Four-Year Disability Action Plan Adopted

Four-Year Disability Action Plan Adopted

Published on 18 March 2019

Baw Baw Shire Council has adopted a four-year Disability Action Plan to drive actions that address accessibility and inclusion for people of all abilities.

The Disability Action Plan (DAP) aims to address the structural, attitudinal and cultural barriers people with a disability experience when participating in community life. It aims to eliminate discrimination for people with a disability who use services, facilities and infrastructure provided by the Council, or are current or prospective employees of Council.

The motion to adopt the DAP was moved by Cr Tricia Jones and seconded by Cr Jessica O’Donnell at the 13 March Council Meeting.

The adopted DAP consists of four key goals (with numerous actions under each) that have been closely aligned to fit under the four objectives of the current Council plan:

Vibrant communities - To promote community participation and inclusion of people with a disability. Thriving economy - To improve access to transport, goods and services for people with a disability. Safe and sustainable environments - To ensure consistent approaches in design and implementation of policy and infrastructure. Organisational excellence - To embed the principles of access and inclusion across Council.

The Victorian Government, under Section 38 of the Disability Act (2006), states that a DAP should be developed to:

Reduce barriers to persons with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities; Reduce barriers to persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment; Promote inclusion and participation in the community of persons with a disability; and Achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practices which discriminate against persons with a disability.

Council developed its first DAP in 1999 in line with legislative requirements and a responsibility to the community to reduce barriers experienced by people with disabilities. 

The DAP has been developed with the contribution and assistance of the Disability Advisory Committee, feedback received from community consultation held in late 2018, as well as contributions from organisations such as Vision Australia, Mawarra, YMCA and Wellways.

The DAP will be officially launched at the Baw Baw Disability Expo to celebrate 20 years of having a DAP and Disability Advisory Committee in Baw Baw Shire. The free-entry expo will be held on Thursday 21 March at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. All welcome.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Mikaela Power

“Baw Baw Shire Council is committed to promoting access and inclusion for people with a disability. This action plan will guide our activity to help further break down barriers and promote inclusion and community participation for those with a disability.”