QUEENSLAND DISABILITY SERVICES STANDARDS
Central to the Disability Sector Quality System are the Queensland Disability Service Standards (QDSS). These standards have a strong service user perspective and detail the rights of people with a disability in relation to the specialist disability services they receive.
The Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs approved an amendment to the QDSS effective from 21 May 2010.
Each standard has a series of indicators against which specialist disability services are assessed as part of the annual audit. These indicators outline the systems or processes that help to achieve the intended outcomes of the standard.
All specialist disability services that are recurrently funded or delivered by Department of Communities (Disability and Community Care Services) must demonstrate how they meet these 10 standards.
The principles for Service Delivery to SOLAS service users are based on the Queensland Disability Service Standards. They are as follows;
1. SERVICE ACCESS
Each person with a disability seeking a service has access to the service on the basis of relative need within available resources.
2. INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
Individual needs and personal goals are met in the least restrictive way possible and within available resources.
3. DECISION-MAKING AND CHOICE
Participation as fully as possible, in, decision-making, choice of activities and events in daily life in relation to the services received.
4. PRIVACY, DIGNITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Recognition of the right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality in all aspects of life.
5. PARTICIPATION AND INTEGRATION
Support and encouragement to participate and be included in the life of the Community.
6. VALUED STATUS
Providing opportunities to develop skills to participate in and achieve valued roles within the Community.
7. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES
A proactive approach to complaints and disputes management that safeguards service users/supports from retributive action when raising complaints.
8. SERVICE MANAGEMENT
Effective corporate governance through sound and visible management systems and practices.
9. PROTECTION OF LEGAL & HUMAN RIGHTS & FREEDOM FROM ABUSE & NEGLECT
Upholding the legal and human rights of each person with a disability and taking action to prevent and/or respond to allegations of abuse and neglect.
10. STAFF RECRUITMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Recruitment, selection and development of paid and unpaid staff that ensures they have the relevant values, skills, knowledge and competencies to support service delivery to service users.
Queensland Disability Service Standards