Community views sought for new Disability Inclusion Action Plan ​

Published on 11 October 2021

The Byron Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-2025 is one of Council’s most important community documents. The Plan will guide Council in creating a more inclusive and accessible environment that supports people with disability to be involved in community life.

Dr Claire Baker, Council’s Project Officer Collaboration Lead, said the most important goal for Council is to make sure the new DIAP reflects the needs of the community, especially for people who are affected by disability.

"We understand the importance of hearing from people with lived experience of disability and mental health conditions to identify the issues for our community,” Dr Baker said.

One in five Australians live with disability which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent, and this increases to two in five in the over-65 age group. In addition, many people in our community are carers and support workers and Council wants to hear from everyone affected by access and inclusion issues.

“We want to hear from people who live with disability and who experience mental health conditions as well as their families and friends.

“We’d also love to hear from as many carers as possible, and those who work in this area,” she said.

“Access and  inclusion is about much more than the physical environment. It is absolutely essential that Council, as much as possible, provides equal opportunities to move around, engage with and take part in community activities.

“Our theme for this DIAP is All Welcome because when something is accessible everyone can use it and when something is inclusive, everyone can take part.

“We want to know what things in the Shire are hard to do and what we can do to help,” Dr Baker said.

People can contribute feedback in a number of ways, including an online survey on the Your Say Byron Shire website.

The survey is also available in an Easy Read version that is accessible to a wider audience, such as people with intellectual disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people of all ages with low levels of literacy.

Staff will also be available to talk to or meet with people individually and there’s also the option for people to register to take part in community conversations which will be scheduled from October to December (both online and in person).

For information about the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and how to contribute go to www.yoursaybyronshire.com.au/all-welcome

The closing date for submissions is 19 November 2021.

For media enquiries contact Annie Lewis, Media and Communications Coordinator, on 02 6626 7000.