Today marks a significant milestone in South Australia’s journey to being the nation’s leading autism inclusive state with the release of the draft State Autism Strategy 2024-2029.
South Australians are invited to have their say on the draft Strategy, with public consultation opening this morning on YourSAy. People can share their feedback on the draft Strategy over the next four weeks, with consultation open until March 29.
Today’s release of the draft Strategy follows one of the largest public consultation processes held in South Australia on disability-related matters. During 2023, the Autistic and autism communities shared their experiences to support co-designing the draft Strategy, with over 1,200 submissions received throughout the consultation process.
The voices, goals and aspirations of South Australia’s Autistic and autism communities have been the driving force behind the development of the draft Strategy, which will be the state’s first.
The draft Strategy outlines the State Government’s roadmap to addressing the specific barriers experienced by the Autistic and autism communities as highlighted throughout the first consultation process. These barriers have been addressed through seven identified focus areas, including:
- Pathways to diagnosis.
- Positive educational experience.
- Thriving in the workplace.
- Access to supports and services.
- Participation in the community.
- Access to health and mental health services.
- Interactions with the justice system.
Underpinning each of these focus areas is a pledge to build knowledge, understanding and acceptance for South Australia’s Autistic and autism communities and will be guided by the Strategy’s commitments.
South Australia’s draft Autism Strategy 2024-2029 is now available to view at yoursay.sa.gov.au/draftautismstrategy.
Following public consultation, the Strategy will be finalised by the Department of Human Services ahead of a formal launch later this year.
Quotes
Attributable to Nat Cook
This Strategy reflects the voices of South Australia’s diverse Autistic and autism communities and provides the state with a clear path forward to ensure greater access and inclusion for Autistic people of all ages.
By working together, we can ensure that Autistic people and their families can meaningfully participate in the community, with the same rights and freedoms as everyone else in our society and feel empowered and supported to achieve their goals.
I am thrilled to present the draft Strategy for public consultation, and I encourage everyone to have their say.
We envisage a South Australia where all Autistic people can thrive – this strategy is our commitment to achieving this vision.
Attributable to Emily Bourke
We must build knowledge and understanding across all areas of South Australian life – in our educational environments, workforce, health sector and criminal justice system.
As a government, we have already begun to enact nation leading change to improve outcomes for our Autistic and autism communities and significant progress has already been made.
My sincere thanks go to the Autistic and autism communities and the State Autism Strategy Advisory Committee who have provided their valuable insights and lived experience and worked in partnership with the Department of Human Services throughout the development stages of the draft Strategy.
This is another step forward for South Australia. Your feedback is crucial to ensuring the strategy reflects the voices of the community and I strongly encourage everyone to get involved in this consultation process.
