Plan to improve access and inclusion in Geelong

The City of Greater Geelong has opened its Draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan for community consultation

The draft plan includes a number of proposed actions aimed at reducing the barriers in the region for people with disability.

The proposed actions aim to make the region more accessible, inclusive and welcoming while supporting the participation of those with disability within the community.

These include:

Implementing an ongoing Sensory Quiet Time at Leisurelink and other aquatic centres

Continue to increase the number of Changing Places facilities

Improve accessibility to high-use beaches managed by the city

Investigate new opportunities to engage people with disability in the creation of public arts projects

Review and develop policies, procedures and checklist to improve accessible recruitment processes at the city

Engage disability experts to run education sessions as part of the Geelong Small Business Festival on how to support employees with disability in the workplace, and

Deliver the annual Geelong Awards for People with Disability.

These actions rely on the community to work together in improving physical accessibility and fostering genuine inclusion.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said a measurable framework will be developed to keep council accountable, measure the impacts and track their progress.

“The draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan aims to set out the steps we will take to reduce and remove barriers experienced by people with a disability.

“We want to receive feedback from community members with disability, their family and carers to make sure the proposed plan meets the community’s expectations.

“Council is committed to supporting every member of the community to participate fully, be included and have the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.”

The draft plan was put together through community engagement, which received 226 responses, with 48 per cent identifying as people with disability and 39 per cent being carers or family members.

More than 70 staff from 25 city departments were also contributed to the plan during staff engagement.

“When footpaths, car parks, buildings, sporting grounds, websites and services are accessible, everyone can use them,” Geelong deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said.

“When something is inclusive, all people are welcomed and supported to be involved.”

For more information and to have your say on the draft plan, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au