What Do They Say They Are Doing? Thematic analysis of local government Disability Action Plans

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Australian local governments have for some time now been encouraged to develop Disability Action Plans (DAPs) to assist in eliminating barriers and constraints faced by people with disabilities. While these documented plans may be viewed as value‐neutral, they also have the potential to propagate particular views and ideologies. Using a critical discourse analysis method, this study analysed 29 local government DAPs to assist in identifying and highlighting any imbedded values. Overwhelmingly the findings suggested that local government authorities’ focus in regard to eliminating barriers and constraints was on ensuring that the built environment was suitable for people with disabilities. Conversely, references within the analysed documents that focused upon other constraints faced by people with disabilities, such as the social or organizational aspects, were either briefly addressed or found to be non‐existent. The researcher concluded that the information provided in Australian local government DAPs was mainly a reflection of a broader neo‐liberal, socio‐political environment that supports non‐interventionist practices over and above providing direct services to particular groups in society. These findings are also being used to inform consequent interview stages of a larger PhD study.