Council set to launch Access and Inclusion Surveys

Community consultation is now open for Council’s second Access and Inclusion Plan, the Access and Inclusion Plan 2018-2021 which follows the first plan produced in 2014.

Council’s Community Development Officer Ageing and Disability Karen Collins said involvement of the community is the key to producing the plan.

“In 2014 Council made our first plan to improve access and inclusion in Tweed Shire after talking with lots of people about barriers that prevent them being part of the community,” Ms Collins said.

“It is time for us to make a new plan and we need to talk with people again to find out what more we need to do to build on what we started in 2014.

“Help us make the next plan by telling us what more we need to do to make our community accessible and inclusive.”

Councils across NSW are now required to produce Disability Inclusion Action Plans to make sure communities are places where everyone feels included.

The Plans also support the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme by reducing barriers at a local community level.

Ms Collins said barriers to access and inclusion happen in different ways and in different places because experiences with disability and impairments vary widely.

“To me access means you can go where you need to in the community, into buildings, on transport, in parks and to events, and there are toilets you can find and use,” she said.

“Inclusion means you feel part of the community and you are treated with dignity and respect as a valued and equal member of society.

“Some things in the plan will be Council’s responsibility and we will work on these over the next three years, while others will be outside Council’s control but we can advocate for change with other parts of government and in the community.”

There are two online surveys at www.yoursaytweed.com.au (click on the Access and Inclusion button).

There is a general community survey for everyone interested in improving access and inclusion.

The other survey is more detailed asking people with a disability, people with challenges due to ageing and those who care for them to share their experiences.

People can also contribute by phone and face to face by calling Council on 02 6670 2400.

“We want to hear from everyone interested in making our community inclusive and welcoming to all who live here or come as visitors,” Ms Collins said.

“Help us make the next plan by telling us what more we need to do to make our community accessible and inclusive.”