Media Statements - Training video for local governments

7/8/00

A video and training package to help local government and State Government agencies train staff to assist customers with disabilities has been launched at the start of Local Government Week.

The Disability Services Commission’s ‘You Can Make a Difference to Customer Relations for People with Disabilities’ video and training package was launched by Disability Services and Local Government Minister Paul Omodei at the Burswood Convention Centre today.

Mr Omodei said there were more than 355,000 Western Australians with disabilities - or 19 per cent of the population - and this figure was expected to almost double in the next 20 years as the population aged.

“With an increasing focus on customer service across local government, it is vital to recognise the needs of customers with disabilities and to train staff to meet those needs,” he said.

“All too often, people with disabilities encounter access barriers, both physical and attitudinal, that prevent them from participating fully in the wider community.

“It is unacceptable that people with disabilities are unable to access services and facilities that are available to the rest of us.

“Government sectors have an important role to play in breaking down barriers.

“Local governments have been doing an excellent job in breaking down physical barriers and I am sure they will welcome the opportunity to improve customer service.

“Good customer service doesn’t have to be costly or complex and is an excellent way to make a difference to the quality of life for customers with disabilities.”

The training package was developed by the Disability Services Commission and complements an earlier training package produced for the private sector.

The package consists of:

a comprehensive 15 minute video, designed for trainers and staff who have had little contact with customers with disabilities;
a handbook of five training modules which challenge customer service providers to explore issues of physical access, language and discrimination against customers with disabilities;
an interactive CD-ROM, ideal for small agencies; and -
a PowerPoint presentation to accompany the course.

The video includes personal experiences from customers with disabilities.

The package has been designed to integrate into existing training courses, or can be used individually as an in-house training resource.

Training packages are available from the Disability Services Commission at a cost of $135 plus $10 postage and packaging. Contact Michaela Maine on 9426 9249.

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 9213 6700