Key concepts underpinning this strategy

We are committed to removing barriers and making sure everyone feels like they belong on Queensland’s transport network, using our products and services, and in our workplaces.

When belonging happens, people feel welcome, safe, and included. We don’t categorise people, everyone is unique with varied, complex and intersectional needs and wants.

Apart from the social benefits evident in using these concepts, broader participation generates greater economic outcomes and productivity for individuals and communities.

Key values and concepts which underpin this strategy and action plan, are:

Accessibility

Accessibility means being able to use the full range of products and services. It is having services that are functional and designed to allow dignified access for all. It results in a connected and easy experience. When something is accessible, everyone can use it - footpaths, car parks, public transport, websites and services.

Inclusion

Inclusion is about everyone feeling confident and safe when accessing services and facilities. It means being included and having a sense of belonging and equitable opportunity. When something is inclusive, everyone can take part - everyone feels like they belong, are welcomed, and supported to participate and be involved.

Diversity

Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of distinct characteristics, backgrounds and perspectives within a group or society. It encompasses differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, abilities, experiences and more. Embracing diversity promotes representation, understanding, inclusion, and innovation.

Universal Design

Universal design is the process of creating products, services, and environments that are as functional as possible for as many people as possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. Universal design considers the full range of human diversity during planning and design, including disability, language, culture, gender and age.

Equity

Equity means recognising that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and adjust imbalances. Equity-based solutions consider the diverse lived experiences of individuals and communities, adapting services and policies according to these differences, so that everyone is given the tools to thrive.

Co-design

Co-design is a philosophy that places people at the centre of a design process and as key contributors alongside designers and policy makers. Critically, co-design is a process to achieve universal design.

Human rights

Human rights are the basic entitlements of everyone regardless of their background, ability, what they look like, what they believe or any other status or characteristic. Human rights principles uphold the dignity, equality, and respect of all individuals, including those for whom society currently presents barriers to their full participation.

Social model of disability

Social model of disability supports the view that people with disability have a right to be fully participating citizens on an equal basis with others. A social model perspective does not deny the reality of impairment nor its impact on the individual. However, it does challenge the physical, attitudinal, communication and social environment to accommodate impairment as an expected part of human diversity.

Under this model, society should change to accommodate people living with impairment; people with impairment do not need to be changed to participate in society.