2017/18 - 2020/21 - disabilitycouncil.nsw.gov.au · sports, events and celebrations such as the...

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Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017/18 - 2020/21

Disability Inclusion Action Plan2017/18 - 2020/21

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ContentsWelcome..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5Executive Summary..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6Strategic Context..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7

Community Vision.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7Council Values.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7Future Directions ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7

Background.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8Parkes Shire Context...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8Demographic Profile...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9

Parkes Disability Inclusion Action Plan.........................................................................................................................................................................................................10 Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Community Consultation........................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Focus Areas.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Policy Context.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12 Action Plan....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Focus Area 1: Attitudes and Behaviours................................................................................................................................................................18 Focus Area 2: Livable Communities.......................................................................................................................................................................20 Focus Area 3: Systems and Processes..................................................................................................................................................................24 Focus Area 4: Employment...............................................................................................................................................................................................26Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation.......................................................................................................................................................................................28

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Thank you to Currajong Disability Services and Elk Films for providing the images for this Plan.


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WelcomeI am proud to introduce Parkes Shire Council’s first Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021 (DIAP).

Organisations across the world are responding to the United Nations Convention on the rights of people with disability and Council is committed to do its part.

Council has a vision to improve opportunities for people of all ages and of differing abilities to access the full range of services and activities available in the Parkes Shire.

Council has hosted a number of community engagement initiatives to gather ideas and priorities of community members to form the basis for the DIAP, which sets out practical actions in which Council can help to create a more inclusive community. These actions will benefit everyone – not just people with disability. Improved access means that older people and parents with prams can access our streets and buildings more easily, information is easier to access (even if you are in a hurry or have difficulty reading) and visitors to our towns can find their way around with legible signage.

The DIAP is both a long-term vision and a list of decisive actions to support people with disability.

Council's Access Committee and senior managers have been asked to make sure the DIAP is being implemented over the next four years.

Thank you again to all who assisted in this process and I look forward to working with the whole community to achieve greater levels of access and inclusion for all.

Cr Ken Keith OAM

Parkes Shire Council is committed to working with the community to achieve an increasingly inclusive and accessible local government area.

Importantly, the 12 year life of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan transcends several terms of Council, which guides consistent delivery over the 3 terms of Council.

The DIAP is based on the principles outlined in the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and aligned to the focus areas of the NSW Government's Disability Action Plan.

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Executive SummaryParkes Shire Council is committed to working with the community to achieve an increasingly inclusive and accessible local government area.

The Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021 (DIAP) is based on the principles outlined in the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and aligned to the four focus areas of the NSW Government's Disability Action Plan, being:

1. Attitudes and Behaviours2. Liveable Communities3. Systems and Processes4. Employment

Under each focus area, the DIAP names the community outcomes that the Plan seeks to achieve.

As the first DIAP for Council, the plan draws on the wider policy context to show how Council's actions fit into the larger delivery framework throughout Australia. No doubt the next Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022 - 25 will be a leaner policy document.

The Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 21 will set the framework and priorities to implement best practice in relation to access and inclusion for people with disability. Diverse participation and contributions made by the whole community will strengthen the vision of Parkes Shire 2030 – Community Strategic Plan.


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Strategic Context + COMMUNITY VISION

The Parkes Shire Community Strategic Plan has set a vision that by 2030 Parkes Shire will be:

The following C.O.R.E. values will guide our future choices and how we work together.

We will be;

Caring and friendly Open to new ideasRespectful, acting with integrity and toleranceEngaging and willing to work together

Council’s commitment is demonstrated in their organisational values where staff believe,

INTEGRITY + SAFETY + CARING & RESPECT + TEAMWORK + INNOVATION + COMMUNITY FOCUS

all add up to a smart organisations that delivers progress and value to our community.

Council’s Code of Conduct and its key principals of Integrity, Leadership, Selflessness, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Respect that ensures the growth of a workforce and Council, characterised by codes of personal and collective behaviour.

+ FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The future directions used to provide overarching guidance on the achievement of the Parkes vision are:

1. Develop lifelong learning opportunities2. Improve health and wellbeing3. Promote, support and grow our communities4. Grow and diversify the economic base5. Develop Parkes as a National Logistics Hub6. Enhance recreation and culture7. Care for the environment in a changing climate8. Maintain and improve the Shire assets and infrastructure

The DIAP provides a number of actions and initiatives that will focus Council's efforts to remove barriers so that people with disability also enjoy the many services and facilities provided by Council.

“A progressive and smart regional centre, embracing a national logistics hub, with vibrant communities, diverse opportunities, learning

and healthy lifestyles”

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+ PARKES SHIRE

Parkes is a thriving shire located in the Central West of NSW. The Parkes Shire has a population of more than 15,000, with a growing population base in Parkes and declining populations in the smaller towns and villages.

Parkes Shire forms part of Wiradjuri country, with Peak Hill being the main settlement area of the Bogan River Wiradjuri people who have strong connections to the nearby Bogan River, Warge Rock, Goobang National Park and Bulgandramine. Parkes is also the home of the world famous CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, better known as the Dish. The telescope continues to lead in Astrophysics and is so a major tourist attraction with over 100,000 visitors to the Dish each year.

Local towns in the Parkes Shire are characteristic of inland Australia. They have unique main streets, buildings, events and people willing to share their stories about the area. Other villages are mere shadows of their past history as mining and service centres for surrounding farming districts. However, all settlements in the Parkes Shire provide important history and understanding about the growth and development of the area.

Parkes Shire has a strong and diverse regional economy with a Gross Regional Product of close to $1 billion annually. Mining and agriculture are the key industries for the Parkes Shire economy, providing significant value to the economy as well as being major employers. Manufacturing and transport also make strong contributions to the shire. Sports, events and celebrations such as the Parkes Elvis Festival, ABBA Festival at Trundle, Tullamore Irish Festival and the Parkes Picnic Races are important to the economy and help to further develop social capital in the shire. All these sectors are supported by a strong commercial centre at Parkes and significant public sector presence.

Parkes is the largest centre and is strategically located at the crossroads of major roads and railways that connect to all parts of Australia. The main government and tertiary services are based at Parkes, including Council's Administration Centre.

Background


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+ DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

Disability is an issue that affects a significant proportion of the population. Disability can be caused by old age, accident or injury, disease, illness or hereditary, working conditions, stress, allergies, side effects from smoking, drinking alcohol or other drugs.

With the incidence of disability increasing with age, the rate of disability is expected to increase substantially in Parkes Shire over the term of the DIAP.

ABS Statistics indicate: 1. 25% of the population have long term disability2. 26% need assistance to access health care3. 33% of households need property maintenance assistance4. 25% needed transport assistance5. 25% needed housework assistance6. over 10% of the community are performing a caring role, of which 20% are primary carers

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Structure - org chart

hero image

Parkes Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017/18 - 2020/21


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Introduction + COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

Parkes Shire Council continues to create opportunities for people of all ages and of differing abilities to access the full range of services and activities available in the local community.

The Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan is based on the input provided by people with disability, their families and supporters. Consultation strategies for the Disability Inclusion Action Plan included:

+ Community workshop sessions + On-line and paper based survey + One-on-one conversations with residents with disability, their families and carers + Internal (Council) consultations + Formal exhibition of the DIAP

Throughout the next four years that this Plan is being implemented, Council will engage and involve people with disability to help us monitor the progress. This will be achieved by reporting to the Parkes Shire Access Committee. This Group will review performance annually as well as provide input on strategies for the next Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022 - 25.

+ FOCUS AREAS

Under each Focus Area the Parkes Shire Council Disability Action Plan names the community outcomes that the Plan seeks to achieve. In general, these outcomes are summarised below:

1. People with disability experience positive attitudes and respectful behaviour from Council staff and express the view that Council encourages these positive attitudes and behaviours within the broader community.

2. People with disability and their families and supporters have greater access to community places, buildings and events.

3. People with disability can more easily and efficiently access Council services and engage in the decision making of Council.

4. People with disability have greater access to employment opportunities with Council.

The Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 21 will set the framework and priorities to implement best practice in relation to access and inclusion for people with disability. Diverse participation and contributions made by the whole community will strengthen the vision of Parkes Shire 2030 – Community Strategic Plan that Parkes Shire will be:

A progressive and smart regional centre, embracing a national logistics hub, with vibrant communities, diverse opportunities, learning and healthy lifestyles.

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+ POLICY CONTEXT

The policy context for the DIAP includes International and National strategies aimed at ensuring the rights of people with disability are actively promoted and upheld. All levels of government around Australia have committed to consulting with people with disability in order to make practical changes to how services are delivered so that they can be accessed equally by all Australians, regardless of disability status. In NSW, these practical changes will be driven by the development of Disability Inclusion Action Plans, including the Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan. This section sets out the policy and legal context for disability inclusion action planning in NSW.

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The 2006 United Nationals Convention (New York) on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities established the foundations for promoting the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all people with disability.

In 2008, the Australian Government signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (Convention). In doing so, Australia has committed to ensuring the articles of the Convention are reflected in policy so that the human rights of persons with disability can be effectively exercised.

Some key areas of the Convention relevant to the Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan include: + Access to community life, including cultural

events such as museums, libraries, tourism services and other sites of cultural importance.

+ Raising awareness for, and actively upholding, the rights of people with disability.

+ Making sure people with disability have access to the physical environment as well as access to information and communication.

+ Ensuring work environments are inclusive and accessible.


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The NDIS is being systematically rolled out in Australia through the National Disability Strategy.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS)

The National Disability Strategy is a 10-year plan that coordinates the actions of State and Territory governments around Australia towards common outcomes. The overall objective of the National Disability Strategy is to enable people with disability to fulfil their potential and participate in society as equal citizens.

The six policy areas of the National Disability Strategy are:

1. Inclusive and accessible communities.2. Rights protection, justice and legislation.3. Economic security.4. Personal and community support.5. Learning and skills.6. Health and wellbeing.

The NDIS seeks to achieve this by three broad strategies:

1. Providing individualised funding to people with permanent and significant disability so that they can arrange flexible services geared towards achieving the life goals set by the person.

2. Funding Local Area Coordinators, whose role it is to link individuals with disability (whether or not they have an NDIS package of funding) to community supports.

3. Providing project based grant funding to agencies in order to progressively make "mainstream" community life more accessible and inclusive (this is called Information, Linkages and Capacity Building funds).

+ Providing opportunities for people with disability to vote and to be representatives in all levels of government.

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Amendments 2009 (Commonwealth)

The Federal Government Disability Discrimination Act 1992 exists to provide legal protection against discrimination for people with disability (and carers, co-workers or associates of a person with a disability). The Act also requires Australian governments to actively guard against discrimination by developing Disability Action Plans.

The Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 incorporates the requirements of Section 61 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which includes the requirement to:

+ Review practices to identify discriminatory practices. + Set goals and targets + Communicate these to persons within the

Council. + Appoint persons within the Council to

implement the Plan.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS)

The NDIS creates the framework for a national scheme, designed to enhance the quality of life and increase economic and social participation for people with disability.

Participants of the scheme will be able to decide for themselves how to manage their supports. They will also be able to access assistance from various service providers via local area coordinators working as part of the scheme. The legislation establishes the National Disability Insurance Agency, and allows participants of the scheme to develop an individual, goal-based plan with the Agency. The legislation also provides for a system of internal and external review for decisions where an affected person disagrees with a decision.

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buildings. It contains specific provisions regarding access to and within buildings for people with disability.The Premises Standards commenced operation with the May 2011 edition of the BCA, which had been revised to align with the Access Code. The Access Code specifies the classes of buildings that must be accessible and prescribes the specific areas within those buildings that must be accessible.

Compliance with the access provisions of the BCA and the Access Code also means compliance with the Premises Standards and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 for public buildings and approaches. The BCA and the Access Code reference the Australian/New Zealand 1428 Suite of Standards, which contains minimum design specifications for public buildings. Their approaches provide for the needs of the majority of people with disability.

NSW Guidelines for Disability Action Planning

The NSW Department of Family and Community Service published Guidelines for Disability Action Planning. The guidelines identify key outcomes for government agencies to consider when preparing Disability Action Plans, including:

+ Identifying and removing barriers to services for people with disability.

+ Providing information and services in a range of formats that are accessible to people with disability.

+ Making government buildings and facilities physically accessible to people with disability.

+ Assisting people with a disability to participate in public consultations and to apply for and participate on advisory boards and committees.

+ Increasing employment participation of people with disability.

+ Using government decision-making, programs and operations to influence other agencies and sectors to improve community participation and quality of life for people with disability.

National Disability Strategy - NSW Implementation Plan and Disability Inclusion Act 2014

The National Disability Strategy has been implemented in NSW via the NSW Implementation Plan 2012-2014 and the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014.

The NSW Implementation Plan addressed each of the six National Strategy policy areas, and allocated strategies and actions to NSW government agencies (including Local Government), setting out how NSW will work towards the outcomes of the Strategy. This legislation describes the key role that Local Governments will play in achieving meaningful change in local communities. Some areas relevant to the Parkes Shire Disability Action Plan are:

+ Supporting Local Governments to build inclusive environments and to encourage the development of more accessible buildings.

+ Assisting Local Government to make on-line information more accessible.

+ Ensuring NSW Government agencies work in partnership with Local Governments, to achieve meaningful change in local communities.

+ Encouraging more people with disability to stand for local elections.

+ Supporting councils employ people with disability.

Australian Standards for Access and Mobility AS/NZ1428, the National Construction Code and the Premises Standard

The National Construction Code includes the Building Code of Australia (BCA), and since May 2011 the Premises Standard and therefore the Access Code.

The BCA is a set of technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures throughout Australia and applies to new buildings and new building work on existing


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+ Providing quality specialist and adapted services where mainstream services are not responsive or adequate to meet the needs of people with a disability (If applicable).

Parkes Shire Community Strategic Plan

The Parkes Shire 2030 + Community Strategic Plan (CSP) sits above all other council plans and polices to identify the community's main priorities and aspirations for the future. The CSP informs Council's 4 Year Delivery Program and 1 Year Operational Plan. The actions identified in the Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021 will form part of the integrated planning approach adopted by Council.

Parkes Shire Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy

The Parkes Shire Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy 2016 provides a comprehensive program of projects to be implemented throughout the shire over the next 10 years. The actions identified in the Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021 will be referenced when planning for new improvements of the footpath and cycling path network in 1 Year Operational Plans.

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ACTION PLANStarting with the feedback that the community gave about their experiences about disability and their ideas on how to achieve a more inclusive community, a series of strategies have been developed for action in the Council’s 4 Year Delivery Program. An action is a specific task, on what we will do this year, and over the next four years. The aim is to make progressive practical changes that make a positive difference to the experience of people with disability.

+ FOCUS AREAS

1. Attitudes and Behaviours

2. Liveable Communities

3. Systems and Processes

4. Employment


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ATTITUDES + BEHAVIOURS

Community Outcome

People with disability experience positive attitudes and respectful behaviour from Council staff and express the view that Council encourages these positive

attitudes and behaviours within the broader community

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FOCUS AREA 1

1. ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS

STRATEGIES OUTCOMES MEASURES

1.1 PSC Show leadership on positive disability inclusion though their positive attitudes towards inclusion in Parkes Shire community.

All Councillors have awareness of what inclusion means.All Councillors are aware of their obligations to show leadership on positive attitudes and respectful behaviour in relation to disability inclusion. Councillors are represented on the Access Committee.

PSC Code of Conduct training course materials incorporate the topic of disability inclusion.Number of Access Committee Meetings per annum.

1.2Increase accessibility and inclusion at Council Meetings.

Staff are supported to increase or promote access and inclusion of council meetings.Access needs of people with disability attending meetings held at Council are specifically addressed and catered for.

Accessible Event Guidelines and Checklist completed.Number of meeting invitations sent that includes a question relating to access needs of meeting attendees.

1.3 Increase capacity of Council to host accessible and inclusive Events held in Parkes Shire.

Staff are supported to increase or promote access and inclusion of events.Access Committee is consulted as part of Events Planning.

% of council run events that have an access and inclusion plan as part of event implementation.

1.4 Train our staff to respectfully, confidently and effectively communicate with people with disability.

Staff are confident and skilled in communicating with people who have a disability.

PSC induction training course materials incorporate the topic of disability inclusion.PSC customer service training incorporates the topic of disability awareness and person centred communication.Number and type of training programs relating to inclusion or disability confidence/awareness delivered or that staff are sent to.

1.3 Contribute positive media stories about what Council is doing to build inclusion with people with disability.

People with disability are directly consulted about the priorities for enhancement of public facilities. Current and accurate information on the location of accessible toilets is available to residents and visitors.

Number and topic of media releases relating to Disability Inclusion Action Plan.Number and topic of media releases relating to Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES

Community Outcome

People with disability and their families and supporters have greater access to community places, buildings and events.

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FOCUS AREA 2

2. LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES


2.1 Progressively improve the accessibility of footpaths in Parkes Shire.

The footpath and shared path network is progressively enhanced in accordance with the Parkes Shire Pedestrian and Cycling Strategy 2016.

Number of footpaths / shared paths per lineal metre constructed.

2.2 Progressively improve the accessibility of public toilets, including way finding.

Public toilets are increasingly modified or replaced by accessible toilets.Information on Council website on location of public toilets and their access features. Access Committee is consulted about the priorities for enhancement of public toilets.

% of public toilets maintained or upgraded to comply with relevant disabled access standards.Current and accurate information on the location of accessible toilets is available to residents and visitors.Map of accessible public toilets of Parkes Shire completed.

2.3 Increase accessibility and inclusion of Events held in Parkes Shire.

People with disability have greater access to events hosted in Parkes Shire.

Accessible event meeting checklist template and guidelines are completed and available for staff to use.% of council run events that have an access and inclusion plan as part of event implementation.% of Accessible Event Guidelines distributed to event organisers in contact with Council.

2.4 Progressively improve accessibility and inclusion of Council operated public recreation, learning and leisure facilities.

People of all ages with disability have greater access to town libraries, aquatic centres, Little Theatre, sports fields and playgrounds.Families have improved information about the access features of public facilities and playgrounds.Tourists and visitors with disability have greater access to information on accessibility features of places and activities of interest in Parkes Shire.

% of Information on accessible features of public recreation buildings documented.% of Parks, Sporting and Playgrounds that have information on accessible features. Council's Tourism Website has a section on Accessible Activities, updated annually.

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PRIMARY | SECONDARY

2.5 Improve access to Council Administration Centre, and Visitor's Information Centre, including way finding.

Council Administration Centre and Visitors' Information Centre have best practice access features, including facilities to cater for people with vision and/or hearing impairment, blindness and/or deafness.Way finding in and around Council Administration Centre and Visitors' Information Centre is reviewed and improved where necessary.

% of Council Administration Building access features completed.% of way finding plans (suitable for guests who may be vision or hearing impaired; blind and/or deaf) implemented.

2.6 Encourage, support and promote accessible businesses and tourism in Parkes Shire

Businesses and tourist attractions in Parkes Shire have greater awareness of the economic benefits of developing accessible and aging friendly places and activities.

Number of Information sessions provided on the economic benefits of accessible and ageing friendly businesses and activities.Number of media articles and/or information sessions provided on the economic benefits of accessible and ageing friendly businesses and activities.Representation made to Business Chamber to have an Inclusion Award in the Small Business Awards.

FOCUS AREA 2


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SYSTEMS + PROCESSES

Community Outcome

People with disability can more easily and efficiently access Council services and are engaged in the decision making processes of Council.

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FOCUS AREA 3

3. SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES


3.1 Update the Customer Service Framework to provide guidance to staff on how to make information more accessible.Progressively improve accessibility of Council website.

Written information produced by Council is easier to read both in form and content.People with disability can request information in alternative formats and are presented with options to better meet their communication needs.People with disability have greater access to information via Council website.

% of Guidelines or procedures on providing alternative format materials or other communication options completed.Audit of Council websites against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines completed.Council website has a page describing the accessibility features updated annually.Tourism website has a section on accessibility features for getting around Parkes Shire, updated annually.

3.2 Review the Community Engagement Strategy to improve representation of people with disability, their families and supporters.

People with disability increasingly give feedback to Council and are able to give formal and informal input on the development and progress of Council plans.

% Community Engagement Strategy (Round Table) processes reviewed to enable input by people with disability.

3.3 Ensure Council's emergency evacuation procedures specifically consider the needs of people with disability.

Council's emergence evacuation procedures address the specific needs of people with disability.

Terms of Reference for committees responsible for the development of Flood/Emergency Evacuation Plans include issues relating to evacuation of people with disability.% of Evacuation Procedures reviewed to address the evacuation needs of persons with disability.

3.4 Ensure Council Committees relating to Access, Mobility and Traffic have adequate representation of the issues of people with disability.

Disability inclusion issues are represented on Council Com-mittees.

Terms of Reference for relevant Committee include inclusion issues.

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EMPLOYMENT

Community Outcome

People with disability have greater access to employment opportunities with Council.

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FOCUS AREA 4

4. EMPLOYMENT


4.1 Review recruitment and employment processes to ensure they provide fair and barrier free opportunity to candidates who have a disability.

Council has access to resources supporting best practice with regards to recruiting people with disability. Council has recruitment and employment policies that reflect best practice with regards to encouraging and supporting the employment of people with disability.

Membership of the Australian Network on Disability, renewed annually.Number and list of recruitment and employment related policies/procedures amended in line with Australian Network on Disability Guidelines.

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+ IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING + EVALUATION

Throughout the Parkes Shire 4 Year Delivery Plan, Council will engage and involve people with disability to help monitor the progress of the Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Council will achieve this by reporting to the Parkes Shire Access Committee, which is made up of people with disability as well as key partner agencies and staff from within Council.

Council will also require senior managers to make sure the Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan is being implemented. Links between the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and the Delivery Program and Operational Plans will enable Council to track progress of the Action Plan in the Annual Report.

At the end of the Parkes Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 21, Council will consult broadly with the community to ask what positive changes they may have noticed, as well as asking where barriers continue to exist.


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For further information please contact: Parkes Shire Council Chief Operating Officer

Brad ByrnesP: 02 6861 2333 | E [email protected]

2017/18 - 2020/21 - disabilitycouncil.nsw.gov.au · sports, events and celebrations such as the...

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