❓ A Western Australian parliamentary question seeks information on assistance and funding for individuals with dyslexia within the Planning and Infrastructure portfolio. The responses reveal a lack of specific policies and funding, but some departments offer assistance on a case-by-case basis.
AnsweredQoN 2623Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(2) What assistance is available within the Minister's portfolio for people who have left school with low literacy skills due to dyslexia?
(3) What amount of funding is provided within the Minister's portfolio for policies, programs and research to assist people with dyslexia; and
(4) Who is responsible for these policies, programs and research?
(3) What amount of funding is provided within the Minister's portfolio for policies, programs and research to assist people with dyslexia; and
(4) Who is responsible for these policies, programs and research?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
27 September 2007
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
30 days
Albany Port Authority, Broome Port Authority, Esperance Port Authority, Armadale Redevelopment Authority, Landcorp, Midland Redevelopment Authority
(1) Nil
(2) Not applicable
(3) Not applicable
(4) Not applicable
Bunbury Port Authority
(1)Bunbury Port Authority has no policy.
(2) Bunbury Port Authority currently provides no assistance in this area.
(3) Bunbury Port Authority do not provide funding for thises areas.
(4) Not applicable.
Dampier Port Authority
(1) - (4) The Dampier Port Authority has no Policies and procedures in place. It should be noted that the DPA has limited involvement with the general public. However since the inception of the MSIC (Maritime Security Identification Card) process, where an applicant has displayed low literacy levels DPA employees have assisted applications in fully understanding their requirements and obligations, as well as ensuring the forms are completed to the required standard.
Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI):
(1)&(2) Whilst the Department for Planning and Infrastructure does not have any specific policies relating to literacy assistance, DPI has in place a corporate written style guide (consistent with the Government of Western Australia Style Guide) which prescribes that DPI will ensure that information about Planning and Infrastructure's functions and services is written in clear and concise language and is available in all formats upon request, with alternative formats including large print, audio cassette, Braille and computer disk; and advertise the availability of information in alternative formats via the local media and through departmental publications.
However, for Licensing and Marine Safety areas in relation to application for Driver Licence and Recreational Boaters, the following is a listing of the procedures relating to literacy assistance:
- Staff assistance with the completion of relevant documentation,
- Applicants may undergo oral theory test on the road rules,
- During practical driving assessment, driving assessors may draw diagrams, give hand signals and verbal instructions to assist the applicant,
- Interpreters may be used to explain the instructions for completing the Hazard Perception Test,
- An audio version of the Drive Safe publication containing the essential road rules and other information is available for download on the DPI's public website for use on computers and mp3 players,
- A person's usual signature is acceptable (even in the form of an 'X') if they can show proof of identity.
- Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST) providers offer oral theory tests,
- RST providers will allow an interpreter to be with the client during a practical test;
- A DVD is available to assist people applying for an RST.
(3)
Nil
(4) Neville Binning, General Manager Licensing (for Drivers Licensing)
David Harrod, General Manager Marine Safety (for recreational boating matters)
Peter Flynn, Manager Communications (for written style guide).
Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC):
(1) Western Australian Planning Commission functions and operations are supplied and administered by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Relevant DPI policies and procedures will apply.
(2) Assistance for people with disabilities is provided on a case by case basis to satisfy the intent of the Planning and Development Act 2005. Specifically, people needing assistance have been assisted in making submissions to hearings committees.
(3) Nil
(4) Moshe Gilovitz, Secretary, Western Australian Planning Commission
East Perth Redevelopment Authority / Subiaco Redevelopment Authority
(1)EPRA / SRA has a performance appraisal procedure whereby all staff meet on a six monthly basis with their line manager to determine individual development needs. Should a staff member be unable to read or write at the required level this procedure would be used to define expectation and then facilitate the required training / retraining or development.
(2)No specific assistance apart from workplace modifications where required.
(3)No specific amount, however should a strong candidate require equipment to enlarge a computer screen due to dyslexia, EPRA would fund and facilitate this.
(4)Business Services.
Eastern Goldfields Transport Board
(1) The Eastern Goldfields Transport Board has no specific policies and procedures in place for issue.
(2) The Eastern Goldfields Transport Board through customer service practises will always assist people with this disablity either face to face or over the phone to determine the best outcome for their service requirements. This can either be for timetable information or route service information.
(3) There is no specific funding for these issues.
(4) N/A
Fremantle Port Authority
(1) Fremantle Ports does not have specific policies in relation literacy skills. Generally Fremantle Ports recruitment criterion requires satisfactory communication skills as part of entry level standard. However some long term trade based employees from ethnic backgrounds were identified in 1993 as having very low literacy and numeracy skills and Fremantle Ports arranged a 12 month program to achieve satisfactory level.
(2) Fremantle Ports is not aware of any employee having dyslexia.
(3) Fremantle Ports would provide assistance to employee (s) with dyslexia to participate in dyslexic training
(4) N/A
Geraldton Port Authority
(1) Geraldton Port Authority has an EEO & Discrimination Policy which sets out conditions under which positions are filled including by people with physical or mental handicap. GPA also operates under the guidance of a Code of Ethics and Conduct under which staff are required in particular to respect other staff members and commits the organisation to development of skills in accordance with responsibilities.
(2) N/A
(3) N/A
(4) N/A
MRWA
(1) Although Main Roads does not have a policy or procedure in place relating to customers with a specific disability or learning impairment, Main Roads ensures the State Government Access Guidelines for Information Services and Facilities are followed when providing information to the public. All Main Roads information is available in alternative formats (i.e. large print, Braille, cassette, CD) on request.
The following are also in place at Main Roads;
Disability Services Act (1993, amended in 2004)
Main Roads' Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2007 - 2011
Main Roads' Disability Access Policy
Main Roads' Diversity Plan - Road to Diversity
(2) The Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch operate a customer focused Help Desk which frequently assists customers with low levels of literacy to complete application forms and help them comprehend legislation and heavy vehicle policies.
The Main Roads' Diversity Plan - Road to Diversity identifies a number of objectives by creating a diverse workforce that reflects the many different backgrounds, skills, talents and perspectives of our people and the community. This is with a view to improved customer service, better business management and attracting and retaining the best people (employment).
(3) As outlined in (1) above, Main Roads' programs and policies are not targeted for a single specific disability or learning impairment, such as dyslexia, but are aimed at making access to its services as easy as possible for all customers.
(4) Main Roads' Road User & Customer Service Branch (Road Network Services Directorate), and the Organisational Development Directorate
Port Hedland Port Authority
(1)Port Hedland Port Authority has no policy or procedure to specifically address literacy.
(2)PHPA provides on the job training to people of skill levels but not to specifically address dyslexia.
(3)No specific funding is provided for people with dyslexia.
(4)N/A
Public Transport Authority
(1) Employees whose literacy skills are assessed as not at the level required for them to competently undertake their role are provided with training and support to reach the required level.
To assist adults unable to read and write at the level required to independently access the Public Transport System, the PTA:
- employs a large number of Customer Service Assistants at train stations.
- Instructs bus and ferry drivers to provide assistance as required to all passengers on bus and ferry services.
- Operates manned passenger information offices at the Wellington Street Bus station, the Busport and at the Perth Railway Station.
- Use international symbols were appropriate.
- Provides audio announcements on trains, at train stations and on the Central Area Transit (CAT) buses in relation to next stop and stopping patterns. Train stations are also directly connected to the Central Monitoring Room for verbal assistance.
- Endeavours to communicate directly with people affected when service are altered; and
- Provides a telephone information service via Transperth's Call Centre for people seeking information regarding the bus, train and ferry networks. This is a personalised service, and operators are prepared to spend as much time as necessary to ensure a passenger understands their journey options; and therefore anyone who has difficulty reading timetables is well served.
Furthermore, the PTA must comply with the Disability Standards for accessible Public Transport which, while ensuring that people with a visual impairment can use the system.
After regular use of the system most passenger with poor reading and writing skills are generally able to operate independently.
(2) Dyslexic employees whose literacy skills are assessed as not at the level required for them to competently undertake their role are required level.
(3) Specific funding is not set aside, however the resources would be made available as required.
(4) The People and Organisational development Division of the PTA has overall reponsiblty, in conjunction with Area Managers, for the training and development of employees within the PTA, while the Chief Executive Officer, General Managers and Executive Director Safety and Strategic Development are responsible for policies and programs related to accessibility of the public transport system for all passengers
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(1) Nil
(2) Not applicable
(3) Not applicable
(4) Not applicable
Bunbury Port Authority
(1)Bunbury Port Authority has no policy.
(2) Bunbury Port Authority currently provides no assistance in this area.
(3) Bunbury Port Authority do not provide funding for thises areas.
(4) Not applicable.
Dampier Port Authority
(1) - (4) The Dampier Port Authority has no Policies and procedures in place. It should be noted that the DPA has limited involvement with the general public. However since the inception of the MSIC (Maritime Security Identification Card) process, where an applicant has displayed low literacy levels DPA employees have assisted applications in fully understanding their requirements and obligations, as well as ensuring the forms are completed to the required standard.
Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI):
(1)&(2) Whilst the Department for Planning and Infrastructure does not have any specific policies relating to literacy assistance, DPI has in place a corporate written style guide (consistent with the Government of Western Australia Style Guide) which prescribes that DPI will ensure that information about Planning and Infrastructure's functions and services is written in clear and concise language and is available in all formats upon request, with alternative formats including large print, audio cassette, Braille and computer disk; and advertise the availability of information in alternative formats via the local media and through departmental publications.
However, for Licensing and Marine Safety areas in relation to application for Driver Licence and Recreational Boaters, the following is a listing of the procedures relating to literacy assistance:
- Staff assistance with the completion of relevant documentation,
- Applicants may undergo oral theory test on the road rules,
- During practical driving assessment, driving assessors may draw diagrams, give hand signals and verbal instructions to assist the applicant,
- Interpreters may be used to explain the instructions for completing the Hazard Perception Test,
- An audio version of the Drive Safe publication containing the essential road rules and other information is available for download on the DPI's public website for use on computers and mp3 players,
- A person's usual signature is acceptable (even in the form of an 'X') if they can show proof of identity.
- Recreational Skippers Ticket (RST) providers offer oral theory tests,
- RST providers will allow an interpreter to be with the client during a practical test;
- A DVD is available to assist people applying for an RST.
(3)
Nil
(4) Neville Binning, General Manager Licensing (for Drivers Licensing)
David Harrod, General Manager Marine Safety (for recreational boating matters)
Peter Flynn, Manager Communications (for written style guide).
Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC):
(1) Western Australian Planning Commission functions and operations are supplied and administered by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Relevant DPI policies and procedures will apply.
(2) Assistance for people with disabilities is provided on a case by case basis to satisfy the intent of the Planning and Development Act 2005. Specifically, people needing assistance have been assisted in making submissions to hearings committees.
(3) Nil
(4) Moshe Gilovitz, Secretary, Western Australian Planning Commission
East Perth Redevelopment Authority / Subiaco Redevelopment Authority
(1)EPRA / SRA has a performance appraisal procedure whereby all staff meet on a six monthly basis with their line manager to determine individual development needs. Should a staff member be unable to read or write at the required level this procedure would be used to define expectation and then facilitate the required training / retraining or development.
(2)No specific assistance apart from workplace modifications where required.
(3)No specific amount, however should a strong candidate require equipment to enlarge a computer screen due to dyslexia, EPRA would fund and facilitate this.
(4)Business Services.
Eastern Goldfields Transport Board
(1) The Eastern Goldfields Transport Board has no specific policies and procedures in place for issue.
(2) The Eastern Goldfields Transport Board through customer service practises will always assist people with this disablity either face to face or over the phone to determine the best outcome for their service requirements. This can either be for timetable information or route service information.
(3) There is no specific funding for these issues.
(4) N/A
Fremantle Port Authority
(1) Fremantle Ports does not have specific policies in relation literacy skills. Generally Fremantle Ports recruitment criterion requires satisfactory communication skills as part of entry level standard. However some long term trade based employees from ethnic backgrounds were identified in 1993 as having very low literacy and numeracy skills and Fremantle Ports arranged a 12 month program to achieve satisfactory level.
(2) Fremantle Ports is not aware of any employee having dyslexia.
(3) Fremantle Ports would provide assistance to employee (s) with dyslexia to participate in dyslexic training
(4) N/A
Geraldton Port Authority
(1) Geraldton Port Authority has an EEO & Discrimination Policy which sets out conditions under which positions are filled including by people with physical or mental handicap. GPA also operates under the guidance of a Code of Ethics and Conduct under which staff are required in particular to respect other staff members and commits the organisation to development of skills in accordance with responsibilities.
(2) N/A
(3) N/A
(4) N/A
MRWA
(1) Although Main Roads does not have a policy or procedure in place relating to customers with a specific disability or learning impairment, Main Roads ensures the State Government Access Guidelines for Information Services and Facilities are followed when providing information to the public. All Main Roads information is available in alternative formats (i.e. large print, Braille, cassette, CD) on request.
The following are also in place at Main Roads;
Disability Services Act (1993, amended in 2004)
Main Roads' Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2007 - 2011
Main Roads' Disability Access Policy
Main Roads' Diversity Plan - Road to Diversity
(2) The Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch operate a customer focused Help Desk which frequently assists customers with low levels of literacy to complete application forms and help them comprehend legislation and heavy vehicle policies.
The Main Roads' Diversity Plan - Road to Diversity identifies a number of objectives by creating a diverse workforce that reflects the many different backgrounds, skills, talents and perspectives of our people and the community. This is with a view to improved customer service, better business management and attracting and retaining the best people (employment).
(3) As outlined in (1) above, Main Roads' programs and policies are not targeted for a single specific disability or learning impairment, such as dyslexia, but are aimed at making access to its services as easy as possible for all customers.
(4) Main Roads' Road User & Customer Service Branch (Road Network Services Directorate), and the Organisational Development Directorate
Port Hedland Port Authority
(1)Port Hedland Port Authority has no policy or procedure to specifically address literacy.
(2)PHPA provides on the job training to people of skill levels but not to specifically address dyslexia.
(3)No specific funding is provided for people with dyslexia.
(4)N/A
Public Transport Authority
(1) Employees whose literacy skills are assessed as not at the level required for them to competently undertake their role are provided with training and support to reach the required level.
To assist adults unable to read and write at the level required to independently access the Public Transport System, the PTA:
- employs a large number of Customer Service Assistants at train stations.
- Instructs bus and ferry drivers to provide assistance as required to all passengers on bus and ferry services.
- Operates manned passenger information offices at the Wellington Street Bus station, the Busport and at the Perth Railway Station.
- Use international symbols were appropriate.
- Provides audio announcements on trains, at train stations and on the Central Area Transit (CAT) buses in relation to next stop and stopping patterns. Train stations are also directly connected to the Central Monitoring Room for verbal assistance.
- Endeavours to communicate directly with people affected when service are altered; and
- Provides a telephone information service via Transperth's Call Centre for people seeking information regarding the bus, train and ferry networks. This is a personalised service, and operators are prepared to spend as much time as necessary to ensure a passenger understands their journey options; and therefore anyone who has difficulty reading timetables is well served.
Furthermore, the PTA must comply with the Disability Standards for accessible Public Transport which, while ensuring that people with a visual impairment can use the system.
After regular use of the system most passenger with poor reading and writing skills are generally able to operate independently.
(2) Dyslexic employees whose literacy skills are assessed as not at the level required for them to competently undertake their role are required level.
(3) Specific funding is not set aside, however the resources would be made available as required.
(4) The People and Organisational development Division of the PTA has overall reponsiblty, in conjunction with Area Managers, for the training and development of employees within the PTA, while the Chief Executive Officer, General Managers and Executive Director Safety and Strategic Development are responsible for policies and programs related to accessibility of the public transport system for all passengers
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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