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Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde City Council

May 2017

Draft

Contact: Sarah Braund

[email protected] 02 9387 2600

Vicky Critchley

[email protected]

0403 423 908

Sydney

02 9387 2600

Level 6

332 – 342 Oxford Street

Bondi Junction NSW 2022

www.elton.com.au [email protected]

Sydney | Canberra | Darwin ABN 56 003 853 101

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4

1 INTRODUCTION 8

2 COMMUNITY 10

2.1 Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours 11

2.2 Creating liveable communities 15

2.3 Supporting access to meaningful employment 24

2.4 Improving access to services through better systems and processes 27

2.5 Other issues 31

3 SERVICES ROUNDTABLE 32





4 STAFF 36

4.1 General 37





APPENDICES

A Staff Survey results 45

B Community Survey Form 51

C Staff Survey Form 57

D Meeting in a Box materials 65

E Focus group materials 66

F Staff workshop materials 67

Contents

4 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting

Overview

Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Councils are preparing a regional Disability Inclusion Action Plan

(DIAP) that meets the requirements as set out in the Disability Inclusion Action Act 2014. This Act

stipulates that in preparing a DIAP local government authorities must consult with people with

disability and document the outcomes.

This document provides a summary of the consultation undertaken to support preparation of the

Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP. Consultation took place from March to May 2017. In

developing their DIAP, the Councils made a strong commitment to consult with people with disability.

The consultation comprised of a number of activities designed to be accessible and to provide a range

of options for the community to provide their feedback. Well over 500 individuals from the Hunter’s

Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde provided feedback on improving inclusion of people with disability in the

community. The following table provides a breakdown of the consultation activities and participation

numbers.

Community survey 269 responses received

Community focus groups 37 participants across five focus groups

Regional service provider roundtable 40 participants from 31 organisations

Staff survey 184 responses received

Staff workshops 67 participants across three staff workshops

Meeting in a Box Toolkit ~144 participants across 14 meetings

Individual responses 8 individuals (interviews and emails).

Consultation materials were framed around how local government can address the major barriers and

opportunities to delivering on the four key focus areas of:

» Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours

» Creating liveable communities

» Supporting access to meaningful employment

» Improving access to services through better systems and processes.

Feedback in this document was summarised under the following broad stakeholder groups of:

1. Community: People with a disability, their families, friends and carers

2. Service providers: operating with the local government areas (LGAs) of Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove

and Ryde.

3. Council Staff: from Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Councils.

Executive Summary

Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 5

Community feedback

Feedback from the community was based on:

» Community survey

» Community focus groups

» Meeting in a box

» Direct and individual responses.

Table 1 Identification of key community themes to support disability inclusion

Key focus area Key themes

Developing positive

community attitudes

and behaviours

» Providing education and training to support respectful and appropriate

behaviours towards people with disability

» Raising the profile and visibility of people with disability

» Fostering connections between all people win the community

Creating liveable

communities

This focus area

identified a high number

of locally specific

accessibility and design

issues for each of the

three councils.

» Improving the range of accessible transport options for people with

disability

» Providing efficient and safe pathways of travel to and between key

destination sites

» Providing spaces, facilities and events that celebrate and cater to a

range of age-groups and types of disability

» Designing and planning buildings, facilities and public spaces on the

basis of Universal Design principles

» Increasing the availability of adaptable and affordable housing options

for people with disability

» Creating a safe and inclusive public domain.

Supporting access to

meaningful

employment

» Demonstrating community leadership through providing a disability

friendly and adaptable workplace

» Working collaboratively with business and education leaders to create

outcome based pathways to employment for people with disability

» Providing incentives, support and promotion of businesses that are

inclusive of people with disability

Improving access to

services through

better systems and

processes

» Providing up-to-date information to people with disability in accessible

and diverse formats including through the use of appropriate

technologies

» Acting as a key disability resource and information depository and

facilitator

» Empowering people with disability to be involved in local government

engagement and decision-making.

Community members also raised a number of issues that are beyond the capacity of local government

to influence. These were largely in relation to how disability is recognised and supported based on

rigid categories that fail to adequately reflect the diversity of experience and circumstance that impact

people with disability. It will be important to have on-going dialogue and consideration of how local

government and the broader community can recognise and assist people with disability that fall

between policy and service cracks.


Service provider feedback

Feedback from the service providers was based on the regional roundtable. Service providers that

responded to the community survey and attended focus groups were incorporated into the community

data.

In general there was strong correlation between the themes identified through community feedback

and that expressed by service providers. The following table identifies any additional considerations

expressed during the regional roundtable workshop.

Table 2 Identification of key service provider themes to support disability inclusion


Developing positive

community attitudes

and behaviours

» Incorporate the principles of Universal Design for Learning in

communication and engagement materials

Creating liveable

communities

» Providing opportunities for exercise and physical engagement for

people with disability that is accessible and affordable

» Addressing the need for on-demand transport options for people with

disability.


meaningful

employment

» Designing recruitment processes that proactively encourage and

facilitate applications by people with disability

» Identifying services and systems that support people with disability

being retained within the workforce

» Using procurement processes to encourage businesses that employ

people with disability

» Providing peer training and mentoring of people with disability in the

workforce.

» Encouraging social venture enterprises through space provision and

business collaborations

Improving access to

services through

better systems and

processes

» Providing a dedicated space and service to assists people with disability

to access technology and system training

» Acting as a facilitator of community and non-profit engagement and

community development services through venue and infrastructure

support.

Staff feedback

Staff from each of the three councils were consulted through a range of mechanisms including a staff

survey, staff workshops and a number of self-facilitated meeting in a box sessions.

Again there was strong correlation between the themes identified by staff and that expressed by the

community and service providers. Staff, however were more focused on issues of local concern and

those that could be most directly and practically impacted by Council action.

All three councils identified the following three issues as being the major barriers to disability inclusion

however each had a slightly different emphasis on which was the primary issue:

» Lack of meaningful employment (#1 Hunter’s Hill Council)

» Lack of accessible places, spaces and facilities (#1 Lane Cove Council)

» Community attitudes and behaviours (#1 City of Ryde Council)


Table 3 Priority issues to support disability inclusion by local government area


Developing positive

community attitudes

and behaviours

Hunter’s Hill: Add Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to induction

and ongoing training

Lane Cove: Deliver community accessibility briefings, targeting

community groups to discuss venue hire and community grants

Ryde: Establish a joint committee of Council, local businesses and

organisations to promote positive attitudes and behaviours

Creating liveable

communities

Hunter’s Hill: Improvements to the public domain with integration of

accessibility in Asset Management Plans, particularly footpaths, parking

and ramp

Lane Cove: Investigate the potential of the Rosenthal development for

inclusive consultation as well as the creation of a community and cultural

hub

Ryde: Develop an active transport strategy, and identify needs for parking

and transport.

Support people with a disability participating in sports and recreational

activities, including providing special needs programs for all ages at Ryde

Aquatic Leisure Centre and creating all abilities play areas


meaningful

employment

Hunter’s Hill: Continue to upgrade and implement modifications at

Council’s building to improve accessibility and target employment of


Lane Cove: Review Council’s recruitment strategy, beginning with job

advertisements and recruitment forms

Identify opportunities for work experience which can be targeted for

people with a disability, engage with local schools and service providers

Ryde: Develop and promote flexible working arrangements and in-house

support to recruit and retail people with disability in the workforce

Improving access to

services through

better systems and

processes

Hunter’s Hill: Obtain feedback from people with disability regarding

Council’s systems and processes

Lane Cove: Use positive and welcoming language for Council’s services

and events

Ryde: Promote existing services which support people with a disability

internally to ensure services are shared to the wider community

Upgrade Council’s Community Engagement Strategy and involving

Council’s Access Committee in decision making


This document provides a summary of consultation undertaken to inform the development of the

Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). Consultation took

place from March to May 2017. In developing their DIAP, Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Councils

made a strong commitment to consult with people with disability.

In consulting with the community we heard from a wide range of stakeholders. Feedback was

received from:

» People with a disability and their families or carers

» Service providers

» Council staff (with or without a disability)

» The wider community.

The consultation strategy for the DIAP was designed to be accessible, informative and provide

sufficient diversity of methods to ensure people could provide their feedback in a way which suited

their needs and supported confidentiality. Options for contributing to the DIAP were promoted

through existing council networks, on their websites and sending out a flyer to all households.

Consultation was framed around the four key focus areas of:




» Improving access to services through better systems and processes.

Feedback was sought on issues that reflected the DIAPs regional approach as well as local

opportunities and barriers to improving inclusion in the community. Respondents to the consultation

process were requested to consider that the DIAP would be implemented by the three Councils and

therefore it would be important to raise issues under their control and influence. Nevertheless the

consultation process captured the full breadth of information provided by the community.

Barriers and opportunities identified through consultation will directly inform the actions and strategies

incorporated into the DIAP. Themes raised by staff, community and service providers, incorporated

into the four focus areas paint a picture of the challenges which people with a disability face in the

community.

The following table provides a breakdown of all of the consultation activities and level of participation

across each of the local government areas (LGA).

1 Introduction


Table 4 Overview of DIAP consultation activities

Activity Description Responses/ participants

Community

survey

A ten minute survey incorporating open and close

ended questions was made available to the

community online and in hard copies. Questions focused on opportunities for inclusion in line with

the four focus areas.

The survey was available for about 7 weeks from 20 March to 5 May 2017.

Total - 269 surveys:

» Hunter’s Hill - 20 surveys

» Lane Cove - 100 surveys

» Ryde - 98 surveys

» Other LGAs – 51 surveys

Community

focus groups

Five focus groups were delivered at venues in each

LGA. People could attend any session depending on their availability. Sessions were:

» Hunter’s Hill Council Focus Group, Tuesday

2 May 2017, 12:30-2:00pm

» City of Ryde Focus Groups, Wednesday 3 May 2017, 9:30-11:00am and 5:30-7:00pm

» Lane Cove Council Focus Groups, Thursday

4 May 2017, 1:00-2:30pm and 6:00-7:30pm

Total – 37 participants

» Hunter’s Hill - 5 participants

» Ryde – 19 participants

» Lane Cove –

13 participants

Service

provider

roundtable

A workshop was facilitated for local service

providers to discuss opportunities for and barriers

to inclusion.

The session was held on Thursday, 6 April 2017, 10:30am-12:30pm

40 participants from 31

organisations

Staff survey

A ten minute survey which incorporated multiple choice and open ended questions was made

available to Council staff.

The survey was available for just over 7 weeks

from 16 March to 5 May 2017.

Total - 184 surveys

» Hunter’s Hill - 14 staff

» Lane Cove - 51 staff

» Ryde - 119 staff

Staff

workshop

Workshops to discuss what Council service areas

current and future actions to support meeting disability inclusion four focus areas.

» Hunter’s Hill Thursday, 9 March 2017, 1:30-

3:30pm

» City of Ryde, Thursday, 23 March 2017, 2:00-4:00pm

» Lane Cove, Thursday, 30 March 2017, 10:00

am-12:00pm

Total – 67 participants

» Hunter’s Hill - 14 staff

» Ryde - 28 staff

» Lane Cove - 25 staff

Meeting in

a Box

Toolkit

Materials were produced to allow for groups,

families or friends to run their own mini

consultation sessions. These were undertaken by staff and a number of community groups.

14 meetings conducted

» Ryde – 8 meetings

(~61 participants)

» Lane Cove – 6 meetings

(83 participants)

Direct and

individual responses

One on one conversations were offered to

community members and many provided feedback directly via email.

8 individual responses

Two face to face meetings

and six emails


Community consultation is an invaluable part of developing a DIAP. Speaking directly to people with a

disability, their family and friends and other support provides a firsthand perspective on addressing

inclusion.

As a community member stated inclusion is:

“People with disability being listened to, rather than being told what they need.”

We engaged with community members through:

» Community survey

» Community focus groups

» Meeting in a box

» Direct and individual responses.

We received a total of 269 Disability Inclusion Action Plan – surveys from community members,

split into 38 hard copy and 230 online surveys. Lane Cove Council had 100 respondents, City of Ryde

97, Hunter’s Hill 20 and ‘other local government areas’ 51. Most respondents that lived in other LGAs

indicated that they either worked or undertook a range of social and recreational activities within the

DIAP region.

Over one fifth of participants were people with a disability, with the greatest amount of feedback

coming from family members and friends of people with a disability (35%).

Figure 1 Community Survey: which of the following best describes you?

The highest percentage of participants were 35-50 years (33.7%) and 51-65 years (33.7%). People

aged over 65 made up about a fifth of participants. Participation was limited from people aged under

18 years old (0.8%) and 19-35 (9.5%). Females made up nearly three quarters of responses (73%),

males made up 26.5% and a few people did not identify with the options listed 0.40%.

Five community focus groups were held at locations in the three local government areas. The

sessions were delivered over three consecutive days in the morning and evening. Thirty-seven

people attended the sessions, participants included people with a disability, family members and

friends of people with disability, service providers, and interested community members.

22%

35%

16%

17%

31%

8%

Someone with a disability

A family member or friend of someone with disability

A carer (unpaid) of someone with disability

A provider of services (including paid carer) to peoplewith disability

An interested community member

Other

2 Community


Council staff also facilitated meeting in a box sessions with local community groups. Six meeting in

a box sessions were held in Lane Cove and Ryde Councils with the following community based

organisations and groups:

» Chatswood Social Club – Lane Cove LGA

» Different Degrees Theatre Ensemble – Lane Cove LGA

» Different Degrees – Carers – Lane Cove LGA

» Access Advisory Committee – Ryde LGA

» Youth Council – Ryde LGA

» Korean Group – Ryde LGA

To meet the needs of people in the community one on one interviews were held on request and email

feedback was received. Eight responses were provided directly on the DIAP in email or in person.

Feedback received from community members is summarised below in respect to each of the key focus

areas.

2.1 Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours

“Having a disability makes people perceive you as ‘different’, ‘different’ shouldn’t be viewed as being wrong, it is what is it; different.”

Community feedback identified that a sense of community was a key aspect of inclusion. Positive

attitudes and experiences generally related to being accepted, understood (and when necessary,

assisted) in public. Attitudes, behaviours and language were fundamental to whether people with

disability could or would participate in work, life and social experiences.

Having an accessible or inclusive event is not sufficient, it is important that these attributes are

positively and strongly promoted to make people with disability feel welcomed. As relatively

marginalised and vulnerable members of the community, people with disability and their families,

tended not to feel confident about attending public facilities, events and activities or easily dissuaded

if the initial experience was not positive.

People felt that raising the level of understanding and profile of people with disability will improve

positive attitudes in the community. Ensuring people with a disability are seen firstly as a person,

rather than a disability was paramount in understanding their skills and abilities.

Figure 2 Community Survey: how welcome and included do you feel in your

community?

24%

59%

17% Very welcome and included

Moderately welcome and

included

Not welcome or included


Barriers

“I feel a lot of the time people just don’t know how to talk to me, or deal with me. That’s when it’s just ‘easier’ for them to place me in the ‘too hard basket’. The cycle repeats.”

» Lack of acceptance and prejudice from locals, neighbours are no longer neighbourly

» There is a lack of education about how to talk to people with disability. Language around disability

is generally associated with negative connotations.

» People with disability are not always respected and can feel ignored

» People don’t realise how hard it is for people with disability, particularly if they don’t present as

having one. If you do not look like you have a disability people think you are acting or

exaggerating. People don’t recognise non-physical disability as disability.

» Some people judge what people with a disability can do without any information.

» Being from a CALD background creates additional barriers and a greater level of difficulty

» Young children do not understand children with intellectual disabilities, making it hard for children

with disability to join a group. Fencing play areas and equipment for children with disability sends

a message of exclusion.

» There is a lack of opportunities to learn from and integrate with people with a disability, as such

people with a disability are not represented in the community.

» Council (Ryde/ Lane Cove) sponsored events and activities don’t mention if they are disability

friendly or if people with disability are welcome to take part/ join.

» It is uncomfortable to be stared at when trying to conduct day to day tasks and when attending or

accessing events and facilities in the community.

» Persons with disability may not be able to always control how much noise they make in public

spaces. If the management/ staff don’t understand or know how to handle it appropriately it can

make the person with the disability and their families uncomfortable and unwilling to venture out.

“Sometimes people with disability can be loud and inappropriate - some cafes make people feel welcome and others don't. “

» There is a stigma surrounding those who are with disability and unemployed.

» Not just about accessibility but also how it is implemented.


» Vulnerable to trades people, e.g. my neighbour pays a service $90.00 a week just to take out her

bins. Council should have someone who can help people with disability to make sure they are not

taken advantage of.

Opportunities

Figure 3 Community Survey: What would change community views and attitudes

towards people with disability?

“Seeing people like me participating in all aspects of daily life - employment, services, recreation facilities. Being acknowledged as being present and valued when I attend services and activities.”

» Increase and promote education and training about people with disability to individuals, schools

and businesses.

> Engage opinion leaders and key messages to deliver an effective campaign

> Reinforce the term inclusion but also the importance to people with disability of gaining

independence (being able to live away from family, working, accessing friends/ social activities).

> Provide information to children as well – start early.

“Awareness training is very valuable and applicable to everyone.”

» Work with service organisations and people with disability to understand and facilitate effective

training and responsibility for people with disability to achieve independence

» Recognise and support businesses that are welcoming and inclusive

» Set up private support and inclusion groups on social media sites

» Provide training to all Council staff on how to interact with and understand the needs of people

with a disability. Prioritise training and educating frontline community staff about disability

awareness and the rights of people with disability. Encourage understanding that disability can

come in all sorts of guises. Need to be reassured that Council staff understand the potential

behavioural and physical issues of people w disability and can manage these effectively.

» Councils to provide clear messaging for all events, activities and facilities regarding whether they

are disability accessible and welcoming. Should also assist in providing information on whether

other public spaces, services and facilities are ‘open’ to people with disability.

» Foster connections between young people with disability and those without

50%

40%

40%

15%

7%

Education, employment & training

Promotion/campaigns

Interaction, inclusion & access

Other

Support & attitudes


» Provide learning experiences for Council staff to develop a greater understanding of people with

disability (e.g. staff given the experience of accessing venues in a wheelchair or simulating a visual

impairment)

» Council funded programs ought to include inclusion as a crucial outcome for the enterprises they

fund. Councils would need to provide the KPIs for this in their grant acquittals.

» Hiring/leasing any Council facility could be linked to meeting inclusion guidelines

» Provide education and training to groups that use any Council facility, educate and train individuals

on rights of people with disability and what makes discrimination e.g. guide dog is allowed within

venues and vehicles

» Social and sporting groups implementing a code of conduct / duty of care that includes

inclusiveness

» Hear from and promote the lived experience of disability e.g. webinar series, blog, Facebook.

» Create a regular feature in Council newsletters about people with disability rather than just support

people with disability on a special day/ event

» Provide better information on what Council or other services can do about community members

experiencing discrimination and how it will be handled

» Opportunity for DIAP to be an advocate to support better understanding of the gaps and incidental

forms of discrimination faced by people with disability. When launching the DIAP really promote

and give awareness to how important inclusion is, what it is and how to help people with disability

feel they are being included. Council should produce a newsletter which is solely dedicated to the

concept of inclusiveness.

» Opportunity for all levels of government to run an equivalent campaign to ‘Life be in it’ which

focuses on how to treat people with disability

» Encourage greater visibility of people living with disability including through the provision of ‘give

aways’ (e.g. similar to what bike riders get) i.e. lashing lights they could hang off their wheelchair/

handbags.

Local Government Area specific

Hunter’s Hill

» All Saints Church have provided wheelchair access but only at their back entrance, next to their

garbage bins – people don’t want to use it. Makes them feel unwelcome.

Lane Cove

» Lane Cove Woolworths staff make disparaging comments to people with disability

Ryde

» General feeling that Ryde City Council is not friendly and welcoming of people with disability

» A disability carers group wanted to hold an event at Ryde Aquatic Centre but the centre staff were

not welcoming. The group were given the impression it was all ‘too hard’

» The staff at Ryde Library made complaints about a child making noise. The father was not

comfortable telling the staff his child has a disability. This experience impacted on the confidence

of the father and child. Staff training is needed

» Ryde sports/leisure coordinator should discuss with the soccer club how it can be more inclusive. It

permits a team of children with disability to be associated with the club but they are not included

i.e. not invited to the awards night.


2.2 Creating liveable communities

If people with disability can see the advantages to themselves in being more active in local communities, then they might more actively seek that participation.”

Community feedback across all local government areas surveyed felt strongly that access, footpaths,

ramps and transport were most relevant in creating and maintaining liveable communities. The built

environment was considered a significant barrier to inclusion and many noted that ensuring an

accessible physical environment and good design is a benefit to all community members. Being unable

to fully access their community limits interaction and makes people with disability, their families and

carers feel isolated.

There was acknowledgement that councils provide a range of good facilities, events and activities to

encourage community interaction. The needs of people with disability should however be considered

in the early planning of these rather than as an afterthought or not at all. The community identified

specific needs such as easy access, and parking, accessible and unisex toilets, separated spaces and

activities that catered for a wide range of ages not just for the children or seniors. The cost of

activities and facilities was also becoming a major issue as people are being forced to rely on limited

NDIS funds. They also noted that while NDIS funds activities it does not provide money for venue

hire, a major shortfall that Councils could target.

Community members noted that while housing affordability is an issue for all Sydney residents, it is

particularly critical for people with disability. They are usually economically disadvantaged and have

less flexibility to live away from main centres. Depression is a major problem for people with disability

and is exacerbated by social isolation.

Figure 4 What are the biggest barriers or challenges for people with disability in getting around and travelling to services and facilities in your local area?

61%

56%

17%

16%

15%

13%

Transport & parking

Access & footpaths

Systems and processes or money issues

Attitudes & awareness

Support, services & opportunities

Other


Barriers

Mobility and transport

“At the moment, I am not aware of any local parks or playgrounds I can go to independently mainly because of combination of no footpaths plus tricky road crossings.”

» Barriers on footpaths (including uneven pavements, obstacles, parked cars and overhanging trees

and vegetation)

» Availability and accessibility of transport both public and privately run, cost of taxis and community

buses for those who cannot access public transport

» Community transport services are not very convenient or flexible

» Negotiating public transport, particularly the lack of help from staff e.g. complexity of Opal card,

remembering all the steps of top up, tap on, tap off

» Overcrowding in streets and centres, which leads to mobility and balance issues

» Limited accessible parking and a lack of undercover accessible parking. This is a particular issue for

large events (e.g. Australia Day events)

» Elevator and pedestrian button height

» Limited awareness of obtaining information about services available within the area or for a

specific disability

» Lack of space for disabled parking spaces, e.g. if you have a small bus/van there is not sufficient

room provided to open back doors for ramp

Events, activities and Council facilities

“Many clients love to play on swings and slippery dips etc and get a huge amount of pleasure and a sense of freedom - but - if they go to a playground and kids or mums with strollers arrive they have to leave.”

» It is difficult to find groups and activities that cater to a teenager with intellectual disability (with

the interests and capabilities of a young child). "What is a safe community for her to belong to?"


» Unable to bring children or adults with behavioural issues to common spaces and public facilities as

there is not spaces where they can make noise without disturbing other people or alternatively

quiet spaces where they can be calmed down

» Festivals, events and activities becoming too crowded, noisy with insufficient parking and seating,

this becomes inaccessible for people with autism

» Carers often determine what people living in group homes do – can they be bothered to take them

out, is there another staff, what if other people want to go somewhere else, often easier for staff

to stay at home rather than take people out

» There is a lack of respite services and activities for older children/young people with disability

(particularly in post-school years)

» NDIS funds are tight. After paying for essential services there is little money left for activities and

classes

» Unable to afford services and facilities offered within the local area and wider community. No

discounts currently advertised for people with disability

» Space is needed for an OT service in the region

» Lack of parks within the area that are fenced which is needed for children / adults with autism at

the same time barriers around play areas send a message of exclusion..

Buildings and housing

» Planning controls are insufficient and do not adequately control development to ensure accessibility

for example ramps often need to be better designed so that they are wide, safe and have a

suitable gradient

» Significant shortage of affordable housing. This is a particular issue for people with disability who

want to live in their local communities and close to networks and family support

» Lack of affordable and adaptable housing access within Sydney and local neighbourhood centres.

Limits people with disability being able to access services, support and family. No structure for two

to four people for 24 hour care

» Disability friendly housing options not widely available

» Older housing tends to be unsuitable – temperature control and flooding issues


Public infrastructure

» Lack of disability and unisex toilets in public places and facilities

» Accessible features like bathrooms, lifts etcetera are not well maintained

» Outdoor spaces require better rest areas

» Lack of maintained open space, walkways, areas where trees and shrubs grow

Figure 5 How can Council make services, facilities or venues easier to use for people with disability?

Opportunities

Mobility and transport

» More overpasses / footbridges with lifts

» Improve footpath quality, check that tree roots have not cracked and damaged walkways and

make pathway material consistent in materials

» Information on the Council's website about accessible pathways of travel (footpaths etc.) so that

outings can be planned and it clear which places are accessible or which should be avoided.

» Undertake an audit of local area accessibility for travel [Opportunity for a volunteer based audit

team, to check how accessible local streets and centres are]

> consider “Pathways to Inclusion” as best practice

> identify responsibility for medium strips and street trees/private gardens

> educate the community about the importance of maintaining vegetation, clearing obstacles,

reporting footpaths to create a more accessible environment

> involve people with disability in a review of accessible rights of way.

» Travel training has helped some people to be able to use public transport

» Opportunities to create wider choices of transport, focusing on accessible and demand driven

options

» Provide community transport for individuals with mental/intellectual disability (not just physical)

who may not be able to travel on state run transport or taxi’s

» Create a volunteer based community transport system e.g. Shoalhaven Council has implemented

this. Users could give a gold coin donation to help pay for vehicle to be maintained

» Ensure accessible parking spots are wide enough to enable vehicles to be successfully accessed by

passengers. Provide a level area beside parking spots for people with mobility issues and devices

» Increase enforcement of cars parked on the footpath.

82%

29%

27%

23%

17%

17%

Accessibility & footpaths

Parking

Facilities & activities

Other

Awareness & promotion

Toilets


Events, activities and Council facilities

“Habitat has always been promoted as totally inclusive- everybody from two years old to 80, any disability.”

» More spaces and facilities that cater to a range of age-groups (allowing multi-generational

enjoyment). Buffalo Creek Reserve Playground works really well for this. Including a playground

for adults only near public transport that would provide swings, slides and possibly an obstacle

course .

» Undertake an accessibility audit of Council facilities and venues

» A discounted rate or alternative funding source is needed for people with disability to assist them

to access cultural and social activities and programs (NDIS funding will not cover these things)

» Fitness and aquatic centres could provide discounted rates, especially if a person with disability

needs a one on one class

» People with disability and their families should be encouraged by Council to attend events. Council

to communicate inclusiveness and provide information on amenities (e.g. parking) as well as:

> Place ‘chill out’ quiet areas within major events for people that cannot handle high levels of

noise or overcrowded areas

> Set up and plan for temporary accessible parking for major events

> Opportunity to put on smaller targeted festivals, events and activities for people with disability that cannot handle overcrowding and high levels of noise

> Provide flexibility in event ticketing for families with children with disability (who are

sometimes unable to stay for as long) or may not be able to use all facilities

» Council’s to investigate new technologies (e.g. virtual reality) to assist people with disabilities to

access facilities, activities and events

» Continue to support and promote a wide range of programs which encourage community

involvement.

» The Special Olympics is free for children and could be better promoted by Councils


» Councils could provide an exclusive day at Council facilities for people with disability (e.g. at

Aquatic Centre, libraries, gallery or other facilities)

» Provide common spaces where children or adults with behavioural issues can act up without

disrupting or causing offence to other people e.g. libraries should not only have a quiet room but a

noisy room too

» Support effective service providers to ensure they can continue to provide services in the area (e.g.

subsidised accommodation, access to facilities)

» Provide workshops that incorporate music and art (sensory stimulation) in a suitable venue

Buildings and housing

» Create DCPs that incorporate adaptable and accessible standards and ensure better outcomes in

term of accessibility e.g. wide door for the provision of wheelchair

» Opportunity to require new developments to place additional set-back top to allow for improved

and inclusive access

» Have suitable processes for reviewing development applications for Council facilities to ensure

accessibility

» Shops should all have aisles that are wide enough for wheelchairs

» Council buildings to be built with consideration of best practice Universal Design such as rails on

both side of the ramps at Council building

» Provide more escalators with ramps not stairs

» Free up zoning for community and public housing near services

» Planning controls to ensure a certain percentage of apartments are adaptable and affordable

» Review and implement an affordable housing strategy and targets. Housing that caters to people

with disability needs to be centrally located, particularly for people who cannot use transport

independently (to reduce social isolation)

» Training, education and incentives for builders and Council to allow development of housing that is

adaptable and affordable for people with disability

» Applying to Social Ventures Australia (social impact investment) to support in assisted housing for

people with disability along with employment services. Getting funding through NDIS for the Giant

Steps Program

Public infrastructure

» Provide more accessible toilets including those suitable for unisex/family

» Improve signage and wayfinding for public spaces and facilities

» Opportunity to have hoists placed in disabled toilets and local pools along with a change tables that

can withstand adult weight. Hoists could be at a user-pays system to help with cost covering

» Provide better rest areas and seating in key public locations.



Hunter’s Hill

» Hunter’s Hill Council building has significant accessibility issues for people with disability including

vision impairment

» Deckhouse restaurant, Clarks Point and Goat Paddock have no accessible parking

» Accessible parking at the Wharf area has been promised, but never delivered. Huntley’s Point was delivered and became accessible with the installation of a lift.

» Access from Clark Park to the historic Cockatoo Dock - lots of steps, no ramp.

» Small waterfront parks/reserves around Newcombe Point are steep and unpaved

» Widening of the narrow roads and footpaths is needed but understandably difficult to address –

this needs to be considered if development applications are submitted

» Pineapple Bar was a great place for people with disability including their friends and family, it is

now closing due to increasing rent – what can Council do to assist businesses like this stay in operation

» Access is difficult to Woolwich Public Baths (steps) and at retail centres in Gladesville and Hunter’s

Hill (Victoria Road and Alexandra Street)

» Public toilet location in Boronia Park, steep, distant from the picnic area and no path

» There is no access to both walkways across Gladesville Bridge - lots of steps, no ramp.

Lane Cove

» Opportunity to provide a pedestrian crossing across First Avenue at the corner of Dorrit Street

» Opportunity to increase walk time for pedestrians crossing River Road (Riverview), at the

intersection of Tambourine Bay Road, pedestrians less abled find it impossible to cross within the

designated time-frame currently provided

» Opportunities to provide disability toilets at Greenwich shopping centre


» Opportunity for Manns Point to become accessible to all abilities with the inclusion of ramps and

disabled toilets

» A number of places at the Lane Cove shopping district are inaccessible by those using public

transport e.g. Community centre and Meeting House Inc

» Footpaths around Cove Village could be improved for accessibility along with Napier Crescent near

Lane Cove Road, Barr Street near Wicks Road, Truscott Street south of the school

» Lack of accessible public disabled toilets, ones which are provided are poorly maintained and at

Boronia Park they are distant from the picnic area

» Council offers senior’s outings but none for those with disability

» Market Square has accessible parking on the bottom floor and certain vans don’t fit

» Interchange at Longueville Road from the city is lacking in ‘ease of access’, pedestrian area is

narrow, bins and poles are in the way which makes the shared path become dangerous to those

using it

» Linley’s Point play space is inclusive and provides good inclusive equipment

» Opportunity for lights or a roundabout at the top of Tamborine Bay Road to create a safe

pedestrian crossing

» Conduct an audit of Lane Cove shopping centre, there are a few barriers for accessibility and

inclusion

» Lane Cove Library is accessible and inclusive but would like to see a ‘noise’ room implemented e.g.

Woollahra Library has a game room, and designated noisy times

» Limited disabled toilets near Lane Cove plaza, library and Rosenthal development, ones that are

currently available do not feel safe, comfortable or have ‘ease of access’ for the individual and

potential carer accompanying and helping them

» Place hoists in disabled toilets and at public pools, or have an app where people can see where in

Lane Cove have these.

“I can’t take my adult son too far, as it is impossible to change him anywhere in Lane

Cove, I feel at times we are both being made to stay at home.”

» Place disabled parking more strategically e.g. Little Street parking is too far away to walk to the

shops for people with disability. More parking spaces are required in Shepherds Bay and Eastwood

» Ask the NSW Government to reinstate the express bus services into the city

Ryde

» Vacation care for children with disability is needed

» West Ryde Station – West Parade entrance has a step but no ramp access

» No ramp access in Coles at West Ryde

» More disabled on street parking for vehicles that have height restrictions

» Development fees for Granny Flat DA in Ryde is very high ($6,900). Fees should be waived if the

flat is being built for persons with disability

» RALC to be more accessible and inclusive through:

> a designated change room for people with disability. The family change room is suitable but

always busy

> Noise issues (high levels) and inconsistent temperature control of water


> It is unclear whether the warm water pool at RALC is available for the public to use. Provide

better information and signage

» Top Ryde shopping centre:

> Better promotion of the mobility scooter hire service is needed

> The centre has a lot of obstacles and barriers including:

– cluttered floors on Coles level

– inadequate lifts and buttons do not have contrasting colours making them difficult to see

– lack of accessible parking at the cinema level

– taxi ranks are not well located – they are not accessible, you cannot bring a shopping trolley

to them, there is no shelter and you have to walk into the traffic to access accessible taxis.

Accessible taxis have shifted to the loading bay to provide better services

– not enough lifts, the moving walkways don’t meet up which means there is a lot of extra

walking

» Community bus is important as the Ryde LGA is a major employment and health hub. The bus

caters mainly for older people not younger people and people with disability

» Review the major bus stop for buses going north at Top Ryde is dangerous, the pavement is

narrow, uneven and exposed. The footpath slopes to the side which make it very difficult for

people with mobility issues

» Epping Road connector is inaccessible e.g. lifts

» Better signage is needed to assist access, in particular at train stations (e.g. lift signage)

» Ryde Park – shortage of toilets, toilets are not well maintained and toilets have slippery surface

and poor lighting. Update and improved maintenance required

» Loss of the putt putt golf facility was a major loss to people with disability and families – support

opportunities to find an alternative site or an alternative activity that is disability friendly.

» Royal Rehab:

> gutters are not suitable (accessible) and the community bus will not come to the building

> Egress from Royal Rehab to Putney Road is very steep and no rest areas are provided

» Council should investigate partnership with Royal Rehab for the provision of affordable housing for


» Council could link into Royal Rehab Hospital events and facilities

» Putney IGA – there are many issues with the parking including lack of lighting and signage, traffic

and traffic light issues

» North Ryde Community Church, unable to have an parking sticker or gain extended parking if you

do not have a physical disability reduces opportunities for disability support groups to meet

» Christian Community Aid provided many social activities but had to give up its campus at Ryde

because the rent was too high

» Morrison Road – this is a high traffic area that requires better signage

» Macquarie Hospital – insufficient parking available

» Ensure there is sufficient parking in Meadowbank

» There are insufficient bathrooms at Meadowbank Wharf

» Review Ryde Housing Strategy to ensure it is addressing the needs of young people with disability


2.3 Supporting access to meaningful employment

“Having work is so important for self-respect, self-worth and valuing one self.”

Community members felt strongly that meaningful employment was a key part of inclusion for people

with a disability. Several barriers were identified, with lack of knowledge and support for employing

people with disability considered the hardest issue for job seekers to overcome. Consequently,

community members wanted Council to be both proactive in employing people with disability as well

as encouraging other local businesses to be disability friendly.

Figure 6 Community Survey: barriers to employment

“They only see my disability, not me as a person with strengths and abilities.”

43%

25% 17% 15% 15%

Attitudes ofemployers and

employees

Insufficientemploymentopportunities

Inflexibleworkplaces

Education andtraining

Employmentsuitability (including

transport andwages)


Barriers

“Disability often has little or no bearing on a person's ability to do a job, especially if reasonable accommodations are provided, but people don't understand that and only see the disability.”

» Negative attitudes of employers and other employees, some people may feel uncomfortable

working with a person with a disability

> Attitude of management staff is key for recruitment and retention of people with a disability

> Small businesses aren’t well resourced to train staff.

» Employers with a lack of understanding of the skills of people with a disability

» A lack of employment and local employment opportunities for people with a disability

“I had to travel four hours for a three-hour shift, I asked to change locations and then lost the job I had held after ten years.”

» No information on who is willing to give employment, work experience and volunteer opportunities

to people with disability

» Insufficient accessibility, support and flexibility in workplaces

» Transport to employment, particularly access to public transport

» Some people with disability need supported employment with people to supervise and this is

difficult to find

» Lack of information from Councils describing and stating what they do for unemployed people with

disability

» Gaps in education and training including work experience for people with a disability, this can also

result in low self confidence

» Funding for TAFE was reduced and there is insufficient support and suitable courses for people

with a disability

» Online studying can be difficult for people with disability, there is no opportunity to engage, or

have face to face help with issues that may surface

» No transition support services for high school leavers , support period for work services advertised

» Fear of losing pension then not being able to sustain the work due to pain and other obstacles.

The government only allows people to earn a limited amount of income before axing their pension

therefore there really isn't an opportunity to work even though the desire is there.

Opportunities

“It would be good to make a policy about inclusion and to see all government organisations and local councils start the lead on this by creating a policy that incorporates a person with a disability working at all your services e.g., local pools, gyms, libraries and community centres this would create some form of change.”

» Councils to lead the way in employment of disabled to help dispel myths that disabled persons are

unable to perform work duties – have a proportion of staff with a disability working for Council

» A greater range of education and training opportunities for people with a disability, including work

experience placements at Council


» Provide suitable and adequate training for all employees to ensure that staff can appropriately

assist a staff member with a disability in becoming an active member of the workforce

» Council to proactively award contracts to companies that demonstrate active inclusion of people

with disability

» Consult with Chamber of Commerce to assist in identifying processes to support employment of


» Provide incentives, support and promotion of businesses (particularly small businesses) that are

flexible and inclusive to people with disability such as:

> A business of the month award, showcasing businesses within the area that provide flexible

and meaningful employment, work experience to people with disability e.g. Habitat Network

» Educate employers on the opportunities and benefits in employing people with disability, such as:

> Support and encourage accessible, flexible workplaces and proactive recruitment processes,

including what is available to employers if modifications are required

> Provide and share plain English materials and information regarding employment of people with a disability with local businesses and people with a disability

» Council could play a role by providing information on how to volunteer and access work experience

» Provide Social Enterprise training for local organisations and businesses

» Council could partner with organisations that encourage people with disability to enter the

workforce such as Job Support and Ability Links

» Encourage local industries to support sample days so people can try out different jobs to allow

people to understand their abilities

» Encourage community colleges into the area which also accommodate carers

» Provide Travel training programs to support people with disability accessing employment.

“All businesses have EEO policies which encourage inclusive recruitment processes, however, businesses themselves need support (as well as the individual) to make the process successful and a positive experience for all.”


Ryde

» The library would not take a person with disability as a volunteer

» Lack of response from Council when an enquiry was made about vacation care for a child with

disability to support a parent working

» No transition to work programs are provided in Ryde. The nearest locations are Chatswood and

Epping.


2.4 Improving access to services through better systems and processes

Feedback on this focus area revolved around Council’s mainstream services and information on

support services available through other government agencies and service providers. Respondents

noted that having information in a range of formats as well as the opportunity to speak to someone

directly is essential. Knowing which services are available for people with a disability and which

mainstream services are inclusive of people with a disability was considered critical.

“You have to communicate with everyone in the community if you want to communicate with all disabled people. We do not self-identify nor do we identify with other disabled people. We identify in the same way you do, we are parents, siblings, artists, writers, friends, students the same as anyone else.”

Barriers

“It is definitely extremely difficult to find out what services someone is entitled to and frequently the paperwork is daunting.”

» It is confusing and difficult having to go to multiple sources (across the range of government and

non-government providers, this includes RMS and NDIS) and places to access information and the

different requirements for different services

» Insufficient information regarding local services and activities, including information available to

Local Area Coordinators under the NDIS

» Information provided is not easy to access and use, many people ignore e-newletters, one-on-one

liaison with Council or an information provided is needed but this is not provided

» There is a lot of availability of information, training, services for early intervention but nothing for

adults.

“Information must be readily available and easy to access. I find it hard myself to find any local services and support that suit my son.”

» Staff do not consider the needs of people with a disability

» Negative responses from Councils and service providers when seeking modifications or

accommodations

» Confusion around who to go to about community housing as there are no longer case managers

» Information provided by phone is not suitable for CALD communities, it should be by email or letter

» Lack of access to interpreters for CALD communities can further exclude them

» Some people with a disability rely on others to provide information about activities and events to

them

» Councils not offering hearing loop services that work, often they have been installed but do not

function / have no regular maintenance carried out

» Council has lost significant in-person presence through the implementation of more technology e.g.

pay your rates online

» Lack of plain English used within documents and applications and general newsletters

» No database to go to for people who provide home maintenance, or basic services e.g. light bulb

changing, taking out and bringing garbage bins in

» Lack of flexibility with time extensions for forms and applications


Figure 7 Community Survey: How to support better access to services

Opportunities

“Good access to information is good for the broader community as is good signage”

» Opportunity for Council to change communication styles on how they provide and promote

information, especially in terms of making people feel that the Council wants an all ability inclusive

community. It is important to use traditional and social media to promote activities and services

> set up of a disability portal on Council website

> have a one-stop shop for information including staff who know where to go to access

information and aid people with a disability and their support people

46% 43%

11% 16%

12%

Systems andprocesses (including

assistance withGovernment

systems)

Communication andavailability ofinformation

Accessibleinformation

Promotion andawareness

Council staff andprograms


> make available a staff member who is able to sign

> ensure information is provided in plain English and a range of accessible formats including in easy-read versions

> opportunities to speak to someone on the phone or in person

> provide a point of contact within town centres for people with disability to access

information about services and opportunities

> Providing disability information and services in various languages that reflect the dominant ethnic groups in the community e.g. Mandarin/Korean.

» Provide a specific Community Disability Liaison officer in Council, a nominated contact who can

provide all information and contacts to other organisations

» Online information should be active and meet all accessibility standards

» Consistent information identifying whether Council and other major public facilities cater to people

with disability and what accessibility/ inclusion support they offer.

» Tap into and support informal information networks

“There are indeed specialist organisations that cater for specific disabilities … but all the mothers at my son's dance class believe that the informal networks and stories they hear from other mothers is more helpful as we are all locals and it is contemporary.”

» Council could provide an NDIS products price guide e.g. how much an exercise physiologist would

be to work with a person with disability

» Provide access to help with filling out forms and understanding what words mean e.g. NDIS

paperwork, tax declaration form

» Promote Council sources of information and keep up to date what services are available and events

coming up

» Provide a way to allow for family members to seek help on behalf of people with a disability

» Change the language and information on the Council websites to make it clear the inclusiveness of

social groups, activities and facilities .

» Meaningful and positive engagement with people with a disability needs to consider accessibility of

all community consultations including:

» Update Council websites to have direct links for people with disability information in both English

and other languages

> advertising accessibility of venues

> providing alternate arrangements

> allowing sufficient time for people to provide feedback

> facilitating an active Access Committee.

» Continue to engage with people with a disability to identify what services and information they

would like to see and how they would like to contribute to their community

» Ability for residents to still be able to pay their rates at a local post office

» Promote local services and activities, including

> advertising to schools to use their networks

> provide a disability newsletter advertising activities and services (similar to that produced by

[previous] Warringah Shire Council)


> utilise/promote existing mobility app that provides information on accessible places and

activities, including disability toilets for the local area and an option to book disabled parking for

big events

» Councils could develop an online resource/ app which allows users to identify and rate accessible

areas and venues

» Very good services are provided by the Special School, NSW Carers Association and Ryde/Hunter’s

Hill Community Services (carers group) – presenting opportunities for support in the future

» Provide training and education or provide information where people with disability can learn to

become more independent

“A specific directory for people and children with a disability outlining services specifically for people with a disability AND a list of services that have inclusion plans in place to support people.”


Hunter’s Hill

» Losing essential services such as banks, post office and health services within the town centre, this

disadvantage’s those trying to access such services who have disability, limited mobility, lack of

funds or access to transport

Lane Cove

» Provide a central customer service location, potentially as part of the Rosenthal development

» Need easier access to local respite care.

Ryde

» Public election voting moved from the Civic Centre (which was accessible) to the Public School

(which is not). “I had to do a postal vote but this shouldn’t have to be necessary”

» Ryde Council should provide a similar website and Facebook page “In the Cove” to that provided

by Land Cove Council

» Council’s Access Committee has a vacancy which presents an opportunity for someone with a

disability to be involved

» Council’s online contact form is effective but it should be more widely advertised

» Ryde has some really good information, it is difficult to locate easily within the Council website.


2.5 Other issues

Community members also brought up issues that are outside Council’s ability to influence. These are

listed below.

» Centrelink should operate in hospitals. A large hospital like Royal North Shore could easily keep a

Centrelink outreach office busy. When I was diagnosed with Cancer my social worker said "I do not

contact Centrelink" How was I supposed to contact them from my hospital bed, with cancer

treatment going on? Many people are suddenly diagnosed and cannot get to a Centrelink office or

do paperwork to ensure support payment while convalescing.

» Centrelink -doesn't provide a disability pension for people with a psychiatric disability

» Taxi voucher system doesn't recognise people with intellectual, developmental (i.e. autism) or

non-visible disabilities

» Department of Housing 'is ruthless' in terms of who it provides support for, there is just too much

need for the supply of available public housing.

» Level of training within Bachelor of Education in respect to managing children with disability is

utterly insufficient - do one project and are not encouraged to share learnings within the class.

This lack of appropriate training in the education needs of people with disability is systemic from

Kindergarten to University.

» In order to get adequate schooling for children with disability have to go out of area.

» Ownership and management of Royal Rehab housing is confusing. It is difficult to know who is

responsible for maintenance. Maintenance is often substandard


Service providers are intrinsically linked with the Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde communities. They

were keen to support the preparation of a DIAP within the region and saw it as an important

opportunity to build the capacity for inclusion within the community and Council.

“Developing a DIAP is a great way to encourage all council staff to think about how they could be inclusive and a starting point for further education.”

We engaged with service providers through:

» Service provider roundtable

» Community survey (this feedback has been incorporated with community feedback)

» Attendance at focus groups (this feedback has been incorporated with community feedback).

Forty representatives from 31 organisations attended the roundtable session.

The purpose of the roundtable was to discuss opportunities for inclusion which could benefit their

clients/community members and to support providers to deliver services. Groups were able to reflect

on their experiences working with and for the community in line with the focus areas. Barriers and

opportunities for inclusion were identified.


Barriers included:

» A lack of general community understanding and empathy, this includes viewing of people with a

disability as different from the rest of the community and in some instances negative attitudes

» People with a disability aren’t always accepted for the person they are, rather people focus on their

disability

» A lack of awareness of the abilities of people with a disability, it was also raised that there is

insufficient funding to educate the general public on what it means to live with a disability

» In some instances, there is an unwillingness to make a change to accommodate someone with a

disability.

Opportunities included:

» Promote inclusion for all Council staff and encourage staff to consider opportunities to be inclusive,

» Encourage and provide education to all departments of Council to use the available hearing loops

during meetings and community sessions

» Support awareness and inclusion in schools

» Use traditional and social media to promote and highlight the capabilities of people with disabilities

including a dedicated section on disability inclusion in Council newsletters, websites, social media

» Providing education and awareness – normalise diversity and develop communities that care for all

to address social isolation including education about the rights of people with disability

3 Services roundtable


» Break down the barriers of us and them especially for more severely disabled people who would

like greater community access

» Ensuring that all events celebrate and incorporate inclusion.

» Document and promote positive examples of how inclusion has been successfully implemented

» Incorporate the principles of Universal Design for Learning in communication and engagement

materials.


Barriers included:

» Exercise is very important to maintain mobility and wellbeing. There are very few gyms with

equipment that are accessible for wheelchairs

» Mobility issues across all local government areas

» Limited housing which is affordable and appropriate, in the community results in people staying at

their parent’s home

» Transport cost and availability, it can be difficult to resource drivers and vehicles

» Accessible facilities and equipment, which aren’t separated from the mainstream, to ensure people

with a disability are able to use and access public places, such as hoists at local pools

» Accessible and timely transport including accessible drop-off points for transport (car & bus)


» Greater transport options, with a focus on accessible and on-demand transport including greater

support for community transport provision

» Ensuring parking facilities are best practice and do not simply meet base standards e.g. basement

carparks to meet requirements for accessible vehicles

» Ensure bus stops have sufficient width and spacing to allow for wheelchair patronage

» Upgrade footpaths and ramps to support accessible path of travel to and between major

destination sites

» Additional accessible parking for major community events

» Promote and identify accessibility features of all Council events, activities and programs

» Providing and upgrading physical environments which allow for participation of all community

members, for example all-inclusive playgrounds, seating, BBQ’s at different heights, space for

wheelchair at picnic tables

» Specifically look at ways people with disability can be actively participate in events such as Youth

Week

» Look at opportunities to provide discounts for access to events and activities such as not paying for

attendance of companions/carers.

» Council to require people holding events and delivering activities using council resources/ facilities

to meet inclusion requirements

» Community grants to incorporate inclusion criteria

» Design and provide quiet places where people can have time out / feel safe for major events and

public facilities (e.g. library)


» Assess and seek to address accessibility of major destination sites such as shopping centres within

the region including Universal Design requirements, parking and drop-off points, accessible

bathrooms with hoists, doorways wide enough for assisted access

» Review and revise accessible (Universal Design) DA requirements for new major public buildings

and centres

» Prioritise base requirement for all facilities to be made accessible – not seen as best practice.

Should not be viewed as an ‘extra’ but as essential (particularly toilets – everyone has the right to

be able to go use a toilet!)

» Identify strategies to deliver affordable and adaptable housing options including updating

compliance/standards.


Barriers included:

» Attitudes and understanding of employers – the word disability can include many conditions,

injuries and illnesses

» Mainstream, corporate and government employment as difficulties arise in the interview process,

work place accessibility and employment support

» Insufficient information on how businesses and groups can be supported to include everyone

» There are challenges in having an inclusive workplace for people with behaviour problems.


» Have greater representation of people with a disability in the Council workforce especially public

roles or those highly visible to the public

» Council to mandate employment targets (20% people with disabilities in population – reflect in

employees)

» Identify services and systems that support people with disability being retained within the

workforce such as provision for an occupational therapist to support physical and behavioural

problems

» Local government procurement processes could create an employment opportunity through

engaging contractors that employ people with disabilities

» Educate employers and the general public regarding the abilities of people with a disability,

including school students

» Provide peer training to support people with disabilities – in the workplace, mentoring within the

community

» Provide a public directory that lists services/opportunities by employment type

» Create an Ambassador work program that promotes positive role models and shares successes

» Council to partner with employment services to promote and encourage local employment and

work experience opportunities

» Provide incentives and supports for organisations willing to employ people with disability and to

adapt workplaces to become more accessible e.g. look at inclusion grants for small businesses

» Prepare a readiness checklist for organisations to employ people with disability

» Host a local conference/ breakfast with employers to support job seekers


» Encourage major local shopping centres to offer a certain percentage of spaces at popcorn rents

for social enterprises that employ people with disability at standard wages

» Partner with TAFE to support education and training, including courses to support people to build

skills and confidence

» Change forms to be more welcoming and accepting of disability for example asking ‘ what support

do you need to do the job’ – not tick yes to disability

» Assist partnerships between schools, local businesses and education institutions to create outcome

based pathways to employment for people with disability – align courses to industry employment

needs.


Barriers included:

» Communication difficulties

» Attitudes of mainstream service providers, ongoing support is required to maintain successful

inclusion and meaningful participation

» Have early intervention and provide professional development support, some people lack

confidence and knowledge to best support people with a disability in a mainstream setting.

» Most significant barrier to inclusion in mental health is drop of in-services and support when a

person is “well” leaving them vulnerable.


» Communication methods which include online resources available on Councils’ websites and easy-

to-read versions of essential public information such as bus timetables

» Employ a single council contact who knows all service providers and what they do, and a

community liaison person who knows services in depth

» Provide resources in all Council facilities e.g. hearing loops, large print documentation to support

access to information and services

» Embedding specialist services in already established groups/programs and partnering to develop

innovative and inclusive programs and activities

» Create a central database of people with disability needs that triggers access to services and

assists referral by Council to information and services (e.g. service card system)

» Support smaller organisations stay viable as they are key members of the community and support

broader engagement

» Develop an information app to provide local information on services, transport, events, toilets

» Provide a dedicated service/space at community and council facilities for people who do not have

access to or skills in technology

» Support greater awareness (service providers) of interagency networks and forums – increase

participation

» Council to provide rooms so organisations can run focus groups / engage people with disabilities

for free (community development)


An important step in developing the DIAP is consultation with each Council’s staff. Their insights and

experiences are an important consideration in identifying actions and strategies for inclusion. We

engaged with staff through:

» a staff survey

» staff workshops

» meeting in a box.

An online survey was available to staff to provide feedback on their workplaces and how services are

provided to the community. Across the three Councils there were 184 survey responses. This included

19 people who identified as having a disability.

A workshop was delivered with staff at each Council to promote the development of the DIAP and

discuss actions and strategies for inclusion. Sixty-five staff from the Councils took part in the

workshops. These participants were able identify existing opportunities for inclusion in their service

area and new opportunities in line with the four focus areas. A high proportion of staff knew a person

with a disability and could draw on their personal as well as professional experience. Importantly, staff

participants represented the wide range of local government service areas, from planning and events

to finance and IT.

Additionally, Lane Cove Council and City of Ryde Council spoke directly to service areas using the

meeting in a box tool. Eight meeting in a box sessions were held with the following staff:

» Lave Cove Council Depot – Lane Cove LGA

» Kindy Cove – staff – Lane Cove LGA

» Library staff – Lane Cove LGA

» 2 x Customer Service and Library Staff – Ryde LGA

» Executive Team Meeting

» Operations Centre Staff

» Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre Staff

The feedback received via these

methods is summarised below.

4 Staff


4.1 General

Staff were receptive and interested in the development of the DIAP. Their feedback focused on the

variety of opportunities for each Council to support a more inclusive community and provide an

inclusive workplace.

“A true inclusive community would be one where people don't have to disclose they have a disability because the community or workplace is fully accessible and excepting of people with abilities and backgrounds.”

Overall staff felt it was essential that Councils engage meaningfully with people with a disability. The

three Councils generally raised common issues and noted the same top three barriers for inclusion.

The following chart illustrates however that the Councils identified subtly different priorities for their

community. These were respectively:

Hunter’s Hill – Lack of meaningful employment opportunities

Lane Cove- Lack of accessible places, spaces and facilities

Ryde – Community attitudes and behaviours.

Figure 8 Staff Survey: What do you see as the main barriers to participation in the

community for people with disability in their local area?

Appendix A provides a further breakdown of the main findings from the Staff Survey.

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Lack of meaningful employment options

Lack of accessible places, spaces and facilities

Community attitudes and behaviours

Lack of access to suitable transport options

Lack of services to support participation

Lack of suitable equipment to support needs

Lack of suitable education and trainingopportunities

Other (and/or additional comments)

Hunters Hill Lane Cove Ryde



Council staff acknowledged that positive behaviours stemmed from greater understanding of those

with a disability. Feedback raised the importance of communication techniques and recognition of

various needs of all members of the community.

Overall, it was felt by staff that community members were respectful to people with a disability. It was

noted there is a great opportunity for Councils to further promote positive attitudes of inclusion

through their extensive networks. In agreement with the feedback from community members and

service providers, Council staff identified training to customer facing staff and the wider community

around understanding the diverse needs of people with a disability as important.

“Ongoing staff training, not only on access and inclusion, but on how to handle various situations when working with and servicing people with a disability.”

Awareness and understanding was a common theme raised by staff. This was considered equally

relevant for the Councils as employers as well as service providers to the community. Education and

positive promotion of people in the community with a disability were frequently identified

opportunities for each Council.

“If council had regular visitors or guest speakers that would go a long way to breaking down barriers and allowing acceptance.”

Hunter’s Hill

Barriers included:

» Pre-existing conceptions of the abilities of people with a disability in the community

» People with a disability are not as visible in the community as they should be.


» Highlight local shops and businesses that are successfully inclusive

» Provide staff and community training promoting empathy and understanding, add EEO to induction

and ongoing training

» Involve people with a disability in Council processes and have greater representation of people

with a disability, particularly on Council’s Access Committee.

» Identify areas where Council can advocate for people with a disability.

Lane Cove

Barriers included:

» Lack of understanding and awareness in the community, stigma may cause people not to disclose

their disability

» People with a disability are not as visible in the community as they should be.


» Provide a range of training for all Council staff around customer services, appropriate language and

mental health training for supervisors and managers

» Deliver community accessibility briefings, targeting community groups to discuss venue hire and

community grants


» Promote contributions of people with a disability in the community, in particular celebrate

International Day for People with a Disability in Lane Cove Plaza

» Educate the Lane Cove community about inclusive Council programs and developments.

Ryde

Barriers included:

» Programming and activities are focussed for people with mobility issues rather than considering the

broad range of needs across the community

» A lack of understanding of the different needs of the community and the services available to the

them

» People with a disability aren’t always considered as regular members of the community.


» Provide training to staff to be able to respond to community members’ different needs

» Host inclusive workshops and events with keynote speakers

» Establish a joint committee of Council, local businesses and organisations to promote positive

attitudes and behaviours

» Continue to promote Council’s EEO policy and code of conduct.


Staff frequently noted the importance of an accessible public domain, with many adding specific

opportunities for their local government area.

“Design all structures in the public domain so that they are inclusive. Think about how people use things, gather, move from place to place, how places are and can be used and ensure all people can access all parts of them.”


Additionally, events and activities hosted and supported by Councils were considered a key service

which should consider the needs of all members of the community. In particular, where infrastructure

is available for people with a disability, programming and planning should ensure people are able to

access the facility or services.

Hunter’s Hill

Barriers included:

» Council’s administrative building is key area for improvement regarding accessibility, Town Hall was

also considered difficult to access and use

» Maintenance and upgrading of footpaths should ensure people with mobility issues can get around.


» Improvements to the public domain with integration of accessibility in Asset Management Plans,

particularly footpaths, parking and ramps

» Focus on improving accessibility of recreation areas

» Investigate providing sensory gardens, outdoor gym equipment and all abilities play equipment.

Lane Cove

Barriers included:

» Poor access of public spaces including suitable parking, outdoor recreation spaces, footpaths as

there are number of trees in the area

» Travelling around can be expensive, with many people having to rely on others to get to services

and activities.


» Ensure community events and facilities are accessible for all and accessibility features are

promoted well including Screen on the Green

» Rosenthal development provides an opportunity for inclusive consultation as well as the creation of

a community and cultural hub

» Investigate opportunities for accessibility within St Leonards precinct planning

» Continue to provide programs and services for all members of the community

» Improve wayfinding and upgrade public bathrooms.

Ryde

Barriers included:

» Wayfinding and internal accessibility of buildings including Library and Top Ryde

» Accessible parking locations and drop off points aren’t close enough to services and buildings

» Access to services and public places, for example the Ryde bus service does not reach the RALC

» Amenities and facilities at Council buildings and public facilities, including change rooms at the

RALC


» Support people with a disability participating in sports and recreational activities, including

providing special needs programs for all ages at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre and creating all

abilities play areas


» Upgrade pathways including proactively identifying key issues and key places for accessing services

through consultation

» Review access of all council facilities and buildings, including Council’s offices

» Promote and improve accessibility at events – show commitment to accessibility and that it is a

priority to the community

» Identify and provide suitable programs and activities for the community

» Develop an active transport strategy, and identify needs for parking and transport.


Staff generally felt that the workplace could and should be adapted to meet the needs of employees

with disability. Despite indicating that Council could do more to employee people with disability within

the organisations, across the three Councils, staff generally felt that their organisations were

responsive to the needs of people with disability (see Appendix A: Figure 12).

Staff thought Council could show effective leadership through providing work experience placements

for people with disability at their work places. Some suggested a certain number across all service

areas should target young people with a disability. Many also believed employment targets or

recruitment methods for people with a disability should be considered.

Council should look at its employment practices; If it expects others to have positive attitudes to employing people with disabilities then it should do the same.

Regarding inclusive workplace practices, many staff noted examples where modifications had occurred

for staff with a disability. It was acknowledged there is room for improvement in Councils’ practices

and procedures. A number of staff also identified a role for Councils to advocate to local employers.

Hunter’s Hill

Barriers included:

» Accessibility throughout Council’s administrative building

» Lack of understanding of employers

» Requirements and logistics around work experience placements.


» Continue to upgrade and implement modifications at Council’s building to improve accessibility

» Provide regular and appropriate training to Council staff, including a mentoring program for senior

staff

» Provide traineeship programs across Council for a range of experiences which target people with a

disability

» Investigate best practice strategies for recruitment and employment.

Lane Cove

Barriers included:

» Recruitment of people with a disability needs to thought about to ensure adequate systems and

processes in place


» There is the perception that having someone with a disability will be hard work, with the

modifications and changes needed

» Inflexible work policies, people should be able to work from home where appropriate.


» Review Council’s recruitment strategy, beginning with job advertisements and recruitment forms

» Identify opportunities for work experience which can be targeted for people with a disability,

engage with local schools and service providers

» Create a target and provide meaningful employment for people with a disability

» Identify tools and requirements to support people with a disability to work at Council.

Ryde

Barriers included:

» Council’s physical office space including certain work spaces and accessible parking

» Advertising of job positions, recruitment and selection processes

» Insufficient information about and availability of work place supports and appropriate roles.


» Facilitate a program with other organisations to find employment for young people with a disability

in the local area and in local businesses

» Develop work experience program focused on giving experience to people with a disability

» Develop and promote flexible working arrangements and in-house support to recruit and retail

people with disability in the workforce

» Have a commitment for Council to employ more people with a disability.


Feedback frequently noted Councils could better accommodate the diverse needs of people with a

disability when sharing information and delivering services.

Councils’ websites were raised as key points of information which should better reflect the community

they serve. Many staff noted that providing services and information in various formats was essential

to ensuring the needs of the community are met.

“systems in place to communicate appropriately and make people feel comfortable e.g. people with disability being able to make suggestions about how things could be improved.”

Hunter’s Hill

Barriers included:

» Accessing information including Council’s website and at Customer Services

» Involve people with a disability in decision making, including having a person with a disability on

Council’s Access Committee.



» Provide diverse and inclusive programs which encourage participation by people with a disability

» Promote services which support people with a disability, particularly on Council’s website

» Obtain feedback from people with disability regarding Council’s systems and processes.

Lane Cove

Barriers included:

» Accessibility of website, materials are not available in a wide range of formats

» Accessibility of traditional community consultation methods.


» Investigate and ensure accessibility of Council’s website

» Use positive and welcoming language for Council’s services and events, and include accessibility in

all collateral as appropriate

» Ensure greater accessibility of community consultations

» Provide collateral and information in a range of accessible formats

Ryde

Barriers included:

» Accessing information for a range of services, including Federal and State Government Services

» Suitable equipment isn’t available at all Council venues including hearing loop and other inclusive

technologies

» Service information should be available in appropriate formats e.g. Shop Ryder timetables


» Promote existing services which support people with a disability internally to ensure services are

shared to the wider community

» Require development approval process to include consultation with people with a disability where

necessary for design features

» Upgrade Council’s website and allow community members to pay Council online

» Improve consultation with people with a disability, including upgrading Council’s Community

Engagement Strategy and involving Council’s Access Committee in decision making for various

projects.


Appendices

A Community Survey

B Staff Survey

C Meeting in a Box materials

D Focus group materials

E Staff workshop materials


Figure 9 Staff survey: How would you rate your level of understanding of the needs of people with the following disabilities?

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Vision

Hearing

Mobility

Neurological eg Brain injury, …

Learning Difficulties

Mental Health Issues

Hunters Hill

Low Fair Good Excellent

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Vision

Hearing

Mobility

Neurological eg Brain injury, Multiple …



Lane Cove


0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Vision

Hearing

Mobility

Neurological eg Brain injury, Multiple …



Ryde


A Staff Survey results


Figure 10 Staff Survey: Which of the following training sessions will be of most interest to you in creating an inclusive community for all:

When selecting “Other training”, staff generally commented all options identified would be

appropriate.

9%

73%

18%

[PERCENTAGE] Hunters Hill

Welcoming Customers with Disability

Disability Awareness and Inclusion Training

Mental Health First Aid Training

Other training

15%

41% 23%

21%

Lane Cove

Welcoming Customers with Disability

Disability Awareness and Inclusion

Training


Other training

15%

35%

44%

6%

Ryde

Welcoming Customers with

Disability

Disability Awareness and Inclusion

Training


Other training


Figure 11 Staff Survey: How can Council make our services, facilities or venues more accessible for everyone, including those with disability?

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

Accessible buildings

Consultation

Information

Pathways and wayfinding

Staff training

Parking and transport

Bathrooms and facilities

Programs and activities

Other

Hunters Hill

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%


Consultation

Information


Staff training




Other

Lane Cove

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%


Consultation

Information


Staff training




Other

Ryde


Figure 12 Staff survey: Please rate the following statements

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Most people with disability should be employedseparately from others, in special work environments

People with disability have the same rights as otherpeople, including the right to work

Everybody benefits from being a part of a workplacethat is inclusive of people with disability

Most people with disability are unable to work

I would feel comfortable if my workplace changed toaccommodate my co-worker with disability

Hunters Hill

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Most people with disability should be employed

separately from others, in special work environments





Lane Cove


0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Most people with disability should be employedseparately from others, in special work environments





Ryde



Figure 13 Staff Survey: Please rate the following statements

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Council is accepting and inclusive of employeeswith disability

Council values the diversity of a workplace withemployees with disability

Council is good at catering for the needs ofemployees with disability

Council staff display a positive attitude towards


Hunters Hill


0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%




Council staff display a positive attitude towardspeople with disability

Lane Cove


0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%




Council staff display a positive attitude towardspeople with disability

Ryde



Survey Are you aware of any of the following Council policy/procedures that relate to people with disability?

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Code of Conduct Policy

Work Health and Safety Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Access and Equity Policy

Social Justice Charter

Work Experience Procedure

Development Control Plan (DCP)

Hunters Hill

Yes No Unsure

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%








Lane Cove

Yes No Unsure

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%








Ryde

Yes No Unsure


Disability Inclusion Action Plan - Community Survey

Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and the City of Ryde Councils are seeking input

from the community on their Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). This

Plan will have actions to assist people with disability to participate fully in

community life.

To develop this plan we are talking to people with disability, their friends,

family and carers, as well as interested members of the community.

The plan will address four key areas that have been nominated by people

with disability as being important in creating an inclusive community:




» Improving access to services through better systems and processes

It is estimated that this survey will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete.

Your participation and feedback is important to us and will be used to directly

inform the development of strategies and actions for a more inclusive local

community.

Please complete this survey by 5 May using the reply-paid envelope supplied.

Elton Consulting has been engaged to assist in preparing the DIAP for

Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and the City of Ryde Councils. They will collate the

responses to this survey, analyse feedback, and prepare a report to the

Councils in full confidence. Please be assured that your participation will

remain strictly anonymous and you will not be personally identifiable

through the analysis and reporting process.

For any enquiries please phone Poppy at Elton Consulting on (02) 9387

2600 or email [email protected]

B Community Survey Form

mailto:[email protected]


1. Which Council area do you live in?

Hunter's Hill Council

Lane Cove Council

City of Ryde Council

Other (please specify) ______________________________

2. What is your gender?

Male

Female

Intersex

None of the above

3. What is your age?

Under 18

19-35

36-50

51-65

Over 65

4. Which of the following best describes you: (Please tick all that apply)

Someone with disability

A family member or friend of someone with disability

Carer (unpaid) of someone with disability

A provider of services (including paid carer) to people with disability

An interested community member

Other (please specify)

53


5. What type(s) of disability do you, or someone you may care for, have?

(Please tick all that apply)

Disability that affects mobility (moving around)

Vision-related disability

Cognitive disability (such as acquired brain injury, stroke)

Difficulty with learning (such as intellectual disability, dyslexia)

Hearing-related disability

Mental health issue

Would rather not say

Another type of disability (please specify) __________________________________

6. As someone (or knowing someone) with disability, how welcome and included do you

feel in your local community?

Very welcome and included

Moderately welcome and included

Not welcome or included

7. What makes you feel welcome and included in your community?

(go to Question 8)

(Think about: venues and facilities, people’s attitudes/ behaviours, participating in work/

school / social activities)


8. What makes you feel unwelcome and not included in your local community?

(Think about: venues and facilities, people’s attitudes/ behaviours, participating in work/

school / social activities)

9. Are there specific examples of places, events or services in your Council area that

include people with disability?

(Think about: businesses, council facilities, outdoor space, activities)

10. How can your Council make services, facilities or venues easier to use for people

with disability?

(Think about accessible parking, accessible toilets, improved footpaths, parks,

playgrounds, cultural and sporting facilities)

11. What would make your community better or easier to live in?

(Think about: easily accessible buildings, better transport, more social, sporting or

cultural activities, improved housing – try and be as specific as possible)

12. What would change community views and attitudes towards people with disability?

(Think about: education, dispelling myths, stigma, positive promotion, opportunities for

interaction, inclusion campaigns, etc.)

55


13. What are the biggest barriers or challenges for people with disability in getting

around and travelling to services and facilities in your local area?

14. What do you think are the main barriers to finding work for people with disability?

15. What could be done to improve work opportunities for people with disability?

(Think about: access to training, accessible work places and spaces, inclusive or

proactive recruitment processes, flexible work arrangements, welcoming work culture,

etc.)

16. What can be done to support better access to services and support for people with

disability?

(Think about: availability of information, assistance with government systems, range of services and supports provided)

17. How can Council better communicate with people with disability and

their networks?

(Think about: using different communication formats eg audio description, easy read, large print, staff training, social networks, websites, newsletters, etc)

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.

If you would like to stay informed about the progress of Council’s disability

actions, or be involved in further consultation, please fill in the form on the

next page.

56 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton

Consulting

In May, the Councils will hold focus groups for people with disability, their carers

and family to discuss the future opportunities and challenges of making our

community more inclusive.

If you are interested in participating in this focus group, please provide us with

your contact details so we may contact you.

Name ________________________________

Email ________________________________

Phone ________________________________

If you know a person with disability who would be interested in participating in

a community focus group, please provide your contact details below and we will

contact them through you.

Name ________________________________

Email ________________________________

Phone ________________________________

57

Disability Inclusion Action Plan Internal Council Staff Survey

Council is seeking input from staff on its first Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) which will identify actions to assist people with a disability to participate more fully in community life.

The plan will address four focus areas that have been nominated by people with disability as being important in creating an inclusive community:

» Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours » Creating liveable communities » Supporting access to meaningful employment » Improving access to services through better systems and processes

Defining disability

The Disability Inclusion Act 2014 defines disability as including a long-term physical, psychiatric, intellectual or sensory impairment that, when faced with barriers, may hinder a person’s full and effective participation in the community on an equal basis with others.

The aim of Council’s DIAP will be to ensure that these barriers are reduced and that all people have the opportunity to participate fully in the community to the best of their abilities.

Elton Consulting has been engaged to assist in preparing the DIAP for Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and the City of Ryde Councils. They will collate the responses to this survey, analyse feedback, and prepare a report to the Councils in full confidence. Please be assured that your participation will remain strictly anonymous and you will not be personally identifiable through the analysis and reporting process.

This survey will take approximately 10 minutes.

C Staff Survey Form


Consulting

Questions Part 1 – About You 4. What is your gender:

□ Male

□ Female

5. To which age group do you belong?

□ Under 25,

□ 26-35,

□ 36-55,

□ 56-65,

□ Over 65

6. Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

□ Yes

□ No

7. Do you speak a language other than English at home?

□ Yes Language _______________________

□ No

59

Part 2 – Participation in Community Life 8. What do you see as the main barriers to participation in the community for

people with disability in their local area? (Tick all that apply)

□ Community attitudes and behaviours

□ Lack of services to support participation

□ Lack of accessible places, spaces and facilities

□ Lack of suitable equipment to support needs

□ Lack of suitable education and training opportunities

□ Lack of meaningful employment options

□ Lack of access to suitable transport options

Other (and/or additional comments)

9. Can you recall any instances where an individual with disability was prevented from accessing a service, facility or venue in this local government area?

□ No

□ Yes (please describe what happened)

10. How can Council make our services, facilities or venues more accessible for everyone, including those with disability?


Consulting

11. How would you rate your level of understanding of the needs of people with the following disabilities:


Vision

Hearing

Mobility

Neurological e.g. brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, dementia

Learning difficulties

Mental health issues

12. Please rate the following statements:

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Most people with disability should be employed separately from others, in special work environments

People with disability have the same rights as other people, including the right to work

Everybody benefits from being a part of a workplace that is inclusive of people with disability


I would feel comfortable if my workplace changed to accommodate my co-worker with disability

61

13. What do you feel are the most important things for changing attitudes and behaviours towards people with disability in the community and workplace?

For example consider championing people with disability as role models; developing public messages and campaigns that highlight inclusion and recognise the rights and contributions of people with disabilities in the community; using positive images of people with disability in publications and promotions; providing ongoing staff training on access and inclusion

Part 3 - Council

14. Please indicate to what extent you agree with the following statements:

Strongly Agree

Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Council is accepting and inclusive of employees with disability

Council values the diversity of a workplace with employees with disability

Council is good at catering for the needs of employees with disability

Council staff display a positive attitude towards people with disability

15. Do you have any suggestions about how to improve any of the above areas?


Consulting

16. Are you aware of any of the following Council policy/procedures that relate to

people with disability?

Yes No Unsure








17. Which of the following training sessions will be of most interest to you in creating an inclusive community for all:

□ Welcoming Customers with Disability [equips staff to be confident in welcoming customers with disability, and meet the needs of customers, including how to identify potential barriers and increase accessibility to products and services]

□ Disability Awareness and Inclusion Training [covers types of disability, communicating effectively with people with disability and social inclusion –what it means]

□ Mental Health First Aid Training [covers how to assist people who are experiencing a mental health crisis (eg suicide, panic attacks, aggressive behaviour) or developing a mental health problem (e.g. depression, anxiety, psychosis).]

□ Other training, eg how to use TTY, using, interpreters – please specify

63

18. Do you have any general comments on the needs and priorities for making

Council a more inclusive environment for people with disability?

For example consider championing people with disability as role models; providing ongoing staff training on access and inclusion, identifying social inclusion as a performance standard for senior staff, setting targets for employment of people with disability, developing public messages and campaigns that highlight inclusion and recognise the rights and contributions of people with disabilities in the community

19. If you are a person with disability have you disclosed your disability at time of (Drop down boxes for application, interview, medical, since starting, never)

□ I don’t have a disability (please go to Part 4: Question 20)

□ Yes – disclosed on my job application

□ Yes – during my job interview

□ Yes – as part of the medical

□ Yes – during employment

□ No - I have never disclosed my disability

20. If you haven’t disclosed, what are the reasons?

21. Is there something Council could do to help people feel comfortable about

disclosing disability?


Consulting

22. How can Council encourage and make it easier for people with disability to

apply for positions within Council?

Part 4 - Future engagement activities Council will hold a community forum with people with disability, their carers, family and general community to discuss the future opportunities and challenges of making Ryde/Lane Cove and Hunters Hill a more inclusive community. 23. Would you be interested in attending the forum?

Yes No

IF YES: Please provide us with your contact details so we may contact you regarding the forum. Name: Email: Phone: If you know a person with a disability who would be interested in participating in a focus group discussion, please provide your contact details below and we will contact them through you. Name: Email: Phone:

Thank you very much for completing this Survey – we very much appreciate your time and attention.

65

See attachment

D Meeting in a Box materials


Consulting

See attachment

E Focus group materials

67

See attachment

F Staff workshop materials


Consulting

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