The ACT Government is taking further steps to ensure every Canberran has access to equitable and accessible healthcare with the establishment of a Disability Health Reference Group.
Applications are now open for the reference group, which will be an advisory body that works to ensure the ACT Government and healthcare system is responsive to the health issues affecting people with disability in the ACT.
The group will also monitor the implementation of disability health-related strategies, plans and recommendations, including the ACT Disability Health Strategy 2024-2033 and Canberra Health Services' Action and Inclusion Plan 2022-2025.
"Every person has the right to healthcare that meets their needs, without fear of experiencing prejudice or discrimination," Minister for Health Stephen-Smith said.
"Unfortunately, we know that this is not always the case for people with disability. This can lead to people with disability experiencing poorer health outcomes and facing barriers when engaging in health services.
"I encourage people with disability and carers of people with disability who live in the ACT and region to apply for a position on the reference group to help us provide better healthcare for people with disability."
ACT Health is looking for members across all genders, age groups and forms of disability. People with disability or carers of people with disability who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ or who have an intellectual disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Disability Health Strategy 2024-2033 is a 10-year plan to ensure people with disability have equitable and appropriate access to healthcare in the ACT and improved health outcomes. The strategy's First Action Plan 2024-2026 aims to lay the foundations for the strategy.
The Strategy builds on previous work by the ACT Government to improve health outcomes and access for people with disability, including Canberra Health Services' Disability Action and Inclusion Plan, released in 2022.
