Feedback required to make the Armidale region more inclusive

Council’s draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-2026 is now on public exhibition for 28 days from Thursday 26 May to Wednesday 22 June for community input.

The draft DIAP was approved for public exhibition at the council meeting held on Wednesday 25 May in Guyra. The plan outlines the way council and other organisations can reduce and remove barriers for people with disability and foster a more accessible and inclusive community.

This is the first review of the DIAP since the plan was created after the merger of Guyra Shire and Armidale Dumaresq Councils. Under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 all local councils are required to develop a DIAP and they must be reviewed every four years.

Mayor Sam Coupland said the draft DIAP could not have been completed without the help of the community and members of the DIAP Working Group.

“With the assistance of the community council has prepared a draft that will guide decisions on how council can make our region a better and easier place to live for people living with disability as well as their friends, families and carers,” said mayor Coupland

“The plan will ensure resources are directed towards achieving outcomes in access and inclusion identified in the DIAP and funded through existing budget forecasts or through grant funding.”

The DIAP addresses the key focus areas outlined in the new guidelines for in the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and include:

•Positive community attitudes and behaviours •Liveable Communities •Supporting access to meaningful employment •Accessible systems and processes

“People with disabilities have a wonderful role to play in our community and should be supported in their efforts to enjoy all the benefits of living and working here,” said mayor Coupland

“According to the 2016 census, 5.2 percent of our community need help in their day to day lives due to disability. We want to lead the way in developing positive community attitudes and behaviours and remove barriers for these people.”

To view the Draft DIAP and consider making a submission visit council’s Your Say online engagement hub yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au or hard copies are available to view at the Armidale and Guyra Civic Administration Buildings. The public exhibition period closes on Wednesday 22 June, 2022.

Council staff will also be available at the Armidale Markets in the Mall this Sunday 29 May from 8.30am to 12.30pm to discuss the plan and provide feedback.

Published on 26 May 2022