Eurobodalla Council is proposing a range of measures to improve inclusion for people with disability in the shire in a new draft plan.
On exhibition for public comment from Wednesday 16 March is the Council’s draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which is based on feedback received from the community last year through an online survey and workshops.
The plan looks to remove barriers and improve outcomes for people with disability across four key areas: Attitudes and behaviours, liveable communities, employment and systems and processes.
New actions proposed include delivering disability and dementia awareness training, updating the Good Access Means Good Business program, and developing an Affirmative Measures Recruitment Strategy to increase the number of people with disability Council employs.
The Council also plans to more frequently consult people with disability and carers to identify issues and opportunities, conduct accessible and inclusive events and work with Southern NSW Local Health District to support residents undergoing home haemodialysis services.
Eurobodalla Council’s community, arts and recreation director Kathy Arthur said the plan was an important one, especially considering the increasing numbers of people in our community with mobility, cognitive and sensory disabilities.
“It is estimated 11,460 people, or 28.8 per cent of all residents, have a disability,” Ms Arthur said.
“This plan outlines a range of actions Council can take to improve outcomes for people with disability, but everyone, not just Council, has a role in building a community that is accepting and inclusive of all people, regardless of ability.”
Council will hold online workshops next month to gather community feedback to help improve the specific actions in the draft Plan. Held on Wednesday 13 April, 10am-11.30am, and Thursday 14 April, 4pm-5.30pm, the workshop will feature an AUSLAN interpreter and text captioning is also available.
People wishing to participate can register by contacting Council’s inclusion plan review officer Steve Picton on 4474 9222 or emailing Steve.Picton@esc.nsw.gov.au
To view the plan and provide your feedback before the plan is formally adopted, head to www.esc.nsw.gov.au/publicexhibition
Resources for businesses and organisations interested in improving accessibility and inclusion are also available on Council’s website.
Above: Resident of Council’s residential facility for people with disability, Amy Lockton, says she loves animals and drawing them. “One day I would like to have my own business and make money from my screen printing,” she said.
