access and inclusion plan 2013–2016 - golden plains shire

Access and Inclusion Plan 2013–2016

P 3 Golden Plains Shire Council | Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 – 2016

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 4 1.1 Purpose 5 1.2 Aims 5 1.3 Development of this Plan 5 1.4 Previous Plan and Key Achievements 6

2. DEFINITION 72.1 What is a Disability 7

3. LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONTEXT 83.1 National 83.2 State 93.3 The MAV Framework 9

4. GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE 104.1 ShireandCommunityProfile 10

5. DISABILITY IN GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE 115.1 CoreActivityNeedforAssistance(ProfoundorSevereDisability) 115.2 Unpaid Assistance to a Person with a Disability 12

6. WORKING TOWARD ACCESS AND INCLUSION IN GOLDEN PLAINS 136.1 Key Principles 136.2 Council’s Role 136.3 AccessandInclusionAdvisoryCommitteeanditsRole 13

7. ACCESS AND INCLUSION PRIORITY AREAS AND STRATEGIES 147.1 PriorityArea1:GettingAround 147.2 PriorityArea2:GettingInvolved 167.3 PriorityArea3:GettingInformed 177.4 Priority Area 4: Your Council 18

Golden Plains Shire Council | Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 – 2016P 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

What is the ‘Access and Inclusion Plan all about?The Golden Plains Access and Inclusion Plan expresses Council’s strategic direction to improving access and inclusion needs of people with a disability between 2013 - 2016.Golden Plains Shire Council is committed to equitable, dignified access and inclusion to all of its services, programs, buildings, employment and communication for all community members and visitors to the shire.

Why have a plan?The development of this plan provides Council’s response to meeting its obligations within the Disability Act 2006 and recognises the need to incorporate a human rights approach within its planning and delivery of services. The plan also assists Council to meet its legislative responsibilities to reduce the likelihood or occurrence of discrimination against people on the basis of disability as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.The plan provides the framework for a whole of organisation approach and highlights the leadership required by Council for successful implementation that will provide improved opportunities of social inclusion and community participation by all members of our community.

What’s in the plan?The plan includes existing and emerging issues of importance that have emerged from consultation with the community, service providers, stakeholders, Councillors and Council staff and provides the priority areas and strategies in response to addressing identified issues and themes.PriorityArea1:GettingAround, improving access to existing Council buildings, infrastructure, access to social and recreational environments PriorityArea2:GettingInvolved, increasing community connections, employment opportunities and involvement in committees and decision makingPriorityArea3:GettingInformed, improving Council communication, providing accessible forms of information and inclusive communications in the communityPriority Area 4: Your Council, including access and inclusion in Council decision making, shared responsibility of access and inclusion by all departments and staff, and implementing appropriate reporting processes.

Want to know more?For more information about Priority Areas, Strategies and Actions related to the ‘Access and Inclusion Plan’ please contact:Golden Plains Shire CouncilPh: 03 5220 7111Email: [email protected]: goldenplains.vic.gov.au


1. INTRODUCTION1.1 PurposeGolden Plains Shire Council, in collaboration with Council’s community-based Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, has prepared this Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 – 2016. This plan follows and seeks to build upon the achievements of Council’s 2008 Disability Access Plan. Its purpose is three-fold:i. To provide a profile of disability in Golden

Plains Shire,ii. To provide a strategic framework and objectives

to guide Council’s planning and efforts around access and inclusion, and

iii. To provide a list of specific actions for Council to pursue in order to achieve its strategic objectives for access and inclusion.

1.2 AimsIn seeking to guide Council’s efforts around access and inclusion, the Access and Inclusion Plan has been developed with three key aims in mind:i. To eliminate barriers to access to Council

services, facilities and employment for people with a disability,

ii. To eliminate barriers to and actively promote participation and social inclusion in community life for people with a disability, and

iii. To create a strong culture and commitment to access and inclusion as standard operating procedure, such that over time the need for a specific Access and Inclusion Plan is reduced.

1.3 Development of this PlanThe Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 – 2016 is a result of a collaborative process between Golden Plains Shire and the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. The process involved:• A review of the Municipal Association of

Victoria’s ‘Creating a More Inclusive Community for People with a Disability - A Strategic Framework for Local Government’ (MAV Framework), the Commonwealth’s ‘National Disability Strategy 2010-2020’, Golden Plains Shire’s key strategic documents and other Councils’ policies and practices.

• Development of a background paper.

• Engagement and consultation with Golden Plains Councillors and staff, the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and Golden Plains residents including consultation sessions across the shire and a community survey.

• Preparation of a draft Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 – 2016 for community consultation.

• Engagement and consultation around the draft plan.

• Finalisation of the Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 – 2016 and adoption by Council.


1.4 Previous Plan and Key Achievements In 2008, Golden Plains Shire adopted a Disability Action Plan 2008-2011. Council has made significant progress toward implementation of that plan, including the following key achievements:• Developed alliances and service agreements with

disability service providers in the Grampians Region, Department of Human Services and Barwon South West. (Such as respite Holiday Programs in Partnership with PINARC).

• Provided disability awareness training for staff through Leisure Networks.

• An accessible toilet has been installed at the Linton Customer Service Centre;

• Automatic doors have been installed at the Linton Customer Service Centre;

• The provision of accessible parking at the Linton Customer Service Centre is being investigated;

• A corporate Style Guide has been developed as the protocol for all internal and external Council

publications, promotional materials, documents and advertisements to meet the needs of people with a disability.

• Include ‘Access for All’ principles in design framework for new buildings.

• A Disability Services Information Day was held in Bannockburn on 5 June 2010;

• The Access and Inclusion Committee, continued to meet and work on issues related to improving access for people with disabilities

• Further Developed partnerships with Ballarat City Council and DHS regarding implementation of the Rural Access Program.

• Accessible Toilet upgrades at the Bannockburn and Rokewood Public Toilets (this project was sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs”.

(use of photos- activities and before/after for works projects)


2. DEFINITION2.1 What is a disability?The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 defines “disability” as:a. total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or

mental functions; or b. total or partial loss of a part of the body; or c. the presence in the body of organisms causing

disease or illness; or d. the presence in the body of organisms capable of

causing disease or illness; or e. the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement

of a part of the person’s body; or f. a disorder or malfunction that results in the

person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; or

g. a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour.

The Victorian Disability Act 2006 defines “disability” as:h. a sensory, physical or neurological impairment or

acquired brain injury or any combination thereof, which —

i. is, or is likely to be, permanent; andii. causes a substantially reduced capacity in at least

one of the areas of self-care, self-management, mobility or communication; and

iii. requires significant ongoing or long term episodic support; and

iv. is not related to ageing; orv. an intellectual disability; orvi. a developmental delay.


3. LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY CONTEXT 3.1 NationalSignatory to UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesThe United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities refers to disability as “the interaction of long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, and attitudinal or environmental barriers that hinder ... full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”.As a signatory to this convention, all levels of government in Australia are obliged to comply with the convention. Obligations are codified in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

NationalDisabilityStrategyThe National Disability Strategy is a 10 year plan which aims to improve life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. Developed under the auspices of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), the strategy is a partnership between all levels of government to achieve a unified, national approach to policy and program development. The Strategy sets out six priority areas for action, namely: • Inclusive and Accessible Communities.• Rights Protection, Justice and Legislation• Economic Security• Personal and Community Support• Learning and Skills• Health and Wellbeing

CommonwealthLegislationIn addition to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Commonwealth legislation relevant to access and inclusion includes the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Act 2002, which requires all infrastructure used on a transport route to comply with Australian Standard 1428 - Design for Access and Mobility. The standard relates to access paths, tactile ground surface indicators, passing and maneuvering areas, street furniture, allocation of spaces, lighting and toilets - many of which are provided by local government.National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)The first stage of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will become real for people with significant disabilities in trail areas around Australia. While Golden Plains Shire is not included in a trial site, Council needs to be aware of the scheme and the potential opportunities for residents as the roll out of the full scheme occurs in the future. The NDIS will make it possible for people with significant and permanent disability in the first stage locations to get the necessary care and support they require. Under an NDIS people will have more control over the services and supports they receive, and the flexibility to explore and choose from a wider range of options and providers.


3.2 State

StateLegislationThe Disability Act 2006 requires all public sector bodies in Victoria to develop a Disability Action Plan for the purpose of reducing barriers for persons with a disability to access goods, services, facilities, employment, inclusion and participation in community life, and to achieve tangible change in attitudes and practices which discriminate. These plans must be lodged with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission for compliance with the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and reporting against the plan is required in each councils’ Annual Report. The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (EOA) prohibits direct and indirect discrimination on the basis of disability. It focusses in particular on employment, education, the provision of goods and services, accommodation, membership of clubs and associations, sport and local government. A person who believes direct or indirect discrimination has occurred may lodge a complaint with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

VictorianCharterforHumanRightsandResponsibilitiesThe 2006 Victorian Charter for Human Rights and Responsibilities protects equality of rights for all people in Victoria and precludes discrimination on the basis of disability, supporting every person’s right to freedom of movement, privacy and reputation, freedom of expression, protection of family and children, and freedom to participate in public life.The effect of the charter is to require all public authorities, including all local governments, to note the compatibility of all policies, strategies and practices with the charter during decision making.

3.3 The MAV FrameworkThe Municipal Association of Victoria has developed ‘Creating a more inclusive community for people with a disability - A Strategic Framework for Local Government’. The Framework’ aims to assist Councils in their efforts to build “An inclusive Australian Society that enables people with a disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens”, as set out in the National Disability Strategy. The MAV’s approach emphasises incremental and ongoing change to provide equitable access, inclusion and opportunity for all community members. The Framework suggests 13 elements as the basis of an access and inclusion plan. These are: • A whole-of Council approach • Incorporate access and inclusion objectives in key

strategic documents • Facilitate civic participation and inclusive

consultation• Systematically improve the accessibility of

Council buildings an infrastructure• Inclusive communication and information

approaches• Accessible and inclusive Council services,

programs and events• Strategic use of statutory and regulatory roles• Improve employment opportunities• Influence community attitudes and perceptions• Exercise leadership in advocating to other

organisations• Foster partnership and collaboration• Effective accountability practices • Reviewing and evaluating progress Golden Plains Shire Council recognises the MAV Framework as best practice and has prepared this Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 - 2016 having regard to each of the thirteen elements.


4. GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE4.1 ShireandCommunityProfileGolden Plains Shire spans 2,705 square kilometres of predominantly rural land between Victoria’s two largest regional cities. The shire is heavily influenced by the Midland, Hamilton and Glenelg highways which together surround the municipality at its boundaries, rather than provide transport linkages through the shire or between its many small communities. The shire has many isolated population centres dispersed over some 52 localities, 35 communities and 16 townships – only 12 of which have a shop. Today, Golden Plains Shire has:• A population of around 19,000 (18,770 at 2011

ABS Census), compared with 16,451 in 2006, and 14,319 in 2001.

• One town of just over 3,500 people (Bannockburn) and four others with populations

of between 1,000 and 1,500 people. All other townships and settlements have fewer than 1,000 people.

• A comparatively high percentage of children and youth, with people under 20 years comprising 30.2% of the population, compared with 25.1% in Victoria.

• Around 65% of its population travelling out of the shire each day for education, training and employment.

• A lack of public transport and no secondary school.

• Only one dental clinic, one bank (both located in Bannockburn) and two pharmacies.

• A district health service and two small GP clinics at either end of the shire, but no hospital.

• Only two community based service providers with a home base in Golden Plains (both are neighbourhood houses).


5. DISABILITY IN GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE5.1 CoreActivityNeedforAssistance (ProfoundorSevereDisability)In any community at any one time, 20% of the population have a permanent disability whilst 6% have a temporary disability. This means that one in four will have a disability. The percentage of people over 65 years of age who have a disability is 54%, whilst the percentage of people over 84 years with a disability is 81%.In Golden Plains Shire this means some 3,800 people have a permanent disability and 1,300 people will have a temporary disability at any one time.At the 2011 ABS Census, it was found that in Golden Plains Shire:• 447 (or 5.2% of) males had a profound or

severe disability*,• 339 (or 4.9% of) females had a profound or

severe disability.A comparison with Victoria and Australia by age groups, based only on the number of people who answered the relevant census questions, is graphed below.

Most noteworthy in the above is the higher proportion of Golden Plains residents in the ‘85 years and over’ age group with a disability compared with both Victoria and Australia.(* For the purpose of collection and analysis of census data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics uses the term “core activity need for assistance” to measure the number of people with a profound or severe disability, and defines the “profound or severe disability population” as:Those people needing help or assistance in one or more of the three core activity areas of self-care, mobility and communication, because of a long-term health condition (lasting six months or more), a disability (lasting six months or more), or old age.)

PROPORTION OF POPULATION WITH A PROFOUND OR SEVERE DISABILITY

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10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80Golden Plains Shire CouncilVictoriaAustralia

0-4 yrs 5-14 yrs 15-19 yrs 45-54 yrs 25-34 yrs 35-44 yrs 55-64 yrs 65-74 yrs 75-84 yrs 85 yrs + 20-24 yrs Total


5.2 Unpaid Assistance to a Person with a Disability The ABS Census statistics on the provision of unpaid assistance to a person with a disability include “unpaid help or supervision given in the previous two weeks to another person to assist them with daily activities because of a disability, a long-term illness or problems related to old age. A long-term illness is one that has lasted or is likely to last for six months or more. The care could have been provided to family members or other people, but excludes care given through an organisation or club.Unpaid caring can include, but is not limited to:

─ bathing, dressing, toileting and feeding; ─ helping a person to move around; ─ helping a person to understand or be understood

by others; ─ providing emotional support and helping

a person to maintain friendships and social activities;

─ helping with or supervising medication; ─ dressing wounds;

─ cleaning, laundry, cooking, managing diets and meal preparation;

─ performing housework, light household repairs or maintenance, or managing household finances; or driving or accompanying a person to appointments and activities.”

Based only on the number of people who answered the relevant questions, the 2011 ABS Census found that across Golden Plains Shire:• 740 (or 10.9% of) males provided unpaid

assistance to a person with a disability,• 1,102 (or 16.4% of) females provided unpaid

assistance to a person with a disability,• In total, 1,842 (or 13.6% of all) Golden Plains

residents provided unpaid assistance to a person with a disability.

A comparison with Victoria and Australia, based only on the number of people who answered the relevant census questions, is graphed below.

PROPORTION OF POPULATION ASSISTING A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY

0

5

10

15

20 Golden Plains Shire CouncilVictoriaAustralia

Males Females Total

%


6. WORKING TOWARD ACCESS AND INCLUSION IN GOLDEN PLAINS

6.1 Key PrinciplesPreparation of this Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 - 2016 has occurred with a series of key principles in mind. These principles will also guide Council’s implementation of the plan and its more general decision-making and activities with implications for access and inclusion. • The right to fully participate in a rich, sustainable

and healthy community life is universal across all diversities, ages and life stages.

• Our planning, practice, services and built environment can enable or disable

• Catering for a whole community involves tailoring the whole of Council activities to meet as broad a diversity of needs, interests and capacities as possible.

• Delivering on best practice requires dedication to meeting universal needs in all facets of our activities.

• To be effective and efficient, planning to meet universal needs is required in the earliest stages of any planning process.

6.2 Council’s RoleCouncil will play a variety of roles to ensure the Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 - 2016 is successfully implemented and that the outcomes are effective and sustainable.• CommunityStrengthening:Supporting

communities to get involved, develop partnerships and address particular issues.

• Planning:Being pro-active, thinking strategically and engaging other stakeholders in addressing current and emerging issues.

• Advocacy: Flying the flag on behalf of the community to make sure state and federal governments understand what local communities need and want.

• Leadership: Working to create strong, vibrant communities where individuals and groups are valued.

• InformationandAwareness: Spreading the word and raising awareness.

• Service Provision: Providing specific services

or promoting the role of other organisations in delivering services.

• Review,Embed,RenegotiateandChange: Taking a critical look at existing policies, strategies, programs and practices and making changes where necessary to facilitate access and inclusion.

6.3 Access and Inclusion Advisory CommitteeanditsRoleCouncil has established an Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee comprising a broad selection of community members and some service providers with knowledge of disability and related issues.The Committee acts as a two way opportunity for communication between people with a disability and Golden Plains Councillors and staff. In particular, it advises Council of the local issues people with a disability face that relate to Council’s services and infrastructure. The Committee is also responsible for monitoring, reviewing and evaluating the ongoing implementation of the Access and Inclusion Plan 2012 – 2013.


7. AccessandInclusionPriorityAreasandStrategiesCouncil has identified four Priority Areas for access and inclusion, which form the basis of this Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 - 2016. A series of strategies is contained under each Priority Area (see below), whilst a set of more detailed Actions has been developed in relation to each Strategy (see attachment one).

7.1 PriorityArea1:GettingAroundCouncil recognises the development and maintenance of the built and natural environment in a way which facilitates access and inclusion as a key priority. ‘Getting Around’ is about creating environments in which people of all abilities can reasonably move around to the extent of their own abilities.

Priority Area 1

GettingAroundStrategy 1.1:ImproveaccesstoexistingCouncilcommunitybuildings.Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• Systematically improve the accessibility of Council buildings and infrastructure

Action Timeframe Resources1.1aUndertake an access audit of Council buildings to achieve access and inclusion.

Year 1 $7,500

Strategy 1.2:Improve access within the built environment. Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• Systematically improve the accessibility of Council buildings and infrastructure.• Strategic use of statutory and regulatory roles.

Action Timeframe Resources1.2aEnsure new public infrastructure design processes for streetscapes, footpaths and the like are in accordance with DDA requirements.

Years 1, 2 and 3 Nil

1.2bEnsure Council’s Paths and Trails Strategy refers to the Access and Inclusion Plan.

Year 1 Nil

1.2cConsider and incorporate access and inclusion principles in the next review of the Golden Plains Planning Scheme (due June 2014).

Year 1 Nil


Priority Area 1

GettingAroundStrategy 1.3:Improve access within the social and recreational environments. Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• Accessible and inclusive Council services, programs and events.Action Timeframe Resources1.3aUndertake an access audit to understand community mobility issues and requirements in the social and recreational environments.

Year 3 $7,500

1.3bEnsure Council’s Recreation Strategy refers to Access and Inclusion

Year 1 Nil


7.2 Priority2:GettingInvolvedAll people have a right to engage in community and civic activities. Communities are enriched by the wider inclusion and participation of all people. In a healthy community it is crucial that involvement is encouraged and supported, not limited according to ability or disability. Accordingly, ‘Getting Involved’ is seen by Council as a key Priority Area in its efforts around access and inclusion.Key strategies in Council’s efforts to encourage involvement are to increase community connectivity and employment opportunities for people with a disability.

Priority Area 2

GettingInvolvedStrategy 2.1:Increasecommunityconnectivity.Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• Foster partnership and collaboration.• Influence community attitudes and perceptions.

Action Timeframe Resources2.1aEncourage local communities and organisations to consider access and inclusion initiatives in their local Community Plans.


2.1bSupport and resource the Golden Plains Shire Access and Inclusion Committee.

Years 1, 2 and 3 $10,000 per year

2.1cPromote accessible businesses and shopping opportunities. Year 3 $10,000

2.1dPromote good news stories, best practice, innovation and opportunities for access and inclusion.


Strategy 2.2:Increaseemploymentopportunities.Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• Improve employment opportunities.• Exercise leadership in advocating to other organisations

Action Timeframe Resources2.2aWork with the Organisational Development Unit to be more accommodating of new and existing staff with disabilities

Year 2 $5,000


7.3 Priority3:GettingInformedKnowledge and information about current issues and news as well as about local communities is needed to prevent isolation, disadvantage and in some cases health and safety risks. Whilst the amount of information communicated and the means by which it is available is ever-growing, there are many people for whom accessing information is difficult, if not impossible, due to disability and low literacy levels. Council recognizes that to maximize individual and community wellbeing, all people must have the opportunity of ‘Getting Informed’. This Priority Area focusses on the accessibility and inclusiveness both of Council communications and those of community organisations and businesses.

Priority Area 3

GettingInformedStrategy 3.1:EnsureCouncilcommunicationandinformationisaccessibletoall.Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• Inclusive communication and information approaches

Action Timeframe Resources3.1aConduct an access audit of Council’s key communications.

Year 2 $8,000

3.1bProvide relevant Council information and documents in accessible formats, where appropriate.


Strategy 3.2:Encourageinclusivecommunicationsapproachesinthecommunity.Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• Inclusive communication and information approaches.

Action Timeframe Resources3.2aPromote awareness among local community organisations, clubs and businesses about the importance of incorporating access and inclusion principles in their communications.


3.2b.Promote the Access and Inclusion Committee as a pathway to raise awareness for inclusion and access issues.



7.4 Priority Area 4: Your Council As access and inclusion issues are relevant across all areas of Council’s operations, Council’s efforts to promote access and inclusion must also involve all areas of its operations. Accordingly, Council has identified an integrated, whole of Council approach to access and inclusion as a Priority Area. The key focus of Council’s approach is that access and inclusion is not ‘additional’ to what Council offers, but that all people have the opportunity to access and become engaged in Council services, programs and initiatives. In this context, demonstrable consideration of access and inclusion issues in Council’s decision-across all departments are key strategies.

Priority Area 4

Your CouncilStrategy 4.1:ConsideraccessandinclusionissuesinCouncildecision-making.Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• A whole-of Council approach.• Incorporate access and inclusion objectives in key strategic documents.

Action Timeframe Resources4.1aProvide Council Agendas and Minutes in alternative formats where appropriate.

Year 2 Nil

4.1bReview options for audio amplification at Council meetings.

Year 1 $10,000

Strategy 4.2:Shareresponsibilityforaccessandinclusionamongalldepartmentsandstaff.Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• A whole-of Council approach.

Action Timeframe Resources4.2aConduct training across the organisation about access and inclusion in the context of department’s roles and responsibilities

Year 2 $5,000

4.2b.Refer the Access and Inclusion Plan initiatives to existing budget processes.



Priority Area 4

Your CouncilStrategy 4.3:Implementappropriatereportingprocesses.Alignment with MAV Strategic Framework:• Effective accountability practices.• Review and evaluate progress.Action Timeframe Resources4.3aSubmit the final Access and Inclusion Plan 2013 – 2016 to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Year 1 Nil

4.3bReport annually about progress / implementation of the Access and Inclusion Plan to Council and the Golden Plains Access and Inclusion Committee.


access and inclusion plan 2013–2016 - golden plains shire

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