FAQs

Disability is ‘the long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder the full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.’[1] For example, it is not the inability to walk that keeps a person from entering a building by themselves, but the stairs that are inaccessible to them. 

Inclusion means making sure that people of diverse abilities are welcome and involved in all parts of society.  Inclusion is about creating a place where everyone feels like they belong, can participate, and have a say, no matter their abilities. 

Access means making sure that people with disability can easily take part in everything in the community, like going places, using services, getting information, and joining activities, without facing unnecessary problems or things that stop them.   Access is about treating everyone fairly and making things work for everyone. 

We acknowledge that words used when talking to, referring to or working with people with disability have an impact on the way they feel and are perceived in society.

This Plan follows language conventions that are consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities and PWDA Language Guide: A guide to language about disability Aug 2021 Update. This includes adopting a person-first language such as ‘people with disability’ or ‘person of diverse ability’, acknowledging the person comes first rather than focusing on the impairment.  

We understand that some people with disability prefer identity-first language, such as Autistic and/or Deaf people, reflecting their identity within a wider cultural group. We respect that individuals may prefer one use of language over the other. 

We have made this Plan because:

• We want to build on the positive and successful work we have achieved of the previous Tweed Access and Inclusion Plan 2018-2021.
• We want to work on new actions and opportunities identified by our community through consultation and research.
• We have a role in supporting our community to be inclusive and care for each other to create stronger community bonds and support for those in need. 
• We are responsible under international, national, and state law to protect the rights and interests of people with disability in the Tweed. 

1. Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
2. Creating liveable communities
3. Supporting access to meaningful employment
4. Improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes.

Council staff will work together with people with disabilities, the community, government, and business partners through discussions, meetings, and surveys to carry out the actions in this Plan and consult on what success looks and feels like

Our Community Development Officer Inclusion and the Tweed Equal Access Advisory Committee will work with Council staff to help them: 

• understand their responsibilities to allocate resources and implement the actions in this Plan.

• review progress and adjust strategies, based on feedback, changing circumstances and new developments. This includes ensuring the Plan aligns with relevant legislation and guidelines.

The success of our Plan relies on Council staff making gradual, measurable changes to how we do our work. We will track our progress every 3 months and provide regular updates and reporting of the Plan’s implementation and outcomes to community through Council’s Annual Report.

In the final year of this plan, we will review our progress and consult with our community, particularly from people with disabilities, to review the Plan’s effectiveness and relevance, and future actions. This allows us to consider and reflect the changing needs in our community.