Acknowledgement

Northern Adelaide Local Health Networkrlu tampinthi Kaurna miyurna yaitya yarta-mathanya Kaurna yartarna-arra ngadlu warpulayinthi. Ngadlu tampinthi purkarna pukinangku, yalaka, tarrkarritya. Ngadlu tampinthi yaitya mathanya kuma parnaku tuwila yartangka.

The Northern Adelaide Local Health Network acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we proudly deliver health and wellbeing services. We honour Kaurna Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise Aboriginal cultural authority, and the ongoing spiritual connection the Kaurna people have to country.

A message from our Chief Executive Officer

It is my privilege to present the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network's (NALHN) Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (The plan) 2025-2029.

The plan outlines our commitment to ensuring everyone who interacts with our health network feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and supported.

NALHN’s values remind us that everyone has a story, everyone matters, everyone contributes, and everyone grows. The plan has been developed with both our workforce and the people we serve in mind, because true inclusion must work for everyone.

We recognise disability takes many forms — visible and invisible, physical and cognitive. That is why our approach must be responsive, flexible, and person-centred, ensuring that every individual can access our services with dignity and without barriers. This commitment extends equally to our workforce, where creating a safe and supportive environment that meets the needs of our people is just as important.

NALHN’s Autism Strategy 2025–2029 will be an addendum to the Plan and will ensure we provide neuro-affirming care to our community and support for our neurodivergent workforce.

This Plan has been shaped by genuine consultation. We engaged broadly with our workforce and consumers, drawing on a diverse range of lived experiences and insights. This feedback has directly informed the actions the Plan commits to delivering. We have also been guided by key frameworks including the South Australia (SA) Disability Inclusion Act 2018, the State Disability Inclusion Plan 2025–2029, Australia's Disability Strategy 2021–2031, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Alongside our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan, the Plan forms part of our broader commitment to building a culture where inclusion is ‘the norm’.

I look forward to seeing the positive impact the Plan will have across our network.

Karen Puvogel
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Adelaide Local Health Network

About the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network

NALHN is one organisation providing a range of hospital, community and home-based services across multiple sites in the northern and north-eastern Adelaide region.

We employ more than 6,500 staff and deliver services to more than 420,000 people in our community.

We provide a range of services: medical, surgical (both elective and emergency), obstetric, neonatal, paediatric, mental health, oncology, geriatric medicine, palliative care and rehabilitation. Increasingly these are provided across a range of hospital, community and home-based settings.

Our Local Health Network Sites and Services

Lyell McEwin Hospital

The major hospital in the north and north-east for emergency care, elective surgery, complex and multi-day surgery, medicine, obstetrics, paediatrics and outpatient services.

Modbury Hospital

A general hospital with emergency care, elective surgery, medicine, outpatient and sub-acute services, rehabilitation, geriatric, palliative care.

South Australian Intellectual Disability Health Services (SAIDHS)

A state-wide, specialised health service. SAIDHS provides medical and mental health care for adults with diagnosed intellectual disability and complex needs. Complex needs may include autism, mental illness, behaviour or communication issues and other complexities which have been difficult to manage in community services, such as GP and community mental health services.

Northern Mental Health Services

Across community and hospital settings, including adult and older persons’ mental health services, rehabilitation mental health services and statewide forensic mental health services.

Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Primary Health Care Service

Providing high-quality, culturally responsible primary health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Watto Purrunna is a Kaurna name meaning “the branch of life”. Watto Purrunna service runs across four sites including Muna Paiendi (Elizabeth), Kanggawodli (Dudley Park), Maringga Turtpandi (Ingle Farm) and Wonggangga Turtpandi (Port Adelaide).

Primary health, sub-acute and transitional care services

Including the GP Plus Health Care Centre Elizabeth, the Modbury GP Plus Super Clinic, and the satellite Gilles Plains GP Plus Super Clinic.

Our staff profile

NALHN has over 6500 staff with 0.6% self-identified as living with a disability and 0.35% self-identified as an employee with caring responsibilities.

The diversity of our community is represented in the diversity of our staff, with 27.9% having languages other than English spoken at home, 1% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and 0.02% identifying their gender as other.

Definitions

Disability

The SA Disability Inclusion Act 2018 defines disability “in relation to a person as including long term physical, psycho-social, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory impairment or a combination of these impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder the person’s full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”.

Consumers

Consumers are recognised as users or potential users of health services and may be referred to as patients, clients and, by association, families, carers and other members of the user’s support network. NALHN consciously uses the term consumers.

Consumer engagement

Consumer engagement refers to health consumers, their family and carers, actively participating in:

  • their own individual care
  • healthcare planning and decision making
  • evaluating policy governance and safety and quality processes
  • healthcare monitoring and evaluation

Community

Community refers to any group of people or organisations that represents or brings a collective voice of health consumers or specific health communities.

Community engagement

Community engagement refers to the processes and connections between government, communities and consumers in the development and implementation of policies, programs, services and projects. It ranges from information sharing to community consultations and active participation in NALHN’s decision making.

In 2025 NALHN actively sought feedback and involvement of consumers and community (including people who identified as having a disability) to contribute through focus groups to the development of the NALHN Consumer and Community Engagement Strategy 2026-2031.

The strategy was released in October 2025 and provided the framework for how NALHN will engage and involve all consumers in the development and evaluation of health services to improve health outcomes for consumers.

Our vision

NALHN is committed to our community having the best possible health and wellbeing through their life.

Our purpose

To deliver exceptional health and wellbeing services that enhance the quality of life for our community. We are dedicated to ensuring the rights of people living with a disability are upheld.

Our values

Values are at the heart of our organisation and inform our culture and how we work. In NALHN we believe everyone has a story, everyone matters, everyone contributes, and everyone grows.

NALHN Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan 2025-2028

The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan sits alongside, and is closely connected to NALHN's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Plan. The scope of the DEIB Plan is NALHN’s workforce and it is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture for staff. The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan takes a broader view, addressing the needs of both our workforce and the consumers and communities we serve.

Together, these two plans form a cohesive framework for inclusion at NALHN. The DEIB Plan lays the cultural and organisational foundation, while the Plan builds on that foundation by ensuring our services, environments, and systems are accessible to all.

Strategic context

NALHN’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2025–2029 is governed by International, National and State legislation, strategies and plans.

  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031
  • National Autism Strategy 2025-2031
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1992
  • SA Disability Inclusion Act 2018
  • SA Equal Opportunity Act 1984
  • State Disability Inclusion Plan 2025-2029
  • SA Autism Strategy 2025-2029

Relationship to other policies, strategies, frameworks

NALHN’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2025–2029 also aligns with the National Safety & Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS), and a range of internal documents including:

  • NALHN Strategic Plan 2026-2030
  • NALHN Consumer & Community Engagement Strategy 2026-2031
  • NALHN Child Safe Strategy 2025-2030
  • NALHN Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Plan 2025–2028

Development of disability access & inclusion plan

Consultation

Our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan’s actions have been informed by staff and consumers living with a disability and their carers. This engagement process supports the State Plan’s aim where no one is left behind, ensuring that our identified actions target the areas where change is needed most.

We acknowledge the diversity of our consumers experiences and that access and inclusion can sometimes be challenged / impacted by the physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers.

In undertaking our consultation, we developed a series of questions in line with the State Plan’s priorities and outcomes and translated these into Easy Read. Working with specific organisations (SA Intellectual Disability Health Service, State-Wide Gender Clinic, African Women’s Federation of South Australia and Aboriginal Health Services), consumers with lived experience of disability and their carers were invited to participate in one-on-one interviews, workshops and Microsoft Teams meetings.

We engaged with the following priority groups:

  • Aboriginal community members
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
  • Intellectual disability
  • LGBTQIA+
  • Young people aged between 12 and 25
  • Carers
  • Women

Achievements

Below are key achievements from NALHN’s previous DAIP which demonstrate our commitment to disability access and inclusion.

  • New Crisis Stabilisation Unit was designed using universal design principles, as a result it has a lot of features that increase accessibility, including addressing lived experience needs including communication, physical, sensory and accessibility requirements.
  • People with lived experience of disability are members of NALHN decision making meetings including governance, safety & quality, standards, steering committees and working groups.
  • Discharge Coordinator's processes ensure that complex discharge consider current and future needs and assist in bringing together services to ensure safe progression of care: including NDIS needs, consumer housing, family supports, and other needs as identified.

Implementing and reporting

NALHN’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2025–2029 will be implemented by the divisions / directorates allocated responsibility in the action table. NALHN will create a Disability Access & Inclusion and Diversity Equity, Inclusion & Belonging governance committee who will report progress and barriers to NALHN’s Organisational Governance Committee. Workforce actions will be reported to the People and Culture Directorate. NALHN will report its progress through the annual reporting process.

NALHN’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan will be accessible on our websites with an Easy Read version available.

Disability access and inclusion plan action table

Domain 1: Inclusive environments and communities

Priority Area 1: Active participation

Outcome: People with disability are active participants in accessible and inclusive communities.

State Plan Measure:

  • 1.1.1 Proportion of people with disability participating in cultural, recreational and sporting activities.
  • 1.1.2 Total number of inclusive and accessible events, both internal and external with 50+ people following best practice event management principles.
No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
1.1.1 NALHN considers the needs of people living with a disability to support easy access to participate when planning events, such as award nights, community consultations and annual public meetings to enable people living with disability easy access to participate. Attendance at NALHN events including open days, annual public meetings, staff award nights, consumer community workshops. Ongoing Manager Communications and Engagement

Data Source: Community & Engagement Reports
1.1.2 NALHN considers the needs of people living with a disability to support easy access to participate when planning events, such as award nights, community consultations and annual public meetings to enable people living with disability easy access to participate. Number of events hosted by NALHN that are physically accessible, presented with Auslan interpreters and/or offer low stimulation areas. Ongoing Manager Communications and Engagement

Data Source: Community & Engagement Reports

Priority Area 2: Inclusive communities and attitudes

Outcome: People with disability are respected and included in their communities, where inclusive attitudes and behaviours are widely demonstrated.

State Plan Measure: 1.2.1 Total number of initiatives undertaken to promote disability inclusion and improve community attitudes towards people with disability in the community.

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
1.2.1 Disability inclusion training for managers focussing on NALHN’s diverse communities lived experiences, (Aboriginal, LGBTQIA+, CALD). Number of Managers completed training. 2029 Executive Director People & Culture

Data Source: iLearn
1.2.2 Promote Aboriginal Health model through Aboriginal Reconciliation Champions Program & NALHN’s Cultural Engagement Protocol. Number of Reconciliation Champions. Ongoing Executive Director Aboriginal Health
Divisional Directors

Data Source: Aboriginal Governance Reports

Priority Area 3: Universal Design

Outcome: Everyone in South Australia can access and enjoy inclusive and accessible natural and built environments.

State Plan Measure: 1.3.2 Total number of public-facing Government buildings, spaces, play spaces and infrastructure that are created or modified to improve accessibility.

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
1.3.1 NALHN Aboriginal sites promote connection to natural spaces. Number of specific outside “yarning” spaces at Aboriginal Health sites. Ongoing
Executive Director Aboriginal Health

Data Source: Aboriginal Governance Reports
1.3.2 All new builds are in line with:
Disability (Access to Premises–Buildings) Standard 2010 (Amendment 2024 Measures No1),
National Construction Code,
relevant Australian Standards including AS 1428 Design for Access and Mobility series. 		Total number of public-facing NALHN buildings, spaces, play spaces and infrastructure that are created or modified to improve accessibility. Ongoing Executive Director Corporate Services

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports
1.3.3 Disability parking spaces meet the demands of people living with a disability. All NALHN sites have disability parking.

Number of issues about access to disability parking referred to Corporate Services. 		Ongoing Executive Director Corporate Services
Consumer Engagement Service

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports

Priority Area 5: Communications and information

Outcome: People with disability can find the information they need in the format(s) they need it in.

State Plan Measure:

  • 1.5.1 Total number of resources or materials that have been developed in accessible formats
  • 1.5.2 Total number of Auslan, assistive listening devices, and augmentative and alternative communication services provided to meet support needs, including emergency presentations
No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
1.5.1 Develop consumer information sheets as website pages to enable accessibility function. Number of consumer information sheets as pages on NALHN Websites. 2029 Manager Communications and Engagement
Consumer & Community Advisor

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports
1.5.2 Translate consumer information sheets into Easy Read. Train two Health Literacy Working Group members in Easy Read.

Number of consumer information sheets translated into Easy Read. 		Ongoing Consumer & Community Advisor

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports
1.5.3 Assistive listening devices provided to meet support needs of people living with disability. Audit of number of assistive listening devices at NALHN. 2029 Director Clinical Governance Services

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports

Priority Area 7: Collaboration, Consultation and Innovation

Outcome

People with disability are actively involved in government decisions that affect their lives.

State Plan Measures

  • 1.7.1 Total number of public consultations that included and sought input from people with disability, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
  • 1.7.2 Total number of people with disability, including parents and carers, serving on committees and working groups
No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
1.7.1 Roll out Person Centred Practice Program across interprofessional teams. Development of Person-Centred Practice Program measurement tool. 2026-2029 Executive Leadership Team

Data Source: Person Centred Practice Advisory Group Reports
1.7.2 Promote Consumer Community to consumers living with a disability / and carer. Number of Consumer Representatives with lived experience of disability or their carers on NALHN meetings. Ongoing Consumer & Community Advisor

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports

Domain 2: Education and employment

Priority Area 2: Supports and resources for children and young people

Outcome: Children with disability feel valued, welcomed and have access to inclusive education, starting in the early years.

State Plan Measure: 2.2.1 Total number of children with a disability accessing early intervention services, including children in out-of-home care.

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
2.2.1 Embed NALHN’s Child Safe Strategy 2025–2030 into business as usual - a comprehensive approach for safeguarding children and young people. Number of staff trained in line with Child Safe Strategy and other legislation.

Number of activities performed in line with the Child Safe Strategy. 		2026-2029 Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Data Source: Annual Reporting to Organisational Governance
2.2.2 Early Childhood Development Service available to children aged 0 to 8 years for children with delays in development across acute and community settings. Teams assist with accessing and referral to services such as KUDOS and NDIS for ongoing specialised disability therapy and support. Number of consumers referred to KUDOS services. 2026-2027 Executive Director Allied Health

Data Source: Sunrise Data Extract activity code
NDIS code 18030000

Priority Area 3: Targeted transitional supports

Outcome

People with disability have supportive environments to learn, grow and transition throughout their life.

State Plan Measure

  • 2.3.5 Total number of initiatives taken to encourage people with a disability to volunteer
No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
2.3.1 Disability inclusion training for managers, to enable them to better understand the benefits that employees with a disability can bring to NALHN and the broader community. The number of managers who undertook Disability Inclusion Training:
• online
• in-person. 		2027-2029 Executive Director People and Culture

Data Source: iLearn Data, other training records.
2.3.2 Investigate traineeship opportunities for people with a disability to transition into the NALHN workforce. Develop traineeship program

The number of trainees that identify with a disability. 		2027-2029 Executive Director People and Culture

Data Source: iLearn Data, other training records.
2.3.3 Promote membership opportunities for those with lived experience of disability to join the NALHN Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Advisory Group. The DEIB Advisory Group is promoted regularly.
Number of staff with a disability who join / participate. 		Ongoing Executive Director People and Culture

Data Source: iLearn Data, other training records.

Priority Area 4: Access to employment opportunities

Outcome

People with disability have opportunities to achieve, develop and succeed in their chosen fields.

State Plan Measure

  • 2.4.3 Total number of organisational changes adopted to improve inclusive recruitment for people with a disability. For example, tailoring roles to fit individuals and employer incentives
No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
2.4.1 Review recruitment practices, procedures and documentation to improve accessibility and attraction of applicants with a disability. Number of procedures / documents reviewed.
Number of recommendations implemented. 		2027-2029 Executive Director People and Culture

Data source: iLearn Data, other training records.
2.4.2 Develop partnerships with disability employment service providers to assist in attracting and retaining employees with a disability. Partnerships are in place and roles can be advertised more broadly. 2027-2029 Executive Director People and Culture

Data source: iLearn Data, other training records.
2.4.3 Implement Page Up Offer Module to fully consider inclusion for applicants with a disability when implementing recruitment processes/systems. Page Up Offer Module is implemented.

Number of appropriate considerations / adjustments made for applicants with a disability. 		2026-2027 Executive Director People and Culture

Data source: iLearn Data, other training records.
2.4.4 Implement Page Up Onboarding Module to fully consider inclusion for new employees with a disability when implementing onboarding processes. Onboarding Module is implemented.

Number of appropriate considerations / adjustments made for applicants with a disability. 		2027-2028 Executive Director People and Culture

Data source: iLearn Data, other training records.

Priority Area 5: Inclusive working environments

Outcome: People with disability have access to supportive places to earn.

State Plan Measure: 2.5.1 Total number of workplace practices implemented to support peoples with disability to have equal opportunities for growth and success, including support to remain in employment, flexible work arrangements, workplace adjustments and mentoring programs.

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
2.5.1 Develop and promote diversity and inclusion initiatives across NALHN in line with NALHN’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Plan. The number of initiatives implemented that positively impact employees with a disability and / or diverse backgrounds. Ongoing
2026-2029 		Executive Director People and Culture

Data source: iLearn Data, other training records.
2.5.2 Update Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) intranet pages to include information and resources for staff with a disability. Intranet pages updated and accessible by all NALHN staff. Ongoing
2026–2029 		Executive Director People and Culture

Data source: iLearn Data, other training records.

Domain 3: Personal and community support

Priority Area 1: Accessibility

Outcome: People with disability can easily access community supports and services.

State Plan Measure: 3.1.1 Total number of initiatives and improvements made to connect people with a disability to community supports and services wherever they present.

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
3.1.1 Aged Care Rehabilitation & Palliative Care (ACRPC) trial a NDIS specialised OT role to further support consumers with disability admitted to ACRPC assisting with home visits, home modifications recommendations and equipment. Number of consumers seen by NDIS specialist OT role. 2026-2027 Divisional Directors Aged Care Rehabilitation & Palliative Care

Data Source: Monthly NDIS reporting / EMR under NDIS Code 180330000
3.1.2 Trials are underway in the Emergency Department and NALHN Women & Children’s Division using online interpreter services via an iPad to ensure people with disability from Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities can access services. Promotion of the iPad to access interpreter services. 2026-2027 Divisional Directors Critical Care

Divisional Directors Women & Children’s

Data Source: Critical Care Governance Reports
Women & Children’s Governance Reports
3.1.3 Promote specific supports and services for LGBTQIA+ people living with a disability on NALHN websites. LGBTQIA+ page on NALHN website. 2029 Head of Obstetric Medicine NALHN Gender Clinic

Manager Communications and Engagement

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports
3.1.4 Allied Health Division provide a specialist NDIS Disability Services Team to support consumers with disability admitted to NALHN acute services (emergency departments and general medicine) assisting with access to required services, review of current care needs, services and equipment and tailoring individual discharge plans. Number of consumers seen by NDIS Disability Services Team. 2026-2027 Executive Director Allied Health

Data Source: Monthly NDIS reporting / EMR under NDIS Code 180330000

Priority Area 3: Information sharing

Outcome: People with disability receive more coordinated and effective support when services work together and share information.

State Plan Measure: 3.3.1 Total number of inter-agency meetings and initiatives to support the implementation of the State Plan and DAIP

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
3.3.1 Establish relationships with disability services to enable coordination to improve consumer outcomes and seamless care pathways. Number of staff accessing the ACRPC NDIS Senior Coordinator and ACRPC NDIS Hospital Liaison Officer to develop support care planning.

Number of care support plans.
Number of recorded engagements with appropriate disability services.
Number of consumers linked to Individual Placement Support services with Community Bridging Services. 		Ongoing Divisional Directors Aged Care Rehabilitation & Palliative Care

Divisional Director Allied Health (Mental Health) and Community Mental Health

Data Source: ACRPC Governance Reports

Data Source: Monthly NDIS reporting / EMR under NDIS Code 180330000

Data Source: Individual Placement Support Steering Committee Reports
3.3.2 NALHN Connecting Communities Workshop promotes two-way communication, connection and increases knowledge of services in the north. Number of services attending.

Diversity of services attending. 		Ongoing Consumer & Community Advisor

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports

Priority Area 4: Family and carer support

Outcome: Carers and families, including siblings of people with disability are provided with dedicated supports and services.

State Plan Measure: 3.4.1 Promotion of carers of people with disability who report no unmet needs for respite care

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
3.4.1 Promote Carer Gateway. Number of staff attending Carer Gateway training.

Number of referrals Carer Gateway receive from NALHN. 		2027-2028 Manager Communications and Engagement

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports
3.4.2 Grand Round presented by carers highlighting their experiences and needs. Grand Round presentation.

Number of staff attending Grand Round. 		2027-2028 Consumer & Community Advisor

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports
3.4.3 Develop bi-monthly carer meetings to provide lived experience support and connection opportunities. Number of carer support group meetings.
Number of attendees. 		2027-2029 Consumer & Community Advisor

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports

Priority Area 5: Programs

Outcome: Government-funded programs and services include disability-specific provisions to enable full and equal participation.

State Plan Measure: 3.5.1 Total number of grants and funding amount distributed to enhance disability inclusion

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
3.5.1 Training staff on NDIS scheme, to understand how to use the scheme, how to assist people with disability, and the range of government funded programs available. Number of staff attending training. 2027–2029 Divisional Directors Aged Care Rehabilitation & Palliative Care

Data Source: ACRPC Governance Reports
3.5.2 Investigate NALHN joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project. Review Sunflower Project resources and tools. 2029 Executive Director People and Culture

Data Source: People and Culture Governance Reports

Domain 4: Health and wellbeing

Priority Area 1: Inclusive infrastructure

Outcome: People with disability have full access to, and inclusion within health infrastructure.

State Plan Measure: 4.1.1 Total number of healthcare settings audited and the proportion that are compliant

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
4.1.1 Modify footpath access to ensure wheelchair accessibility around and within NALHN hospitals and sites. Audit of pathways surrounding NALHN sites and the proportion that is compliant.

Liaise with local Council to implement modifications. 		2029 Executive Director Corporate Services

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports
4.1.2 People with disability have full access to and inclusion within health infrastructure at NALHN (including within wards). Audit of NALHN sites and the proportion that is compliant.

Number of modifications made. 		2029 Executive Director Corporate Services

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports
4.1.3 Three yearly Wayfinding Audit in conjunction with people with lived experience of disability. Audits completed every three years.

Number of initiatives implemented to improve wayfinding. 		Ongoing Executive Director Corporate Services

Consumer & Community Advisor

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports
4.1.4 Increase number of mobility devices available to use within NALHN. Audit of existing number of mobility devices available for use.
Increase in the number of mobility devices available for use. 		2029 Executive Director Corporate Services

Consumer & Community Advisor

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports
4.1.5 Consumers with lived experience of disability included in design consultation and key stakeholder working groups of new builds to consider accessibility and functionality. Number of key stakeholders working groups for new builds that have consumers with lived experience of disability as members. Ongoing Executive Director Corporate Services

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports

Priority Area 2: Targeted knowledge, understanding and support

Outcome: People with disability can access healthcare that is inclusive and responsive to the intersectionality and diversity of disability, recognising the important role of carers.

State Plan Measure: 4.2.1 Proportion of healthcare workers equipped with the knowledge skills and trauma informed principles of confidently support people with diversity of disability within the healthcare setting

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
4.2.1 Dedicated space for children in emergency department for NALHN workforce to support young people with specific disability needs. Number of young people accessing dedicated space. 2027 Divisional Directors Critical Care

Data Source: Critical Care Governance Reports
4.2.2 Provide staff with “What is Trauma?” (SA Health) training. Number of staff completed “What is Trauma?” Training. 2026-2029 People and Culture Directorate

Data Source: iLearn Data, other training records.

Priority Area 3: Supports and interventions

Outcome: People with disability receive coordinated health supports that meet their needs, with stronger connections between mental health and disability services.

State Plan Measure: 4.3.1 Total number of pathways in place for people with a disability that provide an option of tailored coordination and navigation to meet their needs.

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
4.3.1 Develop relationships with key mental health service providers when consultation is required about mental health services for people living with a disability. Number of complex care plans developed. Ongoing Divisional Directors

Data Source: EMR – Care Plans
4.3.2 Develop clinically appropriate information sharing agreements between mental health and disability service providers. Number of agreements established. 2027-2029 Divisional Director Allied Health (Mental Health) & Community Mental Health

Data Source: Allied Health (Mental Health) & Community Mental Health Governance Reports

Domain 5: Safety, rights and justice

Priority Area 2: Responding to emergencies

Outcome: People with disability are kept safe during emergencies, with their needs planned for and prioritised.

State Plan Measure: 5.2.1 Total number of emergency response resources and systems developed for people with a disability.

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
5.2.1 Promote emergency procedures to all staff to ensure awareness of response plan for people with a disability and how to transfer patients across fire zones. Number of promotion activities. 2027-2028 Disaster Resilience Unit Manager

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports
5.2.2 Develop consumer information sheet regarding the processes for ensuring the safety of people living with a disability during an emergency at NALHN sites. Consumer Information Sheet developed and promoted. 2027 Disaster Resilience Unit Manager

Data Source: Corporate Services Governance Reports

Priority Area 5: Safeguarding

Outcome: People with disability can access effective, inclusive and responsive safeguarding supports and services.

State Plan Measure: 5.5.3 Total number and type of authorised restrictive practices

No. NALHN Action NALHN Measure Timeframe Responsibility and data source
5.5.1 Implement NALHN’s Child Safe Strategy 2025–2030 - a comprehensive approach for safeguarding children and young people, and applies to all staff, volunteers, consumer representatives, and contractors that engage with children under the age of 18. It encompasses all aspects of care, including patient interactions, treatment protocols, data protection, and safeguarding children from any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Number of staff trained in understanding their responsibilities in keeping children safe.

Number of activities performed in line with Child Safe Strategy. 		2026-2029 Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Data Source: Annual Reporting to Organisational Governance
5.5.2 Combine governance of Disability Access & Inclusion and Diversity Equity, Inclusion & Belonging. Development of combined Governance. 2027 Executive Director Corporate Governance and Communications

Executive Director People & Culture

Data Source: Partnering with Consumers Standard 2 Reports & Disability Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Reports