Cardinia Shire Council

Cardinia Shire Council Creating an accessible future Access and Inclusion Action Plan 2014–17 Guiding Council’s practices and processes to support people of all abilities to fulfil their potential as equal members of the community Table of contents CREATING AN ACCESSIBLE FUTURE 1

DRAFT ACCESS AND INCLUSION ACTION PLAN 2014–17 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5

Acknowledgements 5

INTRODUCTION 6

LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 7

Australian Government 8

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 8

National Disability Strategy 2010–20 8

National Disability Insurance Scheme 9

State Government 9

Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 9

State Disability Plan 2013–16 9

Local Government 10

Municipal Association of Victoria Strategic Framework 10

Disability Action Plans (Victorian Disability Act 2006) 10

Council Plan 2013–17 10

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013–17 11

MetroAccess 11

Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee 11

UNDERSTANDING DISABILITY 12

Defining disability 12

The social model of disability 12

CONSULTATIONS 12

Key themes 12

INCLUSION AND ACCESS POLICY PRINCIPLES 13 Social Inclusion 13

Equality 13

Accessibility 13

Civil and economic participation 13

Partnership 13

Advocacy 13

IMPLEMENTATION 14

Monitoring 14

Reporting 14

EVALUATION 14

Priority areas 14

Outcomes 15

Indicators 15

PAST ACHIEVEMENTS 15

Customer service communication boards 15

Priority Access Upgrade Program 15

New facilities 15

Footpath Trading Policy 15

Communication access 15

Early Childhood Intervention Service (ECIS) 15

Enhanced amenities 16

ACCESS AND INCLUSION ACTION PLAN 17

Priority area 1: Improving the physical accessibility to the built environment and public open spaces 17

Priority area 2: Increasing social connectedness 18

Priority area 3: Promoting access and inclusion and improving information and communication 19

Priority area 4: Becoming an accessible and inclusive employer 20

3 Priority area 5: Changing Attitudes 21

Figure 1: Breakdown of acts and plans from highest to lowest levels of government. See below for more information. 7

This document is available in accessible formats.

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Cardinia Shire Council is committed to ensuring that all people have equal access to services and resources within the community.

As an active planning document Council’s Access and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan is an effective way to ensure universal access principles are implemented across all business units and work areas of Council.

The policy and plan will assist Council to support the identified aspirations and needs of all people who are living, working, visiting, learning or participating in recreational activities in the municipality.

Community members living with a disability as well as their families and carers can face many different barriers to accessing facilities, goods and services and fully participating in community life. These barriers can be physical as well as attitudinal.

The purpose of this Plan is to provide a strategic framework that will guide Council’s practices across the organisation, in the community and in partnership with the Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee to uphold the rights of people of all abilities.

Through community consultation and current legislative directions, Council has identified the following key priority areas:  improving the physical accessibility to the built environment and public open spaces

 increasing social connectedness

 promoting information and communication

 becoming an accessible and inclusive employer

 changing attitudes.

These five key priority areas will provide the focus for work undertaken by Council in partnership with key stakeholders over the next three years.

Acknowledgements Cardinia Shire Council would like to express its appreciation and thank all individuals and organisations in the community and within Council who have provided input into the development of this plan. INTRODUCTION

The Access and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan 2014–17 (the plan) sets out a three-year organisational plan for improving life of all community members, their families and carers by providing practical strategies to improve accessibility of information, community infrastructure and increase training and employment opportunities within Council.

The plan defines Council’s strategic direction for enhancing accessibility and inclusiveness through its practices, processes and planning and is underpinned by the Council’s Access and Inclusion Policy 2014. Jointly the policy and plan reflect Council’s commitment to promoting an inclusive community and recognising that people of varying abilities should be encouraged to participate in all spheres of community life.

In developing the plan it was Council’s intent to understand and be guided by the interests, aspirations and needs of people of all abilities their families and carers who live, work, learn and participate in recreational and social activities in the Shire.

The plan draws on the findings of community consultations and the knowledge and expertise of Council staff. A total of 30 actions have been developed across a range of Council projects, programs and activities.

The actions in this plan do not change the nature of Council roles and responsibilities but rather seek to create a more cohesive approach to universal access principles across all of Council.

Taking a universal design approach to programs, services and facilities is an effective way to remove barriers and allows everyone, to the greatest possible extent, and regardless of age or ability to access facilities, programs, services and employment opportunities. This approach also allows for advocacy that will benefit the whole community rather than responding to need in isolation.

6 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT There is a wide range of international, national, state and local instruments and initiatives that aim to promote and enforce the rights and needs and support the way in which services and programs are planned and delivered to people of all abilities.

They include international conventions legislation, policies, plans, strategies, and programs. These provide an important framework for the development of Council’s Access and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan 2014–17.

Figure 1: Acts, strategies and plans from highest to lowest levels of government. See below for more information.

7 Australian Government Disability Discrimination Act 1992 The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA) provides protection for all Australians from discrimination on the basis of disability. The DDA specifically makes it against the law to discriminate against someone on the basis of disability in the following areas:  employment

 education

 access to premises used by the public

 provision of goods, service and facilities

 accommodation

 buying land

 activities of clubs and associations

 sport

 administration of Australian Government laws and programs.

The DDA also covers people who have a relationship with someone who has disability (like a family member, carer, co-worker or friend) if they are discriminated against because of that relationship.

The DDA is particularly relevant to the development of Council’s policy and action plan in the areas of:  access to public buildings

 employment

 provision of goods, services and facilities.

National Disability Strategy 2010–20 The National Disability Strategy 2010–20 sets out a ten year national policy framework for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. It represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to policy and program development.

The Australian, state and local governments have developed the strategy in partnership under the auspices of the Council of Australian Government (COAG).

The strategy sets out six priority areas for action and includes:  inclusive and accessible communities; the physical environment; digital information and communications technologies; civic life including social, sporting, recreational and cultural life.

8  rights protection, justice and legislation; statutory protections, complaints mechanisms, advocacy, the electoral and justice systems.

 economic security; financial independence, adequate income support for those not able to work, and housing.

 personal and community support; inclusion and participation in the community, person-centred care and support; informal care and support.

 learning and skills: early childhood education and care, schools, further education, vocational education; transitions from education to employment; life-long learning.

 health and wellbeing: health services, health promotion and the interaction between health and disability systems.

The National Disability Strategy will guide public policy across governments and aims to bring about change in all mainstream services and programs as well as community infrastructure.

National Disability Insurance Scheme The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) proposes to support people with a permanent or significant disability and their families and carers to access the services they need to participate in society. The scheme is a new way of funding individualised support for people with a disability that involves more choice and control and a lifetime approach to a person’s support needs.

The policy directions outlined in the draft plan are: 1. a strong foundation for learning, jobs and health 2. protecting rights and promoting participation 3. access to neighbourhoods, spaces, buildings and transport and 4. a contemporary approach through system reform and continued work towards a viable National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

In July 2013, the NDIS began in:  Tasmania for youth aged 15-24 years.

 South Australia for children aged 0–14 years.

 Barwon area in Victoria for people up to age 65 years.

 Hunter area in New South Wales for people up to age 65 years.

From 1 July 2014, the National Disability Insurance Scheme will commence in the Australian Capital Territory, and the Barkly region of Northern Territory. Roll out of the full scheme will commence progressively from July 2016.

The operational details and impact on Council service provision is not known at this stage. Council will continue to monitor the continuing development of NDIS and the NDIS pilots to ensure local service providers and community organisations are supported during its rollout.

State Government

9 Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, outlines the basic human rights of all people in Victoria. The twenty fundamental rights contained in the legislation promote and protect the freedom, respect, equality and dignity of all people in Victoria.

The charter requires that all levels of governments and other public authorities comply with these rights and consider the relevant human rights contained in the legislation when developing laws, policies and when making decisions.

State Disability Plan 2013-2016 The State Disability Plan 2013–16 will provide a whole of government approach to improving economic and social outcomes for Victorians with disability, their families and carers.

The new plan was set in place in January 2013, as required under the Disability Act 2006 and outlines four policy directions, under which a number of priority actions will be implemented by the government to address the disadvantages experienced by people with disability, their families and carers.

The policy directions outlined in the draft plan are: 1. a strong foundation for learning, jobs and health 2. protecting rights and promoting participation 3. access to neighbourhoods, spaces, buildings and transport 4. a contemporary approach through system reform and continued work towards a viable National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Local Government Municipal Association of Victoria Strategic Framework In 2011 the Municipal Association of Victoria launched its strategic framework for local government ‘creating a more inclusive community for people with a disability’.

The framework is aligned with the National Disability Strategy which identifies policy areas to increase the mainstream participation of people with a disability and draws on 13 ways Victorian councils can work towards creating a more inclusive community for people with a disability and their families and assist in meeting legal obligations to remove barriers to discrimination: 1. a whole-of-council approach 2. incorporate access and inclusion objectives in key strategic documents 3. facilitate civic participation and inclusive consultations 4. systematically improve the accessibility of council building and infrastructure 5. inclusive communication and information approaches 6. accessible and inclusive council services and events 7. strategic uses of statutory and regulatory roles 8. improve employment opportunities 9. influence community attitudes and perceptions 10. exercise leadership in advocating to other organisations 11. foster partnership and collaboration 12. effective accountability practices 13. reviewing and evaluating progress

10 Disability Action Plans (Victorian Disability Act 2006) Under Section 38 of the Victorian Disability Act 2006 ‘councils are required to prepare access and inclusion action plans for the purpose of’:  reducing barriers to persons with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities

 reducing barriers to persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment

 promoting the inclusion and participation of persons with a disability in the community

 achieving tangible changes in attitudes and practices which discriminate against persons with a disability.

As of July 2012 in accordance with the Victorian Disability Amendment Act 2012, Council is now required to report on the implementation of its disability action plan in its annual report.

Council Plan 2013–17 The Cardinia Shire Council Plan 2013–17 sets the direction for Council’s work in the community, detailing how Council will allocate financial and non-financial resources to deliver the Council Plan and all Council services, programs and activities. This plan sets out strategic objectives that relate to ‘Our’:  people  community  environment  economy

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013–17 Council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013–17 (MPHWP) aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Cardinia Shire’s community. Over-arched by the Council Plan and its key performance areas: our people; our community; our environment; and our economy, the MPHWP has been developed to address the following identified priority health and wellbeing issues:  increasing physical activity and healthy eating

 promoting mental health

 reducing misuse of alcohol and drugs

 preventing skin and other cancer

 improving oral health

 improving social connection

 promoting community safety

 awareness of climate change

 access to local education and employment.

11 MetroAccess ‘Building welcoming, accessible and inclusive communities for all’. Funded by the Department of Human Services, MetroAccess along with its rural counterparts, RuralAccess and DeafAccess make up Disability Services Community Building Program. The aim of the MetroAccess program is to enhance community participation opportunities for people with a disability; in the process ensuring that disability is not a barrier to participation in community life.

MetroAccess brings together individuals, communities and government to enhance opportunities for people with a disability. It achieves this by:  improving community understanding about the needs and aspirations of people with a disability

 ensuring that the needs of people with a disability are the focus of community planning

 identifying and facilitating projects which respond to local needs and priorities

 providing easy access to information about local services, programs and opportunities.

Online communication and content accessibility As part of its stated intention to created inclusive and effective communication, Council acknowledges the need to ensure content on its website and in all electronic communication is accessible to all.

Council is working to ensure its online communications (primarily website and social media) meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG2) and the milestones outlined in the National Transition Strategy (NTS).

In line with these requirements, Council developed and adopted its Website Accessibility Policy in November 2012, which incorporates the WCAG2 requirements into Council’s public website. Under this policy, Council is working towards providing accessible or alternative formats for all web content.

The policy defines a ‘hierarchy’ of preferred formats as follows:  HTML (first and foremost)

 Word documents (for longer more complex documents)

 PDFs (with all available accessibility features embedded)

Examples of alternative formats include:  Council’s Connect magazine – the online versions of this publication include a downloadable, printable PDF, an interactive PDF, a larger print Word document and MP3 audio files.

 Council meetings are now recorded and provided as MP3 audio files.

 Higher level documents, such as annual report, Council plan and MPHWP are provided as HTML files and as downloadable Word documents.

12 This policy will be updated to reflect Council’s efforts to keep pace with new milestones and technologies, including accessibility, usability, mobile devices and responsive design.

Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee The Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee (AIAC) was established in 2005 and comprises of a broad-based group of individuals and organisations with a common interest in access and inclusion issues. The AIAC provided direction and valuable input into the development of the Access and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan. During the plan’s implementation the Committee will play a key role in monitoring its progress and assessing the outcomes.

The Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee has an ongoing commitment to:  working with Council on relevant policies and strategies to improve access for all

 building partnerships with local business groups and community organisations to enhance opportunities for people of all abilities

 providing advice and support to residents on access or advocacy issues

 raising awareness about the committee and working to ensure Cardinia Shire is a community that is ‘welcoming, accessible and inclusive’. UNDERSTANDING DISABILITY The 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census reported that 2,841 of the Shire’s residents reported having a core activity need for assistance. In the following year, the ABS survey of ageing, disability and carers found that an estimated 13,300 or 16.6 per cent of Cardinia Shire’s residents had one or more specified limitations, restrictions or impairment that had lasted or was likely to last for a period of six months or more. This figure is comparable to the national figure of almost one in five or 18.5 per cent of people who reported having a disability – Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012.

Defining disability The term ‘disability’ includes an impairment of a physical, intellectual or sensory nature (i.e. vision and hearing). Impairment can be life long, acquired by accident or as part of the ageing process.

The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) (DDA) also defines ‘disability’ as any of the following:  chronic medical condition (such as cancers or neurological diseases)

 sensory (vision and hearing)

 psychiatric or neurological disability

 learning disability

 physical disfigurement

 the presence in the body of disease causing organisms (like HIV/AIDS)

13  short-term or temporary disability.

The social model of disability The ‘social model of disability’ is based on the understanding that disability is caused by the barriers to participation in community life, rather than by a person’s own impairment.

The social model places the person at the forefront and highlights that it is the environment or negative attitudes that are ‘disabling’. It emphasises dignity, independence, choice and privacy.

When the environment and opportunities are presented more accessible, people can be enabled. CONSULTATIONS A range of community consultations took place across the Shire during October and November 2013. These included a world café, three community forums and a listening post at a community event.

Key themes were identified from these forums and internal consultations with staff across 11 business units took place during November and December 2013.

Key themes The five priority areas set out in the plan are a response to the key themes, and areas of concern and interest identified through consultation with community members, service providers, council staff and the AIAC as well as Council’s legislative requirements.

The key themes identified from the consultation process included:  the term ‘universal’ should be applied to access and design

 all abilities is preferred over the term “disability”

 access to buildings and public spaces

 access within retail precincts and outlets

 increased access to information about programs and activities in accessible formats

 changing community attitudes so people of all abilities can participate in mainstream programs

 input into the design of buildings and facilities to ensure the views of people of all abilities is captured

 increasing the number amenities available to people with limited mobility in the Shire

 increased services for people of all abilities

 increased programs and activities that are accepting of young people of all abilities.

14 It should be noted that much of what sits within the ‘disability realm’ falls outside of local governments’ direct responsibility. In these instances Council will work to achieve the best outcomes for the community through advocacy and leadership. Community organisations and businesses also have both direct and indirect responsibilities to address barriers that discriminate against people of all abilities, their family and carers.

15 INCLUSION AND ACCESS POLICY PRINCIPLES Cardinia Shire Council is committed to governing for everyone and creating an inclusive and accessible environment to support all people to reach their full potential as equal members of the community. This will be achieved through compliance with relevant legislation and striving to achieve best practice and delivery of Council’s Access and Inclusion Action Plan 2014–17. The guiding principles and values that underpin the policy and action plan include:

Social Inclusion Council will actively engage and encourage diverse local communities and individuals to participate in the life, programs and activities in the Shire.

Equality Everyone will be treated equally and with dignity and awarded every human right and responsibility.

Accessibility Council will continue to provide a more accessible community through universal access to facilities, services, opportunities and resources.

Civil and economic participation Council will encourage and support groups and individuals to participate actively in their communities and reduce barriers to employment opportunities.

Partnership Council will work collaboratively with groups, organisations and communities to achieve a shared vision.

Advocacy Council in collaboration with the Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee will continue to promote the needs, strengths and opportunities of our community.

In the context of the Action and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan, these guiding principles will be demonstrated through:  working to continually improve council services, facilities and activities so that they are accessible and inclusive of people of all abilities

 creating opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in decision-making

 being open to suggestions, ideas and opinions on ways to make Cardinia Shire a better place for people of all abilities, their families and carers

 reporting annually on our progress in implementing the Access and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan.

16 IMPLEMENTATION The Access and Inclusion Action Plan, which is outlined on the following pages, will be implemented in line with the Council Plan 2013–17 and Access and Inclusion Policy 2014. The plan highlights the services, programs and initiatives that Council intends to implement under each of the five priority areas. For each action, the timeline and the responsible business units are identified.

A total of 32 Council officers were consulted during the development of the plan and all provided valuable contributions to their respective priority areas. The successful implementation of the plan will rely on the ongoing commitment of staff to ensure Council’s practices and processes are inclusive and providing opportunities for all residents and visitors to the Shire to participate in community life.

Monitoring Monitoring the implementation of the actions and outcomes will include and consider:  the views of people of all abilities, their families and carers

 reports from business units on the progress of the plan

 statistical indicators which provide information on changes that relate to outcomes in the plan.

Reporting Identified milestones will be reported in Council’s Annual Plan as is the legislative requirement. Six monthly reports will be provided to the Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and to the senior management team. EVALUATION The evaluation process will be aligned to the Victorian State Disability Plan 2013-16 evaluation framework to assist with data collection and will be measured against a range of indicators developed by an evaluation working group made of accessibility representatives and Council staff.

Priority areas The priority areas are the long term changes that the plan is working towards. These priority areas are interconnected and people of all abilities will require improvements in a number of priority areas if they are to participate in community life.

Outcomes The outcomes are the improvements that will lead to achieving the five priority areas in the plan. The outcomes will be measured to ensure there is progress in the priority areas.

Indicators The indicators will provide a measure of progress towards achieving the outcomes. The indicators will highlight if Council’s practices and processes are making a positive impact on people of all abilities, their families and carers.

An annual review will monitor the implementation of the plan to ensure:

17  implementation is on track

 the results are achieving what is expected

 required changes to the plan are identified in relation to changing demographics or policy.

The action plan will be delivered over a three-year phase that is short term (one year), medium term (two years) and long term (three years).

PAST ACHIEVEMENTS Cardinia Shire Council is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible community for all and a number of achievements in contributing to an accessible and inclusion municipality are listed below.

Customer service communication boards To assist community members and those with complex communication needs Customer Service staff have undertaken communication diversity training and developed specialist communication resources (e.g. alphabet and communication boards). Cardinia Shire Council was also the first metropolitan council to gain Communication Access Accreditation.

Priority Access Upgrade Program This program undertakes upgrades to Council owned community facility across the Shire to ensure residents have access to kindergartens, community halls, neighbourhood houses and sporting and recreation facilities.

New facilities Council is now achieving 90–95 per cent of ‘enhanced design guidelines’ in our new facilities.

Footpath Trading Policy Council is committed to ensuring access for people to move along footpaths and as a minimum, to meet the requirements of the Australian Disability Discrimination Act (1992).

Communication access Council’s website has a ‘larger text’ link at the top of each page, which will resize the text on all pages. Council’s magazine Connect Cardinia is also now available in audio format (MP3) and a large print document (Word).

Early Childhood Intervention Service (ECIS) The Henry Family Children’s Centre have incorporated an ECIS to support children with additional needs or developmental delay from birth to school entry and their families. The ECIS provides special education, therapy, counselling, service planning and coordination, assistance and support to access services such as kindergarten and child care.

Enhanced amenities

18 Council have adjustable change tables and overhead hoists in three community facilities including Pakenham Library, Hall and U3A, Toomah Community Centre and Cardinia Life.

19 ACCESS AND INCLUSION ACTION PLAN Priority area 1: Improving the physical accessibility to the built environment and public open spaces Outcome: Improved access to buildings and public open spaces.

Indicators  percentage of new Council public spaces built that incorporate facilities for people of all abilities.

Number of:  new Council facilities that have community accessibility representation throughout the design process

 people reporting difficulties with access to Council’s facilities and/or public open space.

Objective: Council will work to ensure universal access principles are embedded in its planning and building initiatives.

Category Actions Responsibility Timeframe Resourcing

Education  Promote universal access design principles on Council’s Building and  Strategic  Short term Within Planning web pages and to developers. Planning existing resources

Council facilities  Commission an access and mobility assessment during the design  Buildings and  Ongoing Within phase of priority access upgrades for large projects. Facilities existing  Appoint a DDA/access and mobility consultant as a member of the resources consultants design team on all of Council’s new facilities.

Public spaces  Incorporate universal access design principles into Council’s Play  Recreation  Long term Within Space Strategy and the planning and design of play spaces and existing associated infrastructure across the Shire. resources

The action plan will be delivered over a three-year phase that is short term (one year), medium term (two years) and long term (three years). Priority area 2: Increasing social connectedness Outcome: Greater participation in programs, social and recreational activities in the community.

Indicators  proportion of children, young people and adults of all abilities accessing Council’s programs and social and recreational activities

 percentage of children attending the Council’s programs and social and recreational activities

 percentage of young people attending the Council’s programs and social and recreational activities

 percentage of adults attending the Council’s programs and social and recreational activities

Objective: Council will work in partnership with local disability service providers, community services organisations and community groups to ensure people of all abilities participate in sporting, recreational and social activities within the community.

Children  Establish a support program for families with children of all  Children’s  Short term  Within existing abilities and/or developmental delay to access supported and Services resources community based playgroups across the Shire.

Young people  Deliver a range of development and transition programs and  Youth Services  Short to  Within existing activities for young people 10–17 years at Officer Specialist medium resources School. term  Work with Marillac Disability Service to increase the participation of young people 12–17 years of age with additional needs into holiday program activities.

Adults  Initiate a volunteer matching program to provide people of all  Sport and  Ongoing  Within existing abilities with the opportunity to volunteer at local sporting clubs. Recreation resources  Community Strengthening

21 Whole of  Develop a checklist for recipients of Council’s Community  Community  Short to  Within existing community Grants Program to ensure their proposed activities and/or events Strengthening medium resources are inclusive and accessible. term The action plan will be delivered over a three-year phase that is short term (one year), medium term (two years) and long term (three years).

22 Priority area 3: Promoting access and inclusion and improving information and communication Outcome: More accessible information and opportunities created to promote access and inclusion.

Indicators Number of:  articles produced annually promoting people of all abilities and Shire’s achievements in providing accessible and inclusive communities

 people with additional needs reporting difficulties accessing information from Council.

Objective: Council will continue to promote, develop and provide information to better inform people of all abilities of programs, services and issues that affect their daily life.

Risk  Develop pictograph communication boards for augmented  Community Risk  Short term Within existing Management communication for use in emergency relief environments. and Emergency resources Management  Ensure consideration is given to people of all abilities or people with  Ongoing additional needs within the Municipal Relief and Recovery Plan.

Information  Ensure accessibility considerations are factored into Council’s  Community  Medium Within existing disseminatio corporate identity guidelines. Strengthening and term resources n  Implement actions to ensure compliance with the Web Content Communications Accessibility Guidelines Level 3.  Communications  Ongoing  Develop a procedure and regularly disseminate information  Community regarding local activities, events and programs to people of all Strengthening  Short term abilities through disability service providers and community  Community organisations. Strengthening and  Medium  Develop an accessible parking map to be issued to residents when Compliance term they are granted an accessible parking permit. Services  Develop one township access map each year.  Community Strengthening  Long term

Promotion  Promote Small Business Victoria’s business training sessions to  Economic  Medium Within existing people of all abilities through local disability employer organisations.

23  Develop a process to increase the profile of people of all abilities, Development term resources their carers and advocates and the promotion of Council’s  Communications achievements in providing an accessible and inclusion community.  Short term

The action plan will be delivered over a three-year phase that is short term (one year), medium term (two years) and long term (three years).

24 Priority area 4: Becoming an accessible and inclusive employer Outcome: Better employment pathways.

Indicator: Number of:  people employed through the employment pathways program

 policies amended to comply with Council’s Access and Inclusion Policy.

Objective: Council will continue to exercise their responsibility as an equal opportunity employer to enhance paid employment and volunteering opportunities available within Council.

Traineeships  Develop an inclusive employment pathways program in partnership  Organisational  Long term Within existing with local service providers for job placements and work experience. Development resources

Employment  Provide all of Council’s position descriptions, forms and background  Organisational  Short term Within existing information in accessible formats. Development resources

 Review Council’s employment policy and procedures to ensure best  Organisational  Medium term practice principles of access and equity underpin the recruitment Development process. and Activity- based working team

Induction  Refine Council’s induction program to include disability inclusion  Organisational  Medium term Within existing training as a probationary requirement. Development resources The action plan will be delivered over a three-year phase that is short term (one year), medium term (two years) and long term (three years).

25 Priority area 5: Changing Attitudes Outcome: Achieve tangible changes in practices that encourage and promote inclusion and celebrate difference.

Indicators: Number of:  businesses in the Shire demonstrating inclusive practices

 the community members attending ability awareness events

 amended policies/strategies/plans to incorporate universal access principles.

Objective: Council will build capacity within its organisation and the broader community, promoting good models of inclusive practices and influencing others through information provision and education.

Whole of  Establish an annual recognition award for a Shire resident who cares for  Community  Short to Within existing community people of all abilities and/or an all abilities advocate. Strengthening medium term resources

Council  Incorporate universal access principles into Council’s  Performance  Medium term Within existing strategies/policies/action plans. and Innovation resources

Community  Ensure that Council’s service agreements held with community  Community  Medium term Within existing organisations service organisations have universal access guidelines and an inclusion wellbeing resources policy in place.

Businesses  Promote the importance of accessibility with an annual article and  Economic  Short term Within existing accessibility check list in Business Connections newsletter. Development resources  Promote the importance of accessible businesses at Casey Cardinia network events.

Whole of  Partner with a key art and disability organisation to deliver opportunities  Cultural  Short to Within existing community for art and cultural participation for people of all abilities and/or use the Development medium term resources arts to promote ability awareness to the broader community.

Council  Investigate the implementation process required for Council to  Community  Medium term Within existing

26 undertake social procurement. Strengthening resources The action plan will be delivered over a three-year phase that is short term (one year), medium term (two years) and long term (three years).