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Town of Claremont

DISABILITY ACCESS AND INCLUSION PLAN

2012 ‐ 2017

This plan is available upon request in alternative formats such as large print or electronic format (disk or emailed).

Please contact the Town of Claremont on 9285 4300 or [email protected].

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CONTENTS

Foreword by Mayor Jock Barker 3 Acknowledgements and Acronyms 4 1.0 BACKGROUND 5

1.1 The Town of Claremont 5 1.2 Functions, facilities and services provided by

the Town of Claremont 5 1.3 People with disabilities in the Town of Claremont 6 1.4 Planning for better access 7 1.5 Progress 7

2.0 DISABILITY ACCESS POLICY 8 3.0 DEVELOPMENT OF THE DAIP 9

3.1 Responsibility for the planning process 9 3.2 Community consultation process 9 3.3 Findings of the consultation process 10 3.4 Responsibility for implementing the DAIP 10 3.5 Communicating the plan to staff and people with Disabilities 11 3.6 Review and evaluation mechanisms 11

4.0 REPORTING ON THE DAIP 12 5.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2012 ‐ 2017 13

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Welcome to the Town of Claremont’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2012. I am pleased to present the Town of Claremont, Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2012‐2017. We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive community for all and this Plan outlines the key ways in which we intend to do this. Council is proud of the work we have completed to date in the area and will continue to strive for an all‐inclusive community through ongoing consultation. Approximately 17.4% of Western Australians have a disability including sensory, physical or intellectual disabilty1. By 2021 the number of people with disabilities in Western Australia is expected to increase by more than 200,000, due mainly to our ageing population2. The focus of this new Plan is to find new and innovative ways to work with the community to ensure we continue to improve access for all people living with a disability in our community. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many community members, groups and Council staff who have contributed towards the development of the Plan. We look forward to working both proactively and responsively to further advance the Town of Claremont as an accessible and inclusive community. Mayor Jock Barker 1Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (2009). 2Source: Disability Services Commission

Foreword by Mayor Jock Barker

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Acknowledgements The Town of Claremont acknowledges the input received from many individuals and groups within the community, which has been invaluable in the preparation of this Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. Acronyms used in the document The ‘Town’ Town of Claremont DAIP Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (this document) DDA Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act DSP Disability Service Plan (previous title for the DAIP) DSC Disability Services Commission

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1.0. BACKGROUND 1.1 The Town of Claremont

The Town of Claremont is a predominantly residential local government authority situated 9km from

Perth city. It is made up of the suburbs of Claremont and Swanbourne, surrounded by the suburbs of

Cottesloe, Nedlands, Mt Claremont and Peppermint Grove and bordered on the southern side by the

Swan River.

The town is made up of:

Residential

Café’s, entertainment facilities and retail

Some commercial and industrial

Schools including three with boarding facilities

A campus of the University of Western Australia

Royal Agricultural Society’s showgrounds

Sporting facilities including the Claremont Football Club

Parklands including those on the river

1.2. Functions, Facilities and Services

The Town of Claremont is responsible for a wide range of functions, facilities and services. Areas which the Town have dealings with include (but are not limited to): GOVERNANCE Members of Council, civic receptions and functions, public relations, administration and finance. GENERAL PURPOSE FUNDING General rate revenue and costs relating to levying of rates. LAW, ORDER, PUBLIC SAFETY Animal Control, local law control and state emergency services (SES). HEALTH Public places health and safety, food safety and health compliance. EDUCATION AND WELFARE Schools, aged, disabled, senior citizens, welfare, donations to welfare organisations. COMMUNITY AMENITIES Rubbish collections, recycling, litter control, public litter bins, and town planning control/studies.

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RECREATION AND CULTURE Public halls, swimming pool, golf course, parks, sports grounds, sports groups, community recreation programs, library, community arts program, youth activities, heritage and museum. TRANSPORT Roads, footpaths, cycleways, right of way, drainage, road verges, median strips, street lighting, street cleaning, street trees, traffic surveys, parking services, traffic management and underground power. ECONOMIC SERVICES Building services, strategic planning and regulatory assistance with activities involving the Royal Agricultural Society. OTHER PROPERTY AND SERVICES Public works overheads, plant/vehicle operations, private works and other property.

1.3. People with disabilities in the Town of Claremont

The residential population of the Town of Claremont is 9,280 (according to www.id.com.au figures for 2011). According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (2009), 18.5% of Australians identify themselves as having some form of disability. Based on the population estimate and these findings, it is estimated that there are around 1,717 people with disabilities living in the Town. According to www.id.com.au 312, or 3.4% of the Town of Claremont’s population are identified as people with profound disability or high support needs.

In addition, the Town’s residential population has an above average number of persons 60 years and over within the WESROC area. www.id.com.au identifies 2,459 of the Town of Claremont residents are aged over 60 years, with 382 of these being over 85 years.

Currently it is estimated that 51% of people aged over 60 years have identified themselves as having a disability due to needing assistance to manage health conditions or cope with everyday activities. (Based on synthesised data from Disability, Ageing and Carers: Summary of Findings, ABS, 2009). It is important therefore that Town of Claremont plans for this ageing population.

1.4 Planning for better access It is a requirement of the WA Disability Services Act that all local government authorities develop and implement a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) that outlines the ways in which the authority will ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to its facilities and services. Other legislation underpinning access and inclusion includes the WA Equal Opportunity Act and the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). While Action Plans are not compulsory under the DDA, they can assist organisations to become more accessible and inclusive, and can provide some clarity during disability discrimination proceedings. A DAIP may also satisfy the DDA’s requirements for Action Plans and therefore lodgement of the DAIP with the Commonwealth’s Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission reduces the Town’s exposure to disability discrimination risk.

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1.5 Progress

The Town of Claremont has been committed to facilitating the inclusion of people with disabilities through the improvement of access to its facilities and services for many years.

The Town adopted its first Disability Service Plan (DSP) in 1995 and a second in 2001 to address the barriers within the community for people with disabilities and to address its statutory requirements under the WA Disability Services Act (1993). The Town’s Plan has been reviewed annually and reports have been provided to the Disability Services Commission (DSC). The Town also reports each year on its progress in its Annual Report. In 2006 the Town undertook a comprehensive review of its DSP and subsequently developed an updated Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP). This DAIP is a result of the 2012 review of the 2007 – 2011 DAIP along with additional consultation. The following is a sample of the Town’s progress and achievements to date in improving access for people with disabilities.

Toilets have been upgraded to be accessible

Universal access facilities have been included in all capital and renewal streetscapes work completed in 2009 – 2010.

Paths and ramps continue to be upgraded.

Management staff participated in comprehensive Disability Awareness Training in 2008

ACROD bays were constructed in areas to assist people with disabilities attending events at Claremont Royal Agricultural Society showgrounds such as The Perth Royal Show.

Temporary access provided when roads and pathways were blocked off as part of infrastructure works.

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2.0. TOWN OF CLAREMONT DISABILITY ACCESS POLICY Town of Claremont is committed to the progress of its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, identifying ‘an accessible and inclusive community as one in which people with a disability can access and are welcomed in all local government functions and facilities in the same manner and with the same rights and responsibilities as other members of the community.’ (Town of Claremont DAIP 2007‐11). Town of Claremont has further strengthened its commitment to access and inclusion for all with the addition of the following outcomes to its 2012 – 2017 DAIP:

Outcome seven – to provide a means of ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to be employed by the Town.

Outcome eight ‐ to provide information, opportunities and encouragement to raise the awareness of the community regarding disability access and inclusion.

The Town does not currently have a policy specific to disability access and inclusion. This has been identified in the review of the DAIP and consultation process and has been included as one of the actions of the implementation plan.

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3.0. DEVELOPMENT OF THE DAIP

3.1 Responsibility for the planning process Disability access and inclusion is the responsibility of the whole community. Within the Town of Claremont the developing, monitoring, reviewing and amending of the DAIP sits under the People and Places directorate. This includes responsibility for ensuring that the plan is rolled out throughout the organisation. It is the responsibility of each staff member to ensure the successful implementation of the outcomes and that actions are integrated into the business plans and reporting processes followed.

3.2 Community consultation process In 2012, the Town undertook to review its existing DAIP, consulted with key stakeholders and drafted a new DAIP to guide further improvements to access and inclusion. The Town contracted an independent disability consultancy firm, E‐QUAL, to conduct the review and consultation, and draft a DAIP for the Town. The process included:

examination of the Town’s existing DAIP and subsequent review of reports to see what has been achieved and what still needs work;

examination of other Council documents and strategies;

investigation of contemporary trends and good practice in access and inclusion;

consultation with Town staff;

consultation with the community;

preparation of a report on the review and consultation; and

individual meetings with relevant staff. The Disability Services Regulations 2004 set out the minimum consultation requirements for public authorities in relation to DAIPs. Local government authorities must call for submissions (either general or specific) by notice in a newspaper circulating in the local district of the local government under the Local Government Act 1995 or on any website maintained by or on behalf of the local government authority. Other mechanisms may also be used. In 2012 the community was informed through the local newspapers and on the Town’s website, that the Town was developing a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan to address the barriers that people with disabilities, their families and carers experience in accessing council functions, facilities and services. The various consultation methods offered included:

A community survey form. This was available on the Town’s website and in hard copy at various locations around the Town including the Claremont Library. Survey forms could be posted, emailed or faxed to the consultants, or in a format as requested.

The survey was e‐mailed to various groups for distribution to their members.

Face to face interviews or phone interviews with community members.

Community focus groups.

A survey of Town of Claremont staff by e‐mail, in hard copy and/or individual meetings.

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3.3. Findings of the consultation The consultation provided a variety of views on access and inclusion in the Town. The Town of Claremont’s previous plans have provided a useful guide for staff and the Town has made steady progress in improving access for people with disabilities across all DAIP outcome areas since 1995. The 2012‐2017 DAIP should not only address current access barriers but also reflect contemporary values and practices, such as striving for inclusion and meeting more than the minimum compliance with access standards. It must also keep abreast of ongoing legislative and regulatory changes. The consultation also identified a variety of remaining barriers to access and inclusion, to be addressed in the DAIP Implementation Plan. Barriers While the review and consultation noted achievement in improving access and inclusion it also identified a range of barriers that require addressing. These barriers include:

Disruption to clear pathways due to building and renovations of residences

Inappropriate surfaces being allowed i.e. cobblestones on a residential property linking to a bus stop

Lack of adequately paved pathways

Limited access at train station due to renovations

Location of ACROD parking at the Claremont Quarter

Documents on website only available in PDF which limits access

Lack of information available on programs for people with a disability in the Town of Claremont

Lack of accessible for all facilities and playgrounds in the community

Lack of lighting at the train station

Lack of universal toilets

Lack of access to council buildings

The identification of these barriers helped inform the development of strategies in the DAIP Implementation Plan.

3.4. Responsibility for implementing the DAIP It is a requirement of the Disability Services Act that public authorities must take all practical measures to ensure that the DAIP is implemented by its officers, employees, agents and contractors. Implementation of the DAIP is the responsibility of all areas of council. Some actions in the Implementation Plan will apply to all areas of Council while others will apply to a specific area. The Implementation Plan sets out who is responsible for each action.

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3.5 Communicating the plan to staff and people with disabilities For the purposes of section 29A, a public authority must publish its DAIP in a document that is made available —

(a) On, request at Town of Claremont — (i) in an electronic format (ii) in hard copy format in both standard and large print (iii) in audio format on cassette or compact disc

(b) On request by email (c) On Town of Claremont’s website.

And notice of which will be given in the local newspaper stating that the reviewed DAIP is now available on the Town of Claremont’s website and available upon request in the formats listed above.

3.6 Review and evaluation mechanisms The Disability Services Act sets out the minimum review requirements for public authorities in relation to DAIPs. The Town’s DAIP will be reviewed at least every 5 years, in accordance with the Act. The DAIP Implementation Plan may be amended on a more regular basis to reflect progress and any access and inclusion issues which may arise. Whenever the DAIP is amended, a copy of the amended plan will be lodged with the Disability Services Commission. Review and monitoring

Town of Claremont will consider developing a cross‐functional DAIP Team, consisting of key staff, potentially meeting every six months, to review progress on the implementation of the strategies identified in the DAIP.

Each business area of Council will include reference to relevant DAIP initiatives in its business plan and will track progress towards the achievement of the initiatives.

The Town of Claremont will offer a range of ways for people to provide feedback such as phone, face to face meetings, email and written feedback.

In seeking feedback the Town of Claremont will also seek to identify any additional barriers that were not identified in the initial consultation.

Elected members of Council and Council officers will also be requested to provide feedback on how well they believe the strategies are working and to make suggestions for improvement.

The Implementation Plan will be amended based on the feedback received and copies of the amended Implementation Plan will be available to the community in alternative formats once endorsed by Council.

The five‐yearly review of the Town’s DAIP will be included in the DAIP 2017‐2021 which will be submitted to the Disability Services Commission in 2017. The report will outline what has been achieved under the Town’s DAIP 2012‐2017.

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4.0. REPORTING ON THE DAIP The Disability Services Act sets out the minimum reporting requirements for public authorities in relation to DAIPs. The Town of Claremont will report on the implementation of its DAIP through its annual report and on the prescribed proforma to the Disability Services Commission by 31 July each year, outlining:

its progress towards the desired outcomes of its DAIP;

the progress of its agents and contractors towards meeting the six desired outcomes; and

the strategies it used to inform its agents and contractors of its DAIP.

Town of Claremont

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

2012 – 2017

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Implementation Plan The Implementation Plan itemises what the Town of Claremont will be undertaking in 2012 ‐ 2017 to improve access to its services, information and facilities for people with disabilities. The Implementation Plan is presented using a table to outline the:

DAIP Outcome area being addressed;

individual tasks being undertaken;

officer position or part of the Town with responsibility for completing the individual tasks; and

timeline for completion of the individual tasks.

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DAIP OUTCOME: 1

Task People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of, and any events organised by, the Town of Claremont

Who

When

1.1 Ensure that all events organised by the Town be planned in accordance with the DSC’s Creating Accessible Events checklist.

Staff awareness – Coordinator Community Development Event Organisers

July 2013 All events

1.2

Ensure the DSC’s ‘Creating Accessible Events’ checklist is made available on the public website as a useful resource for the whole community.

Coordinator Community Development

July 2013

1.3 That consideration is put into temporary parking for Town of Claremont events.

Event Organisers All events

1.4 Ensure that all activities run by the Town of Claremont are clearly promoted, considering the target demographic.

Communication Officer Event Organisers

All events

1.5

Ensure all stakeholders, including Council staff and volunteers are aware of services and activities being conducted by the Town of Claremont, including short term activities.

Event Organisers All events

1.6 Maintain the link to State Government Guidelines on Access available on the website and promote its use to staff at staff meetings and in the staff newsletter.


July Annually

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DAIP OUTCOME: 2

Task People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to access the buildings and facilities of the Town of Claremont.

Who

When

2.1 Develop an audit plan according to the principles of universal access and meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act Standard on access to premises.

June 2014

2.2 Ensure relevant staff are aware of current legislation and best practice.


July 2013 and ongoing per legislative changes

2.3 Ensure progress is made in the provision of accessible public toilet facilities Infrastructure Ongoing for major refurbishments undertaken

2.4 Ensure that pathways and ramps are maintained in a timely manner in a way that promotes access for all.

Infrastructure Ongoing for major refurbishments undertaken

2.5 Ensure access is an essential feature of all Infrastructure policies and management plans, improvements to parks, playgrounds, foreshores and other external environments.

Infrastructure Ongoing

2.6 Continue to ensure that all road and path works, including maintenance and modifications comply with Access Standards.


2.7 Continue to implement the maintenance program for ACROD parking bays. Infrastructure Ongoing

2.9 Update information about the accessibility of buildings, facilities, parks and playgrounds on the website.

Parks Dec 2013

2.10 Seek advice and research from other local government authorities re: good practice Coordinator Community Development

Ongoing

2.11 Ensure consultation occurs with members of the community around refurbishment to ensure maximum outcome.

Infrastructure, Community Development and Communication Officer

At planning stage

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DAIP OUTCOME: 3

Task People with disabilities receive information from the Town of Claremont in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it

Who

When

3.1 Continue to ensure that all public information is made available in alternative formats on request and promote the availability of information in alternative formats. Continue to ensure that all public information is made in clear and concise language and is available in alternative formats on request in accordance with the State Government’s Accessible Information Guidelines.

All staff Ongoing

3.2 Promote the State Government’s Accessible Information Guidelines to staff. Coordinator Community Development

Annually

3.3 Develop a Disability and Access policy.


July 2013

3.4 Ensure the DAIP is available for public viewing in accessible format on the Town’s website.


When published

3.5 Develop the Town’s Style Guide in line with the State Government’s Accessible Information Guidelines

Communications Officer

July 2013 and update as necessary

3.6 Promote the achievement of DAIP outcomes to the community. Coordinator Community Development

Annually

3.7 Provide Auslan and other interpreters as required e.g. for meetings and events, ensure this is included in events checklist.

Event Organisers Ongoing

3.8 Include displays to mark specific disability awareness days/weeks into the libraries’ schedule of displays. Including celebrations of days such as International Day of Disability (Dec 3rd), Seniors Week, Volunteers Week

Librarian Ongoing

3.9 Ensure that Information Radio 6RPH (Radio for the Print Handicapped) is included on the distribution list for media releases and other public information such as brochures.

Communications Officer

Ongoing

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DAIP OUTCOME: 4

Task People with disabilities receive the same level and quality of service from the staff of the Town of Claremont as other people receive from the Town.

Who

When

4.1 Provide regular Disability Awareness training for staff across all areas.


July 2013 and ongoing

4.2 Provide specific disability related training requirements in different areas of Council.


July 2013

4.3 Reviews content of staff orientation to include DAIP awareness and disability awareness

Human Resources Post June 2013 re 4.1 and 4.2

4.4 Continue to promote the Town’s achievements regarding disability and access to its staff.


Annual Report

4.5 Promote the DAIP as a whole organisation responsibility.

CEO, Executive Managers and Coordinator Community Development

Ongoing

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DAIP OUTCOME: 5

Task People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to the Town of Claremont

Who

When

5.1 Conduct regular reviews of the complaints process to ensure people are engaging in the opportunity and feedback is timely.

Customer Service Initial review by Dec 2013 then ongoing reviews

5.2 Conduct regular reviews of the complaints and compliments received in relation to the DAIP outcomes as a reporting tool.

Customer Service and Community Development

On a case by case basis

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DAIP OUTCOME: 6

Task People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation by the Town of Claremont.

Who

When

6.1 Maintain a register of local people to advise Council on strategic issues regarding disability access and inclusion as required.

Community Development

Ongoing

6.2 Consider developing a Disability Advisory group or contact database Community Development

6.3 Continue to consult with disability organisations and networks.

Community Development

Ongoing

6.4 Ensure meetings and forums held as part of community consultations comply with accessible events guidelines, not limited to those relating to disability and access.

Event Organiser Per activity

6.5 Ensure consultation documents are available on the website in accessible formats and in alternative formats on request.

All staff Per activity

6.6 Refer access issues identified through consultations that are not the responsibility of the Town, to relevant parties.

All staff As information is made available

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DAIP OUTCOME: 7

Task Provide a means of ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to be employed by the Town.

Who

When

7.1 Continue to build on its good practice regarding employing people with disabilities.

Human Resources Ongoing

7.2 Human Resources to develop links with local supported employment agencies to tap into their knowledge and expertise regarding the employment of people with disabilities.

Human Resources February 2014

7.3 Promote job vacancies via supported employment agencies.

Human Resources 100% of positions available from 7.2

7.4 Human Resources to review its recruitment processes to ensure the continuation of optimum equal opportunity for people with disabilities.


7.5 Consider the access implications of an ageing workforce.


7.6 Consider people with disabilities and older employees in the job designing process Human Resources As required

7.7 Consider incentives for suppliers and contractors that employ people with disabilities.

CEO and All Staff As required

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DAIP OUTCOME: 8

Task Provide information, opportunities and encouragement to raise the awareness of the community regarding disability access and inclusion.

Who

When

8.1 Ensure documentation from Town of Claremont such as reports and articles use positive, people first language, not out‐dated terminology.

All Staff Ongoing

8.2 Work with the relevant transport bodies to ensure seamless access to transport infrastructure.
