Draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

Council endorsed its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan at its meeting on 6 October 2020 (agenda). The Plan was developed in association with the community to provide a 4 year plan for improving access and inclusion, identifying key objectives and priorities across a number of themes to ensure that the district continues to develop as a highly liveable place for everyone.

As per legislative requirements, the final Disability Access and Inclusion Plan will be submitted to the Department of Human Services for approval.

Access for All - Disability Access and Inclusion Plan

For further information, please contact Yelaina Eaton, Senior Community Development Officer via email on yeaton@mountbarker.sa.gov.au or phone on (08) 8391 7268.

We conducted community consultation regarding the draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan between Monday 8 June until Sunday 5 July 2020 to seek community feedback prior to Council committing to the implementation of the actions in the draft Plan.

The consultation is considered to have been successful, with good levels of awareness and participation, including:

• 150 brochures on the draft plan were sent to key disability service providers, the library and Mount Barker Community Centre.
• Through Council’s YourSay project page, there were 26 visitors and 8 contributors / responders.
• Facebook posts were scheduled on 8 and 15 June with a reach of 3,600 and 2,200 respectively, and:
  • 207 and 73 people clicked on the post, and
  • 52 and 24 reacted, commented or shared the post.
• A consultation drop-in session was held on 17 June between 9am-12pm at the Mount Barker Community Centre and 5 community members attended.
• A consultation session with the Disability and Inclusion Reference Group was held via Zoom on 1 July and 6 members attended the session.
• A total of 15 submissions and surveys were received by residents associations and individuals in the community.

All themes received support, with accessible community infrastructure (particularly a hydrotherapy pool) and inclusive community programming highlighted as priority areas for action.

The community provided further suggestions for changes and improvements to the content of the draft Plan. This is summarised in the Summary of Consultation. The suggestions have been considered alongside Council officer advice and the Plan has been amended where appropriate.

Related files:

• A summary of consultation providing council’s response to each issue raised
• Council Agenda, 12.5: Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024, p. 54

People in the community with a disability, their carers, community groups and service providers are being encouraged to help shape Mount Barker District Council's Disability Access and Inclusion Plan to ensure it’s relevant and fit-for purpose.

On 1 June Council Members endorsed the draft Plan for a period of community consultation. Mayor Ann Ferguson said, "It is estimated that we have almost 7,500 people living in our community with a disability which will likely increase to 11,000 by 2035 and we need to proactively plan for a community that is inclusive and accessible for all our members."

People can have their say on the draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan online between 8 June and 5 July 2020.