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Policy & Research
Accessible Arts
2010 Survey of Arts Programs/Projects for People with Disability in NSW
This survey complements a pilot study undertaken by Accessible Arts in 2008 to gather basic information about arts programs provided by disability services in NSW. The survey aimed to highlight gaps that may exist in the creative opportunities for people with disability and any barriers that restrict choice of involvement in these creative programs.
Speak Up: Arts & Disability Priorities for NSW
The ‘Speak Up: Arts & Disability Priorities for NSW' report is the result of a three year consultation project with arts and disability stakeholders across NSW. It identifies key findings, issues and solutions to promote full inclusion, access and cultural opportunities in the arts for people with disability.
It is often presumed that heritage legislation limits capacity to incorporate accessible design into heritage spaces. As the peak arts and disability organisation for NSW, Accessible Arts in conjunction with key stakeholders, is identifying the issues surrounding the provision of disability access into arts organisations and services located in heritage buildings. This content analysis research (legislation, guidelines and policy) and issues is provided in a report entitled Removing the Obstacles, completed in December 2010.
In 2009, Accessible Arts undertook a scoping study of disability services in Western Sydney to determine their knowledge and use of arts centres in the region. The scoping study involved consulting with the disability sector through conducting a survey that focused on areas such as awareness and frequency of visits to local arts centres; barriers to access; most appropriate performance and workshop times and costs; the types of activities and services people are interested in and the best way to keep people informed about future events and opportunities.
Advocacy
Accessible Arts advocates for the inclusion of people with disability in the arts through making responses or submissions to relevant Government, Parliamentary and Departmental Inquiries or Discussion Papers.
Recent submissions:
National Cultural Policy Response (Word, 237KB)
Sector
National Arts and Disability Strategy
A National Arts and Disability Strategy was produced in 2009 by the Cultural Ministers Council. This national strategy aims to encourage the universal accessibility of arts and cultural activities, recognising the improvements made to support the aspirations of people with disability has a positive impact on the community as a whole.
National Disability Strategy
The National Disability Strategy sets out a ten year national plan, aimed to improve life for Australians with disability, their families and carers.
The Strategy identifies six policy areas: rights protection, justice and legislation; well designed, accessible communities; learning, skills and employment; economic security; health and wellbeing; and personal and community support.
It is anticipated that the Council of Australia Governments will endorse the National Disability Strategy in 2011.
It draws on the findings of consultations conducted in 2008-09 by the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, as reported in Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia (2009).
Consultation Paper on National Disability Strategy
The report Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia was launched by the NPWDACC on 5 August 2009. The report provides details on the key barriers and issues facing people with a disability, their families and carers. It also highlights solutions as offered in submissions from the consultation phase of the National Disability Strategy.
Cultural Policy from a Disability Service
Sunnyfield independence have developed a policy to articulate their vision and commitment to providing an arts and cultural program to enable the people they support to experience and develop the arts as part of their community.
Download Community, Cultural and Arts Program Policy (Word, 127KB)