Access and Inclusion (Disability) Plan 2019-2021 · 2019. 4. 23. · over 65 18.3% •18.3% (or 1 in 5) Australians reported having a disability in a 2016 ABS survey 6.8% •1,323

Access and Inclusion (Disability) Plan 2019-2021

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Glenelg Shire Council



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Introduction

The Glenelg Shire Council Access and Inclusion (Disability) Plan 2019-2021 will guide Council’s efforts to support people with disabilities

in our community for the next two years. The Plan will focus on responding to priority issues, which Council can actively play a role in and

will look at advocacy, where possible, for issues that Council may be in a position to influence. The Plan builds on the achievements of the

previous Access and Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan 2014–2017 and incorporates current needs and priorities identified following both

research and community consultation. The Plan adopts a whole-of-Council approach drawing from the Council Plan and Health and

Wellbeing plan, focused on building a community that is accessible and inclusive to people of all-abilities in alignment with the social

model of disability. Glenelg Shire Council is forward thinking and inclusive. We will continue to innovate and develop our diverse economy

to deliver services that meet the needs of our community.

The implementation of this plan is guided by Councils Volunteering and Wellbeing Advisory Committee who are committed to supporting

and advocating for accessible initiatives in the Glenelg Shire.


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The actions listed in the Access and Inclusion (Disability) Plan 2019-2021 are linked to the following Council

Plans and Strategies:


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Demographic Data Disability in the Glenelg Shire

Quick Facts on the Shire;

6,212M2

Shire area

19,575

Population

17% of

population

over 65

18.3% • 18.3% (or 1 in 5) Australians reported

having a disability in a 2016 ABS survey

6.8%

• 1,323 people or 6.8% of the population in the Glenelg Shire, reported needing help in their day-to-day lives due to disability in 2016.

4.5%

• 4.5% of Glenelg Shire residents aged 20-59 years reported needing assistance due to disability. This age group has increased by 67 people since 2011 in the Shire and almost doubles the State average for this age group.


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Disability in the Glenelg Shire continued

Across Australia 18.3% of people reported having a disability in the 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Disability, Aging and

Carers survey. In this survey, a person has disability if they report they have a limitation, restriction or impairment, which has lasted, or is

likely to last, for at least six months and restricts everyday activities. This information is almost equivalent to 1 in 5 individuals having a

disability in Australia.

Glenelg Shire's disability statistics relate directly to reported need for assistance due to a severe or profound disability. This is defined as

anyone who needs assistance in their day to day lives in any area of self-care, body movement or communication due to a disability, long

term health condition or aging.

In 2016, 6.8% of Glenelg Shire residents reported needing assistance due to a disability, accounting for 1,323 residents, compared with

6.0% in regional Victoria and 5.1% in Victoria as a whole. The Graph below shows this distribution across age groups for the Glenelg

Shire and for Victoria.


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Legislative and Policy Context

World Wide

The international rights of persons with disabilities are grounded in a broad

framework based on the United Nations Charter; the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights; the International Convention on Human Rights; and other human

rights instruments. In 2006 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted

the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) reaffirming that

all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and

fundamental freedoms.

Purpose of the plans

All Victorian Councils are required to develop a Disability Action Plan under

Victoria’s Disability Act 2006. The Disability Action Plan will enact a new

legislative scheme for persons with a disability which reaffirms and strengthens

their rights and responsibilities and which is based on the recognition that this

requires support across the government sector and within the community.


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Reduce barriers to people with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities

Reduce barriers to people with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment

Promote inclusion and participation in the community of people with a disability

Achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practices which discriminate against people with a disability.

Areas of Focus

Under Victoria’s Disability Act 2006, the four core areas of focus are identified and addressed;


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Glenelg Shire Council has developed its Council Plan for

2019-2021 with five overarching themes made as a

commitment to all residents.


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The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing plan 2017-2021 has a focus on protecting, improving and

supporting: an engaged, supported, and connected community; healthy living, and; an equal, inclusive,

and accessible community. These commitments are made to all people who live, learn, work and play in

the Glenelg Shire including people with a disability.

Our Access and Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan describes what we intend to do in order to meet these

commitments for people with a disability, their carers and families.


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What our community told us

This Access and Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan 2019-2021 was developed through widespread consultation with the community,

including people with disabilities; parents, family members and carers of people with disabilities; Council staff; and local disability service

providers. Discussion was based around identifying important issues that impact people with disabilities in our community and included

access to Council services; community attitudes and barriers; obtaining and maintaining employment and what would make people with a

disability feel more included and participate in community life.

More than 220 individuals participated in the consultation process. The most common themes identified were:

Lack of awareness about Council programs, services and events;

Inaccessible infrastructure such as public toilets, car parking, footpaths, ramps, crossings, Council buildings, aquatic services,

businesses and beaches;

Training/education and making people with disabilities more visible in the community;

More opportunities for employment, volunteering and ongoing education;

Upskilling Council staff in inclusive communication practices to become a leader in the community;

Increased opportunity for people with a disability in sport and recreation activities; and

Increased community transport options, especially in smaller towns within the Shire, to access programs and services close to

home.


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A snap shot about what people said access and inclusion should look like

Supportive and real

opportunities

Less barriers for people to

enjoy activities

and connect

Access for everyone in

the community

without being labelled

Everyone can join

in

Where people have access to all public areas,

free from harrassment

and abuse and contribute to our wonderful

community

Space that people from all walks of

life can utilise and enjoy

Opportunities for people and their carers to participate in

outdoor activities

Diverse range of activities, employment, recreational, healthcare which is

inclusive for a diverse range of

people


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Review of policy documents, statistics

and existing strategies

Public consultation through online forums, written feedback and focus group sessions

Draft development of plan and internal

review and consultation

Distribution to community for

comment

Incorporation of access and inclusion

(disability) action plan strategies into the work plans of Council staff.

The Access and Inclusion (Disability) Plan 2019-2021 was developed with regard to legislative and policy contexts and in consultation with

the community including: people with a disability; carers; service providers; the broader community; Councillors and staff.

The Plan will be implemented by Council in partnership with the community.

The achievements of the Plan will be reported in Council’s corporate reporting.

Key Partners

• People with a Disability

• Disability Services

• Disability Employment

Agencies

• Health Services

• Government Agencies

• NDIA

• Education Sector

• Community Groups

• Local Businesses

Access and Inclusion (Disability) Plan 2019-2021 Table of Actions

1 2019-2020 2 2020-2021 3 ‘Ongoing over 2 years’ means that action will be continually undertaken over the life of the plan


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1. Improve access to goods, services and facilities for people with a disability

1.1 Promote and consider access and inclusion in the planning and consultation of new and renovated Council buildings and public spaces

No Action Responsibilities Measure/Outcome Timeline

1 Enhance access to Council buildings and public spaces

Lead o Project Manager(s)

Support o PP&F Manager o Planning

Number of Council buildings and public spaces upgraded to enhance access in accordance with compliance codes.

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Provide maintenance and upgrades to Council’s footpaths, tactile indicator’s, kerb access and infrastructure such as seating to ensure and improved access for people with a disability and low mobility

Lead o Construction and

Maintenance Coordinator

Support o All Departments

Number of accessibility upgrades to footpaths.

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3 Incorporate disability access into Project Management Framework (under development)

Lead o Project Planning &

Facilities Manager

Project Management Framework completed with universal design principals imbedded into framework.

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4 Glenelg Library service to investigate funding applications to increase accessibility of service

Lead o Library Manager

Support o Project Planning &

Facilities Manager

Number of funding applications investigated to enhance accessibility within the library service.

3


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1.1 Promote and consider access and inclusion in the planning and consultation of new and renovated Council buildings and public spaces

No Action Responsibilities Measure/Outcome Timeline

5 Review Glenelg Shire Mobility Map annually

Lead o Asset Management

Coordinator

Support o Corporate Services

Department o Community

Services Department

Annual update of Mobility Maps completed. 3

6 Develop and provide public consultation in planning for an All Abilities Play Space with connecting footpaths within the Foreshore Master Plan

Lead o Asset Management

Coordinator

Support o Community

Services Department

Number of public consultations conducted. 3

1.2 Strive to improve access to Portland Foreshore facilities and beaches

No. Action Responsibilities Measure/Outcome Timeline

7 Advocate for funding to implement the Foreshore Master Plan

Lead o Project Planning &

Facilities Manager

Number of applications completed to appropriate funding streams.

3


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1.3 Council communications to be inclusive and accessible


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Develop and promote a range of Easy English Council webpages including

Help for older people and people with a disability

Places to swim and be active

Rubbish collections

Lead o Media &

Communications Officer


Number of Easy English corporate documents available on Council Website.

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9 Ensure Glenelg Shire Council Corporate Style Manual Guide is updated to reflect accessible communication requirements

Lead o Senior Administration

Officer Corporate Services


Corporate Style Guide reviewed and updated to address accessibility.

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10 Ensure any website updates meet at least AA standards for accessibility

Lead o Media &



Department

Percentage of updates meeting AA standards for accessibility.

3

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Ensure all marketing material is in accordance with the recommendations and protocols according to the Department of Health and Human Services ‘Communicate and consult with people with a disability’

Lead o Media &



Department

Percentage of marketing material that meets the recommendations outlined.

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1.4 Promotion for customers with a disability to have an accessible environment to local businesses in the Shire


12 Develop a grant program to support businesses to undertake disability access modifications to their premises

Lead o Community Liaison

Officer

Support o Assets Department o Economic

Development

Grant program developed.

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13 Recognise and promote the benefits of businesses in the Shire being more inclusive of people with a disability

Lead o Tourism & Events

Manager

Support o Media &


o Economic Development Manager

Maintain the ‘Inclusive Practice’ award category in the bi-annual Business and Tourism Awards.

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14 Provide support and promotion of events that positively promote people with a disability (e.g. International Day of People with Disability

Lead o Events Coordinator

Support o Media &


Number of all abilities events supported by Council.

3


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1.5 Investigate opportunities and partnerships with disability service providers to share and build on existing resources and services


15 Continue to support partnerships with disability support services to provide opportunities to display art in public space

Lead o Arts & Culture Unit

Number of annual all abilities art displays held in the Shire.

3

16 Continue partnerships with disability support services to support access to aged and disability social connection groups for people with a disability

Lead o Aged & Disability Unit

Number of Planned Activity Groups held.

3

17 Continue to strengthen and develop referral pathways between Council services and disability support agencies

Lead o Aged & Disability Unit

Number of annual referrals. 3


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2. To increase opportunities for people with a disability to obtain and maintain employment

2.1 Strive to build on existing partnerships with disability employment services and increase promotion of benefits of providing accessible employment


18 Meet annually with disability employment services regarding process and opportunities for provision of accessible employment

Lead o Organisational

Development

One meeting per year held between Council and disability employment support services.

3

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Establish clear communication channels between Council and disability support agencies to encourage client sharing and matching to open and advertised vacancies


Development

Ongoing communication between Council and support agencies.

3

20 Finalise Council’s Recruitment and Selection of Staff procedure


Development

Completion of the review of the Recruitment and Selection of Staff procedure and ensure reference to the most up to date Equal Opportunity Act and Disability Act.

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2.2 Continuation of advertising Council as an equal opportunities employer and support application from disability employment services


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Reasonable adjustments including office space, working hours, location and physical environment, implemented in response to accommodating someone with a disability


Development

Type of adjustment undertaken to accommodate any employees who have a disability.

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2.3 Continue to support employment initiatives to increase employability skills and networking opportunities within the Shire


22 Ongoing support to the Passport to Employment (P2E) program

Lead o Youth Development

Officer

Successful implementation of the P2E program.

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3. To promote the inclusion and participation in the community of people with a disability

3.1 Identify opportunities for partnerships with local networks around activities for social connection and inclusion.


23 Review selection criteria of youth leadership programs to ensure programs are inclusive of people with a disability

Lead o Youth Development

Officer

Complete the review of selection criteria for all Council lead youth leadership programs.

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24 Ensure that Civic events are held in accessible venues

Lead o Tourism & Events

Unit

Support o Council Support

Officer o CEO Department

Percentage of events that are held in accessible venues.

3


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3.2 Strive to ensure that Council events are accessible for the whole community and advertised in accessible formats


25 Provide four Listening Posts each year that are accessible to all abilities

Lead o Community

Engagement Officer

Four listening posts held per year. 3

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Work with local disability support organisations to support artists with disabilities and improve access to arts programming. Identify opportunities to support disability services to continue art exhibitions

Lead o Arts & Culture

Manager

Increased number of artist’s with a disability showing work in local art shows. Support of the Dreams and Aspirations exhibition.

3

27 Continue to support people with a disability to access library services

Lead o Library Manager

Support and encourage participation in programs including Open Art, work experience and group attendance.

3

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Collaborate with sport and recreation clubs using Council facilities to improve inclusion and participation with people with a disability in sport and recreational activities

Lead o Recreation

Coordinator

Number and type of inclusive programs and initiatives to enhance access and inclusion for people with a disability in recreation and sport.

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3.3 Strengthen and promote opportunities for people with a disability to engage and participate in arts, culture, sport recreation and leisure activities


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Council will ensure promotion and support of disability celebration events for greater community awareness, understanding and respect for people with a disability

Lead o Media &


Support o Community Services

Department

Number of disability celebration events promoted.

3


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3.4 Work collaboratively with partners to ensure awareness events can be sustainable


30 Ongoing reviews of the Community Engagement Framework to ensure inclusive engagement methods are being implemented

Lead o Community

Engagement Officer


Review completed to ensure ongoing inclusive engagement practices are embedded into Community Engagement Framework.

3


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4. To promote inclusive attitudes and practices to reduce discrimination against people with a disability.

4.1 Continue to provide and promote access and inclusion education and training for Council staff


31 Explore on-line training options to deliver access and inclusion training to existing staff and implement into new staff induction


Development

Number of staff that have participated in access and inclusion training and number of Shire wide communication training sessions held.

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4.2 Promote and support events and education sessions that promote access and inclusion in the community


32 Promote international disability awareness days using Glenelg Shire Council social media

Lead o Media &


Support o Community Wellbeing

Unit

Number of disability awareness days promoted.

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4.3 Council to lead by example in inclusive and accessible practices and attitudes towards disability


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Encourage the participation of people with a disability on Council’s Advisory Committees and community consultations forums to enhance greater civic participation of people with a disability in Council’s decision making processes

Lead o All Departments

Support o All Council Advisory

Committees

Ensure all meetings are held in accessible locations.

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Documents

Access and Inclusion (Disability) Plan 2019-2021 · 2019. 4. 23. · over 65 18.3% •18.3% (or 1 in 5) Australians reported having a disability in a 2016 ABS survey 6.8% •1,323