) What wider goal does this work contribute to? Are there other pieces of work that also contribute to this goal? (for example, a possible wider goal is for 100% of all new public buildings to be accessible, or all public facilities in urban centres to be accessible)
The wider goal is to increase general awareness of the needs to the Deaf community.
e) How is progress in achieving this work being measured or to be measured?
By June 2008 the policy will be written and implemented. After 12 months an audit will be completed to assess to what level NZSL interpreters are being used and identify any issues with the policy or practice that need to be addressed.
f) What objectives in the New Zealand Disability Strategy does this work connect with?
“Government services and information should be made accessible to the Deaf community through the use of appropriate means (including the use of NZSL).”
“Promote[s] access to government information and services for the Deaf community”
g) What part of your Statement of Intent and/or other strategic documents does this work connect with?
This type of work is not outlined in any strategic documents.
2) Ensure all Treasury administration positions understand how to use the NZ Relay service.
a) What time period does this work cover?
This piece of work will be completed during 2007-08, however once implemented will have an ongoing effect.
b) Please describe this work
This work will include adding the topic of NZ Relay Service to the training requirements of all administration positions to ensure they understand what the NZ Relay service is and how it can be used.
c) What difference will this work make to Deaf people's lives?
This work will ensure that staff are aware and capable of using the NZ Relay Service, so to provide appropriate service to deaf & speech impaired people.
• What wider goal does this work contribute to? Are there other pieces of work that also contribute to this goal? (for example, a possible wider goal is for 100% of all new public buildings to be accessible, or all public facilities in urban centres to be accessible)
The wider goal is to increase general awareness of the needs of the Deaf community.
e) How is progress in achieving this work being measured or to be measured?
By December 2007 all administration staff will have an awareness of the NZ Relay Service and it will be included in the induction training of these positions to ensure new staff are also trained.
An audit will be completed June 2008 to ensure:
- all administration staff are NZ Relay aware,
- assess its use within Treasury, and
- identify any issues with the policy or practice that need to be addressed.
f) What objectives in the New Zealand Disability Strategy does this work connect with?
“Government services and information should be made accessible to the Deaf community through the use of appropriate means (including the use of NZSL).”
“Promote[s] access to government information and services for the Deaf community”
g) What part of your Statement of Intent and/or other strategic documents does this work connect with?
This type of work is not outlined in any strategic documents.