Section Six Additional Information

Section Six – Additional information

This section covers:  role of the Disability Services Commission;  Disability Services Commission resources;  training providers;  access information and contacts; and  glossary.

Role of the Disability Services Commission

The Disability Services Commission, established in December 1993 under the Disability Services Act 1993 (WA), is the State Government agency responsible for advancing opportunities, community participation and quality of life for people with disabilities. The Commission provides a range of direct services and support and also funds non-government agencies to provide services to people with disabilities, their families and carers.

The Commission's governing Board of nine members has at least five members either with a disability, a relative with a disability or recent experience as a carer or advocate.

The Commission is often asked to provide exemptions in providing disability access. However the Commission has no role in administrating any building requirements, including in relation to access. Local Governments are responsible for administering the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and therefore the Commission can not provide exemptions.

The Commission promotes access for and inclusion of people with disabilities in our community, undertaking many projects, including community awareness campaigns in order to achieve this.

Principal Officers (Access) The Commission’s role in relation to State Government and Local Government is primarily to support them achieve the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) requirements of the WA Disability Services Act. This is achieved through Principal Officers from the Commission’s Community Access and Information Branch. Each Principal Officer has a portfolio of State Government agencies and Local Governments whom they guide in the development and implementation of a DAIP. Such support includes the provision of information and resources.

Principal Officers also undertake a range of projects in partnership with State and Local Governments, businesses, the disability sector and local community groups, which enhance the access and inclusion of people with disabilities in our community. Some of the areas covered in these projects include beach access, transport, tourism, accessible information and easy access parking bays. The Commission manages the Count Us In Awards each year and there are specific categories open to State Government agencies and Local Governments which are prime opportunities for public authorities to showcase achievements under their DAIP.

Local Area Coordinators Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are located in Perth and in regional areas throughout Western Australia. LACs operate as service coordinators, assisting people with the disabilities and their families/carers to plan, select and receive needed supports and services. LACs provide local support to children and adults with physical, sensory, neurological, cognitive and/or intellectual disability who are under the age of 65 at the time they first apply for support. To find an LAC for a particular location please go to the Commission’s website www.disability.wa.gov.au

Disability Services Commission Resources

The Commission has a range of resources available regarding access and inclusion for people with disabilities (refer to list below). Copies are available by contacting the Community Access and Information Branch on 9426 9384 or for a full list please go to the Commission’s website: www.disability.wa.gov.au

Access Resource Kit (ARK) The ARK contains information about the six access outcomes that Western Australian State Government agencies and local governments need to address in their Disability Access and Inclusion Plans.

Builders and Developers - Stages for Planning Access To assist in achieving access and to meet legislative requirements, it is recommended that builders and developers plan access issues during all stages of the design and construction of a development or major redevelopment. This resource identifies the different stages during the planning, development and construction phases where access needs to be incorporated.

Creating Accessible Events Creating Accessible events assists event organisers and function coordinators to design, plan and conduct events that are accessible for people with disabilities. Consideration of aspects such as the venue, continuous accessible path to the venue, invitations, and hearing augmentation are important.

Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) Resources There are many resources available to assist State Government agencies and Local Governments on preparing a DAIP. Resources include manuals, contractors and contract managers guidelines and information for elected members of council.

Legislation on Access Provides the three significant pieces of Legislation that are relevant to access for people with disabilities.

Improved parking for people with disabilities A guide for parking providers. Improving access in the community. How to have Your Say! A step-by-step guide and feedback form to either encourage State and Local Government authorities to remove access barriers or to acknowledge access improvement.

Installation Guide for Assistive Listening Devices This guide aims to inform architects, building designers, project managers, building surveyors, venue managers and sign installers of their access responsibilities and to assist them with the selection and installation of assistive listening devices.

Premier's Circular 2003/08 State Government agencies have a social and legislative responsibility to ensure their services can be accessed by all of their customers including people with disabilities in accordance with the Premier's Circular 2003/08.

Putting People First A guide to disability and appropriate language.

Signage Guide for Assistive Listening Devices in Cinemas, Theatres and Auditoriums This guide aims to inform architects, building designers, project managers, building surveyors, venue managers and sign installers of their access responsibilities and to assist them to provide and locate appropriate signage for assistive listening devices.

State Government Access Guidelines for Information, Services and Facilities A guide to assist State Government, Local Government, business and community groups to create Western Australia as an accessible and inclusive community.

Training Providers in the Disability Sector A list of known training providers in the disability sector. These providers were contacted by the Commission and have identified themselves as able to provide training on a variety of topics related to disability.

You Can Make a Difference to Customer Relations for People with Disabilities in Local Government and State Government Agencies - DVD The DVD has been developed to assist State Government agencies and Local Governments improve customer service for people with disabilities.

You Can Make a Difference to Customer Relations for People with Disabilities in the Hospitality, Tourism, Retail and Entertainment Industries - DVD The DVD has been developed to assist agencies in the hospitality, tourism, retail and entertainment industries to improve customer service for people with disabilities.

Your Rights Provides a step-by-step guide to making a complaint about access and lists agencies which can assist with advocacy and information about making a complaint. You're Welcome WA Access Initiative An aim of the You're Welcome WA Access initiative is to improve access for people with disabilities and provides practical information to business and community groups to expand their customer base by making their services more access-friendly. Information sheets available on the website provide a guide to management to creating accessible services and facilities.

Training providers

A list of known training providers in the disability sector are available on the Commission’s website: www.disability.wa.gov.au

The training providers were contacted by the Commission and have identified themselves as able to provide training on a variety of topics related to disability.

Access information and contacts

Australian Human Rights Commission The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes disability discrimination unlawful and aims to promote equal opportunity and access for people with disabilities. Under the Act, individuals can lodge complaints of discrimination and harassment with the Australian Human Rights Commission. The Commission undertakes a wide range of activities to assist individuals and organisations to understand their rights and meet their legal responsibilities.

Complaints Infoline: 1300 656 419 General enquiries and publications: 1300 369 711 TTY: 1800 620 241 Fax: (02) 9284 9611 Privacy Hotline: 1300 363 992 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/index.html

Building Code of Australia (BCA) The BCA is administered through Local Governments.

Department of Local Government and Regional Development The Building Section Phone: 9222 0511 Fax: 9221 2715 Email: [email protected]

Australian Standards on Access For purchase or for specific information concerning interpretation of the Standards:

Standards Australia Phone: 9221 6700 Fax: 9221 6194 Website: www.standards.com.au Email: [email protected] Independent Living Centre The Independent Living Centre can be contacted to arrange an appointment to discuss individual needs and options available. Alternatively there is a comprehensive database of equipment which can be viewed on its web site.

The Niche 11 Aberdare Rd Nedlands WA 6009 Phone: 1300 885 886 Fax: 381 0611 Website: www.ilc.com.au

National Disability Services (NDS) (WA Division) NDS works on behalf of and with non-government organisations that provide services to people with disabilities, facilitating service development and improvement. NDS administers and promotes the ACROD parking program throughout Western Australia.

Unit 1, 59 Walters Drive, Osborne Park, WA 6017 Phone: 9242 5544 Fax: 9242 5044 TTY: 9242 3800 Website: www.nds.org.au

Information in plain English There are many books and websites available about how to write without jargon and in readable English.

Books that could be useful include: • ‘Death Sentence’ by Don Watson • ‘Eats, Shoots and Leaves’ by Lynne Truss • ‘The Penguin Guide to Plain English’ • ‘Writing in Plain English’ by Robert Eagleson.

Websites that could be useful include: • www.weaselwords.com.au • www.plainenglishfoundation.com • www.dest.gov.au

Association for the Blind of WA (Inc.) Offers information, advice and support about access for people who are blind or with a vision impairment. They can be contacted for assistance in producing written information in alternative formats such as large print, computer disk, audio tape or Braille.

Metropolitan Branch 61 Kitchener Avenue Victoria Park 6100 Phone: 9311 8202 Fax: 9361 8696 Toll free: 1800 658 388 Email: [email protected] Website: www.abwa.asn.au WA Deaf Society Providing information, advice and support concerning the provision of access for people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment. The Society provides Auslan (Australian Sign Language) Interpreters and information regarding Telephone Typewriters (TTY) and other services.

Suite 46 / 5 Aberdeen Street East Perth Phone: 9441 2677 Fax: 9441 2616 TTY: 9441 2655 Website: www.wadeaf.org.au

Interpreting Services Voice: 9441 2623 TTY: 9441 2655

Audio loops An audio loop consists of an amplifier and long cable that transmits sound from a public address system directly to the hearing aids of people who are positioned within the parameter of the loop cable. Audio loops are available for hire or purchase to assist people with a hearing impairment at public events.

For hire: Better Hearing Australia (WA) Inc 36 Dodd Street Wembley Phone / TTY: 9387 9811 Fax: 9387 9889 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.betterhearingwa.iinet.net.au

Better Hearing WA also has kits available that contain information about communicating with people with hearing impairments.

National Relay Service (NRS) National Relay Service is 24-hour service that assists people who have difficulty hearing or speaking on the phone. There are four different options used. This includes relaying messages between a voice-phone user and a person who uses a telephone typewriter (TTY). Calls can be made using the telephone lines or using the website. The NRS also offers training and information sessions to organisations.

TTY: 1800 555 630 Voice: 1800 555 660 SMS: 0416 001 350 Website: www.relayservice.com.au

Australian Caption Centre (Red Bee Media Australia) Suite 1, First Floor 14-16 Rowland Street, Subiaco Phone: 6380 2895 Fax: 6380 2854 TTY: 6380 2039 Website: www.auscap.com.au/client Media Access Australia Suite 405 22-36 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007

Phone: (02) 9212 6242 TTY: (02) 9212 6242 Fax: (02) 9212 6289 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mediaaccess.org.au

Advocacy Organisations

People with Disabilities (WA) Inc (PWD WA) PWDWA is the peak disability consumer lobby group in WA representing people with disabilities – physical, intellectual, psychiatric and sensory.

Oasis Lotteries House 2/37 Hampden Rd Nedlands Phone: 9386 6477 Fax: 9386 6705 TTY: 9386 6451 Email [email protected] Website: www.pwdwa.org

Developmental Disability Council of WA Inc (DDC)

DDC provides a coordinated and united voice of service providers, other organisations and individuals advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities and their carers in WA.

City West Lotteries House 2 Delhi Street West Perth Phone: 9420 7203 Fax: 9420 7204 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ddc.org.au

Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre (EDAC)

EDAC advocates for and empowers people with a disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It aims to safeguard the rights of ethnic people with disabilities and their families.

320 Rokeby Road Subiaco Phone: 9388 7455 Fax: 9388 7433 Freecall: 1800 659 921 Email: [email protected] Website: www.edac.org.au Advocacy South West Inc

Advocacy South West Inc provides advocacy and self-determination for people with disabilities and their families in Western Australia’s south-west and is committed to ensuring that the interests of people with disabilities are recognised and acted upon.

32 Wittenoom Street Bunbury Phone: 9791 3293 Fax: 9791 3361 Email: [email protected] Website: www.advocacysouthwest.org

Glossary

Access – The provision of a barrier-free environment for everyone in the community.

Accessible parking bay - A parking bay with a minimum width of 3200mm (3800mm preferred). The bay will be adjacent to the building entrance and be on level ground with a firm surface and no loose particles.

Accessibility – Availability of programs, buildings, public spaces, transport and information to all individuals in the community: barrier-free.

Aids and equipment – Any device used by persons with one or more disabilities to assist them with performing tasks but not help provided by another person or organisation.

Alternative formats – information presented in formats other than the standard print form. Alternative formats include presenting information on audiotape, computer disk, email, in large print or in Braille.

Audio loop - An amplifier and long cable that transmits sound from a public address system directly to the hearing aids of people who are positioned inside the loop cable. They can be transportable and are available for hire or purchase to assist people with a hearing impairment at public events. They can also be permanently built into buildings at the time of construction.

Auslan (Australian Sign Language) - Auslan is the standard Australian sign language, it is recognised by the Australian Government as a legitimate language with its own linguistic rules, syntax and grammar. Auslan interpreters are available for hire and can be booked through the WA Deaf Society.

Better hearing counter card - The counter card sits on the counter top and requests people with hearing impairments to advise staff of their needs and on the reverse side gives suggestions to those staff.

Braille – This is the translation of text into raised dots on a page for people with vision impairment. The Association for the Blind is able to convert text to Braille.

Captions – These are useful for people who are deaf or who have a hearing impairment. Captions show the dialogue of a TV or video program as text on the TV screen. Circulation space - The unobstructed space required to enable a person using a wheelchair to manoeuvre freely around a given point. Wheelchair circulation space varies according to where it is being used and the size of the wheelchair.

Clear print - Refers to print that is at least 11 point, preferably 12 point, and uses a font style such as sans serif Univers, Arial or Helvetica.

Continuously accessible path of travel - An uninterrupted path of travel to or within a building. This will not incorporate any steps, stairs, revolving doorway, escalator, turnstile or other impediment that would prevent it from being safely negotiated by people with disabilities.

DDA – Disability Discrimination Act

Discrimination – Practices and policies resulting in limitation, barriers and exclusion of people with disabilities.

Impairment – A loss or irregularity in body structure or physiological function, including mental or cognitive functions, which may result in disability.

Inclusion – Participating fully in an activity or community, just the same as other people.

International symbol of access - An internationally recognised symbol consisting of a stylised figure in a wheelchair on a plain square background. The colour of the figure is white and the background blue, with the figure facing right. When used for indicating the direction to a facility, the figure faces the direction to be indicated.

Large print - Large print is useful for people who have some vision but cannot read standard size print. ‘Large print’ is generally taken to mean a print size of 18 points or greater.

Mobility – Ability to move safely and efficiently through the environment while maintaining orientation.

National Relay Service (NRS) – a service which can relay messages from a voice phone user to a deaf or hearing-impaired person who uses a TTY. Also can be used for people with speech difficulties.

Peak Disability Organisations – Organisations representing groups of disability organisations. Peak organisations often liaise with government in relation to disability issues.

Ramp - An access-way with a slope/gradient steeper than 1:20. The Australian Standards use 1:14 as the maximum slope/gradient suitable for a person in a wheelchair.

Slip-resistant surface - Any surface that provides traction for a wheelchair or a person walking, in both wet and dry situations.

Tactile ground surface indicator - A patterned module, which may be individual tiles or strips of modules, with either a directional or warning pattern, the latter indicating a potential hazard or change in direction. Telephone Typewriter (TTY) - A TTY is essentially a keyboard that plugs into a standard phone outlet to enable people who are deaf to send or receive messages to or from other people that also have a TTY through the phone system. This makes the ‘conversation’ visual text rather than audible.