BALLARAT\u2019S heritage facilities and buildings can provide a link to the city\u2019s past, but are they maintaining an outdated degree of inaccessibility for mobility-aided and disabled people?<\/p>\n
Gellibrand Support Services general manager Subin Cherian said lack of accessibility is a common issue for their clients.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people with mobility access requirements do seem to struggle with getting around the public utilities and avenues in the city,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis generally affects people who use wheelchairs and walkers.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of our people have made comments about limited accessibility at some venues around Ballarat. The feedback we often get is these spaces could be improved.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know the City of Ballarat and Victorian Government are working to increase accessibility at the train station which has had significant accessibility issues in the past.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can also see a change in many areas where restaurants and organisations have had facilities incorporated due to legal obligations with council.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deborah Verdon, executive officer at Grampians disAbility Advocacy said they don\u2019t get many requests for championing around the issue and thinks she knows the reason why.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s because people have given up,\u201d she said. \u201cThere\u2019s a perception that because of heritage overlay, nothing can be done about access.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the message that\u2019s often put out though it\u2019s not completely accurate. But I\u2019ve definitely noticed lots and lots of problems around Ballarat and its older buildings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Verdon said the problem isn\u2019t just to do with buildings.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also curbing and footpaths. The 12-inch bluestone blocks that form the curb are attractive but completely impractical for the disabled,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we choose a venue for an event in Ballarat, I don\u2019t just look at the building but also how people will get in.<\/p>\n
\u201cLots of places in Ballarat have done fantastic work making the interiors accessible, but it\u2019s also about how do you get from your car to the front door.\u201d<\/p>\n
For nearly 30 years, Wendouree resident Mark Thompson has used a wheelchair and walker to get around Ballarat.<\/p>\n
He said because of this, he actively avoids the central business district.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do my shopping at Delacombe or Wendouree because the bluestone gutters and overwhelming traffic is too much. I know others who feel the same,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not very accommodating. If I\u2019m in my wheelchair near the bluestone gutters sometimes I\u2019ll fall over and have to wait for someone to help.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019d be good if we could do something like Bendigo where they have those plates over the gutters so they\u2019d still have their bluestone but there\u2019s that flat terrain to go over.\u201d<\/p>\n
City of Ballarat director of community wellbeing Matthew Wilson said the municipality is working to make the region more inclusive.<\/p>\n
\u201cBallarat\u2019s wide range of heritage buildings presents challenges in terms of all-abilities accessibility, although the City of Ballarat is working on identifying the areas of greatest need and improving accessibility where possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Disability Advisory Committee has, and continues to be, instrumental in supporting the work of council officers when planning and implementing changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Disability Access and Inclusion Plan outlines a priority goal to review accessibility and inclusivity of City of Ballarat facilities, such as the libraries, early years services, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre and the Art Gallery within the next two years.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT\u2019S heritage facilities and buildings can provide a link to the city\u2019s past, but are they maintaining an outdated degree of inaccessibility for mobility-aided and disabled people? Gellibrand Support Services general manager Subin Cherian said lack of accessibility is a common issue for their clients. \u201cThe people with mobility access requirements do seem to struggle […]<\/p>\n