The Department of Finance has released a Property Accessibility Assessment Tool (PAAT) to help entities identify and address property barriers in the workplace and support inclusivity for all.
Traditionally, accessibility standards have focused on physical disabilities. The PAAT also addresses the sensory and cognitive needs of neurodivergent staff.
Developed in collaboration with Autism Queensland’s Community Inclusion team, PAAT supports universal design principles and goes beyond compliance to promote true inclusion.
The tool aims to:
- cover a range of dignified access considerations
- increase awareness of potential barriers affecting employees and visitors
- create workplaces where neurodivergent employees can feel safe, valued and access spaces easily.
Other resources include fact sheets to improve knowledge on property accessibility and inclusion, guidance to understand benchmark requirements and inclusive design considerations, and a How to create a Building Accessibility Guide to inform visitors and staff how to get to and from, move within your premises, and highlight the accessibility features available.
Finance developed these resources to address accessibility barriers and support a more inclusive and accessible workplace across the APS - fulfilling our commitment in response to our Final Report on Action 10 of the Australian Public Service Disability Employment Strategy 2020-2025.
Find out more about how to improve workplace inclusivity.
