Disability Access and Inclusion

The Department of Justice is committed to:

• ensuring that people with disability, their families and carers are able to access the Department’s services, facilities and information by providing them with the same opportunities, rights and responsibilities enjoyed by all other people in the community.

• consulting with people with disability, their families and carers and peak organisations representing the interests of people with disability, to ensure barriers to access and inclusion are addressed appropriately.

• ensuring that its agents and contractors work towards the desired access and inclusion outcomes in this DAIP. 

The Department of Justice has achieved this following since 2013:

• Identification of prisoners with intellectual and cognitive impairment and disability via an assessment tool used upon prison entry/community order commencement to assist treatment placement decisions.

• Support and advice to prisoners, their families, carers and relevant staff on the needs of prisoners with an intellectual or cognitive disability, intellectual impairment of Acquired Brain Injury and available services to assist. Regular communication with Disability Services and the Office of the Public Advocate, as well as internal stakeholders with the aim of addressing issues relevant to offenders.

• The Department formed a Partnering Charter with the Department of Communities (Disability Services) to share information on treatment programs, education and vocational training, and services available to offenders with intellectual disability. The Intellectual Disability Diversion Program is delivered through the Perth Magistrates Court, which aims to divert offenders with disability, who are charged with minor offences, towards community-based interventions. Similarly, the Department provides a legal and social awareness program, and pre-and post-release services for offenders with cognitive disability. In addition, prison officers are provided with training and support to help them manage and supervise offenders with an intellectual impairment.

• Promotion of Disability Awareness Week and International Day of People with Disability to raise awareness of access and inclusion in the Department. Activities included fun quizzes, lunch and learn sessions regarding disability employment, disability awareness training exercises, promotional displays at front counter locations around the State.

• Targeted staff training for staff working with clients with disability, particularly within the Office of the Public Advocate and the Public Trustee Office.

• Successfully implemented accessible events to assist clients, particularly those with a disability at Open Days in regional/remote areas. This included Homeless Connect events, information sessions on enduring powers of guardianship, advance care planning workshops, private administrator training and preventing elder abuse information sessions.

• Enhanced information including accessible websites, easy read versions of publications, text to speech software, Auslan interpreter provision and updated accessible printed information style guides such as feedback brochures.

• Successful disability traineeship program resulting in many trainees obtaining permanent positions and one received the ‘Trainee of the Year’ award for Western Australia. Updated recruitment policies and procedures and workplace modifications to enable successful staff onboarding for people with disability.

The DAIP 2018-2023 plan is available upon request in alternative formats such as hardcopy, in standard or large print, electronic format, audio or by email.

The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities, their families and carers are able to access the Department’s services, facilities, employment and information by providing them with the same opportunities, rights and responsibilities enjoyed by all other people in the community.

The Department's Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2018 - 2023 (DAIP) details the Department's disability services priorities. The plan broadly reflects the public sector’s aim to ensure people with disabilities, their carers and families, have the same rights and opportunities as other community members to access the services provided by our agencies.

If you have any queries about accessing information, services or buildings/facilities please contact the DAIP Coordinator or complete the online feedback form.

Alternatively, the Department's Disability Services Policy and DAIP can be viewed or downloaded. It is also available in alternative formats upon request.

To offer feedback on the Department's Disability Policy or Disability Access and Inclusion Plan please contact us.

• Disability Services Policy (PDF)
• Disability Access Feedback Form (PDF)

The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring the provision responsive, professional and appropriate responses to meet language and communication needs of clients who are unable to adequately communicate in English or who are hearing impaired.

Do you need an interpreter?

If you do not speak English or your English is limited, an interpreter can help you free of charge.

For help with any of the services offered by the Department of Justice, contact the Translation and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

• Language Services Policy and Procedures (PDF)
• Do you need an interpreter? (PDF)