Disability Services Standards

DISABILITY ADVOCACY NETWORK INC
"Equality, Independence & Integration"

Disability Services Standards (in plain English)

Standard 1 - Service Access

Each consumer seeking a service has access to a service on the basis of relative need and available resources.
This is about: "Services being there for people who need them the most."

Standard 2 - Individual Needs

Each person with a disability receives a service which is designed to meet, in the least restrictive way, his or her individual needs and personal goals.
This is about: "when you get a service, the staff giving you help to do the things you want and to reach your goals."

Standard 3 - Decision Making and Choice

Each person with a disability has the opportunity to participate as fully as possible in making decisions about the events and activities of his or her daily life in relation to the services he or she receives.
This is about: "staff and managers listening to what you say, about the things you want and the way the service is run."

Standard 4 - Privacy, Dignity and Confidentiality

Each consumer's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality in all aspects or his or her life is recognised and respected.
This is about: "the service keeping information about you private and treating you with respect."

Standard 5 - Participation and Integration

Each person with a disability is supported and encouraged to participate and be involved in the life of the community.
This is about: "the service helping you to get out into your local community and do the same sorts of things as other people."

Standard 6 - Valued Status

Each person with a disability has the opportunity to develop and maintain skills and to participate in activities that enable him or her to achieve valued roles in the community.
This is about: "services treating you as an adult and giving you help to do the sorts of things that other people do."

Standard 7 - Complaints and Disputes

Each consumer is free to raise and have resolved, any complaints or disputes he or she may have regarding the agency or the service
This is about: "staff and manger listening to you and trying to sort out any problems you are having with the service or staff."

Standard 8 - Service Management

Each agency adopts sound management practices which maximise outcomes for consumers.
This is about: "services running well and spending as much money and time as possible on helping people."

Standard 9 - Employment conditions

Each person with a disability enjoys comparable working conditions to those expected and enjoyed by the general workforce.
This is about: "you getting the same sorts of things from working (pay, holidays, sick days, etc.) as other people who work."

Standard 10 - Employment Support

The employment prospects of each person with a disability are maximised by effective and relevant support.
This is about: "the service helping you get the sort of training and support you need to get and keep a job."

Standard 11 - Employment Skills Development

The employment prospects of each person with a disability are maximised by effective and relevant training.
This is about: "the service giving you a chance to get training that will help you to get the job you want."

Standard 12 - Protection of Human Rights and Freedom from Abuse

Each person with a disability is supported and encouraged to stand up for their legal and human rights.
This is about: "the service taking steps to try to stop abuse and neglect of you."