Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 2021 - DRAFT Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 2021 - Family ...
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Contents Acknowledgement of Country.................................................................................... 3 Mayoral Introduction.................................................................................................... 4 Message from General Manager................................................................................ 5 About the Plan............................................................................................................... 6 Policy and Legislative Context.................................................................................... 8 Community Profile......................................................................................................... 13 Results.............................................................................................................................. 15 Key Strategies and Actions........................................................................................... 16 Monitoring, Reviewing and Reporting......................................................................... 23 2 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
Acknowledgement of Country Bathurst Regional Council would like to acknowledge the Wiradjuri people, the traditional owners of this land. The Wiradjuri are of the goanna totem and “the people of the three rivers” – the Macquarie (traditionally known as the Wambool), the Lachlan (or Kalari) and the Murrumbidgee which has retained its original name. www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 3
Mayoral Introduction It is my pleasure to present Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021. Council is working towards creating an accessible and inclusive city for everyone, one which provides equal opportunity for People with Disability to utilise and enjoy the public spaces and life of our region. Council has a key role in promoting and supporting access and inclusion by ensuring it is a key consideration in all areas of Council business. This includes how we develop the built environment, provide information and services, support employment opportunities and promote positive community attitudes and behaviour toward people with disability. The purpose of this Plan is to ensure access and inclusion is positioned as core business and integrated with existing planning cycles, so that employees at every level consider inclusion of people with disability in their business. The Plan has been informed by input from People with Disability, their families and carers, service providers and interested community members. The Plan sets out ways in which Council will assist in making Bathurst a more welcoming and accessible region for everyone, including People with Disability. Without an inclusive community and the opportunities that an inclusive community provides, diversity is not promoted, control over choice is limited and positive change for people with disability may not occur. I am proud of the diversity of our community and the positive contributions they make to our region. Engagement is a key part of any Plan and I would like to thank the many community members who took the time to contribute their ideas with the ultimate aim of making our region a better place for everyone to live, work, study and play. Mayor Councillor Graeme Hanger OAM 4 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
Message from General Manager Council is steward of a growing region and custodian of community assets for people from many and varied backgrounds. It is vital that we plan for the future of the region, not just for economic growth but also the development of services and facilities to be an inclusive vibrant city. Establishing the initial Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021 (DIAP) for our region has been the culmination of community consultation and research. The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021(DIAP) will further develop Council’s long term plans which are being used to guide the future of the Bathurst region to ensure we are able to respond to, and indeed pre-empt the needs of all of the community moving forward. The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021 (DIAP) will provide a framework for a four year delivery program, to progress aims, objectives and support opportunities for People with Disability. Council will further report back to the community, to analyse the progress and achievements of the Plan and aim for quality outcomes for People with Disability. Council will take a leadership role in our own practice and improve Council’s internal systems and processes to ensure they support better access outcomes for the community. I would like to thank everyone who assisted with the development of the Plan and look forward to ongoing conversation and positive outcomes for the community as the delivery of the Plan occurs. David Sherley General Manager www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 5
About the Plan Personal choice is only possible when communities are inclusive of all people including People with Disability. Real diversity is not achieved unless People with Disability are provided with equal opportunity to participate in community life. For the first time all levels of government across Australia have committed to a unified, national approach to improving the lives of people with disability, their families and carers through the development of the National Disability Strategy. In this strategy the State and Federal Governments have committed to an approach where the individual is the ‘centre’ of focus and not their disability. In August 2014 the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 was passed. This Act requires Council to develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan to help remove barriers and enable people with disability to participate equally in their communities. Purpose The purpose of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan is to set out the strategies and actions that Council will deliver in the next four years to enable people with disability to have greater access to the built environment and Council information, services, facilities and events. The Plan includes actions for all areas of Council and will guide us in making our information and facilities more inclusive and accessible as well as advocating for businesses to do the same. Implementation of the actions in this Plan will benefit many people in our community including older people, people with a temporary and long term disability as well as parents with young children. The Plan is underpinned by the following principles which support the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006): • Focusing on abilities and not disabilities. • Fundamental rights for all people. • Genuine dialogue and participation. • Provision of equitable access and inclusion for all. • Prudent use of resources. • Recognising the benefits of collaboration. • Principles of Universal Design. • Access is everyone’s business. 6 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
The Case for Inclusion • As a community, we are poorer without a diverse range of viewpoints and individual perspectives. • Exclusion leads to disadvantage and discrimination, which have far reaching negative impacts across all aspects of life, including health, welfare, education and employment. These impacts are felt beyond the individual, with families and the broader community being negatively impacted by a non-inclusive community. • Employment can provide independence, reduce reliance on benefits and improve the living standards of People with Disability. This can have positive health impacts and contribute to a greater sense of self-worth. • Equitable access to business benefits not only for People with Disability, but older people, parents with prams and business owners by expanding their business reach. There is a strong economic case to increase inclusion in our community. Consultation Undertaken This Plan was informed by a Community Survey and many conversations with People with Disability, their families and carers, industry professionals, service delivery organisations and Council staff. Community conversations took place at shopping centres and the Bathurst Library. Further consultation occurred at community events and meetings including: • International Day for People with Disability community event, • BRAC (Bathurst Regional Access Committee), • Central West Disability Alliance, • Councillors, and with relevant Council Managers. www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 7
Policy and Legislative Context People with Disability, their families and carers have the same rights as all people to access services and facilities. These rights are part of Commonwealth and State policy and legislation which make it unlawful to discriminate against a Person with Disability. There is a range of Commonwealth and State legislation that actively supports access and inclusion for People with Disability. These are the policy settings that require Bathurst Regional Council to undertake its business operations in certain ways with regard to access and inclusion. Under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), discrimination on the basis of disability is unlawful. Council, along with other organisations, has an obligation to make its facilities, goods and services accessible. In 2008, the Australian Government committed to implementing the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.” The Commonwealth National Disability Strategy (NDS) 2010–2020 sets out a 10-year national plan for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. The NDS is underpinned by the UN human rights approach. This approach also supports the NSW Government enactment of the NSW Disability Inclusion Act (DIA) 2014. Related Legislation and Standards INTERNATIONAL • United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities COMMONWEALTH • Disability Discrimination Act 1992 • National Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020 • National Art and Disability Strategy (2009) • Disability (Access to Premises Standards – Buildings)Standards 2010 8 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
NSW • NSW Disability Inclusion Act (DIA) 2014. • Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 (NSW) • NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (ADA) • Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 • National Disability Strategy – NSW Implementation Plan 2012 – 2014 • Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 The diagram below shows the Commonwealth and State legislation that informs the development of local government disability access and inclusion planning. Image source: Local Government NSW and NSW Family and Community Service - Disability Inclusion Action Plan guidelines NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 9
Policy and Legislative Context The NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 includes a series of principles which relate to people with disability and recognise the needs of particular groups. S.12 (3) of the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 requires each public authority to prepare a Disability Action Plan. Section 12 (3) requires councils to prepare a Disability Inclusion Action Plan which must include: • how the Council regards disability principles; • strategies for providing access to public buildings, events and facilities; • details about how to access information; • how employment opportunities for People with Disability are to be supported; • demonstrate opportunities for People with Disability to access the full range of services and activities available in the community; • include details of consultation about the Plan with People with Disability; • explain how the plan supports the goals of the NSW Government’s Disability Inclusion Plan. As a result, this plan sets out a series of principles, strategies and actions that will guide Council operations over the next four years. These align with the principles of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014, as well as the NSW Government’s Disability Inclusion Plan which specifies four focus areas. The four focus areas “are aimed at creating long term change and require consistent efforts from government and the wider community”. These are: 1. Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours People’s attitudes impact all aspects of community life. The attitudes and behaviours of the community towards People with Disability have been described as the single biggest barrier to participation and inclusion. 2. Supporting access to meaningful employment Employment contributes towards feelings of self-worth and provides regular social interaction. For most people employment and economic security are interrelated. Employment can increase an individual’s capacity for choice and control over many life decisions. 3. Creating liveable communities Liveable communities are places people can move about easily to access services and facilities and participate in community life. 10 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
4. Improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes Ease of accessing systems, options for communicating, and information help remove barriers to participation and support people to live independently. The actions in the DIAP are aligned with the four focus areas and the plan aims to address community issues and move forward and implement changes where appropriate. www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 11
Bathurst Regional Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan Having a separate plan is consistent with Bathurst Regional Council’s strategic planning framework in which Council undertakes a series of planning documents, for example, 2036 Community Strategic Plan, Bathurst Region Heritage Strategy 2014-2017, Bathurst Economic Strategy 2017-2021,Bathurst Regional Community Access and Cycling Plan 2011. From these documents, a series of action plans and masterplans are prepared to give more detail and structure to important aspects within our community and for Bathurst Regional Council. The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) is within this suite. These plans are a particularly important component of Bathurst Regional Council’s strategic planning framework and map out the Council’s intentions for the next four years. Figure 1: The relationship between the relevant policy and legislative instruments. Source; Disability Inclusion Action Planning Guidelines Local Government 12 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
Community Profile The disability prevalence in Australia has remained relatively stable over time, with 18.35% of people reporting living with a disability in 20151. There are many different kinds of disability, usually resulting from accidents, illness or genetic disorders. Disability may affect a person’s mobility, communication and learning. It can also affect their income and participation in education, social activities and the labour force2. The Australian Bureau of Statistics relates directly to the Core Activity Need for Assistance (ASSNP)*. A concept developed in the 2006 Census to indicate the disability status of people in Australia according to geographic area, and for small groups of population. This population is defined as people with a disability who need assistance with their day to day lives, with any or all of the following core activities – self-care, body movements or communication3. Data provided from the 2011 Census indicates, 4.39% of the population in the Bathurst Regional Council LGA reported needing assistance with core activities, compared with 4.89% for Regional NSW4. Bathurst Regional LGA New South Wales Total population 38,517 69,17656 Need for assistance * 1,691 33,8361 % of total 4.39% 4.89% Bathurst Regional Council area’s statistics help in understanding the prevalence of people who need support in the community. 1 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4430.0 2 2015 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australian Bureau of Statistics 3 http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome. 4 2011 Census – Disability, Carers and Need for Assistance, Australian Bureau of Statistics www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 13
Community Profile Household type In Bathurst Regional Council area, 27.6% of people reporting a need for assistance for disability were in couples with children households. Employment Unpaid care Status In Bathurst Regional Council area there were 3,444 carers providing unpaid assistance to 12.2% of a person with disability, long term illness or people needing old age in 2011. From 2006 to 2011, there was an 11% or 400+ people increase of assistance due care provided to a person with disability, to disability were long term illness or old age. unemployed in 2011. Of those Age Group employed, 11.8% of the population needing assistance was aged between 26.5% were 0 and 14, and 47.2% were employed full time. aged 65 years and over. 14 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
Results Summary General results from the consultation include: Council is performing well in the following areas: • Bathurst Library • Bathurst Regional Art Gallery • Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre • Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum • National Motor Racing Museum • Pedestrian Access footpaths, kerb ramps, pedestrian crossings • Bathurst Aquatic Centre • Council domestic recycling and green waste collection service • Bathurst Regional Airport • Community Halls • Civic Centre • Bus Stops / Taxi Shelters • Council’s current services in terms of ease of use and access to information are rated as satisfactory • Current employment opportunities and working environment in Bathurst is rated as satisfactory • Current community attitude is positive Priority service areas for Council to make improvements: • Current community attitude is lacking awareness • Bathurst Visitor Information Centre • Sporting Grounds • Council Parks and Children’s Playgrounds • Public toilets and changing facilities • Work with local businesses and community to increase awareness and advocate for employing People with Disability The findings showed there were positive areas of improvement to be made and these are captured in the following strategies and actions. www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 15
Key Strategies and Actions The key messages from the community conversations are outlined below. Key strategies and actions from these findings have been developed through the consultation. The Action Plan is developed in line with the four key focus areas. This Plan will be used to guide Council re- sources and set priorities to ensure the Bathurst Regional Council area is an accessible and inclusive community for all, including People with Disability (PwD). ACTION 1. DEVELOPING POSITIVE COMMUNITY ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS STRATEGY 1.1 Raise awareness about the positive contribution People with Disability (PwD) make to the community ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Promote ‘Champions of Change’. Promotion in a range of media 2017/2018 occurs, when applicable Ongoing b) Promote positive stories of inclusion and Stories of inclusion promoted 2017/2018 actions taken to increase access. Ongoing c) Acknowledge and highlight cases where Community acknowledgement of 2017/2018 organisations and or individuals have inclusion/achievements Ongoing achieved inclusion and celebration of PwD achievements. STRATEGY 1.2 Building Community Awareness ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Increase awareness of disability and Programs and projects identified 2017/2018 education on how to interact with PwD. annually Ongoing b) Education for community as a whole Raised community awareness 2017 focusing on ability not disability. Ongoing c) Connect with schools and early childhood Linkages made 2017 services to promote inclusion. Ongoing Improved knowledge of inclusion and accessibility d) Link to events and activities to promote Involvement in annual IDPwD 2017 inclusion such as International Day of Ongoing People with Disability (IDPwD). STRATEGY 1.3 Promote understanding and positive attitudes among Council workers (which includes staff, contractors and volunteers) ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Include in Bathurst Regional Council new Accessibility information included in 2017/2018 staff induction days, information around induction presentation Ongoing accessibility, DDA and NSW Disability Inclusion Act 16 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
ACTION 2. SUPPORTING ACCESS TO MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY 2.1 Start-up businesses - advocacy ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Provide PwD with support / opportunity Participation of People with Disability 2017 to participate in jobs expo / forum / at Council’s Jobs Expo. Ongoing business development. Engagement with Disability Employment Services. STRATEGY 2.2 Increase employment opportunities – “lead by example” ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Promote the processes involved in Resource information developed 2018/2019 employing PwD. Reduction in fears and concerns of employers b) Advocate to local businesses what is Businesses connect to advice 2017/2018 meaningful employment to PwD. c) Generate a greater understanding of the Businesses connect to advice 2017/2018 different levels of disability to employers. d) Provide information regarding the positive Businesses connect to advice 2017/2018 outcomes for employing PwD. e) Promote volunteers and increase Raised community awareness 2017/2018 employer’s awareness through good news stories. f) Investigate Council’s functions to identify Improvement in Council’s functions 2018/2019 meaningful employment opportunities for for building opportunities for PwD PwD g) Investigate work experience opportunities Identified opportunities for work 2018/2019 within Council for PwD experience within Council STRATEGY 2.3 Promote workplace Champions in disability employment within the Bathurst Community ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Promote PwD achievements within the Promotion occurs when applicable Ongoing community. www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 17
STRATEGY 2.4 Explore opportunity to develop sensory garden ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Explore opportunities to engage with Concept plan developed 2018/2019 PwD in the development of a sensory and/or water garden designed, developed and maintained by PwD. b) Develop links with disability providers for Volunteer connections made 2018/2019 volunteering opportunities. c) Advocate to suitable local employers to Increased employment opportunities 2017 identify meaningful employment for PwD Ongoing opportunities for PwD 18 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
ACTION 3. CREATING LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES STRATEGY 3.1 Accessible Toilets ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Review cleaning and maintenance Audit complete 2017/2018 procedures of accessible toilets including Bi-Centennial and Machattie Parks. b) Review of access to toilets in playground Review complete 2018/2019 and review width of pathways to accommodate wheelchairs and prams. c) Review opportunities to create larger Review complete 2019/2020 physical space in key facilities with inclusion of adult change table space. d) Review and improve, where possible, Review complete 2018/2019 lighting and signage. e) Review provision of accessible toilets Review complete 2020/2021 around the region. STRATEGY 3.2 Footpaths and Pathways ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Continue to implement strategies in the Actions implemented as per plan 2017 Bathurst Regional Council Access and Ongoing Cycling Plan 2011. Including with a focus: • Width of pathways • Access in and around playgrounds and parks • Pothole maintenance on existing paths • Development of pathways around city • Continual monitoring and policing of standards STRATEGY 3.3 Progressively review and upgrade Council owned assets to ensure accessibility ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Audit and review height of public seating Audit complete 2018/2019 and BBQ’s b) Audit and review Council counters Audit complete 2017/2018 c) Audit and review Council Chambers eg: Audit complete 2017/2018 speaker rostrum. d) Review/ensure all facilities and services Review complete 2019/2020 are accessible www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 19
STRATEGY 3.4 Transport (advocacy) / Parking ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Provide advocacy for improvements to Improvements made during DIAP 2017 Disabled Taxi service - waiting time period Ongoing excessive, minimal night time access, and need for improved ramp access at taxi ranks. b) Provide advocacy for improvements Improvements made during DIAP 2017 to bus services – PwD face challenges period Ongoing accessing buses. E.g. Routes require multiple change overs and minimal bus services at night. Areas including Raglan and Eglinton have no services. c) Continue to review and monitor the Ongoing monitoring and response to 2019/2020 appropriateness of accessible parking issues spaces in the CBD. c) Audit and review bus shelters/bus Improvements made during DIAP 2017 stops in line with Disability Standards for period Ongoing Accessible Public Transport 2002. STRATEGY 3.5 Community Events ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Promote Council’s website capability, Community awareness 2017 that has Readspeaker and enlarged font Ongoing options. b) All promotional event material to be Community awareness 2017 included on Council’s Website to ensure Ongoing accessibility to information. c) Information to include access points/ Promotion of event to include 2017 toilets locations/transport and parking for accessibility information Ongoing PwD. STRATEGY 3.6 Parks and Recreation Areas ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Review access to parks including Proctor Audit complete 2018/2019 Park and George Park. b) Investigate the development of Sensory Investigation complete 2018/2019 garden / water play areas to be developed in consultation with PwD and services. Assist with planning, planting and maintenance. 20 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
STRATEGY 3.7 Access to shops and businesses ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Continue to provide Bathurst Regional Grants provided to small businesses Annually Access Committee (BRAC) with Bathurst Access Improvement for Small Business Grants. b) Continue to advocate for improved Community awareness 2017 access to shops and businesses. Ongoing c) Provide information to business owners / Community awareness 2017 employers on the benefit of improving Ongoing access for all. ACTION 4. IMPROVING ACCESS TO MAINTSTREAM SERVICES THROUGH BETTER SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES STRATEGY 4.1 Review of Council Employment Processes ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Review systems and processes. Review complete 2018/2019 b) Raise awareness of disability service Improved support for PwD in apply- 2017/2018 providers to support PwD in applying for ing for positions Ongoing positions. STRATEGY 4.2 Employment / Recruitment Process ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Review and improve access to online Greater accessibility to recruitment 2018/2019 processes (e.g. Website). process in Council STRATEGY 4.3 Promote a culture of responsive customer service ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Review customer service procedures to Review complete 2017/2018 identify barriers to access and communication. STRATEGY 4.4 Increase access to information ACTION INDICATOR TIMEFRAME a) Events – Provide promotional materials in All promotional material accessible 2018/2019 different formats. to PwD b) Enlarge font button on website. Font enlarged 2017 Ongoing c) Improved provision of hearing loop and Equipment installed 2018/2019 speakers in Chambers. d) Potentially additional hearing loops to be Review complete 2018/2019 provided in reception desk areas. www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 21
Council’s Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility Striving for an inclusive community through collaborations with local business, community, government and non-government agencies and People with Disability Improving awareness of and access to Council facilities and improved community well-being Advocating for all, to ensure our region is an accessible and inclusive place. 22 Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 – 2021
Monitoring, Reviewing and Reporting Each year, Council will report on its progress against the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) as part of its Annual Report. A summary of achievements will also be prepared annually and provided to the NSW Disability Council. Governance The General Manager and the Senior Management Team will sponsor and promote the Plan. Integration The actions in this Plan will become part of our Delivery Program and Annual Operational Plan will help us to deliver the Community Strategic Plan. Implementation An implementation plan that includes time frames, priorities, resources and responsibilities has been developed to help with the delivery of the Plan. Monitoring and Evaluation An evaluation framework with performance indicators has been developed to measure change. Data will be collected and reported throughout the implementation of the Plan. In the 4th year of the Plan we will measure community satisfaction through a community survey. Reporting Regular updates will be provided on Council’s website to report progress. Progress towards delivering the actions in the Plan will be formally reported as part of Council’s annual reporting processes. Council will prepare and submit reports to the NSW Disability Council, as required. The DIAP is a four year plan. In addition to the annual review process, a four yearly review will include: • Review and evaluation of the complete DIAP • Adoption and publication of an updated DIAP Ongoing Consultation and Review Council will talk with the community regularly to check that the priorities in the Plan are still relevant and make changes to the Plan where they are needed. www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au 23
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