Burnet Institute celebrated the launch of Commitment to Action: Burnet Disability Plan 2024-2027 yesterday as part of our dedication to removing barriers and promoting equal opportunities.
The event allowed staff, students and collaborators to learn about the plan's impact and actions for the next three years.
At Burnet, we embrace the social model of disability, recognising that social and environmental factors, rather than individual impairments, are the primary causes of disability.
Deputy director of gender equity, diversity and inclusion Professor Caroline Homer AO, said the disability action plan (DAP) formalises our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment across our globally dispersed workforce – including in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Myanmar offices.
"This initiative is essential for advancing our efforts to eliminate barriers and ensure that no one is left behind," she said.
"This DAP is our blueprint for the future and aligns with Burnet’s 2030 Strategy.
"It reinforces our commitment to being an aspirational workplace within the sector and ensures we are building a culture based on our key values of respect, equality and diversity."
Beyond promoting a barrier-free workplace culture, our DAP provides a framework to integrate disability awareness into our research, development work, and communication and advocacy efforts.
These include improving the accessibility of our online platforms, capability training and continued collaborations with disability inclusion organisations.
Our DAP ensures we collaborate with those with lived experience of disability and embed inclusion in all aspects of our work.
Research assistant Dr Joey McGregor said the DAP will continue to support her and others, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and assistance to carry out their work.
"The DAP makes vital support systems more visible and coordinated – this includes occupational health and safety assistance, my assistance dog Monty’s seamless inclusion, mentorship from within the organisation, and supportive colleagues," she said.
Burnet Institute is Australia’s first medical research institute to launch a DAP.
Our DAP is now available in a range of accessible formats at burnet.edu.au/DisabilityPlan.