A hard of hearing student taking part in a movement and making workshop

Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023–25

This document will act as the National Portrait Gallery’s roadmap over the next three years, as we continue to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of our organisation and the exhibitions, programs, events and facilities we provide for our community and staff. It covers onsite, online and outreach work. This document is also available in PDF and Microsoft Word format. Hard copy formats in both large and standard print and other alternative formats are also available on request. This DIAP is also registered with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).

We value community feedback on our progress in meeting the goals and actions outlined in our DIAP. We encourage individuals and organisations to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences with us to ensure our continued improvement.

For enquiries, feedback and services, please contact:
Email: info@npg.gov.au
Telephone: +61 2 6102 7000

If you are d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, please contact us via the National Relay Service: 1800 555 660.

Language

We recognise that there are varying views on language and terminology around disability in Australia and internationally.

Message from the director

It is our pleasure to launch the National Portrait Gallery’s second Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).

Definitions

Access is about creating the necessary conditions for all individuals and organisations to use services, facilities, programs and employment opportunities.

National Portrait Gallery staff creating a rainbow for WorldPride 2023

Who we are and what we do

The National Portrait Gallery is an award-winning building situated within Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, the symbolic centre of Australia’s capital city on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land.

Disability in Australia

The Gallery subscribes to the social model of disability that distinctively signals the difference between a person’s individual condition or impairment, and the barriers they experience which are created by the environment and society around them.

Where we fit: social policy context

There are a wide range of legislative requirements and strategies which have influenced the development of this DIAP.

Our Disability Action Plan

We need to ensure that our attitudes are inclusive, our environments accessible, our workforces diverse and our processes user friendly so that everyone can benefit.

National Portrait Gallery and Access2Arts staff presenting on audio description at the Australian Museums and Galleries Association National Conference

Our achievements to date

During the period 2018–20, the Gallery implemented our first Access Action Plan.

Methodology and consultation

To develop this DIAP, we collaborated with arts and disability peak body Accessible Arts who have led and informed our work.

Key Outcome Area 1

Attitudes and behaviours

The attitudes and behaviours of the general community towards people with disability have been described as the single greatest barrier to full access and inclusion.

Key Outcome Area 2

Accessible and liveable communities

Creating liveable communities for people with disability is more than modifying the physical environment.

Key Outcome Area 3

Employment

Employment rates for people with disability are significantly lower than for people without disability.

Key Outcome Area 4

Systems and processes

A common barrier for people with disability is the difficulty navigating systems and processes to access the services, venues and support they need in the community.

Governance, monitoring and review

To steer and guide the development of this DIAP, we established an internal DIAP Working Group, consisting of representatives from across the organisation.