Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Legislative requirement: Disability Inclusion Act 2014 s. (13(1)

Federation Council has continued to actively address barriers faced by people with a disability. This annual report details progress made during the 2021/22 financial year on the delivery of scheduled actions captured in the Federation Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2017-2021.

Council has progressed implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan in the following areas:

1. Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours • Continued to meet monthly with the Federation Disability Access & Inclusion Committee and seek their feedback and advice.

• Received regular reports from Councillor delegates on the Federation Disability Access and

Inclusion Committee.

• Considered opportunities for funding partnerships to deliver access initiatives and programs.

• Delivered an online campaign as part of Mental Health month including a media release to share information and raise awareness. Community Conversation EDM, corporate social media posts and corporate email signature.

• Ran a special interest piece on local resident, who is vision impaired that travelled to New

Zealand for an adventure holiday, highlighting their achievements and success.

• Delivered with Intereach the Access at a Glance Program across the council area to engage and educate communities and businesses on the value of inclusion for both societal and commercial reasons.

2. Creating liveable communities • Ensured DA compliance is a standard consideration for all areas of the council operations.

• Maintained footpath as per Pedestrian Mobility Access Plan and maintenance program with prioritisation of high-risk areas.

• Run a campaign encouraging residents to maintain vegetation on their property and the nature strip to ensure no footpath obstruction.

• Ensured the Corowa Aquatic Centre and other public swimming pools are inclusive of people with disability including the Learn to Swim Program with Adult Learn to Swim classes, NDIS private one-on-one lessons and Aqua Exercise (supported by MLHD).

• Incorporated accessibility measures into the Community Grant Funding Program eligibility criteria.

• Provided free transport to major community events run by Council such as the annual Seniors

Festival and Volunteers Celebration.

• Increased staff awareness of and information on websites on companion cards. Staff accepting

Companion Cards.

• Promoted Liveable Housing Design Guidelines (LHD) and a universal design approach via website.

• Continued regular contact with disability organisations to ensure understanding and awareness of current trends and gaps for people with a disability.

• Ran campaigns and contacted service providers to list on Council’s Community Directory so people are aware of local or outreaching services in the Federation Council area

• Hosted quarterly Federation and surrounds Interagency Meetings.

3. Supporting access to meaningful employment • Advocated for community transport and/or on demand transport in the Federation Council area.

• Advocated to State government to raise the profile of the challenges of rural schools and services to cater for children with disability.

4. Improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes • Continued to use and offer non-technology reliant communication methods such as local papers, newsletters, community and library event flyers, letterbox drops and tourism collateral.

• Upgraded corporate, tourism, Corowa Aquatic Centre and caravan park websites so they are compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA standard.