Focus Groups for TAMS and People with Disability in the ACT Community

On average, ACT residents directly interact with the Department of Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) at least five times a day, providing a range of essential services that help make the ACT a great place to live in or visit. TAMS plays a key role in building Canberra’s environment, social, cultural and economic capital through the efficient delivery of a diverse range of services including public transport, libraries, Canberra Connect shopfronts and online services, ranger services, linen and plant nursery services. The department’s range of services and direct relationship with the community of the ACT means that TAMS’ information, services, facilities and opportunities for employment need to be accessible to everyone.

TAMS has an Access Action Plan, which outlines the range of initiatives it has in place to ensure its programs, services and workplaces are accessible to people with a disability. Consistent with the philosophy of continuous improvement that underpins the Access Action Plan, a key strategy is to consult with people who have a disability regarding their access and any barriers to TAMS’ services and workplaces. To implement this strategy, the department facilitated two focus groups with people in the community who identified themselves as having a disability.

The goal of the focus groups was to get feedback on current TAMS services. They included a brief overview on the range of services the department provides.

The focus groups also explored better ways to attract potential employees to departmental workplaces. It is anticipated that the outcomes of the focus groups will contribute to inform the department’s next Access Action Plan and Disability in TAMS—Workplace Action Plan.

The two focus groups were held on Wednesday 7th November 2007.

The results of the report are currently being considered by the TAMS Disability Reference Group. A summary of the main themes emerging from the focus groups will be fed back to the community through the TAMS website.