Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Disability Inclusion Action Plan Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde City Council May 2017 Draft
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes
Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde City Council
May 2017
Draft
Contact: Sarah Braund
[email protected] 02 9387 2600
Vicky Critchley
0403 423 908
Sydney
02 9387 2600
Level 6
332 – 342 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
www.elton.com.au [email protected]
Sydney | Canberra | Darwin ABN 56 003 853 101
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
1 INTRODUCTION 8
2 COMMUNITY 10
2.1 Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours 11
2.2 Creating liveable communities 15
2.3 Supporting access to meaningful employment 24
2.4 Improving access to services through better systems and processes 27
2.5 Other issues 31
3 SERVICES ROUNDTABLE 32
3.1 Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours 32
3.2 Creating liveable communities 33
3.3 Supporting access to meaningful employment 34
3.4 Improving access to services through better systems and processes 35
4 STAFF 36
4.1 General 37
4.2 Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours 38
4.3 Creating liveable communities 39
4.4 Supporting access to meaningful employment 41
4.5 Improving access to services through better systems and processes 42
APPENDICES
A Staff Survey results 45
B Community Survey Form 51
C Staff Survey Form 57
D Meeting in a Box materials 65
E Focus group materials 66
F Staff workshop materials 67
Contents
4 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Overview
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Councils are preparing a regional Disability Inclusion Action Plan
(DIAP) that meets the requirements as set out in the Disability Inclusion Action Act 2014. This Act
stipulates that in preparing a DIAP local government authorities must consult with people with
disability and document the outcomes.
This document provides a summary of the consultation undertaken to support preparation of the
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP. Consultation took place from March to May 2017. In
developing their DIAP, the Councils made a strong commitment to consult with people with disability.
The consultation comprised of a number of activities designed to be accessible and to provide a range
of options for the community to provide their feedback. Well over 500 individuals from the Hunter’s
Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde provided feedback on improving inclusion of people with disability in the
community. The following table provides a breakdown of the consultation activities and participation
numbers.
Community survey 269 responses received
Community focus groups 37 participants across five focus groups
Regional service provider roundtable 40 participants from 31 organisations
Staff survey 184 responses received
Staff workshops 67 participants across three staff workshops
Meeting in a Box Toolkit ~144 participants across 14 meetings
Individual responses 8 individuals (interviews and emails).
Consultation materials were framed around how local government can address the major barriers and
opportunities to delivering on the four key focus areas of:
» Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
» Creating liveable communities
» Supporting access to meaningful employment
» Improving access to services through better systems and processes.
Feedback in this document was summarised under the following broad stakeholder groups of:
1. Community: People with a disability, their families, friends and carers
2. Service providers: operating with the local government areas (LGAs) of Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove
and Ryde.
3. Council Staff: from Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Councils.
Executive Summary
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 5
Community feedback
Feedback from the community was based on:
» Community survey
» Community focus groups
» Meeting in a box
» Direct and individual responses.
Table 1 Identification of key community themes to support disability inclusion
Key focus area Key themes
Developing positive
community attitudes
and behaviours
» Providing education and training to support respectful and appropriate
behaviours towards people with disability
» Raising the profile and visibility of people with disability
» Fostering connections between all people win the community
Creating liveable
communities
This focus area
identified a high number
of locally specific
accessibility and design
issues for each of the
three councils.
» Improving the range of accessible transport options for people with
disability
» Providing efficient and safe pathways of travel to and between key
destination sites
» Providing spaces, facilities and events that celebrate and cater to a
range of age-groups and types of disability
» Designing and planning buildings, facilities and public spaces on the
basis of Universal Design principles
» Increasing the availability of adaptable and affordable housing options
for people with disability
» Creating a safe and inclusive public domain.
Supporting access to
meaningful
employment
» Demonstrating community leadership through providing a disability
friendly and adaptable workplace
» Working collaboratively with business and education leaders to create
outcome based pathways to employment for people with disability
» Providing incentives, support and promotion of businesses that are
inclusive of people with disability
Improving access to
services through
better systems and
processes
» Providing up-to-date information to people with disability in accessible
and diverse formats including through the use of appropriate
technologies
» Acting as a key disability resource and information depository and
facilitator
» Empowering people with disability to be involved in local government
engagement and decision-making.
Community members also raised a number of issues that are beyond the capacity of local government
to influence. These were largely in relation to how disability is recognised and supported based on
rigid categories that fail to adequately reflect the diversity of experience and circumstance that impact
people with disability. It will be important to have on-going dialogue and consideration of how local
government and the broader community can recognise and assist people with disability that fall
between policy and service cracks.
6 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Service provider feedback
Feedback from the service providers was based on the regional roundtable. Service providers that
responded to the community survey and attended focus groups were incorporated into the community
data.
In general there was strong correlation between the themes identified through community feedback
and that expressed by service providers. The following table identifies any additional considerations
expressed during the regional roundtable workshop.
Table 2 Identification of key service provider themes to support disability inclusion
Key focus area Key themes
Developing positive
community attitudes
and behaviours
» Incorporate the principles of Universal Design for Learning in
communication and engagement materials
Creating liveable
communities
» Providing opportunities for exercise and physical engagement for
people with disability that is accessible and affordable
» Addressing the need for on-demand transport options for people with
disability.
Supporting access to
meaningful
employment
» Designing recruitment processes that proactively encourage and
facilitate applications by people with disability
» Identifying services and systems that support people with disability
being retained within the workforce
» Using procurement processes to encourage businesses that employ
people with disability
» Providing peer training and mentoring of people with disability in the
workforce.
» Encouraging social venture enterprises through space provision and
business collaborations
Improving access to
services through
better systems and
processes
» Providing a dedicated space and service to assists people with disability
to access technology and system training
» Acting as a facilitator of community and non-profit engagement and
community development services through venue and infrastructure
support.
Staff feedback
Staff from each of the three councils were consulted through a range of mechanisms including a staff
survey, staff workshops and a number of self-facilitated meeting in a box sessions.
Again there was strong correlation between the themes identified by staff and that expressed by the
community and service providers. Staff, however were more focused on issues of local concern and
those that could be most directly and practically impacted by Council action.
All three councils identified the following three issues as being the major barriers to disability inclusion
however each had a slightly different emphasis on which was the primary issue:
» Lack of meaningful employment (#1 Hunter’s Hill Council)
» Lack of accessible places, spaces and facilities (#1 Lane Cove Council)
» Community attitudes and behaviours (#1 City of Ryde Council)
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 7
Table 3 Priority issues to support disability inclusion by local government area
Key focus area Key themes
Developing positive
community attitudes
and behaviours
Hunter’s Hill: Add Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to induction
and ongoing training
Lane Cove: Deliver community accessibility briefings, targeting
community groups to discuss venue hire and community grants
Ryde: Establish a joint committee of Council, local businesses and
organisations to promote positive attitudes and behaviours
Creating liveable
communities
Hunter’s Hill: Improvements to the public domain with integration of
accessibility in Asset Management Plans, particularly footpaths, parking
and ramp
Lane Cove: Investigate the potential of the Rosenthal development for
inclusive consultation as well as the creation of a community and cultural
hub
Ryde: Develop an active transport strategy, and identify needs for parking
and transport.
Support people with a disability participating in sports and recreational
activities, including providing special needs programs for all ages at Ryde
Aquatic Leisure Centre and creating all abilities play areas
Supporting access to
meaningful
employment
Hunter’s Hill: Continue to upgrade and implement modifications at
Council’s building to improve accessibility and target employment of
people with disability
Lane Cove: Review Council’s recruitment strategy, beginning with job
advertisements and recruitment forms
Identify opportunities for work experience which can be targeted for
people with a disability, engage with local schools and service providers
Ryde: Develop and promote flexible working arrangements and in-house
support to recruit and retail people with disability in the workforce
Improving access to
services through
better systems and
processes
Hunter’s Hill: Obtain feedback from people with disability regarding
Council’s systems and processes
Lane Cove: Use positive and welcoming language for Council’s services
and events
Ryde: Promote existing services which support people with a disability
internally to ensure services are shared to the wider community
Upgrade Council’s Community Engagement Strategy and involving
Council’s Access Committee in decision making
8 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
This document provides a summary of consultation undertaken to inform the development of the
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). Consultation took
place from March to May 2017. In developing their DIAP, Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Councils
made a strong commitment to consult with people with disability.
In consulting with the community we heard from a wide range of stakeholders. Feedback was
received from:
» People with a disability and their families or carers
» Service providers
» Council staff (with or without a disability)
» The wider community.
The consultation strategy for the DIAP was designed to be accessible, informative and provide
sufficient diversity of methods to ensure people could provide their feedback in a way which suited
their needs and supported confidentiality. Options for contributing to the DIAP were promoted
through existing council networks, on their websites and sending out a flyer to all households.
Consultation was framed around the four key focus areas of:
» Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
» Creating liveable communities
» Supporting access to meaningful employment
» Improving access to services through better systems and processes.
Feedback was sought on issues that reflected the DIAPs regional approach as well as local
opportunities and barriers to improving inclusion in the community. Respondents to the consultation
process were requested to consider that the DIAP would be implemented by the three Councils and
therefore it would be important to raise issues under their control and influence. Nevertheless the
consultation process captured the full breadth of information provided by the community.
Barriers and opportunities identified through consultation will directly inform the actions and strategies
incorporated into the DIAP. Themes raised by staff, community and service providers, incorporated
into the four focus areas paint a picture of the challenges which people with a disability face in the
community.
The following table provides a breakdown of all of the consultation activities and level of participation
across each of the local government areas (LGA).
1 Introduction
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 9
Table 4 Overview of DIAP consultation activities
Activity Description Responses/ participants
Community
survey
A ten minute survey incorporating open and close
ended questions was made available to the
community online and in hard copies. Questions focused on opportunities for inclusion in line with
the four focus areas.
The survey was available for about 7 weeks from 20 March to 5 May 2017.
Total - 269 surveys:
» Hunter’s Hill - 20 surveys
» Lane Cove - 100 surveys
» Ryde - 98 surveys
» Other LGAs – 51 surveys
Community
focus groups
Five focus groups were delivered at venues in each
LGA. People could attend any session depending on their availability. Sessions were:
» Hunter’s Hill Council Focus Group, Tuesday
2 May 2017, 12:30-2:00pm
» City of Ryde Focus Groups, Wednesday 3 May 2017, 9:30-11:00am and 5:30-7:00pm
» Lane Cove Council Focus Groups, Thursday
4 May 2017, 1:00-2:30pm and 6:00-7:30pm
Total – 37 participants
» Hunter’s Hill - 5 participants
» Ryde – 19 participants
» Lane Cove –
13 participants
Service
provider
roundtable
A workshop was facilitated for local service
providers to discuss opportunities for and barriers
to inclusion.
The session was held on Thursday, 6 April 2017, 10:30am-12:30pm
40 participants from 31
organisations
Staff survey
A ten minute survey which incorporated multiple choice and open ended questions was made
available to Council staff.
The survey was available for just over 7 weeks
from 16 March to 5 May 2017.
Total - 184 surveys
» Hunter’s Hill - 14 staff
» Lane Cove - 51 staff
» Ryde - 119 staff
Staff
workshop
Workshops to discuss what Council service areas
current and future actions to support meeting disability inclusion four focus areas.
» Hunter’s Hill Thursday, 9 March 2017, 1:30-
3:30pm
» City of Ryde, Thursday, 23 March 2017, 2:00-4:00pm
» Lane Cove, Thursday, 30 March 2017, 10:00
am-12:00pm
Total – 67 participants
» Hunter’s Hill - 14 staff
» Ryde - 28 staff
» Lane Cove - 25 staff
Meeting in
a Box
Toolkit
Materials were produced to allow for groups,
families or friends to run their own mini
consultation sessions. These were undertaken by staff and a number of community groups.
14 meetings conducted
» Ryde – 8 meetings
(~61 participants)
» Lane Cove – 6 meetings
(83 participants)
Direct and
individual responses
One on one conversations were offered to
community members and many provided feedback directly via email.
8 individual responses
Two face to face meetings
and six emails
10 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Community consultation is an invaluable part of developing a DIAP. Speaking directly to people with a
disability, their family and friends and other support provides a firsthand perspective on addressing
inclusion.
As a community member stated inclusion is:
“People with disability being listened to, rather than being told what they need.”
We engaged with community members through:
» Community survey
» Community focus groups
» Meeting in a box
» Direct and individual responses.
We received a total of 269 Disability Inclusion Action Plan – surveys from community members,
split into 38 hard copy and 230 online surveys. Lane Cove Council had 100 respondents, City of Ryde
97, Hunter’s Hill 20 and ‘other local government areas’ 51. Most respondents that lived in other LGAs
indicated that they either worked or undertook a range of social and recreational activities within the
DIAP region.
Over one fifth of participants were people with a disability, with the greatest amount of feedback
coming from family members and friends of people with a disability (35%).
Figure 1 Community Survey: which of the following best describes you?
The highest percentage of participants were 35-50 years (33.7%) and 51-65 years (33.7%). People
aged over 65 made up about a fifth of participants. Participation was limited from people aged under
18 years old (0.8%) and 19-35 (9.5%). Females made up nearly three quarters of responses (73%),
males made up 26.5% and a few people did not identify with the options listed 0.40%.
Five community focus groups were held at locations in the three local government areas. The
sessions were delivered over three consecutive days in the morning and evening. Thirty-seven
people attended the sessions, participants included people with a disability, family members and
friends of people with disability, service providers, and interested community members.
22%
35%
16%
17%
31%
8%
Someone with a disability
A family member or friend of someone with disability
A carer (unpaid) of someone with disability
A provider of services (including paid carer) to peoplewith disability
An interested community member
Other
2 Community
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 11
Council staff also facilitated meeting in a box sessions with local community groups. Six meeting in
a box sessions were held in Lane Cove and Ryde Councils with the following community based
organisations and groups:
» Chatswood Social Club – Lane Cove LGA
» Different Degrees Theatre Ensemble – Lane Cove LGA
» Different Degrees – Carers – Lane Cove LGA
» Access Advisory Committee – Ryde LGA
» Youth Council – Ryde LGA
» Korean Group – Ryde LGA
To meet the needs of people in the community one on one interviews were held on request and email
feedback was received. Eight responses were provided directly on the DIAP in email or in person.
Feedback received from community members is summarised below in respect to each of the key focus
areas.
2.1 Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
“Having a disability makes people perceive you as ‘different’, ‘different’ shouldn’t be viewed as being wrong, it is what is it; different.”
Community feedback identified that a sense of community was a key aspect of inclusion. Positive
attitudes and experiences generally related to being accepted, understood (and when necessary,
assisted) in public. Attitudes, behaviours and language were fundamental to whether people with
disability could or would participate in work, life and social experiences.
Having an accessible or inclusive event is not sufficient, it is important that these attributes are
positively and strongly promoted to make people with disability feel welcomed. As relatively
marginalised and vulnerable members of the community, people with disability and their families,
tended not to feel confident about attending public facilities, events and activities or easily dissuaded
if the initial experience was not positive.
People felt that raising the level of understanding and profile of people with disability will improve
positive attitudes in the community. Ensuring people with a disability are seen firstly as a person,
rather than a disability was paramount in understanding their skills and abilities.
Figure 2 Community Survey: how welcome and included do you feel in your
community?
24%
59%
17% Very welcome and included
Moderately welcome and
included
Not welcome or included
12 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Barriers
“I feel a lot of the time people just don’t know how to talk to me, or deal with me. That’s when it’s just ‘easier’ for them to place me in the ‘too hard basket’. The cycle repeats.”
» Lack of acceptance and prejudice from locals, neighbours are no longer neighbourly
» There is a lack of education about how to talk to people with disability. Language around disability
is generally associated with negative connotations.
» People with disability are not always respected and can feel ignored
» People don’t realise how hard it is for people with disability, particularly if they don’t present as
having one. If you do not look like you have a disability people think you are acting or
exaggerating. People don’t recognise non-physical disability as disability.
» Some people judge what people with a disability can do without any information.
» Being from a CALD background creates additional barriers and a greater level of difficulty
» Young children do not understand children with intellectual disabilities, making it hard for children
with disability to join a group. Fencing play areas and equipment for children with disability sends
a message of exclusion.
» There is a lack of opportunities to learn from and integrate with people with a disability, as such
people with a disability are not represented in the community.
» Council (Ryde/ Lane Cove) sponsored events and activities don’t mention if they are disability
friendly or if people with disability are welcome to take part/ join.
» It is uncomfortable to be stared at when trying to conduct day to day tasks and when attending or
accessing events and facilities in the community.
» Persons with disability may not be able to always control how much noise they make in public
spaces. If the management/ staff don’t understand or know how to handle it appropriately it can
make the person with the disability and their families uncomfortable and unwilling to venture out.
“Sometimes people with disability can be loud and inappropriate - some cafes make people feel welcome and others don't. “
» There is a stigma surrounding those who are with disability and unemployed.
» Not just about accessibility but also how it is implemented.
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 13
» Vulnerable to trades people, e.g. my neighbour pays a service $90.00 a week just to take out her
bins. Council should have someone who can help people with disability to make sure they are not
taken advantage of.
Opportunities
Figure 3 Community Survey: What would change community views and attitudes
towards people with disability?
“Seeing people like me participating in all aspects of daily life - employment, services, recreation facilities. Being acknowledged as being present and valued when I attend services and activities.”
» Increase and promote education and training about people with disability to individuals, schools
and businesses.
> Engage opinion leaders and key messages to deliver an effective campaign
> Reinforce the term inclusion but also the importance to people with disability of gaining
independence (being able to live away from family, working, accessing friends/ social activities).
> Provide information to children as well – start early.
“Awareness training is very valuable and applicable to everyone.”
» Work with service organisations and people with disability to understand and facilitate effective
training and responsibility for people with disability to achieve independence
» Recognise and support businesses that are welcoming and inclusive
» Set up private support and inclusion groups on social media sites
» Provide training to all Council staff on how to interact with and understand the needs of people
with a disability. Prioritise training and educating frontline community staff about disability
awareness and the rights of people with disability. Encourage understanding that disability can
come in all sorts of guises. Need to be reassured that Council staff understand the potential
behavioural and physical issues of people w disability and can manage these effectively.
» Councils to provide clear messaging for all events, activities and facilities regarding whether they
are disability accessible and welcoming. Should also assist in providing information on whether
other public spaces, services and facilities are ‘open’ to people with disability.
» Foster connections between young people with disability and those without
50%
40%
40%
15%
7%
Education, employment & training
Promotion/campaigns
Interaction, inclusion & access
Other
Support & attitudes
14 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
» Provide learning experiences for Council staff to develop a greater understanding of people with
disability (e.g. staff given the experience of accessing venues in a wheelchair or simulating a visual
impairment)
» Council funded programs ought to include inclusion as a crucial outcome for the enterprises they
fund. Councils would need to provide the KPIs for this in their grant acquittals.
» Hiring/leasing any Council facility could be linked to meeting inclusion guidelines
» Provide education and training to groups that use any Council facility, educate and train individuals
on rights of people with disability and what makes discrimination e.g. guide dog is allowed within
venues and vehicles
» Social and sporting groups implementing a code of conduct / duty of care that includes
inclusiveness
» Hear from and promote the lived experience of disability e.g. webinar series, blog, Facebook.
» Create a regular feature in Council newsletters about people with disability rather than just support
people with disability on a special day/ event
» Provide better information on what Council or other services can do about community members
experiencing discrimination and how it will be handled
» Opportunity for DIAP to be an advocate to support better understanding of the gaps and incidental
forms of discrimination faced by people with disability. When launching the DIAP really promote
and give awareness to how important inclusion is, what it is and how to help people with disability
feel they are being included. Council should produce a newsletter which is solely dedicated to the
concept of inclusiveness.
» Opportunity for all levels of government to run an equivalent campaign to ‘Life be in it’ which
focuses on how to treat people with disability
» Encourage greater visibility of people living with disability including through the provision of ‘give
aways’ (e.g. similar to what bike riders get) i.e. lashing lights they could hang off their wheelchair/
handbags.
Local Government Area specific
Hunter’s Hill
» All Saints Church have provided wheelchair access but only at their back entrance, next to their
garbage bins – people don’t want to use it. Makes them feel unwelcome.
Lane Cove
» Lane Cove Woolworths staff make disparaging comments to people with disability
Ryde
» General feeling that Ryde City Council is not friendly and welcoming of people with disability
» A disability carers group wanted to hold an event at Ryde Aquatic Centre but the centre staff were
not welcoming. The group were given the impression it was all ‘too hard’
» The staff at Ryde Library made complaints about a child making noise. The father was not
comfortable telling the staff his child has a disability. This experience impacted on the confidence
of the father and child. Staff training is needed
» Ryde sports/leisure coordinator should discuss with the soccer club how it can be more inclusive. It
permits a team of children with disability to be associated with the club but they are not included
i.e. not invited to the awards night.
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 15
2.2 Creating liveable communities
If people with disability can see the advantages to themselves in being more active in local communities, then they might more actively seek that participation.”
Community feedback across all local government areas surveyed felt strongly that access, footpaths,
ramps and transport were most relevant in creating and maintaining liveable communities. The built
environment was considered a significant barrier to inclusion and many noted that ensuring an
accessible physical environment and good design is a benefit to all community members. Being unable
to fully access their community limits interaction and makes people with disability, their families and
carers feel isolated.
There was acknowledgement that councils provide a range of good facilities, events and activities to
encourage community interaction. The needs of people with disability should however be considered
in the early planning of these rather than as an afterthought or not at all. The community identified
specific needs such as easy access, and parking, accessible and unisex toilets, separated spaces and
activities that catered for a wide range of ages not just for the children or seniors. The cost of
activities and facilities was also becoming a major issue as people are being forced to rely on limited
NDIS funds. They also noted that while NDIS funds activities it does not provide money for venue
hire, a major shortfall that Councils could target.
Community members noted that while housing affordability is an issue for all Sydney residents, it is
particularly critical for people with disability. They are usually economically disadvantaged and have
less flexibility to live away from main centres. Depression is a major problem for people with disability
and is exacerbated by social isolation.
Figure 4 What are the biggest barriers or challenges for people with disability in getting around and travelling to services and facilities in your local area?
61%
56%
17%
16%
15%
13%
Transport & parking
Access & footpaths
Systems and processes or money issues
Attitudes & awareness
Support, services & opportunities
Other
16 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Barriers
Mobility and transport
“At the moment, I am not aware of any local parks or playgrounds I can go to independently mainly because of combination of no footpaths plus tricky road crossings.”
» Barriers on footpaths (including uneven pavements, obstacles, parked cars and overhanging trees
and vegetation)
» Availability and accessibility of transport both public and privately run, cost of taxis and community
buses for those who cannot access public transport
» Community transport services are not very convenient or flexible
» Negotiating public transport, particularly the lack of help from staff e.g. complexity of Opal card,
remembering all the steps of top up, tap on, tap off
» Overcrowding in streets and centres, which leads to mobility and balance issues
» Limited accessible parking and a lack of undercover accessible parking. This is a particular issue for
large events (e.g. Australia Day events)
» Elevator and pedestrian button height
» Limited awareness of obtaining information about services available within the area or for a
specific disability
» Lack of space for disabled parking spaces, e.g. if you have a small bus/van there is not sufficient
room provided to open back doors for ramp
Events, activities and Council facilities
“Many clients love to play on swings and slippery dips etc and get a huge amount of pleasure and a sense of freedom - but - if they go to a playground and kids or mums with strollers arrive they have to leave.”
» It is difficult to find groups and activities that cater to a teenager with intellectual disability (with
the interests and capabilities of a young child). "What is a safe community for her to belong to?"
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 17
» Unable to bring children or adults with behavioural issues to common spaces and public facilities as
there is not spaces where they can make noise without disturbing other people or alternatively
quiet spaces where they can be calmed down
» Festivals, events and activities becoming too crowded, noisy with insufficient parking and seating,
this becomes inaccessible for people with autism
» Carers often determine what people living in group homes do – can they be bothered to take them
out, is there another staff, what if other people want to go somewhere else, often easier for staff
to stay at home rather than take people out
» There is a lack of respite services and activities for older children/young people with disability
(particularly in post-school years)
» NDIS funds are tight. After paying for essential services there is little money left for activities and
classes
» Unable to afford services and facilities offered within the local area and wider community. No
discounts currently advertised for people with disability
» Space is needed for an OT service in the region
» Lack of parks within the area that are fenced which is needed for children / adults with autism at
the same time barriers around play areas send a message of exclusion..
Buildings and housing
» Planning controls are insufficient and do not adequately control development to ensure accessibility
for example ramps often need to be better designed so that they are wide, safe and have a
suitable gradient
» Significant shortage of affordable housing. This is a particular issue for people with disability who
want to live in their local communities and close to networks and family support
» Lack of affordable and adaptable housing access within Sydney and local neighbourhood centres.
Limits people with disability being able to access services, support and family. No structure for two
to four people for 24 hour care
» Disability friendly housing options not widely available
» Older housing tends to be unsuitable – temperature control and flooding issues
18 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Public infrastructure
» Lack of disability and unisex toilets in public places and facilities
» Accessible features like bathrooms, lifts etcetera are not well maintained
» Outdoor spaces require better rest areas
» Lack of maintained open space, walkways, areas where trees and shrubs grow
Figure 5 How can Council make services, facilities or venues easier to use for people with disability?
Opportunities
Mobility and transport
» More overpasses / footbridges with lifts
» Improve footpath quality, check that tree roots have not cracked and damaged walkways and
make pathway material consistent in materials
» Information on the Council's website about accessible pathways of travel (footpaths etc.) so that
outings can be planned and it clear which places are accessible or which should be avoided.
» Undertake an audit of local area accessibility for travel [Opportunity for a volunteer based audit
team, to check how accessible local streets and centres are]
> consider “Pathways to Inclusion” as best practice
> identify responsibility for medium strips and street trees/private gardens
> educate the community about the importance of maintaining vegetation, clearing obstacles,
reporting footpaths to create a more accessible environment
> involve people with disability in a review of accessible rights of way.
» Travel training has helped some people to be able to use public transport
» Opportunities to create wider choices of transport, focusing on accessible and demand driven
options
» Provide community transport for individuals with mental/intellectual disability (not just physical)
who may not be able to travel on state run transport or taxi’s
» Create a volunteer based community transport system e.g. Shoalhaven Council has implemented
this. Users could give a gold coin donation to help pay for vehicle to be maintained
» Ensure accessible parking spots are wide enough to enable vehicles to be successfully accessed by
passengers. Provide a level area beside parking spots for people with mobility issues and devices
» Increase enforcement of cars parked on the footpath.
82%
29%
27%
23%
17%
17%
Accessibility & footpaths
Parking
Facilities & activities
Other
Awareness & promotion
Toilets
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 19
Events, activities and Council facilities
“Habitat has always been promoted as totally inclusive- everybody from two years old to 80, any disability.”
» More spaces and facilities that cater to a range of age-groups (allowing multi-generational
enjoyment). Buffalo Creek Reserve Playground works really well for this. Including a playground
for adults only near public transport that would provide swings, slides and possibly an obstacle
course .
» Undertake an accessibility audit of Council facilities and venues
» A discounted rate or alternative funding source is needed for people with disability to assist them
to access cultural and social activities and programs (NDIS funding will not cover these things)
» Fitness and aquatic centres could provide discounted rates, especially if a person with disability
needs a one on one class
» People with disability and their families should be encouraged by Council to attend events. Council
to communicate inclusiveness and provide information on amenities (e.g. parking) as well as:
> Place ‘chill out’ quiet areas within major events for people that cannot handle high levels of
noise or overcrowded areas
> Set up and plan for temporary accessible parking for major events
> Opportunity to put on smaller targeted festivals, events and activities for people with disability that cannot handle overcrowding and high levels of noise
> Provide flexibility in event ticketing for families with children with disability (who are
sometimes unable to stay for as long) or may not be able to use all facilities
» Council’s to investigate new technologies (e.g. virtual reality) to assist people with disabilities to
access facilities, activities and events
» Continue to support and promote a wide range of programs which encourage community
involvement.
» The Special Olympics is free for children and could be better promoted by Councils
20 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
» Councils could provide an exclusive day at Council facilities for people with disability (e.g. at
Aquatic Centre, libraries, gallery or other facilities)
» Provide common spaces where children or adults with behavioural issues can act up without
disrupting or causing offence to other people e.g. libraries should not only have a quiet room but a
noisy room too
» Support effective service providers to ensure they can continue to provide services in the area (e.g.
subsidised accommodation, access to facilities)
» Provide workshops that incorporate music and art (sensory stimulation) in a suitable venue
Buildings and housing
» Create DCPs that incorporate adaptable and accessible standards and ensure better outcomes in
term of accessibility e.g. wide door for the provision of wheelchair
» Opportunity to require new developments to place additional set-back top to allow for improved
and inclusive access
» Have suitable processes for reviewing development applications for Council facilities to ensure
accessibility
» Shops should all have aisles that are wide enough for wheelchairs
» Council buildings to be built with consideration of best practice Universal Design such as rails on
both side of the ramps at Council building
» Provide more escalators with ramps not stairs
» Free up zoning for community and public housing near services
» Planning controls to ensure a certain percentage of apartments are adaptable and affordable
» Review and implement an affordable housing strategy and targets. Housing that caters to people
with disability needs to be centrally located, particularly for people who cannot use transport
independently (to reduce social isolation)
» Training, education and incentives for builders and Council to allow development of housing that is
adaptable and affordable for people with disability
» Applying to Social Ventures Australia (social impact investment) to support in assisted housing for
people with disability along with employment services. Getting funding through NDIS for the Giant
Steps Program
Public infrastructure
» Provide more accessible toilets including those suitable for unisex/family
» Improve signage and wayfinding for public spaces and facilities
» Opportunity to have hoists placed in disabled toilets and local pools along with a change tables that
can withstand adult weight. Hoists could be at a user-pays system to help with cost covering
» Provide better rest areas and seating in key public locations.
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 21
Local Government Area specific
Hunter’s Hill
» Hunter’s Hill Council building has significant accessibility issues for people with disability including
vision impairment
» Deckhouse restaurant, Clarks Point and Goat Paddock have no accessible parking
» Accessible parking at the Wharf area has been promised, but never delivered. Huntley’s Point was delivered and became accessible with the installation of a lift.
» Access from Clark Park to the historic Cockatoo Dock - lots of steps, no ramp.
» Small waterfront parks/reserves around Newcombe Point are steep and unpaved
» Widening of the narrow roads and footpaths is needed but understandably difficult to address –
this needs to be considered if development applications are submitted
» Pineapple Bar was a great place for people with disability including their friends and family, it is
now closing due to increasing rent – what can Council do to assist businesses like this stay in operation
» Access is difficult to Woolwich Public Baths (steps) and at retail centres in Gladesville and Hunter’s
Hill (Victoria Road and Alexandra Street)
» Public toilet location in Boronia Park, steep, distant from the picnic area and no path
» There is no access to both walkways across Gladesville Bridge - lots of steps, no ramp.
Lane Cove
» Opportunity to provide a pedestrian crossing across First Avenue at the corner of Dorrit Street
» Opportunity to increase walk time for pedestrians crossing River Road (Riverview), at the
intersection of Tambourine Bay Road, pedestrians less abled find it impossible to cross within the
designated time-frame currently provided
» Opportunities to provide disability toilets at Greenwich shopping centre
22 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
» Opportunity for Manns Point to become accessible to all abilities with the inclusion of ramps and
disabled toilets
» A number of places at the Lane Cove shopping district are inaccessible by those using public
transport e.g. Community centre and Meeting House Inc
» Footpaths around Cove Village could be improved for accessibility along with Napier Crescent near
Lane Cove Road, Barr Street near Wicks Road, Truscott Street south of the school
» Lack of accessible public disabled toilets, ones which are provided are poorly maintained and at
Boronia Park they are distant from the picnic area
» Council offers senior’s outings but none for those with disability
» Market Square has accessible parking on the bottom floor and certain vans don’t fit
» Interchange at Longueville Road from the city is lacking in ‘ease of access’, pedestrian area is
narrow, bins and poles are in the way which makes the shared path become dangerous to those
using it
» Linley’s Point play space is inclusive and provides good inclusive equipment
» Opportunity for lights or a roundabout at the top of Tamborine Bay Road to create a safe
pedestrian crossing
» Conduct an audit of Lane Cove shopping centre, there are a few barriers for accessibility and
inclusion
» Lane Cove Library is accessible and inclusive but would like to see a ‘noise’ room implemented e.g.
Woollahra Library has a game room, and designated noisy times
» Limited disabled toilets near Lane Cove plaza, library and Rosenthal development, ones that are
currently available do not feel safe, comfortable or have ‘ease of access’ for the individual and
potential carer accompanying and helping them
» Place hoists in disabled toilets and at public pools, or have an app where people can see where in
Lane Cove have these.
“I can’t take my adult son too far, as it is impossible to change him anywhere in Lane
Cove, I feel at times we are both being made to stay at home.”
» Place disabled parking more strategically e.g. Little Street parking is too far away to walk to the
shops for people with disability. More parking spaces are required in Shepherds Bay and Eastwood
» Ask the NSW Government to reinstate the express bus services into the city
Ryde
» Vacation care for children with disability is needed
» West Ryde Station – West Parade entrance has a step but no ramp access
» No ramp access in Coles at West Ryde
» More disabled on street parking for vehicles that have height restrictions
» Development fees for Granny Flat DA in Ryde is very high ($6,900). Fees should be waived if the
flat is being built for persons with disability
» RALC to be more accessible and inclusive through:
> a designated change room for people with disability. The family change room is suitable but
always busy
> Noise issues (high levels) and inconsistent temperature control of water
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 23
> It is unclear whether the warm water pool at RALC is available for the public to use. Provide
better information and signage
» Top Ryde shopping centre:
> Better promotion of the mobility scooter hire service is needed
> The centre has a lot of obstacles and barriers including:
– cluttered floors on Coles level
– inadequate lifts and buttons do not have contrasting colours making them difficult to see
– lack of accessible parking at the cinema level
– taxi ranks are not well located – they are not accessible, you cannot bring a shopping trolley
to them, there is no shelter and you have to walk into the traffic to access accessible taxis.
Accessible taxis have shifted to the loading bay to provide better services
– not enough lifts, the moving walkways don’t meet up which means there is a lot of extra
walking
» Community bus is important as the Ryde LGA is a major employment and health hub. The bus
caters mainly for older people not younger people and people with disability
» Review the major bus stop for buses going north at Top Ryde is dangerous, the pavement is
narrow, uneven and exposed. The footpath slopes to the side which make it very difficult for
people with mobility issues
» Epping Road connector is inaccessible e.g. lifts
» Better signage is needed to assist access, in particular at train stations (e.g. lift signage)
» Ryde Park – shortage of toilets, toilets are not well maintained and toilets have slippery surface
and poor lighting. Update and improved maintenance required
» Loss of the putt putt golf facility was a major loss to people with disability and families – support
opportunities to find an alternative site or an alternative activity that is disability friendly.
» Royal Rehab:
> gutters are not suitable (accessible) and the community bus will not come to the building
> Egress from Royal Rehab to Putney Road is very steep and no rest areas are provided
» Council should investigate partnership with Royal Rehab for the provision of affordable housing for
people with disability
» Council could link into Royal Rehab Hospital events and facilities
» Putney IGA – there are many issues with the parking including lack of lighting and signage, traffic
and traffic light issues
» North Ryde Community Church, unable to have an parking sticker or gain extended parking if you
do not have a physical disability reduces opportunities for disability support groups to meet
» Christian Community Aid provided many social activities but had to give up its campus at Ryde
because the rent was too high
» Morrison Road – this is a high traffic area that requires better signage
» Macquarie Hospital – insufficient parking available
» Ensure there is sufficient parking in Meadowbank
» There are insufficient bathrooms at Meadowbank Wharf
» Review Ryde Housing Strategy to ensure it is addressing the needs of young people with disability
24 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
2.3 Supporting access to meaningful employment
“Having work is so important for self-respect, self-worth and valuing one self.”
Community members felt strongly that meaningful employment was a key part of inclusion for people
with a disability. Several barriers were identified, with lack of knowledge and support for employing
people with disability considered the hardest issue for job seekers to overcome. Consequently,
community members wanted Council to be both proactive in employing people with disability as well
as encouraging other local businesses to be disability friendly.
Figure 6 Community Survey: barriers to employment
“They only see my disability, not me as a person with strengths and abilities.”
43%
25% 17% 15% 15%
Attitudes ofemployers and
employees
Insufficientemploymentopportunities
Inflexibleworkplaces
Education andtraining
Employmentsuitability (including
transport andwages)
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 25
Barriers
“Disability often has little or no bearing on a person's ability to do a job, especially if reasonable accommodations are provided, but people don't understand that and only see the disability.”
» Negative attitudes of employers and other employees, some people may feel uncomfortable
working with a person with a disability
> Attitude of management staff is key for recruitment and retention of people with a disability
> Small businesses aren’t well resourced to train staff.
» Employers with a lack of understanding of the skills of people with a disability
» A lack of employment and local employment opportunities for people with a disability
“I had to travel four hours for a three-hour shift, I asked to change locations and then lost the job I had held after ten years.”
» No information on who is willing to give employment, work experience and volunteer opportunities
to people with disability
» Insufficient accessibility, support and flexibility in workplaces
» Transport to employment, particularly access to public transport
» Some people with disability need supported employment with people to supervise and this is
difficult to find
» Lack of information from Councils describing and stating what they do for unemployed people with
disability
» Gaps in education and training including work experience for people with a disability, this can also
result in low self confidence
» Funding for TAFE was reduced and there is insufficient support and suitable courses for people
with a disability
» Online studying can be difficult for people with disability, there is no opportunity to engage, or
have face to face help with issues that may surface
» No transition support services for high school leavers , support period for work services advertised
» Fear of losing pension then not being able to sustain the work due to pain and other obstacles.
The government only allows people to earn a limited amount of income before axing their pension
therefore there really isn't an opportunity to work even though the desire is there.
Opportunities
“It would be good to make a policy about inclusion and to see all government organisations and local councils start the lead on this by creating a policy that incorporates a person with a disability working at all your services e.g., local pools, gyms, libraries and community centres this would create some form of change.”
» Councils to lead the way in employment of disabled to help dispel myths that disabled persons are
unable to perform work duties – have a proportion of staff with a disability working for Council
» A greater range of education and training opportunities for people with a disability, including work
experience placements at Council
26 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
» Provide suitable and adequate training for all employees to ensure that staff can appropriately
assist a staff member with a disability in becoming an active member of the workforce
» Council to proactively award contracts to companies that demonstrate active inclusion of people
with disability
» Consult with Chamber of Commerce to assist in identifying processes to support employment of
people with disability
» Provide incentives, support and promotion of businesses (particularly small businesses) that are
flexible and inclusive to people with disability such as:
> A business of the month award, showcasing businesses within the area that provide flexible
and meaningful employment, work experience to people with disability e.g. Habitat Network
» Educate employers on the opportunities and benefits in employing people with disability, such as:
> Support and encourage accessible, flexible workplaces and proactive recruitment processes,
including what is available to employers if modifications are required
> Provide and share plain English materials and information regarding employment of people with a disability with local businesses and people with a disability
» Council could play a role by providing information on how to volunteer and access work experience
» Provide Social Enterprise training for local organisations and businesses
» Council could partner with organisations that encourage people with disability to enter the
workforce such as Job Support and Ability Links
» Encourage local industries to support sample days so people can try out different jobs to allow
people to understand their abilities
» Encourage community colleges into the area which also accommodate carers
» Provide Travel training programs to support people with disability accessing employment.
“All businesses have EEO policies which encourage inclusive recruitment processes, however, businesses themselves need support (as well as the individual) to make the process successful and a positive experience for all.”
Local Government Area specific
Ryde
» The library would not take a person with disability as a volunteer
» Lack of response from Council when an enquiry was made about vacation care for a child with
disability to support a parent working
» No transition to work programs are provided in Ryde. The nearest locations are Chatswood and
Epping.
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 27
2.4 Improving access to services through better systems and processes
Feedback on this focus area revolved around Council’s mainstream services and information on
support services available through other government agencies and service providers. Respondents
noted that having information in a range of formats as well as the opportunity to speak to someone
directly is essential. Knowing which services are available for people with a disability and which
mainstream services are inclusive of people with a disability was considered critical.
“You have to communicate with everyone in the community if you want to communicate with all disabled people. We do not self-identify nor do we identify with other disabled people. We identify in the same way you do, we are parents, siblings, artists, writers, friends, students the same as anyone else.”
Barriers
“It is definitely extremely difficult to find out what services someone is entitled to and frequently the paperwork is daunting.”
» It is confusing and difficult having to go to multiple sources (across the range of government and
non-government providers, this includes RMS and NDIS) and places to access information and the
different requirements for different services
» Insufficient information regarding local services and activities, including information available to
Local Area Coordinators under the NDIS
» Information provided is not easy to access and use, many people ignore e-newletters, one-on-one
liaison with Council or an information provided is needed but this is not provided
» There is a lot of availability of information, training, services for early intervention but nothing for
adults.
“Information must be readily available and easy to access. I find it hard myself to find any local services and support that suit my son.”
» Staff do not consider the needs of people with a disability
» Negative responses from Councils and service providers when seeking modifications or
accommodations
» Confusion around who to go to about community housing as there are no longer case managers
» Information provided by phone is not suitable for CALD communities, it should be by email or letter
» Lack of access to interpreters for CALD communities can further exclude them
» Some people with a disability rely on others to provide information about activities and events to
them
» Councils not offering hearing loop services that work, often they have been installed but do not
function / have no regular maintenance carried out
» Council has lost significant in-person presence through the implementation of more technology e.g.
pay your rates online
» Lack of plain English used within documents and applications and general newsletters
» No database to go to for people who provide home maintenance, or basic services e.g. light bulb
changing, taking out and bringing garbage bins in
» Lack of flexibility with time extensions for forms and applications
28 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Figure 7 Community Survey: How to support better access to services
Opportunities
“Good access to information is good for the broader community as is good signage”
» Opportunity for Council to change communication styles on how they provide and promote
information, especially in terms of making people feel that the Council wants an all ability inclusive
community. It is important to use traditional and social media to promote activities and services
> set up of a disability portal on Council website
> have a one-stop shop for information including staff who know where to go to access
information and aid people with a disability and their support people
46% 43%
11% 16%
12%
Systems andprocesses (including
assistance withGovernment
systems)
Communication andavailability ofinformation
Accessibleinformation
Promotion andawareness
Council staff andprograms
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 29
> make available a staff member who is able to sign
> ensure information is provided in plain English and a range of accessible formats including in easy-read versions
> opportunities to speak to someone on the phone or in person
> provide a point of contact within town centres for people with disability to access
information about services and opportunities
> Providing disability information and services in various languages that reflect the dominant ethnic groups in the community e.g. Mandarin/Korean.
» Provide a specific Community Disability Liaison officer in Council, a nominated contact who can
provide all information and contacts to other organisations
» Online information should be active and meet all accessibility standards
» Consistent information identifying whether Council and other major public facilities cater to people
with disability and what accessibility/ inclusion support they offer.
» Tap into and support informal information networks
“There are indeed specialist organisations that cater for specific disabilities … but all the mothers at my son's dance class believe that the informal networks and stories they hear from other mothers is more helpful as we are all locals and it is contemporary.”
» Council could provide an NDIS products price guide e.g. how much an exercise physiologist would
be to work with a person with disability
» Provide access to help with filling out forms and understanding what words mean e.g. NDIS
paperwork, tax declaration form
» Promote Council sources of information and keep up to date what services are available and events
coming up
» Provide a way to allow for family members to seek help on behalf of people with a disability
» Change the language and information on the Council websites to make it clear the inclusiveness of
social groups, activities and facilities .
» Meaningful and positive engagement with people with a disability needs to consider accessibility of
all community consultations including:
» Update Council websites to have direct links for people with disability information in both English
and other languages
> advertising accessibility of venues
> providing alternate arrangements
> allowing sufficient time for people to provide feedback
> facilitating an active Access Committee.
» Continue to engage with people with a disability to identify what services and information they
would like to see and how they would like to contribute to their community
» Ability for residents to still be able to pay their rates at a local post office
» Promote local services and activities, including
> advertising to schools to use their networks
> provide a disability newsletter advertising activities and services (similar to that produced by
[previous] Warringah Shire Council)
30 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
> utilise/promote existing mobility app that provides information on accessible places and
activities, including disability toilets for the local area and an option to book disabled parking for
big events
» Councils could develop an online resource/ app which allows users to identify and rate accessible
areas and venues
» Very good services are provided by the Special School, NSW Carers Association and Ryde/Hunter’s
Hill Community Services (carers group) – presenting opportunities for support in the future
» Provide training and education or provide information where people with disability can learn to
become more independent
“A specific directory for people and children with a disability outlining services specifically for people with a disability AND a list of services that have inclusion plans in place to support people.”
Local Government Area specific
Hunter’s Hill
» Losing essential services such as banks, post office and health services within the town centre, this
disadvantage’s those trying to access such services who have disability, limited mobility, lack of
funds or access to transport
Lane Cove
» Provide a central customer service location, potentially as part of the Rosenthal development
» Need easier access to local respite care.
Ryde
» Public election voting moved from the Civic Centre (which was accessible) to the Public School
(which is not). “I had to do a postal vote but this shouldn’t have to be necessary”
» Ryde Council should provide a similar website and Facebook page “In the Cove” to that provided
by Land Cove Council
» Council’s Access Committee has a vacancy which presents an opportunity for someone with a
disability to be involved
» Council’s online contact form is effective but it should be more widely advertised
» Ryde has some really good information, it is difficult to locate easily within the Council website.
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 31
2.5 Other issues
Community members also brought up issues that are outside Council’s ability to influence. These are
listed below.
» Centrelink should operate in hospitals. A large hospital like Royal North Shore could easily keep a
Centrelink outreach office busy. When I was diagnosed with Cancer my social worker said "I do not
contact Centrelink" How was I supposed to contact them from my hospital bed, with cancer
treatment going on? Many people are suddenly diagnosed and cannot get to a Centrelink office or
do paperwork to ensure support payment while convalescing.
» Centrelink -doesn't provide a disability pension for people with a psychiatric disability
» Taxi voucher system doesn't recognise people with intellectual, developmental (i.e. autism) or
non-visible disabilities
» Department of Housing 'is ruthless' in terms of who it provides support for, there is just too much
need for the supply of available public housing.
» Level of training within Bachelor of Education in respect to managing children with disability is
utterly insufficient - do one project and are not encouraged to share learnings within the class.
This lack of appropriate training in the education needs of people with disability is systemic from
Kindergarten to University.
» In order to get adequate schooling for children with disability have to go out of area.
» Ownership and management of Royal Rehab housing is confusing. It is difficult to know who is
responsible for maintenance. Maintenance is often substandard
32 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Service providers are intrinsically linked with the Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde communities. They
were keen to support the preparation of a DIAP within the region and saw it as an important
opportunity to build the capacity for inclusion within the community and Council.
“Developing a DIAP is a great way to encourage all council staff to think about how they could be inclusive and a starting point for further education.”
We engaged with service providers through:
» Service provider roundtable
» Community survey (this feedback has been incorporated with community feedback)
» Attendance at focus groups (this feedback has been incorporated with community feedback).
Forty representatives from 31 organisations attended the roundtable session.
The purpose of the roundtable was to discuss opportunities for inclusion which could benefit their
clients/community members and to support providers to deliver services. Groups were able to reflect
on their experiences working with and for the community in line with the focus areas. Barriers and
opportunities for inclusion were identified.
3.1 Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
Barriers included:
» A lack of general community understanding and empathy, this includes viewing of people with a
disability as different from the rest of the community and in some instances negative attitudes
» People with a disability aren’t always accepted for the person they are, rather people focus on their
disability
» A lack of awareness of the abilities of people with a disability, it was also raised that there is
insufficient funding to educate the general public on what it means to live with a disability
» In some instances, there is an unwillingness to make a change to accommodate someone with a
disability.
Opportunities included:
» Promote inclusion for all Council staff and encourage staff to consider opportunities to be inclusive,
» Encourage and provide education to all departments of Council to use the available hearing loops
during meetings and community sessions
» Support awareness and inclusion in schools
» Use traditional and social media to promote and highlight the capabilities of people with disabilities
including a dedicated section on disability inclusion in Council newsletters, websites, social media
» Providing education and awareness – normalise diversity and develop communities that care for all
to address social isolation including education about the rights of people with disability
3 Services roundtable
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 33
» Break down the barriers of us and them especially for more severely disabled people who would
like greater community access
» Ensuring that all events celebrate and incorporate inclusion.
» Document and promote positive examples of how inclusion has been successfully implemented
» Incorporate the principles of Universal Design for Learning in communication and engagement
materials.
3.2 Creating liveable communities
Barriers included:
» Exercise is very important to maintain mobility and wellbeing. There are very few gyms with
equipment that are accessible for wheelchairs
» Mobility issues across all local government areas
» Limited housing which is affordable and appropriate, in the community results in people staying at
their parent’s home
» Transport cost and availability, it can be difficult to resource drivers and vehicles
» Accessible facilities and equipment, which aren’t separated from the mainstream, to ensure people
with a disability are able to use and access public places, such as hoists at local pools
» Accessible and timely transport including accessible drop-off points for transport (car & bus)
Opportunities included:
» Greater transport options, with a focus on accessible and on-demand transport including greater
support for community transport provision
» Ensuring parking facilities are best practice and do not simply meet base standards e.g. basement
carparks to meet requirements for accessible vehicles
» Ensure bus stops have sufficient width and spacing to allow for wheelchair patronage
» Upgrade footpaths and ramps to support accessible path of travel to and between major
destination sites
» Additional accessible parking for major community events
» Promote and identify accessibility features of all Council events, activities and programs
» Providing and upgrading physical environments which allow for participation of all community
members, for example all-inclusive playgrounds, seating, BBQ’s at different heights, space for
wheelchair at picnic tables
» Specifically look at ways people with disability can be actively participate in events such as Youth
Week
» Look at opportunities to provide discounts for access to events and activities such as not paying for
attendance of companions/carers.
» Council to require people holding events and delivering activities using council resources/ facilities
to meet inclusion requirements
» Community grants to incorporate inclusion criteria
» Design and provide quiet places where people can have time out / feel safe for major events and
public facilities (e.g. library)
34 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
» Assess and seek to address accessibility of major destination sites such as shopping centres within
the region including Universal Design requirements, parking and drop-off points, accessible
bathrooms with hoists, doorways wide enough for assisted access
» Review and revise accessible (Universal Design) DA requirements for new major public buildings
and centres
» Prioritise base requirement for all facilities to be made accessible – not seen as best practice.
Should not be viewed as an ‘extra’ but as essential (particularly toilets – everyone has the right to
be able to go use a toilet!)
» Identify strategies to deliver affordable and adaptable housing options including updating
compliance/standards.
3.3 Supporting access to meaningful employment
Barriers included:
» Attitudes and understanding of employers – the word disability can include many conditions,
injuries and illnesses
» Mainstream, corporate and government employment as difficulties arise in the interview process,
work place accessibility and employment support
» Insufficient information on how businesses and groups can be supported to include everyone
» There are challenges in having an inclusive workplace for people with behaviour problems.
Opportunities included:
» Have greater representation of people with a disability in the Council workforce especially public
roles or those highly visible to the public
» Council to mandate employment targets (20% people with disabilities in population – reflect in
employees)
» Identify services and systems that support people with disability being retained within the
workforce such as provision for an occupational therapist to support physical and behavioural
problems
» Local government procurement processes could create an employment opportunity through
engaging contractors that employ people with disabilities
» Educate employers and the general public regarding the abilities of people with a disability,
including school students
» Provide peer training to support people with disabilities – in the workplace, mentoring within the
community
» Provide a public directory that lists services/opportunities by employment type
» Create an Ambassador work program that promotes positive role models and shares successes
» Council to partner with employment services to promote and encourage local employment and
work experience opportunities
» Provide incentives and supports for organisations willing to employ people with disability and to
adapt workplaces to become more accessible e.g. look at inclusion grants for small businesses
» Prepare a readiness checklist for organisations to employ people with disability
» Host a local conference/ breakfast with employers to support job seekers
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 35
» Encourage major local shopping centres to offer a certain percentage of spaces at popcorn rents
for social enterprises that employ people with disability at standard wages
» Partner with TAFE to support education and training, including courses to support people to build
skills and confidence
» Change forms to be more welcoming and accepting of disability for example asking ‘ what support
do you need to do the job’ – not tick yes to disability
» Assist partnerships between schools, local businesses and education institutions to create outcome
based pathways to employment for people with disability – align courses to industry employment
needs.
3.4 Improving access to services through better systems and processes
Barriers included:
» Communication difficulties
» Attitudes of mainstream service providers, ongoing support is required to maintain successful
inclusion and meaningful participation
» Have early intervention and provide professional development support, some people lack
confidence and knowledge to best support people with a disability in a mainstream setting.
» Most significant barrier to inclusion in mental health is drop of in-services and support when a
person is “well” leaving them vulnerable.
Opportunities included:
» Communication methods which include online resources available on Councils’ websites and easy-
to-read versions of essential public information such as bus timetables
» Employ a single council contact who knows all service providers and what they do, and a
community liaison person who knows services in depth
» Provide resources in all Council facilities e.g. hearing loops, large print documentation to support
access to information and services
» Embedding specialist services in already established groups/programs and partnering to develop
innovative and inclusive programs and activities
» Create a central database of people with disability needs that triggers access to services and
assists referral by Council to information and services (e.g. service card system)
» Support smaller organisations stay viable as they are key members of the community and support
broader engagement
» Develop an information app to provide local information on services, transport, events, toilets
» Provide a dedicated service/space at community and council facilities for people who do not have
access to or skills in technology
» Support greater awareness (service providers) of interagency networks and forums – increase
participation
» Council to provide rooms so organisations can run focus groups / engage people with disabilities
for free (community development)
36 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
An important step in developing the DIAP is consultation with each Council’s staff. Their insights and
experiences are an important consideration in identifying actions and strategies for inclusion. We
engaged with staff through:
» a staff survey
» staff workshops
» meeting in a box.
An online survey was available to staff to provide feedback on their workplaces and how services are
provided to the community. Across the three Councils there were 184 survey responses. This included
19 people who identified as having a disability.
A workshop was delivered with staff at each Council to promote the development of the DIAP and
discuss actions and strategies for inclusion. Sixty-five staff from the Councils took part in the
workshops. These participants were able identify existing opportunities for inclusion in their service
area and new opportunities in line with the four focus areas. A high proportion of staff knew a person
with a disability and could draw on their personal as well as professional experience. Importantly, staff
participants represented the wide range of local government service areas, from planning and events
to finance and IT.
Additionally, Lane Cove Council and City of Ryde Council spoke directly to service areas using the
meeting in a box tool. Eight meeting in a box sessions were held with the following staff:
» Lave Cove Council Depot – Lane Cove LGA
» Kindy Cove – staff – Lane Cove LGA
» Library staff – Lane Cove LGA
» 2 x Customer Service and Library Staff – Ryde LGA
» Executive Team Meeting
» Operations Centre Staff
» Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre Staff
The feedback received via these
methods is summarised below.
4 Staff
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 37
4.1 General
Staff were receptive and interested in the development of the DIAP. Their feedback focused on the
variety of opportunities for each Council to support a more inclusive community and provide an
inclusive workplace.
“A true inclusive community would be one where people don't have to disclose they have a disability because the community or workplace is fully accessible and excepting of people with abilities and backgrounds.”
Overall staff felt it was essential that Councils engage meaningfully with people with a disability. The
three Councils generally raised common issues and noted the same top three barriers for inclusion.
The following chart illustrates however that the Councils identified subtly different priorities for their
community. These were respectively:
Hunter’s Hill – Lack of meaningful employment opportunities
Lane Cove- Lack of accessible places, spaces and facilities
Ryde – Community attitudes and behaviours.
Figure 8 Staff Survey: What do you see as the main barriers to participation in the
community for people with disability in their local area?
Appendix A provides a further breakdown of the main findings from the Staff Survey.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Lack of meaningful employment options
Lack of accessible places, spaces and facilities
Community attitudes and behaviours
Lack of access to suitable transport options
Lack of services to support participation
Lack of suitable equipment to support needs
Lack of suitable education and trainingopportunities
Other (and/or additional comments)
Hunters Hill Lane Cove Ryde
38 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
4.2 Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
Council staff acknowledged that positive behaviours stemmed from greater understanding of those
with a disability. Feedback raised the importance of communication techniques and recognition of
various needs of all members of the community.
Overall, it was felt by staff that community members were respectful to people with a disability. It was
noted there is a great opportunity for Councils to further promote positive attitudes of inclusion
through their extensive networks. In agreement with the feedback from community members and
service providers, Council staff identified training to customer facing staff and the wider community
around understanding the diverse needs of people with a disability as important.
“Ongoing staff training, not only on access and inclusion, but on how to handle various situations when working with and servicing people with a disability.”
Awareness and understanding was a common theme raised by staff. This was considered equally
relevant for the Councils as employers as well as service providers to the community. Education and
positive promotion of people in the community with a disability were frequently identified
opportunities for each Council.
“If council had regular visitors or guest speakers that would go a long way to breaking down barriers and allowing acceptance.”
Hunter’s Hill
Barriers included:
» Pre-existing conceptions of the abilities of people with a disability in the community
» People with a disability are not as visible in the community as they should be.
Opportunities included:
» Highlight local shops and businesses that are successfully inclusive
» Provide staff and community training promoting empathy and understanding, add EEO to induction
and ongoing training
» Involve people with a disability in Council processes and have greater representation of people
with a disability, particularly on Council’s Access Committee.
» Identify areas where Council can advocate for people with a disability.
Lane Cove
Barriers included:
» Lack of understanding and awareness in the community, stigma may cause people not to disclose
their disability
» People with a disability are not as visible in the community as they should be.
Opportunities included:
» Provide a range of training for all Council staff around customer services, appropriate language and
mental health training for supervisors and managers
» Deliver community accessibility briefings, targeting community groups to discuss venue hire and
community grants
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 39
» Promote contributions of people with a disability in the community, in particular celebrate
International Day for People with a Disability in Lane Cove Plaza
» Educate the Lane Cove community about inclusive Council programs and developments.
Ryde
Barriers included:
» Programming and activities are focussed for people with mobility issues rather than considering the
broad range of needs across the community
» A lack of understanding of the different needs of the community and the services available to the
them
» People with a disability aren’t always considered as regular members of the community.
Opportunities included:
» Provide training to staff to be able to respond to community members’ different needs
» Host inclusive workshops and events with keynote speakers
» Establish a joint committee of Council, local businesses and organisations to promote positive
attitudes and behaviours
» Continue to promote Council’s EEO policy and code of conduct.
4.3 Creating liveable communities
Staff frequently noted the importance of an accessible public domain, with many adding specific
opportunities for their local government area.
“Design all structures in the public domain so that they are inclusive. Think about how people use things, gather, move from place to place, how places are and can be used and ensure all people can access all parts of them.”
40 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Additionally, events and activities hosted and supported by Councils were considered a key service
which should consider the needs of all members of the community. In particular, where infrastructure
is available for people with a disability, programming and planning should ensure people are able to
access the facility or services.
Hunter’s Hill
Barriers included:
» Council’s administrative building is key area for improvement regarding accessibility, Town Hall was
also considered difficult to access and use
» Maintenance and upgrading of footpaths should ensure people with mobility issues can get around.
Opportunities included:
» Improvements to the public domain with integration of accessibility in Asset Management Plans,
particularly footpaths, parking and ramps
» Focus on improving accessibility of recreation areas
» Investigate providing sensory gardens, outdoor gym equipment and all abilities play equipment.
Lane Cove
Barriers included:
» Poor access of public spaces including suitable parking, outdoor recreation spaces, footpaths as
there are number of trees in the area
» Travelling around can be expensive, with many people having to rely on others to get to services
and activities.
Opportunities included:
» Ensure community events and facilities are accessible for all and accessibility features are
promoted well including Screen on the Green
» Rosenthal development provides an opportunity for inclusive consultation as well as the creation of
a community and cultural hub
» Investigate opportunities for accessibility within St Leonards precinct planning
» Continue to provide programs and services for all members of the community
» Improve wayfinding and upgrade public bathrooms.
Ryde
Barriers included:
» Wayfinding and internal accessibility of buildings including Library and Top Ryde
» Accessible parking locations and drop off points aren’t close enough to services and buildings
» Access to services and public places, for example the Ryde bus service does not reach the RALC
» Amenities and facilities at Council buildings and public facilities, including change rooms at the
RALC
Opportunities included:
» Support people with a disability participating in sports and recreational activities, including
providing special needs programs for all ages at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre and creating all
abilities play areas
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 41
» Upgrade pathways including proactively identifying key issues and key places for accessing services
through consultation
» Review access of all council facilities and buildings, including Council’s offices
» Promote and improve accessibility at events – show commitment to accessibility and that it is a
priority to the community
» Identify and provide suitable programs and activities for the community
» Develop an active transport strategy, and identify needs for parking and transport.
4.4 Supporting access to meaningful employment
Staff generally felt that the workplace could and should be adapted to meet the needs of employees
with disability. Despite indicating that Council could do more to employee people with disability within
the organisations, across the three Councils, staff generally felt that their organisations were
responsive to the needs of people with disability (see Appendix A: Figure 12).
Staff thought Council could show effective leadership through providing work experience placements
for people with disability at their work places. Some suggested a certain number across all service
areas should target young people with a disability. Many also believed employment targets or
recruitment methods for people with a disability should be considered.
Council should look at its employment practices; If it expects others to have positive attitudes to employing people with disabilities then it should do the same.
Regarding inclusive workplace practices, many staff noted examples where modifications had occurred
for staff with a disability. It was acknowledged there is room for improvement in Councils’ practices
and procedures. A number of staff also identified a role for Councils to advocate to local employers.
Hunter’s Hill
Barriers included:
» Accessibility throughout Council’s administrative building
» Lack of understanding of employers
» Requirements and logistics around work experience placements.
Opportunities included:
» Continue to upgrade and implement modifications at Council’s building to improve accessibility
» Provide regular and appropriate training to Council staff, including a mentoring program for senior
staff
» Provide traineeship programs across Council for a range of experiences which target people with a
disability
» Investigate best practice strategies for recruitment and employment.
Lane Cove
Barriers included:
» Recruitment of people with a disability needs to thought about to ensure adequate systems and
processes in place
42 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
» There is the perception that having someone with a disability will be hard work, with the
modifications and changes needed
» Inflexible work policies, people should be able to work from home where appropriate.
Opportunities included:
» Review Council’s recruitment strategy, beginning with job advertisements and recruitment forms
» Identify opportunities for work experience which can be targeted for people with a disability,
engage with local schools and service providers
» Create a target and provide meaningful employment for people with a disability
» Identify tools and requirements to support people with a disability to work at Council.
Ryde
Barriers included:
» Council’s physical office space including certain work spaces and accessible parking
» Advertising of job positions, recruitment and selection processes
» Insufficient information about and availability of work place supports and appropriate roles.
Opportunities included:
» Facilitate a program with other organisations to find employment for young people with a disability
in the local area and in local businesses
» Develop work experience program focused on giving experience to people with a disability
» Develop and promote flexible working arrangements and in-house support to recruit and retail
people with disability in the workforce
» Have a commitment for Council to employ more people with a disability.
4.5 Improving access to services through better systems and processes
Feedback frequently noted Councils could better accommodate the diverse needs of people with a
disability when sharing information and delivering services.
Councils’ websites were raised as key points of information which should better reflect the community
they serve. Many staff noted that providing services and information in various formats was essential
to ensuring the needs of the community are met.
“systems in place to communicate appropriately and make people feel comfortable e.g. people with disability being able to make suggestions about how things could be improved.”
Hunter’s Hill
Barriers included:
» Accessing information including Council’s website and at Customer Services
» Involve people with a disability in decision making, including having a person with a disability on
Council’s Access Committee.
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 43
Opportunities included:
» Provide diverse and inclusive programs which encourage participation by people with a disability
» Promote services which support people with a disability, particularly on Council’s website
» Obtain feedback from people with disability regarding Council’s systems and processes.
Lane Cove
Barriers included:
» Accessibility of website, materials are not available in a wide range of formats
» Accessibility of traditional community consultation methods.
Opportunities included:
» Investigate and ensure accessibility of Council’s website
» Use positive and welcoming language for Council’s services and events, and include accessibility in
all collateral as appropriate
» Ensure greater accessibility of community consultations
» Provide collateral and information in a range of accessible formats
Ryde
Barriers included:
» Accessing information for a range of services, including Federal and State Government Services
» Suitable equipment isn’t available at all Council venues including hearing loop and other inclusive
technologies
» Service information should be available in appropriate formats e.g. Shop Ryder timetables
Opportunities included:
» Promote existing services which support people with a disability internally to ensure services are
shared to the wider community
» Require development approval process to include consultation with people with a disability where
necessary for design features
» Upgrade Council’s website and allow community members to pay Council online
» Improve consultation with people with a disability, including upgrading Council’s Community
Engagement Strategy and involving Council’s Access Committee in decision making for various
projects.
44 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Appendices
A Community Survey
B Staff Survey
C Meeting in a Box materials
D Focus group materials
E Staff workshop materials
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 45
Figure 9 Staff survey: How would you rate your level of understanding of the needs of people with the following disabilities?
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Vision
Hearing
Mobility
Neurological eg Brain injury, …
Learning Difficulties
Mental Health Issues
Hunters Hill
Low Fair Good Excellent
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Vision
Hearing
Mobility
Neurological eg Brain injury, Multiple …
Learning Difficulties
Mental Health Issues
Lane Cove
Low Fair Good Excellent
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Vision
Hearing
Mobility
Neurological eg Brain injury, Multiple …
Learning Difficulties
Mental Health Issues
Ryde
Low Fair Good Excellent
A Staff Survey results
46 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Figure 10 Staff Survey: Which of the following training sessions will be of most interest to you in creating an inclusive community for all:
When selecting “Other training”, staff generally commented all options identified would be
appropriate.
9%
73%
18%
[PERCENTAGE] Hunters Hill
Welcoming Customers with Disability
Disability Awareness and Inclusion Training
Mental Health First Aid Training
Other training
15%
41% 23%
21%
Lane Cove
Welcoming Customers with Disability
Disability Awareness and Inclusion
Training
Mental Health First Aid Training
Other training
15%
35%
44%
6%
Ryde
Welcoming Customers with
Disability
Disability Awareness and Inclusion
Training
Mental Health First Aid Training
Other training
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 47
Figure 11 Staff Survey: How can Council make our services, facilities or venues more accessible for everyone, including those with disability?
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Accessible buildings
Consultation
Information
Pathways and wayfinding
Staff training
Parking and transport
Bathrooms and facilities
Programs and activities
Other
Hunters Hill
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Accessible buildings
Consultation
Information
Pathways and wayfinding
Staff training
Parking and transport
Bathrooms and facilities
Programs and activities
Other
Lane Cove
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Accessible buildings
Consultation
Information
Pathways and wayfinding
Staff training
Parking and transport
Bathrooms and facilities
Programs and activities
Other
Ryde
48 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Figure 12 Staff survey: Please rate the following statements
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Most people with disability should be employedseparately from others, in special work environments
People with disability have the same rights as otherpeople, including the right to work
Everybody benefits from being a part of a workplacethat is inclusive of people with disability
Most people with disability are unable to work
I would feel comfortable if my workplace changed toaccommodate my co-worker with disability
Hunters Hill
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Most people with disability should be employed
separately from others, in special work environments
People with disability have the same rights as otherpeople, including the right to work
Everybody benefits from being a part of a workplacethat is inclusive of people with disability
Most people with disability are unable to work
I would feel comfortable if my workplace changed toaccommodate my co-worker with disability
Lane Cove
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Most people with disability should be employedseparately from others, in special work environments
People with disability have the same rights as otherpeople, including the right to work
Everybody benefits from being a part of a workplacethat is inclusive of people with disability
Most people with disability are unable to work
I would feel comfortable if my workplace changed toaccommodate my co-worker with disability
Ryde
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 49
Figure 13 Staff Survey: Please rate the following statements
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Council is accepting and inclusive of employeeswith disability
Council values the diversity of a workplace withemployees with disability
Council is good at catering for the needs ofemployees with disability
Council staff display a positive attitude towards
people with disability
Hunters Hill
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Council is accepting and inclusive of employeeswith disability
Council values the diversity of a workplace withemployees with disability
Council is good at catering for the needs ofemployees with disability
Council staff display a positive attitude towardspeople with disability
Lane Cove
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Council is accepting and inclusive of employeeswith disability
Council values the diversity of a workplace withemployees with disability
Council is good at catering for the needs ofemployees with disability
Council staff display a positive attitude towardspeople with disability
Ryde
Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
50 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
Survey Are you aware of any of the following Council policy/procedures that relate to people with disability?
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Code of Conduct Policy
Work Health and Safety Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Access and Equity Policy
Social Justice Charter
Work Experience Procedure
Development Control Plan (DCP)
Hunters Hill
Yes No Unsure
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Code of Conduct Policy
Work Health and Safety Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Access and Equity Policy
Social Justice Charter
Work Experience Procedure
Development Control Plan (DCP)
Lane Cove
Yes No Unsure
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Code of Conduct Policy
Work Health and Safety Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Access and Equity Policy
Social Justice Charter
Work Experience Procedure
Development Control Plan (DCP)
Ryde
Yes No Unsure
Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting 51
Disability Inclusion Action Plan - Community Survey
Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and the City of Ryde Councils are seeking input
from the community on their Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). This
Plan will have actions to assist people with disability to participate fully in
community life.
To develop this plan we are talking to people with disability, their friends,
family and carers, as well as interested members of the community.
The plan will address four key areas that have been nominated by people
with disability as being important in creating an inclusive community:
» Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
» Creating liveable communities
» Supporting access to meaningful employment
» Improving access to services through better systems and processes
It is estimated that this survey will take approximately 10 - 15 minutes to complete.
Your participation and feedback is important to us and will be used to directly
inform the development of strategies and actions for a more inclusive local
community.
Please complete this survey by 5 May using the reply-paid envelope supplied.
Elton Consulting has been engaged to assist in preparing the DIAP for
Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and the City of Ryde Councils. They will collate the
responses to this survey, analyse feedback, and prepare a report to the
Councils in full confidence. Please be assured that your participation will
remain strictly anonymous and you will not be personally identifiable
through the analysis and reporting process.
For any enquiries please phone Poppy at Elton Consulting on (02) 9387
2600 or email [email protected]
B Community Survey Form
52 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
1. Which Council area do you live in?
Hunter's Hill Council
Lane Cove Council
City of Ryde Council
Other (please specify) ______________________________
2. What is your gender?
Male
Female
Intersex
None of the above
3. What is your age?
Under 18
19-35
36-50
51-65
Over 65
4. Which of the following best describes you: (Please tick all that apply)
Someone with disability
A family member or friend of someone with disability
Carer (unpaid) of someone with disability
A provider of services (including paid carer) to people with disability
An interested community member
Other (please specify)
53
Disability Inclusion Action Plan - Community Survey
5. What type(s) of disability do you, or someone you may care for, have?
(Please tick all that apply)
Disability that affects mobility (moving around)
Vision-related disability
Cognitive disability (such as acquired brain injury, stroke)
Difficulty with learning (such as intellectual disability, dyslexia)
Hearing-related disability
Mental health issue
Would rather not say
Another type of disability (please specify) __________________________________
6. As someone (or knowing someone) with disability, how welcome and included do you
feel in your local community?
Very welcome and included
Moderately welcome and included
Not welcome or included
7. What makes you feel welcome and included in your community?
(go to Question 8)
(Think about: venues and facilities, people’s attitudes/ behaviours, participating in work/
school / social activities)
54 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton Consulting
8. What makes you feel unwelcome and not included in your local community?
(Think about: venues and facilities, people’s attitudes/ behaviours, participating in work/
school / social activities)
9. Are there specific examples of places, events or services in your Council area that
include people with disability?
(Think about: businesses, council facilities, outdoor space, activities)
10. How can your Council make services, facilities or venues easier to use for people
with disability?
(Think about accessible parking, accessible toilets, improved footpaths, parks,
playgrounds, cultural and sporting facilities)
11. What would make your community better or easier to live in?
(Think about: easily accessible buildings, better transport, more social, sporting or
cultural activities, improved housing – try and be as specific as possible)
12. What would change community views and attitudes towards people with disability?
(Think about: education, dispelling myths, stigma, positive promotion, opportunities for
interaction, inclusion campaigns, etc.)
55
Disability Inclusion Action Plan - Community Survey
13. What are the biggest barriers or challenges for people with disability in getting
around and travelling to services and facilities in your local area?
14. What do you think are the main barriers to finding work for people with disability?
15. What could be done to improve work opportunities for people with disability?
(Think about: access to training, accessible work places and spaces, inclusive or
proactive recruitment processes, flexible work arrangements, welcoming work culture,
etc.)
16. What can be done to support better access to services and support for people with
disability?
(Think about: availability of information, assistance with government systems, range of services and supports provided)
17. How can Council better communicate with people with disability and
their networks?
(Think about: using different communication formats eg audio description, easy read, large print, staff training, social networks, websites, newsletters, etc)
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.
If you would like to stay informed about the progress of Council’s disability
actions, or be involved in further consultation, please fill in the form on the
next page.
56 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton
Consulting
In May, the Councils will hold focus groups for people with disability, their carers
and family to discuss the future opportunities and challenges of making our
community more inclusive.
If you are interested in participating in this focus group, please provide us with
your contact details so we may contact you.
Name ________________________________
Email ________________________________
Phone ________________________________
If you know a person with disability who would be interested in participating in
a community focus group, please provide your contact details below and we will
contact them through you.
Name ________________________________
Email ________________________________
Phone ________________________________
57
Disability Inclusion Action Plan Internal Council Staff Survey
Council is seeking input from staff on its first Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) which will identify actions to assist people with a disability to participate more fully in community life.
The plan will address four focus areas that have been nominated by people with disability as being important in creating an inclusive community:
» Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours » Creating liveable communities » Supporting access to meaningful employment » Improving access to services through better systems and processes
Defining disability
The Disability Inclusion Act 2014 defines disability as including a long-term physical, psychiatric, intellectual or sensory impairment that, when faced with barriers, may hinder a person’s full and effective participation in the community on an equal basis with others.
The aim of Council’s DIAP will be to ensure that these barriers are reduced and that all people have the opportunity to participate fully in the community to the best of their abilities.
Elton Consulting has been engaged to assist in preparing the DIAP for Hunter's Hill, Lane Cove and the City of Ryde Councils. They will collate the responses to this survey, analyse feedback, and prepare a report to the Councils in full confidence. Please be assured that your participation will remain strictly anonymous and you will not be personally identifiable through the analysis and reporting process.
This survey will take approximately 10 minutes.
C Staff Survey Form
58 Hunter’s Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde Regional DIAP - Consultation Outcomes Elton
Consulting
Questions Part 1 – About You 4. What is your gender:
□ Male
□ Female
5. To which age group do you belong?
□ Under 25,
□ 26-35,
□ 36-55,
□ 56-65,
□ Over 65
6. Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
□ Yes
□ No
7. Do you speak a language other than English at home?
□ Yes Language _______________________
□ No
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Part 2 – Participation in Community Life 8. What do you see as the main barriers to participation in the community for
people with disability in their local area? (Tick all that apply)
□ Community attitudes and behaviours
□ Lack of services to support participation
□ Lack of accessible places, spaces and facilities
□ Lack of suitable equipment to support needs
□ Lack of suitable education and training opportunities
□ Lack of meaningful employment options
□ Lack of access to suitable transport options
Other (and/or additional comments)
9. Can you recall any instances where an individual with disability was prevented from accessing a service, facility or venue in this local government area?
□ No
□ Yes (please describe what happened)
10. How can Council make our services, facilities or venues more accessible for everyone, including those with disability?
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11. How would you rate your level of understanding of the needs of people with the following disabilities:
Low Fair Good Excellent
Vision
Hearing
Mobility
Neurological e.g. brain injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, dementia
Learning difficulties
Mental health issues
12. Please rate the following statements:
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Most people with disability should be employed separately from others, in special work environments
People with disability have the same rights as other people, including the right to work
Everybody benefits from being a part of a workplace that is inclusive of people with disability
Most people with disability are unable to work
I would feel comfortable if my workplace changed to accommodate my co-worker with disability
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13. What do you feel are the most important things for changing attitudes and behaviours towards people with disability in the community and workplace?
For example consider championing people with disability as role models; developing public messages and campaigns that highlight inclusion and recognise the rights and contributions of people with disabilities in the community; using positive images of people with disability in publications and promotions; providing ongoing staff training on access and inclusion
Part 3 - Council
14. Please indicate to what extent you agree with the following statements:
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Council is accepting and inclusive of employees with disability
Council values the diversity of a workplace with employees with disability
Council is good at catering for the needs of employees with disability
Council staff display a positive attitude towards people with disability
15. Do you have any suggestions about how to improve any of the above areas?
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16. Are you aware of any of the following Council policy/procedures that relate to
people with disability?
Yes No Unsure
Code of Conduct Policy
Work Health and Safety Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Access and Equity Policy
Social Justice Charter
Work Experience Procedure
Development Control Plan (DCP)
17. Which of the following training sessions will be of most interest to you in creating an inclusive community for all:
□ Welcoming Customers with Disability [equips staff to be confident in welcoming customers with disability, and meet the needs of customers, including how to identify potential barriers and increase accessibility to products and services]
□ Disability Awareness and Inclusion Training [covers types of disability, communicating effectively with people with disability and social inclusion –what it means]
□ Mental Health First Aid Training [covers how to assist people who are experiencing a mental health crisis (eg suicide, panic attacks, aggressive behaviour) or developing a mental health problem (e.g. depression, anxiety, psychosis).]
□ Other training, eg how to use TTY, using, interpreters – please specify
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18. Do you have any general comments on the needs and priorities for making
Council a more inclusive environment for people with disability?
For example consider championing people with disability as role models; providing ongoing staff training on access and inclusion, identifying social inclusion as a performance standard for senior staff, setting targets for employment of people with disability, developing public messages and campaigns that highlight inclusion and recognise the rights and contributions of people with disabilities in the community
19. If you are a person with disability have you disclosed your disability at time of (Drop down boxes for application, interview, medical, since starting, never)
□ I don’t have a disability (please go to Part 4: Question 20)
□ Yes – disclosed on my job application
□ Yes – during my job interview
□ Yes – as part of the medical
□ Yes – during employment
□ No - I have never disclosed my disability
20. If you haven’t disclosed, what are the reasons?
21. Is there something Council could do to help people feel comfortable about
disclosing disability?
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22. How can Council encourage and make it easier for people with disability to
apply for positions within Council?
Part 4 - Future engagement activities Council will hold a community forum with people with disability, their carers, family and general community to discuss the future opportunities and challenges of making Ryde/Lane Cove and Hunters Hill a more inclusive community. 23. Would you be interested in attending the forum?
Yes No
IF YES: Please provide us with your contact details so we may contact you regarding the forum. Name: Email: Phone: If you know a person with a disability who would be interested in participating in a focus group discussion, please provide your contact details below and we will contact them through you. Name: Email: Phone:
Thank you very much for completing this Survey – we very much appreciate your time and attention.
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See attachment
E Focus group materials