Clarence Valley Council
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
Enquiries Published by Clarence Valley Council 2 Prince Street Grafton Phone 02 6643 0200 council@clarence.nsw.gov.au www.clarence.nsw.gov.au © 2023 Clarence Valley Council
Acknowledgment We acknowledge the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work. We honour the First Nations peoples culture and connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
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Clarence Valley Council
Contents 1. Foreward
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2. What is a Disability Inclusion Action Plan?
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3. Guiding Principles
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4. Policy and Legislative Context
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5. Our Community
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6. Consultation
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7. Consultation Summary
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8. Survey Results - Four Focus Areas
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9. Council’s Roadmap to Disability Inclusion
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Focus Area 1: Attitudes and Behaviours
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Focus Area 2: Creating Liveable Communities
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Focus Area 3: Access to Meaningful Employment
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Focus Area 4: Improve Access to systems and processes
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10. Delivering the DIAP
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Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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1. Foreward It’s a pleasure to present Clarence Valley Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2023 – 2026. I see this DIAP as a four-year roadmap to deliver improved access and inclusion outcomes for people with disability within our organisation and across the Clarence Valley. The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 – 2026 explicitly builds on the foundational work we have done in our previous plan to increase opportunities for people with disability to participate fully in community life. Actions set out in this plan will help us achieve improved outcomes as we move into the future, ensuring that outcomes align with our Community Strategic Plan, community expectations, and the four focus areas of the DIAP: attitudes and behaviours; liveability; access to meaningful employment; and services, systems and processes. The process to develop this DIAP has been one of collaboration and co-design with staff and community. All of the actions in this plan have been developed following internal and external consultation with people with disability, their family, carers, friends, disability service providers, community groups and other engaged and interested community members. Thank you to everyone who generously shared their experiences, insights and suggestions. Your input informed this DIAP and I can confidently say the actions and outcomes within the plan
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reflect community aspirations and priorities. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our Clarence Valley Access Committee, who meet regularly to give Council advice on access and inclusion issues in our region. It is a real benefit to Council to have input and advice from community members with lived experience and knowledge. I’d like to thank current and past members of the committee for their service and dedication to improving access and inclusion outcomes in the Clarence Valley. Our leadership team is committed to improving access and inclusion in the Clarence Valley so people with disability can live a meaningful life and enjoy the full benefits of community life. This plan continues our commitment to work with community towards universal access and inclusion for all.
Laura Black Laura Black General Manager
2. What is a Disability Inclusion Action Plan? A Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) outlines the practical steps put in place by an organisation to break down barriers for people with disability and promote access to services, information, employment, and the rights of people with disability.
There are four key focus areas in the DIAP: To foster positive community attitudes and behaviours. Increase the liveability of our communities. Improve access to meaningful employment for people with disability. Improve access to services, systems and processes. Council is mandated to deliver a DIAP every four years by the Disability Inclusion Act 2014. DIAPs play a critical role in promoting the ethos of inclusion and provide the practical measures by which intent is transformed into action.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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The social model of disability, outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) states: People with disability are not disabled by their impairment but by the barriers in the community that prevent them gaining equal access to information, services, transport, housing, education, training, employment, and social opportunities. The Disability Inclusion Act 2014 defines disability as: ‘The long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder the full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.’
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3. Guiding Principles The overarching guiding principle of this DIAP is Council’s commitment to work to break down the barriers faced by people with disability so they can have increased opportunity to live full and meaningful lives. This statement reflects the core vision of Council’s highest level strategic planning document, The Clarence 2032. The Clarence 2032 vision: The Clarence Valley is a community full of opportunity.
“To thrive, people with disability need to have the same opportunities as others.” - Community member, DIAP 2023 consultation
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This DIAP supports the guiding principles of The Clarence 2032, through the lens of accessibility and inclusion. Society Creating a place where people, including people with disability, are healthy, safe, connected and in harmony with the natural environment to retain and improve the quality of community life.
Infrastructure Maintaining our diverse infrastructure base to serve the needs of the Clarence, including people with disability.
Economy Strengthening and diversifying the region’s economic base in a way that complements the environmental and social values of the Clarence and is inclusive to people, including people with disability.
Environment Valuing, respecting and actively participating in the care and management of the Clarence Valley’s natural environment for current and future generations, including people with disability.
Leadership Setting the overall direction and long-term goals for people, including people with disability, in the Clarence in accordance with community aspirations.
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4. Policy and Legislative Context Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 – 2026 aligns with international, federal, and state legislation and policy specific to disability inclusion.
Figure 1: The relationships between the relevant policy and legislative instruments.
Disability reform impacting inclusion in NSW.
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPWD) Australia’s Disability Strategy (ADS) NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (DIA) National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
NSW Disability Inclusion Plan Accessible, liveable communities Employment Systems and Process Attitudes and behaviours
Disability Inclusion Action Plans
NDIS
Creating an inclusive NSW
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International The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) ratified by Australia in 2008, acknowledges that people with disability have the same human rights as those without disability.
National Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 replaces and builds on the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020. The Strategy is a national framework that all governments in Australia have signed up to. It sets out a plan for continuing to improve the lives of people with disability in Australia over the next ten years. It supports Australia’s commitment under the UNCRPD. The Strategy’s vision is for an inclusive Australian society that ensures people with disability can fulfill their potential as equal members of the community.
State The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has placed the individual at the centre of Government supports. The NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (DIA) requires all NSW public authorities and all local councils to remake a DIAP every four years and report against the effectiveness of these plans to the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services at the end of each financial year. The NSW Disability Council assists the Minister in reviewing DIAPs and provides advice on their success annually.
In addition to the UNCRPD and Australia’s Disability Strategy, there are additional pieces of legislation that are relevant to disability inclusion action planning: Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) NSW Anti-Discrimination Act (1977 (ADA) NSW Government Sector Employment Act 2012 Disability Discrimination Act 1992
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Integrated monitoring & reporting framework
Operationalisation of the objects and principles of the DIA at the agency and front line level and influencing the broader community
Disability Inclusion Action Planning
Whole of government & interdepartmental strategies to support the objects and principles of the Disability Inclusion Act
NSW Disability Inclusion Plan All people including those with disability are able to exercise their rights, live, learn, work and play, feel safe, raise a family and grow old. Within their own community.
Liveable communities People with disability have the opportunity to gain, retain, contribute effectively and experience the positive self and social benefits of employment.
Employment
People with disability are able to access information, systems, processes and services, and supporting their right to exercise choice and control.
Systems and processes
Examples include: • Recruitment policies and practices • Application processes • Induction and orientation • Managerial support & development • Reasonable adjustment • Employee consultation and support networks • Diversity policy & targets • Physical work environment and amenities – kitchens, toilets, transport, parking • GSE and other considerations • Transition from education to work
A comprehensive reporting framework drives the ongoing refinement and implementation of the DIP and DIAPs by: 1. Regularly engaging with the stakeholders that have contributed to the development of priorities 2. Responding to the legislative, regulatory, compliance bodies and other reporting requirements 3. Identifying the outputs and outcomes of actions to allow progress to be clearly measured 4. Providing timely reporting that identifies progress and provides accurate data to inform future directions and decisions
Monitoring, reporting and evaluation
Examples include: • Buildings / universal design • Infrastructure • Physical environment • Way finding and connected journeys • Community and customer consultation and awareness • Full range of service provision (to all) • Community partnerships • Community events • Emergency procedures and safety • Specialist services • Local planning and responsiveness • Social interaction
Examples include: • Service quality monitoring • Staff training • Information formats • ICT – internal and external systems • Application processes • Service excellence and quality mainstream service delivery to all • Use of technology • Quality and complaints systems • Accessible communication approaches
Regulations, standards, quality and compliance requirements and Guidelines
Examples include: • Human rights and the social model of disability • Consultation and co-design • Planning • Corporate leadership • Staff training • Communication • Choice and control • Complaints / feedback • Ongoing engagement mechanisms • Campaigns and advertising • Corporate identity and public face • Integration with diversity policy
NSW Disability Inclusion Act requires
Each public authority must have… a Disability Inclusion Action Plan … setting out the measures it intends to put in place (in connection with the exercise of its functions) so that people with disability can access general supports and services available in the community and can participate fully in the community
Government, business and the general community are aware of and demonstrate positive attitudes and actions to inclusion for people with disability.
Attitudes and behaviours
the Department Communities and Justice to prepare the State Disability Inclusion Plan which: 1) Sets out the whole of government goals that support the inclusion in the community of people with disability and to improve access to mainstream service and community facilities by people with disability 2) Provides for collaboration and co-ordination among government departments, local councils and other entities in the provision of supports and services
Consultation and engagement
Leadership, governance, corporate and community responsibility
Principles established in Acts, agreements and plans (UNCRPD, ADS, DIA, DDA, ADA NSW)
Relationship between Disability Inclusion Act 2014, NSW Disability Inclusion Plan and Disability Inclusion Action Plans
Inclusion policy and legislation
Figure 2: Table.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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“Encourage acceptance, promote education and emphasise the strengths of the disability community in the Clarence.” - Community member, DIAP 2023 consultation
Clarence Valley Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 − 2026 The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 – 2026 is positioned as core business and aligns with existing corporate documents within Clarence Valley Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework: The Clarence 2032 The Delivery Program Operational Plan Community Engagement Strategy
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Clarence Valley Council
Figure 3: Diagram.
Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN
RESOURCING STRATEGY
10 YEAR
COUNCIL OBJECTIVES
COUNCIL
DELIVERY PROGRAM
STAFF
STRATEGIES
OPERATIONAL PLAN
4 YEAR
1 YEAR
REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY ANNUAL REPORT/STATE OF OUR CITY REPORT
MINIMUM 6 MONTHLY REPORT ON PERFORMANCE AGAINST DELIVERY PROGRAM
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY
STATE AND REGIONAL PLANS
QUARTERLY BUSINESS REVIEW STATEMENTS
The DIAP also aligns with Council plans, policies and strategies including: The Footpath Trading Policy Active Transport Strategy Communications Policy Asset Management Policy
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5. Our Community The Clarence Valley (CV) has a population of 54,580 (ABS ERP 2022) with a vast land area of 10,441 square km. The Clarence Valley local government area includes a main centre in Grafton and approximately 108 towns, villages and localities spread out across a diverse and scenic landscape.
Yamba Maclean Grafton
Sydney 600km
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Brisbane 300km
Disability Data - Clarence Valley1 8.5% of the Clarence Valley population reported needing assistance in their day-to-day lives due to a severe or profound disability. That’s 4,580 people.
6.8%
Compared to: of Regional NSW reported needing assistance in their day-to-day lives due to a severe or profound disability.
64% of Clarence Valley people who reported needing assistance due to disability were aged over 60.
Statistics for the Clarence Valley are sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2016 and 2021. 1
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Figure 4: Table.
Need forfor assistance with with core activities, 2021 2021: Need assistance core activities, Clarence Valley Council area
Regional NSW
60 60
% of t h e popu la t ion
% of the population
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0 0 to 4
0 to 4
5 to 9
5 to 9
10 t o 19
10 to 19
20 t o 59
20 to 59
60 t o 64
60 to 64
65 t o 69
65 to 69
70 t o 74
70 to 74
75 t o 79
75 to 79
Pe r son s w h o n e e d a ssist a n ce by a ge gr ou p ( y e a r s)
80 t o 84
85 and ov er
80 to 84 85 and over
Persons who need assistance by age group (years)
Sour ce: Aust r alian Bur eau of St at ist ics, Census of Populat ion and Housing , 2021 ( Usual r esidence dat a) . Com piled and pr esent ed in pr of ile.id by .id ( inf or m ed decisions) .
Clarence Valley Council area
Regional NSW
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing, 2021 (Usual residence data). Compiled and presented in profile.id by .id (informed decisions).
Unpaid Carers
6,438 carers in the Clarence Valley provided unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, long term illness or old age.
14.2% of the Clarence Valley population aged 15+ provided unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, long term illness or old age (2021). This is higher than the
11.9%
national figure of of Australians providing unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, long term illness or old age.
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Disability Data – National2 1 in 6 Australians are estimated to have a disability, or about 4.4 million people. 90% of people with disabilities in Australia are living with an invisible disability. 44.5% of Australians with disability are aged 65 years and over. 3 in 5 people with disability living in households need help with at least one activity of daily living.
1 in 9 Australians aged 0 – 64 years have a disability. 1 in 2 Australians aged 65 years and over have a disability. 7.7% of children under 15 have a disability. 48% of working-age (aged 15-64) people with disability are employed, compared with 80% without disability.
59.7% of people with disability had their needs for assistance fully met. 1/3 of people with disability aged 15 years and over have completed year 12 or equivalent.
1 in 10 people with disability aged 15 years and over experienced discrimination in the previous 12 months, because of their disability.
7 in 10 primary carers are women. Statistics from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) People with disability in Australia 2022, catalogue number DIS 72, AIHW, Australian Government; and, Australian Bureau of Statistics Disability, Aging and Carers, Australia, 2018. 2
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Disability is diverse and unique Some of the disabilities identified by Clarence Valley residents during DIAP consultation in 2023: Figure 5: Graphic.
Autism Depression SMA Mobility Cerebral Palsy Vision Impaired Scoliosis ADHD Difficulty walking Osteoarthritis Chimichanga Fatigue Syndrome OCD Daughter is a Paraplegic Noise sensitive COPD Fibromyalgia Intellectual disability ABI
Amputee Sensory processing disorder Autoimmune illness Huntington’s Disease Require knee replacement Psychosocial and Neurological Monocular vision
Multiple Sclerosis Unable to walk long distance Stage 4 prostate cancer Mobility issues Knee replacement Grandchildren in wheelchairs Physical Balance problems
Paraplegic Waiting on hip replacement surgery Age
Chronic Pain Cardiomyopathy - enlarged heart Seizures Vision impaired Vision impairment Double above knee amputee Mental Health Spinal cord injury Down syndrome Acquired brain injury with right sided hemiplegia Back injury Epilepsy Below knee amputation of right leg Mobility Severe back stenosis Fatigue
Chronic Asthma Partial incontinence Difficulty with walking unaided
Spinal arthritis MS
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6. Consultation Throughout the development of the DIAP, Council has been committed to a collaborative consultation and engagement process that respects the lived experience of people with disability. Consultation and co-design with people with disability, staff and community has ensured that the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 – 2026 is focused on meeting the needs of people with disability across the Clarence Valley.
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Internal consultation Internal consultation began in November 2022 with a review of the achievements of Council’s DIAP 2022/2023.
DIAP 2022/2023 Review
88 actions were listed in DIAP 2022/2023. 71 actions were delivered. 39 actions have been carried over into the new DIAP and are actions that are now embedded or ongoing.
Highlights Grafton Regional Gallery delivered programs specifically targeting people with disability including Old Masters and Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre. Access appraisals were conducted of Council’s Holiday Parks and priorities for improving access were incorporated into park upgrades and future projects. Accessible footpaths completed across the region included a shared user path along Big River Way, from McAuley Catholic College to South Grafton. The new Corcoran Park Pontoon project features an accessible pathway linking the carpark to the new pontoon. The Hawthorne Rodeo Park Masterplan includes accessible parking, toilets and seating. William Ager Park Walkway features an accessible boardwalk and coastal viewing platform. Two new accessible parking spaces were installed at the entrance to Grafton Base Hospital bringing the total accessible parking spaces outside the hospital to five. Design of these carparks was done with advice from the Clarence Valley Access Committee. The Masterplan for the redevelopment of Ulmarra CBD increased accessible parking places in the Village. New accessible facilities including improved access to amenities were delivered at Townsend Park, Glenreagh, Wooli Hall, and Corcoran Park.
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DIAP Working Groups Internal working group To lead Council’s delivery of a new DIAP, Alex Moar, Director of Corporate and Community was identified as the DIAP champion.
Alex Moar Director of Corporate and Community A working group was then formed to co-design the new DIAP. Representatives from Council’s leadership team were active members of the working group to ensure high level ownership of actions and to champion the importance of inclusion planning for people with disability across the organisation. A staff survey was developed to gain feedback from employees, including staff with disability, frontline staff, staff whose roles relate to access and inclusion, and managers. Questions in the staff survey were voluntary and anonymous. The survey was open for a six-week period, beginning in April 2023, to allow staff time to access the survey. With a particular focus on employment, results of the survey directly informed the development of actions, outcomes and outputs in the new DIAP.
Consultation with community During the initial planning process to develop a new DIAP, Council consulted the Clarence Valley Access Committee for advice and feedback to ensure consultation was authentic, effective, and accessible for people with disability. External consultation and engagement with community was delivered over a six-month period across the Clarence Valley region. The six-month time frame for consultation allowed people with disability the time and flexibility to choose from a number of consultation opportunities and inclusive platforms that best suited their needs and timing. This inclusive and fluid process of consultation enabled hundreds of people to share their experiences and be involved in the co-design of this DIAP.
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Figure 5:
Clarence Valley Council DIAP Plan Consultation Timeline 2022/2023
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
JULY
JUNE
MAY
APRIL
MARCH
FEBRUARY
2023
JANUARY
DECEMBER
Task/Process
NOVEMBER
2022
1. Create Project Plan 2. Existing DIAP Wins 3. Internal Consultation 4. Identify DIAP champions 5. Community Engagement 6. Create Draft DIAP 7. Draft DIAP to Council 8. Public Exhibition 9. Finalise DIAP 10. DIAP to NSW Government
Key dates: Internal Consultation, November 2022 – August 2023. Community Consultation, January 2023 – June 2023. Draft DIAP to Council, August 2023. Public Exhibition and Consultation, September 2023. Finalise DIAP, October 2023. Provide DIAP to Disability Council NSW, 30 November 2023.
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Targeted Consultation Section 12 of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 mandates that disability inclusion planning should be done in consultation with people with disability, with special attention paid towards actively engaging the views of people with disability who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; from Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds; are from the LGBTIQ+ community; as well as women and children. Council engaged with, and received feedback from, all of these groups throughout the consultation process. Targeted consultation was done at drop-in engagement sessions and community events across the region including Youth Week events and Elders’ morning teas. DIAP posters and consultation opportunities were sent to more than 1000 community members and organisations through a wide range of CVC email network lists to capture the voice of people with disability from diverse groups. Networks targeted included the Clarence Valley Youth Network; Children and Family Network; registered users of Clarence Conversations online engagement portal; Aged and Disability; Road Safety; First Nations; Safe Communities; Clarence Valley libraries; Grafton Regional Library; and Council’s Noticeboard.
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Consultation Report DIAP digital survey
188 surveys competed 544 visits to the DIAP Survey page Written Submissions
2 One-on-one interviews
34 people Meetings with organisations and community groups
18 representatives Community conversations at drop-in locations Over
50 conversations Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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18 drop-in locations Grafton Library Grafton Twilight Markets Yamba Farmers Market Skinner Street, South Grafton Charles Street, Iluka Wooli Minnie Water Halfway Creek Glenreagh Brushgrove Tucabia Baryulgil Copmanhurst Nymboida Coutts Crossing Brooms Head Lawrence CVC Maclean Customer Service Centre
Baryulgil
Iluka Maclean Yamba Lawrence Brushgrove Copmanhurst Brooms Head Tucabia Grafton South Grafton Minnie Water Coutts Crossing Wooli Nymboida Halfway Creek
Email Over
1000
Social Media
6 posts Total reach
11,156
67 shares
Promotion in Local Paper DIAP Feature Seniors Festival Feature promoting DIAP Two advertisements.
Radio
1 announcement 26
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Glenreagh
Staff Survey
48 responses Internal CVC working group
1 working group External Working Group
1 working group Photos
3 photo shoots including 15 people with disability Maximising feedback Community feedback collected during the consultation of the DIAP was also fed into multiple Council strategies, plans and policies including the Active Transport Strategy, Clarence Valley Crime Prevention Strategy, Operational Plan and Footpath Trading Policy.
Who completed the digital survey Q 5. Are you a: 150 97 100
38 50 14
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16
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Question options Person with a disabilty Carer
Parent of a child with a disabilty
A provider of services to people with disability
Family member or friend of someone with a disabilty Other (please specify)
Optional question (190 response(s), 1 skipped) Question type: Checkbox Question
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7. Consultation Summary Two big questions were asked during all internal and external consultation for this DIAP: 1. Tell us what you think will make our community better for people with disability? 2. For people with disability to thrive, what does our community need to look like? Here are the results:
1. Tell us what you think will make our community better for people with disability? 93% of answers focused on increasing the liveability of our communities. 66% called for improved beach access in the Clarence Valley. 18% of answers focused on improving and creating more accessible footpaths in the region.
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Some ideas shared to make our community better for people with disability: “Accessibility to all areas of the Clarence - this includes being able to get on to the beach.” “A society catering for everyone equally rather than having to be forced to ‘make allowances’ for people with a disability.” “Having more accessible pathways and handrails for people with mobility issues.” “More education of the community of the abilities rather than the disabilities of people.” “Parking, access and a place of belonging.” “Well-lit and even pathways. Vision impairment aids. Beach access facilities. Welcoming to guide dogs. Inclusive/accessible accommodation options.” “To be all included in anything like work, sport, community etc.”
“It is very hard to push Bailey up and down the beach ramps in Yamba with his wheelchair. He absolutely loves the ocean and wants easy access to the beaches.” - Community member, DIAP 2023 consultation
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2. For people with disability to thrive, what does our community need to look like? 64% of answers focused on increasing the liveability of our communities. 46% of answers spoke of fostering positive community attitudes and behaviours. 29% called for inclusive beach access. 11% mentioned improved footpaths. For people with disability to thrive, you said our community needs to look like: “A community that is educated regarding people with disabilities and able to offer compassion, kindness, acceptance and tolerance.” “Providing open and accepting community events that are accessible for people of all capabilities.” “Making sure all information given to the community is easy to understand.” “More accessible parking.” “Acceptance that people with a disability have the same needs and aspirations of the general community.” “A community where all people can enjoy nature - beach access is so important.“ “Footpaths with safe pedestrian crossings connecting the CBD with sporting and shopping complexes.“
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8. Survey Results Four Focus Areas In the digital survey questions focused on the four focus areas of the DIAP.
Here are the results3:
1. Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours Do you feel part of the community?
52% Yes 34% Sometimes 11% No Do people listen to you?
43% Sometimes 32% Yes 11% No Statistics where participants have elected ‘Don’t know’ have not been included in these results and decimal points have been rounded to nearest whole number. Therefore, totals will not always add up to 100%. 3
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Do people treat you the same way as everyone else?
37% Sometimes 32% Yes 27% No Have you experienced discrimination because of a disability?
46% No 41% Yes 9% Sometimes
“We need to provide open and accepting community events that are accessible for people of all capabilities.” - Community member, DIAP 2023 consultation
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We asked what can Council do so that everyone feels included? You said: “Encourage dignity and social inclusion so that we all feel welcome and accepted for who we are, and we are all treated as equals.” “Be more inclusive of our community members with disability - a simple fix would be to improve the beach access so people with disabilities can get down to the beaches just like the rest of us.” “Real long term and ongoing grass roots consultation.” “More access to shops, cafes, schools, places of employment by foot, cycling or wheelchair.” “Educate people regarding the diversity of needs that go with people with different disabilities and that they have a personality that is unique to them and have the same need of love and acceptance as everyone else. Also that people with intellectual disabilities and are nonverbal often have enormous challenges and frustration with expressing their needs.” “Inclusivity training, how to interact with people who have different needs.” “Continue implementing programs that upgrade existing facilities and infrastructure to be DDA compliant.”
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2. Creating liveable communities Can you get into buildings like shops and offices when you need to?
53% Yes 39% Sometimes 4% No Are the footpaths and cycleways good in your area?
74% No 14% Yes 9% Other Can you access and use parks, playgrounds, and sporting facilities when you want to?
48% Yes 23% No 20% Sometimes Can you use public toilets and change rooms when you need to?
46% Yes 32% Sometimes 18% No
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Do you have difficulties accessing emergency services?
61% No 19% I don’t know 9% Yes 9% Sometimes We asked what Council could to do to improve accessibility and liveability in the Clarence Valley? You said: “More footpaths.” “I would like to see changing areas available in some accessible bathrooms. Most bathrooms have a changing platform or table that is suitable only for infants.” “Ensure new pools have stair access with handrails. Keep footpaths in the CBD clear.” “Provide equal access to beaches.” “Support places that need to improve their access or make them aware of the need.” “Improve disability parking access and toilet facilities.” “In-depth consultation and awareness.”
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Sacha’s story Sacha Berry could swim at the age of two and surf at the age of four. She lived and breathed the ocean. In 2017, aged eight, a brain tumour took away Sacha’s ability to walk and talk, but it never took away her passion for the sea. Sacha’s mother, Angela Berry, says water is such an important part of her recovery journey.
“Be it at the pool, the river or the ocean, water is such an integral part of Sacha’s therapy and her life. Accessible beaches in the Clarence Valley are so essential for not only Sacha, but the whole community.” - Angela Berry
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3. Supporting access to meaningful employment Would you like to do more work or training?
66% Yes 33% No What does an inclusive recruitment process look like to you? You said: “Including people with special needs in your recruitment.” “Jobs specific to my level of ability.” “It’s also not just about recruiting, its about job availability.” “Flexible and remote options for interviews.” “An understanding panel on the interview.” “Jobs that are customised to suit my interests and abilities.” “Flexible hours to attend appointments. Accessible workplaces. Better access and public transport.” “Just because I have a disability, it doesn’t stop me.” Council’s staff survey asked: What workplace adjustments assist you to do your job?
100% of respondents mentioned flexible work hours. Top three topics requested for staff training: 1. Mental Health First Aid 2. Inclusive Communication 3. Diversity and Inclusion Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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Chris’s Story Senior Field Operator Chris Browning has worked at Clarence Valley Council since 1990. Five years ago Chris was dealt the news that he needed to have his right leg amputated below the knee. Chris said there was never any doubt in his mind that the amputation would stop him from doing his job. The combination of a committed rehabilitation team, positive mindset and a supportive employer saw Chris up and walking without crutches within two months. Three months and two weeks after he lost his leg Chris returned to work. Chris says having a supportive employer was crucial to giving him the confidence and ability to transition back to full duties. At first Chris was given office work, then Council supported him with a driver to allow him to return to work on site at the water treatment plant. “I couldn’t have asked for a better employee and supervisor. They’ve been fantastic,” Chris said. Greg Mashiah, Manager of Technical Services said if Chris hadn’t been able to return to work after his amputation, it would have been a great loss of knowledge, experience and an all-round good teammate. “Chris is a very experienced and knowledgeable employee,” Greg said. “He’s shown great tenacity and courage in learning how to live with an artificial leg and thankfully he was able to return to his full role as water treatment operator. Chris’ only work restriction is that he is not allowed to climb ladders, although he frequently tells me the ladder restriction only applies when he is at work!” Chris said he has never let his disability hold him back.
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“If someone says you can’t do it, I say why not!” - Senior Field Operator Chris Browning on the job.
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4. Improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes Do you find it easy to communicate with Clarence Valley Council?
38% No 26% Sometimes 15% Yes
“Inclusion is for everyone. The first thought should be to include everyone, rather than coming back later to include those ‘other’ people.” - Dave Moran, Clarence Valley Access Committee member.
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Clarence Valley Council
Top 5 sources to find information and communicate with Council? Website Phone Social Media Email Customer Service
We asked how Council can make it easier for people with disability to find and understand information. You said: “Provide information in printed versions.” “Have an Easy English version, use accessible layouts.” “Have voice-to-text options.” “Have information on paper.” “Use image descriptions.” “Have an Easy English version. Have video with captions. Have audio available.” “Have video with captions. Use accessible layouts. Use image descriptions. Have information on paper. Have voice-to-text options.” “Make the website user friendly, and not so difficult to find the information one requires.” “Voice-over-internet phones and using headsets and computer microphones and speakers don’t work for hearing impaired. Have an accessible email for people to contact Council.” “Contrast the colours on public signs and use bigger letters, a lot bigger letters.”
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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The influence of consultation Over 1000 suggestions received throughout the DIAP consultation process, including internal and external feedback, were coded against the DIAP four focus themes and assigned to relevant departments within Council: Civil Strategic Infrastructure Organisational Development Cultural, Community and Industry Environment Development and Land Use Planning Open Spaces and Facilities Water Cycle Finance and Systems Managers from each department used this feedback to develop 94 actions for Council to deliver over the next four years. This process ensured feedback and personal stories shared during the consultation process directly informed the intent and actions of the new DIAP.
“People with disability need to feel like they belong.” - Community member, DIAP 2023 consultation
42
Clarence Valley Council
9. Council’s Roadmap to Disability Inclusion This section of the DIAP outlines the actions Council aims to achieve over the next four years to ensure we are building a community that is inclusive and accessible. Focus Area 1: Positive community attitudes and behaviours. Focus Area 2: Creating liveable communities. Focus Area 3: Access to meaningful employment. Focus Area 4: Improve access to services, systems and processes.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
43
Focus Area 1: Attitudes and Behaviours Objective 1: Increase positive perceptions of disability. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Clarence Valley Access Committee to continue to provide advice to Council.
Members of the Access
Cultural, Community and Industry
Monthly
Access
Continue to add to a portfolio of positive images of people with disability for inclusion in CVC publications, presentations etc.
Positive images of people
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Using feedback from DIAP consultation in 2023, and in partnership with Access Committee, develop messages and campaigns that highlight disability inclusion.
A strategic educational
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Committee, CVC staff and councillors meet monthly to discuss implementation of the DIAP, increasing positive perceptions of people with disability and advising on access and inclusion-related matters.
with disability represented in CVC publications and content. CVC stock images represent diversity of community and staff.
campaign developed and delivered annually to increase positive perception of people with disability in community. Campaign delivered across CVC digital platforms and posters.
Committee meetings.
Number of
images of people with disability used in CVC publications.
Campaigns delivered.
Digital
engagement statistics.
Objective 2: Raise awareness about the valuable contribution people with disability make to our community.
44
Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Include positive stories and images of people with disability in mainstream Council publications, media and marketing material.
Incorporate inclusive
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Number of
Clarence Valley Council
stories into communication plans for CVC communication channels including the CVC magazine. Communications team explicitly looking for positive content of people with disability. Increased representation of staff and community members with disability in Council publications and content.
stories of people with disability in CVC publications.
Objective 2 continued: Raise awareness about the valuable contribution people with disability make to our community. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Provide advice to local retailers about the importance and benefits of providing good access to their businesses.
CVC engages and
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024 / 2025
Number of
Investigate ways Council can celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD) on 3 December.
CVC partners with
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
connects with local businesses to promote the economic benefits of improving access to their business. CVC develops partnerships to support local businesses to be accessible and inclusive. Update Council's Missed Business brochure. community to celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities.
engagements with local businesses. Missed Business brochure updated. Number of brochures distributed.
An event/
activity/ campaign to celebrate the day is developed and delivered. Number of partners/people involved in celebration.
Objective 3: Increase participation of people with disability in Council run events, festivals and activities. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Training for Council staff involved in the planning and delivery of events as part of their role to ensure events are inclusive and accessible.
Staff have the tools and
Organisational Development; Cultural, Community and Industry; Open Spaces and Facilities.
2024
Number of
Conduct annual consultation with people with disability to develop strategies for improving access at Council-run events, festivals and activities.
Accessibility of events,
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Incorporate and promote an accessible event planning session into Destination NSW workshop targeting event organisers.
Event organisers
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
knowledge to deliver inclusive, accessible events.
festivals and activities in the Clarence Valley continues to improve.
understand why it’s important to plan accessibility into events in the planning stages.
staff trained in running inclusive and accessible events.
Annual
consultation conducted. Strategies developed and improved.
Number of attendees
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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Objective 3 continued: Increase participation of people with disability in Council run events, festivals and activities. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Work with event organisers to deliver and promote accessible events.
Accessibility is planned into
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024/2025
Accessible
all Council-funded events. All event organisers are provided with NSW Government's Toolkit for Accessible and Inclusive Events. Accessible Events Kits developed for event organisers to display at events, festivals and activities including signage. Key information about access is included in marketing and promotional material for events, festivals and activities, such as access symbols, companion card access.
Events Kits developed. Number of Accessible Events Kits handed out. Toolkit for Accessible and Inclusive Events evaluation forms returned by event organisers following events. Year-on-year improvement of the number of people with disability attending events.
Objective 4: Undertake community development initiatives to promote and increase access and inclusion.
46
Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Partner with Social Futures to deliver Access at a Glance inspections at Council's public buildings and facilities and promote outcomes.
All CVC public buildings
Cultural, Community and Industry; Open Spaces and Facilities
2023/2024
Number of
Promote the inclusion of people with disability in youth service programs, library programs and gallery programs.
A growing number of
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Clarence Valley Council
have Access at a Glance stickers at the entrance, clearly highlighting accessibly. Opportunities for improved access identified. Council leads by example, encouraging other Clarence Valley businesses to take part in the Access at a Glance campaign. people with disability participating in programs and events delivered by Clarence Valley libraries, Grafton Regional Gallery and CVC Community Engagement teams.
inspections.
Promotion of campaign.
Number of
inclusive programs and events delivered.
Objective 4 continued: Undertake community development initiatives to promote and increase access and Inclusion. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Partner with community-based organisations to deliver free accessibility workshops for businesses, tourism operators and local Chambers of Commerce.
An increase in accessibility
Cultural, Community and Industry
2025
Number of
Promote access and inclusion-focused grant opportunities to internal and external stakeholders.
External funding sourced
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Review and update 'Tradies Guide to Good Access' and promote to local tradespeople and developers.
Developers and
Development and Land Use Planning; Cultural, Community and Industry
2025
to shops and businesses in the Clarence Valley. Promotion of the economic and social benefits of accessible tourism.
to improve access and inclusion in the Clarence Valley.
tradespeople are aware of their minimum requirements regarding access for all abilities.
workshops delivered.
Grants
identified.
Guide is
updated, promoted and made available online.
Objective 5: Internal education and awareness training. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Develop and expand disability awareness education and training, through inductions and ongoing training opportunities in the Learning and Development Training Plan.
Implementation of disability
Organisational Development
Annually
Number of
Consult with staff on training topics to ensure relevant and specific training is delivered.
Successful staff survey
Organisational Development
2024
awareness through online and face-to-face inductions.
implementation and engagement on preferred training topics.
disability awareness training courses available. Number of staff who accessed training. Year-on-year improvement.
Training topics defined.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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Focus Area 2: Creating Liveable Communities Objective 1: Improve access to Council’s public toilets. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Complete Public Amenities Strategy and deliver actions.
Deliver accessible access
Open Spaces and Facilities
2024
Strategy
Audit toilets accessible by MLAK key and promote on Council website and Public Toilet Register
to Pippi Beach toilets and viewing platform in 202324 capital works program.
All amenities and MLAK/
accessible status published on Council website and National Public Toilet Map Register.
completed.
Actions
delivered.
Open Spaces and Facilities; Cultural, Community and Industry
2024/2025
Toilet audit completed
Council website updated
National
Public Toilet Map register updated.
48
Improve access to public toilets from accessible pathways and accessible car spaces.
When planning, designing
Open Spaces and Facilities
Annually
Plan for inclusion of Changing Places facilities in amenities upgrades, where practicable, at key locations.
Changing Places facility
Open Spaces and Facilities; Strategic Infrastructure
2024/2025
Investigate options for portable accessible toilets/adult change facilities to be used at key locations and events.
Events across the Clarence
Open Spaces and Facilities
2024
Clarence Valley Council
and upgrading public toilets, improving access from pathways and car spaces is planned for and budgeted.
included in Memorial Park Grafton amenities upgrade. Opportunity exists for more publicly accessible adult change facilities in the Clarence Valley. Valley can provide accessible facilities for attendees.
Access
outcomes planned and budgeted.
Number of adult change facilities installed.
Investigation
conducted including costs.
Objective 2: Improve access to Council owned public spaces and streetscapes. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Continue to improve the accessibility of open spaces and recreational spaces through renewal and upgrade programs.
Increase in universally
Open Spaces and Facilities
Annually
Accessible
Consult with Access Committee and people with lived experience on projects to ensure accessibility needs are met.
Through consultation,
Open Spaces and Facilities
Annually
Continue identifying and accessing grant funding opportunities with disability access as a priority.
Improved accessibility
Open Spaces and Facilities
Annually
Promote Council's accessible play spaces, recreational services and facilities via Council's website, Bookable, and communication channels.
More people aware of
Open Spaces and Facilities; Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
Continue to renew and install Council's regional and district level playgrounds to incorporate accessible and inclusive play elements and a continuous accessible path of travel (CAPT) between the key elements.
Number of playgrounds in
Open Spaces and Facilities
Annually
Incorporate accessible parking, toilets and seating when renewing Council's sports grounds and facilities.
People with disability and
accessible park/street furniture, bubblers, BBQ's, fixtures and facilities and accessible pathways linking open and recreation space. Incorporating accessibility into Open Spaces projects enhances the liveability and accessibility of the region. access outcomes are identified and incorporated in projects.
to public spaces and streetscapes. Creates opportunities for improving accessibility in the region, beyond Council's budget limitations. accessible outdoor spaces and facilities and Council's commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
the Clarence Valley with accessible elements and access increases annually. People with disability can better access playgrounds and move around safely.
others have increased opportunity to access, participate and utilise sports grounds and facilities.
facilities and equipment incorporated.
Number
of projects submitted to advisory committee. Results of ongoing consultation
Grant funding opportunities identified. Accessible outcomes grant-funded.
Council website
and Bookable updated. Communication plan to promote accessible open spaces developed and delivered.
Playgrounds upgraded.
Key accessible elements incorporated.
Open Spaces and Facilities
Annually
Access
outcomes incorporated.
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Objective 2 continued: Improve access to Council owned public spaces and streetscapes. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Monitor and enforce compliance of Footpath Trading Policy.
People with disability, in
Environment
2024
Role of
particular vison impaired, can navigate footpaths safely. Footpath trading does not create hazards or obstruct a continuous accessible path of travel.
parking officer expanded to include monitoring of footpath use.
Objective 3: Increase access to Council’s recreation services and facilities.
50
Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Conduct annual consultation with people with disability for feedback to improve and increase access to Council's recreation services and facilities.
Ongoing targeted
Open Spaces and Facilities; Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Consultation.
Plan and deliver accessible beach access at Clarence Valley Beaches
2023-24 Operational
Open Spaces and Facilities
Annually
Accessible
Ensure accessibility is included in the upgrade of Council's community and heated pools.
Regional Aquatic Centre
Open Spaces and Facilities
2024
Clarence Valley Council
engagement between Council and community.
Plan includes delivering accessible pathways to viewing platform at Pippi Beach, and planning and seeking funding for Turners Beach (all accessible improvements). Future improvements to include Main Beach Yamba, and Minnie Water Main Beach. Council demonstrates commitment to improve beach accessibility. has full access to all pools. People with disabilities, and others, have more opportunity to utilise aquatic services.
beach access planned and delivered.
Access
outcomes incorporated.
Objective 3 continued: Increase access to Council’s recreation services and facilities. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Investigate process to re-activate community use of Council's beach wheelchairs.
Community can utilise free
Open Spaces and Facilities
2024
Safety audit
Consult with people with disability and Access Committee to identify priorities for improving access for people with disability at Council's Holiday Parks.
Accessible
Promote access features available at Council's Holiday Parks in all related marketing material and communication platforms.
Accessible features of
Open Spaces and Facilities; Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
Liaise with management contractors to run programs that promote and support the inclusion of people with disability in activities at Maclean and Yamba Sports Centres.
Opportunities for people
Open Spaces and Facilities
2024
Develop and promote accessible tourism.
Update Council's
beach wheelchairs.
completed.
Process to
reactivate wheelchairs created. Community use. accommodation options at all of Council's Holiday Parks.
Holiday Parks are easily identified in marketing material and Council's digital platforms. New Holiday Parks website to include access features at all parks. with disability to participate in community activities and programs.
Accessible Tourism brochure. Accessible tourism incorporated in the new Clarence Valley Tourism Strategy. Accessible tourism attractions promoted on My Clarence Valley website and social media platforms.
Open Spaces and Facilities
2024
Feedback from consultation.
Accessible
improvements made.
Marketing
materials developed featuring accessible features. Digital promotion.
Programs delivered.
Participation.
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024/2025
Accessible
Tourism brochure updated. Clarence Valley Tourism Strategy completed and actions delivered. My Clarence Valley website and social media platforms updated.
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Objective 4: Improve access to Council buildings and community facilities Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Identify and deliver training on universal design and access standards to staff responsible for developing and delivering projects.
Staff are aware of universal
Open Spaces and Facilities; Organisational Development; Development and Land Use Planning; Strategic Infrastructure.
2024/ 2025
Training for staff
Develop a checklist to ensure all new projects incorporate accessibility at the concept design stage. Tool to include all relevant design improvements, not just those covered through legislation.
Access and inclusion
Open Spaces and Facilities; Development and Land Use Planning; Strategic Infrastructure.
2024
design and access standards and how to incorporate into projects.
considered and designed into projects from the concept design stage.
delivered.
Checklist
developed.
Delivery of
improved access and inclusion in projects.
Objective 5: Creating and improving accessible pedestrian paths of travel.
52
Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Deliver actions in the Active Transport Strategy, as budget permits.
Promote accessible
Civil Services; Strategic Infrastructure
Annually
Actions
Road Safety Officer and/or Strategic Infrastructure representative to attend Access Committee meetings to ensure accessibility is evaluated and implemented in projects and campaigns.
Ongoing engagement with
Strategic Infrastructure
Ongoing
Traffic committee reports to include an Accessibility heading under the Council Implications section of the report.
Accessibility considered
Strategic Infrastructure
2024
Clarence Valley Council
liveable communities. Improved footpaths, kerb ramps, shared-user paths, cycle lanes and crossing points. people with disability to improve accessibly.
in all traffic committee reports.
delivered.
Meetings
attended.
Heading added to report template.
Objective 5 continued: Creating and improving accessible pedestrian paths of travel. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Consider access in the development of Traffic Guidance Schemes during construction and road works activities
Safer and more accessible
Strategic Infrastructure
2024
Access
outcomes for people with disability.
outcomes incorporated.
Objective 6: Improve accessibility of public transport. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Investigate grant funding for better, safer bus stops to improve public transport accessibility and comply with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport.
Council delivers more
Strategic Infrastructure
Annually
Funding
Continue to upgrade bus stops to meet Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT) as part of Capital Works Program and as the budget permits.
An increase in the number
Civil Services
Annually
accessible bus stop upgrades.
secured.
of accessible bus stops and shelters that link to continuous accessible paths of travel.
Number of upgrades.
Objective 7: Improve accessible parking in the Clarence Valley. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Deliver program of upgrades to accessible parking.
Improved accessible
Civil Services
Annually
Number of
parking.
upgrades.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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Objective 7 continued: Improve accessible parking in the Clarence Valley. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Undertake a review of accessible parking in one CBD per year.
Improved accessible
Strategic Infrastructure
Annually
Review of each
Continue to monitor and enforce noncompliant use of accessible parking spaces.
Accessible parking spaces
Environment
Annually
Deliver an education campaign to reduce non-compliant use of accessible parking spaces.
Community understands
Cultural, Community and Industry; Strategic Infrastructure; Environment.
2025
Implement the Grafton CBD Car Parking Audit and Strategy.
Will deliver accessible
Strategic Infrastructure; Development and Land Use Planning
2024/2025
parking information.
CBD.
used only by those who have permits.
impacts of non-complaint use of accessible parking. Advice from Access Committee on messaging.
parking improvements, new pedestrian/ accessibility crossings, footpath improvements and other accessibility improvements.
Number of fines issued.
Campaign delivered.
Actions in
the Grafton CBD Car Parking Audit and Strategy delivered.
Objective 8: Improve access and inclusion to Council's library, community and cultural services and activities.
54
Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Continue to promote and support the inclusion of people with disability in activities and services at Grafton Regional Gallery, Cultural Services and Clarence Valley libraries.
Clarence Valley has a range
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Number of
Seek accessibility advice from Access Committee on the design and development of the Maclean Community and Cultural Precinct and Yamba Community Precinct.
Council has consulted
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
Clarence Valley Council
of cultural and community services that are inclusive and welcoming to people with disability.
with people with disability on the design of Council buildings.
people with disability attending events, programs and activities.
Advise received.
Objective 8 continued: Improve access and inclusion to Council’s library, community and cultural services and activities. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Continue to promote and deliver the home library service to people with disability.
Isolated people with
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Number of
Create a priority list of additional services the Clarence Valley libraries can deliver and budget for to improve accessibility.
Improved services at
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
List created.
Upgrade Grafton Regional Gallery accessible toilet door to improve access for people with disability.
Access improved.
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
Door upgraded.
Investigate options to make exhibitions more accessible and inclusive to a range of disabilities.
Inclusive exhibitions are
Cultural, Community and Industry
2025
Inclusive
Create a mailing list of people interested in receiving information on inclusive community and cultural programs, activities and events.
People with disability
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
disability have access to library services.
Clarence Valley libraries.
delivered.
are aware of inclusive programs, activities and events. Data collection process is reliable, confidential and informative.
library members who receive the home library service.
exhibition concepts investigated.
Mailing list created.
Objective 9: Increase community awareness about Council’s services that support access and inclusion. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Promote Council's accessible and inclusive services and facilities as part of the communication strategy.
People with disability are
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024/2025
Communica-
aware of inclusive services offered by Council.
tions delivered.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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Focus Area 3: Access to Meaningful Employment Objective 1: Increase the number of employment opportunities for people with disability.
56
Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Build on partnerships Council has developed with social enterprises that provide employment opportunities for people with disability.
Commitment from Council
Organisational Development
Annually
Number
Create a database of disability service providers and networks to promote Council job opportunities through.
Job opportunities reach
Organisational Development
2024
Update guidelines for inclusive recruitment and workplace practices.
People with disability are
Organisational Development
2025
Ongoing commitment to provide applicants who meet the selection criteria the opportunity to demonstrate or discuss their capacity to perform the inherent requirements of the job.
Council is committed to
Organisational Development
Annually
Continue to offer equitable employment and volunteering opportunities across Council.
People with disability are
Organisational Development
Annually
Clarence Valley Council
to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment opportunities (including volunteering and training) identified across the organisation.
an increased number of people with disability.
recruited and retained.
a diverse and inclusive workplace.
valued as volunteers and employees at Council.
of Council suppliers who provide employment for people with disability. Number of identified positions.
Number of job opportunities promoted via network.
Updated
guidelines developed.
Number of
people that declare they have disability progressing to interview.
Diversity of
Council's workforce and volunteer base.
Objective 2: Increase retention and development opportunities for employees with disability. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Undertake ongoing engagement with staff who identify as having a disability or primary caring responsibility to better understand and meet their needs.
Staff with disabilities and/
Organisational Development; All Directorates as required.
Annually
Successful
Where necessary a workplace assessment will be undertaken on a case-by-case basis to ensure the workplace is accessible to meet the requirements of the staff member.
Staff are supported in their
Organisational Development
Annually
Ensure all staff understand the process to make a request if they need a workplace adjustment.
Staff awareness of
Organisational Development
Annually
or carers are retained and supported.
workplace.
workplace adjustments increased.
implementation of mentoring program and the number of mentoring sessions attended and evidence of needs met.
Successful
completion of effective assessments. Examples of workplace adjustments made.
Internal com-
munications delivered. Monitoring level of requests.
Objective 3: Incorporate workforce diversity as part of everyday Council business. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Access training and forums for supervisory staff regarding mental health and disability awareness.
Staff are supported in an
Organisational Development
2024
Number of
Continue to offer flexible work practices.
Staff are informed of
Organisational Development
Annually
Reflect diversity in images of staff Council uses for internal and external communications and recruitment material.
Council is an inclusive and
Organisational Development; Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
inclusive workplace.
employment flexibility, helping to retain staff.
diverse workplace.
courses and forums offered and accessed by supervisory staff.
Implementation of an effective flexible working policy and the number or agreements in place.
Number
of images reflecting diversity.
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Objective 4: Increase awareness of working with people with disability.
58
Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Include DIAP Awareness module in recruitment panel training and Recruitment and Selection Protocol.
Council's recruitment
Organisational Development
2024
Successful
Look for opportunities to promote people with disability working at CVC both internally and externally.
Council values diversity.
Organisational Development; Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
Clarence Valley Council
process values diversity and inclusion.
inclusion of DIAP awareness in recruitment training.
Examples of promotion.
Focus Area 4: Improve Access to systems and processes Objective 1: Increase access to information by producing it in a variety of accessible formats to support different needs and capabilities. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Provide education to staff around the provision of communication supports including communication boards, Auslan interpreters (online), voice-to-text apps.
Customer Service and
Organisational Development; Cultural, Community and Industry
2024/2025
Successful
Ensure Council's publications, communications, forms and templates are accessible to everyone.
Integration of
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Continue to monitor and update Council's web content for compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
Web accessibility is
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Ensure captioning is incorporated into all video content Council produces including video content on webpage, social media, email, and Vimeo.
Council's digital content
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
Investigate options to provide Council news and information in accessible formats including Easy Read versions, printed copies and audio versions.
People with disability have
Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
outward-facing staff are aware of accessible formats to communicate with people with disability.
recommendations in the 'NSW Government DIAP Guidelines - Writing and Formatting Accessible Documents' across Council communications.
enhanced.
is accessible for hearing impaired.
access to Council's news and information.
internal communication of support options available.
Accessible
Documents produced across Council. Easy English version of DIAP delivered.
Compliance
report and updates implemented.
Number of
videos including captioning.
Outcomes
of the investigation.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
59
Objective 1 continued: Increase access to information by producing it in a variety of accessible formats to support different needs and capabilities. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Maintain the delivery of live streaming services of Council’s ordinary meetings.
Council meetings are
Finance and Systems
Annually
Meetings live
Strive for consistency across Council's communications platforms and service points.
Systems and Processes
Cultural, Community and Industry; Organisational Development
Annually
accessible.
across Council are inclusive and accessible.
streamed.
Processes
developed.
Objective 2: Increase Council’s capacity to provide accessible and inclusive services and facilities.
60
Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Develop guidelines to assess and rate disability access when collecting data about the condition of Council assets to inform the prioritisation of asset renewal and upgrade.
Access and inclusion
Civil Services; Open Spaces and Facilities
2024/ 2025
Guidelines
Promote accessible assistance and options available to help navigate the planning process, through Council's Planning Customer Service Officer and Duty Planning/Building Officer services.
Support is available for
Development and Land Use Planning
2024/2025
Provide technical training about access and inclusion for Council Officers specific to their roles including operating audio loops.
Staff have the knowledge
Organisational Development
2024
Clarence Valley Council
considerations are embedded in data collection process.
people with disability to navigate Council's planning process.
and tools to provide accessible and inclusive services and facilities.
developed.
Feedback
from Council customer satisfaction survey and Access Committee.
Successful
development of online learning modules.
Objective 2 continued: Increase Council’s capacity to provide accessible and inclusive services and facilities. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Investigate sensory tools and quiet hour trials at customer service points, Clarence Valley libraries and Grafton Regional Gallery.
Exploration of innovative
Organisational Development; Cultural, Community and Industry
2025
Successful
Provide training to relevant staff on Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Companion Animals Act 1998 specific to assistance animals and their registration.
Staff have appropriate
Environment; Organisational Development; Cultural, Community and Industry
2024
Consider disability access and inclusion in the upgrade of the Customer Service Charter.
Better access and inclusion
Organisational Development
2025
Continue to consult Access Committee and/or specialist consultants in the early stages of design for key projects and when developing master plans.
Access and inclusion
Open Spaces and Facilities; Strategic Infrastructure; Cultural, Community and Industry
Ongoing
inclusion features to support people with disability, their families and carers to engage with Council.
training and knowledge around laws relating to assistance animals.
outcomes in Customer Service delivery.
deliverables considered at concept development and preliminary design. Delivery of improved access and inclusion outcomes in key projects and master plans. Budget planning adequately scopes for access in design and delivery.
implementation of sensory tools. Number of visitors during designated quiet hours.
Training
delivered.
The Customer
Service Charter that has been updated with considerations for access and inclusion.
Access and
inclusion deliverables considered at concept development and preliminary design. Evidence of consultation.
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Objective 3: Establish and deliver an annual program of Emergency Management preparedness and public education programs. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Deliver the Simtables for Community Empowerment program to enhance individual understanding of risk from natural hazards and how this can inform personal emergency preparedness and evacuation plans including those with a disability.
People with disability
Strategic Infrastructure
2024/2025
Program
included in Emergency Management programs and planning.
delivered.
Objective 4: Develop inclusive individual community recovery profiles that support local recovery. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Develop community recovery profiles in consultation with community members including those with a disability and other vulnerable individuals.
The voice of people with
Strategic Infrastructure
2025
Profiles created
disability included in local recovery planning.
include people with disability.
Objective 5: Increase participation of people with disability in Council’s community engagement activities.
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Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Incorporate access and inclusion provisions in Council's community engagement processes.
People with disability are
Community Development Team; Exec Support Team
Annually
Provisions
Consult with the peak bodies to learn how Council can better provide services.
Ongoing improvements
Open Spaces and Facilities; Strategic Infrastructure; Cultural, Community and Industry; Organisational Development
Annually
Clarence Valley Council
represented in engagement activities.
to Council's delivery of accessible and inclusive services.
implemented.
Outcomes of consultation.
Objective 5 continued: Increase participation of people with disability in Council’s community engagement activities. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Create a contact list of people with disability, carers, friends and family of people with disability and service providers interested in being informed of Council's community engagement activities.
People with disability are
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Contact list
Plan for ongoing consultation with DIAP working groups.
Regular review of DIAP to
informed and represented in community engagement activities. Data collection process is reliable, confidential and informative.
monitor progress. Standing agenda item added to Access Committee Agenda every six months: DIAP update. Consultation with Access Committee on DIAP outcomes is ongoing.
created.
Engagement
information sent to contact list.
Cultural, Community and Industry
Annually
Consultation
plan delivered.
Minutes
of Access Committee meetings.
Objective 6: Improve Council’s policy and planning documents to strengthen and support access and inclusion outcomes. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Submit all large scale subdivisions and/or high public use development applications to the Access Committee for advice to advance universal design principles and ensure developments are user-friendly for people with disability.
New developments
Development and Land Use Planning
Annually
Number of
Review and update the development control plans to incorporate adaptable housing principles based on NSW adaptable housing guidelines or relevant Australian Standards, including universal design.
Local planning controls
Development and Land Use Planning
2024
comply with all relevant accessibility standards and reasonable community expectations.
support delivery of housing stock options for seniors and people with disability.
development applications submitted to advisory committee.
Relevant
development controls reviewed and development control plans updated.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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Objective 6 continued: Improve Council’s policy and planning documents to strengthen and support access and inclusion outcomes. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Develop a checklist to ensure all new subdivisions and developments incorporate accessibility and best practise at the concept design stage including linked pathways, kerb ramps, safe crossings and accessible open spaces.
Accessible subdivisions
Development and Land Use Planning
2025
Checklist
Investigate education and awareness-raising across the industry and with DA applicants to encourage the implementation of adaptable housing design in new dwellings and accessibility improvements into current housing.
A better understanding
Development and Land Use Planning
2024
Identify and deliver training on universal design and access standards to staff responsible for assessing development applications.
Inclusive planning and the
Development and Land Use Planning
2024
and developments enhance the liveability and accessibility of a community. Planning accessibility into the concept design stage of a development or subdivision reduces access retrofitting.
across the industry and community of the benefits of adaptable and inclusive housing design.
application of universal design principles creates liveable communities.
created.
DCP update
to consider the liveable housing Australia tool and guidance.
Case studies
of improved design to be showcased in Council communication and/or events.
Relevant trainer identified and training is delivered.
Objective 7: Ensure that Council’s planning and processes strengthen and support access and inclusion outcomes for new development and redevelopments.
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Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Submit all large scale subdivisions and/or high public use development applications to the Access Committee for advice to advance universal design principles and ensure developments are user-friendly for people with disability.
New developments
Development and Land Use Planning
Annually
Number of
Clarence Valley Council
comply with all relevant accessibility standards and reasonable community expectations.
development applications submitted to advisory committee.
Objective 7 continued: Ensure that Council’s planning and processes strengthen and support access and inclusion outcomes for new development and redevelopments. Action
Output/Outcome
Responsibility
Timeframe
Measure
Review and update the development control plans to incorporate adaptable housing principles based on NSW adaptable housing guidelines or relevant Australian Standards, including universal design.
Local planning controls
Development and Land Use Planning
2024
Relevant
Develop a checklist to ensure all new subdivisions and developments incorporate accessibility and best practise at the concept design stage including linked pathways, kerb ramps, safe crossings and accessible open spaces.
Accessible subdivisions
Development and Land Use Planning
2025
Investigate education and awareness-raising across the industry and with DA applicants to encourage the implementation of adaptable housing design in new dwellings and accessibility improvements into current housing.
A better understanding
Development and Land Use Planning
2024
Identify and deliver training on universal design and access standards to staff responsible for assessing development applications.
Inclusive planning and the
Development and Land Use Planning
2024
support delivery of housing stock options for seniors and people with disability.
and developments enhance the liveability and accessibility of a community. Planning accessibility into the concept design stage of a development or subdivision reduces access retrofitting.
across the industry and community of the benefits of adaptable and inclusive housing design.
application of universal design principles creates liveable communities.
development controls reviewed and development control plans updated.
Checklist created.
DCP update
to consider the liveable housing Australia tool and guidance.
Case studies
of improved design to be showcased in Council communication and/or events.
Relevant trainer identified and training is delivered.
Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023 - 2026
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10. Delivering the DIAP The implementation of Council’s DIAP 2023-2026 is a responsibility that sits across all areas of Clarence Valley Council. Monitoring DIAP progress and celebrating milestones will be an ongoing process that will be captured in Council’s Annual Report and provided to the Minister for Disability Services and the NSW Disability Council. Planned ongoing consultation, including updates on DIAP progress, will be bi-annual with internal and external working groups. Community Engagement Plans will work to inform, involve, consult, collaborate and empower people with disabilities in the implementation of the plan with a focus on early engagement and closing the feedback loop. The Clarence Valley Access Committee will also monitor DIAP progress by including the DIAP as a standing agenda item every six months. The Disability Inclusion Action Plan will continue to be reviewed and re-written every four years.
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Clarence Valley Council
www.clarence.nsw.gov.au