Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

Transcription

1 Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

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3 Contents Introduction...1 Summary of DDA Access Action Plan Goals...4 Communication of the revised DDA Access Action Plan...5 Links to Council s Strategic Plan DDA Access Action Plan Appendices...51 Appendix 1 Access Action Plan Achievements Appendix 2 Disability Discrimination Act Policy (full version) Appendix 3 Priority listing of remaining Council buildings for scheduled access upgrading Appendix 4 Endorsement by Chief Executive Officer City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

4 4 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

5 Introduction Background The City of Tea Tree Gully endorsed its first Disability Discrimination Act Action Plan in Key processes in the development of the Action Plan included: A comprehensive review of Council services and activities to identify barriers to access and participation Prioritised access reviews and audits of all Council owned buildings/facilities. Since the development of the initial Action Plan subsequent reviews have resulted in further plans being produced in 1999, 2001 and The Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan is the fifth to be developed. The implementation of this plan requires a whole of Council commitment. Staff from all departments will contribute towards achieving the stated outcomes. Many of the achievements in meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act since the development of the DDA Access Action Plan are noted in Appendix 1. All Action Plans have been prepared following extensive consultation with community members (many with disabilities), disability agencies and Council staff. Council s Action Plans have identified strategies to reduce and eliminate identified barriers to access in the City where possible. As a result a wide range of projects and works have been undertaken to improve access and participation by everyone. Action Plans enable Council to take a planned and strategic approach to improving equitable access for all. Review of the DDA Access Action Plan The ongoing monitoring and review process has been maintained since its establishment in Together people with disabilities, residents, service providers, staff, volunteers and the elected members of Council contribute towards the implementation and monitoring of Council s DDA Access Action Plan. Annual Information Reports advise Council and the community about the key achievements of the past year. Development of the DDA Access Action Plan This plan was developed in consultation and collaboration with a broad range of people with varying experiences of disability and builds on the strong foundation of Council s preceding DDA Access Action Plans. People with disabilities, residents, the elected members, City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

6 staff and volunteers of the City of Tea Tree Gully, a broad range of local service providers, associates of people with disabilities and the broader community have had the opportunity to contribute. Many have participated in forums or provided feedback through other mechanisms contributing towards the development of the latest plan or have had the opportunity to do so. Disability Discrimination Act Policy In September 2011 Council reviewed its Disability Discrimination Act Policy. The policy states Council s position in relation to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and provides guidelines on how the City of Tea Tree Gully will meet the requirements of the Act. The existence of the policy will assist in ensuring Council s services and facilities are accessible to people with disabilities and their associates. Council is committed to implementing the spirit and intent of the legislation by: Promoting a positive image of people with disabilities Ensuring the needs of people with disabilities are recognised in the development, planning and delivery of Council services and facilities Providing facilities, services and assets that, as far as practicable, comply with Australian Standards and Codes and the objectives of the Act Ensuring that all Elected Members, staff and volunteers are aware of and understand the needs of people with disabilities Acknowledging the right of people with disabilities to contribute to the social, political, economic and cultural life of the community Ensuring, as far as practicable, Council s relevant Corporate documents address the needs of people with disabilities, in accordance with the principles outlined in the Act and this policy Establishing and maintaining an Action Plan under the direction of the CEO which will be reviewed and revised in line with Council s Strategic Plan review every four years Reporting to Council and the community about the achievements of the Action Plan at least every year. The complete Disability Discrimination Act Policy September 2011 can be found in Appendix 2. This policy is due to be reviewed again in City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

7 Legislative framework The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 provides a legislative framework for eliminating, as far as possible, discrimination against people with disabilities. The objects of the Act are: (a) To eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of disability in the areas of: (i) work, accommodation, education, access to premises, clubs and sport (ii) the provision of goods, facilities, services and land (iii) existing laws (iv) the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs (b) To ensure, as far as practicable, that persons with disabilities have the same rights to equality before the law as the rest of the community (c) To promote recognition and acceptance within the community of the principle that persons with disabilities have the same fundamental rights as the rest of the community. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

8 Summary of DDA Access Action Plan Goals Aim Equal access to the City of Tea Tree Gully, to the greatest extent possible. Goals 1. To facilitate elected member, staff and volunteer understanding of and commitment to the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the City of Tea Tree Gully s DDA Policy and Access Action Plan 2. To raise community awareness of, and encourage commitment to, the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act and the City of Tea Tree Gully s DDA Policy and Access Action Plan 3. To provide equal opportunities for paid and unpaid (volunteer) work in Council 4. To provide equal access to Council information playgrounds, reserves and open space Equal access to the streetscape and pedestrian networks Equal access to transport infrastructure and Council community transport services 7. To conduct planning activities to develop an understanding of the extent of works, resources and timeframe required to ensure that all Council assets provide equity of access where possible including to: Council buildings and facilities Pedestrian networks Council s community transport services Transport infrastructure 8. To ensure the Access Action Plan is implemented, monitored and reviewed every four years. 5. To provide high quality customer service 6. To facilitate the universal design and development of accessible urban spaces to provide, where possible: Equal access to Council owned buildings and facilities Equal access to Council owned 4 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

9 Communication of the revised DDA Access Action Plan The City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan will be communicated to all staff, elected members, volunteers and community through: Training Council s elected members, staff and volunteers Posting the DDA Access Action Plan on Council s intranet and website Articles in Council s newsletter the Gully Grapevine Council reports. The plan will be promoted in the wider community through the local media including Radio 5RPH, Council s website and key community networks. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

10 Links to Council s Strategic Plan The goals of the Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan have been linked to the City of Tea Tree Gully s Strategic Plan City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

11 DDA Access Action Plan Aim Equal access, to the City of Tea Tree Gully, to the greatest extent possible. Goal 1 To facilitate elected member, staff and volunteer understanding of and commitment to the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the City of Tea Tree Gully s DDA Policy and Access Action Plan. Links to Council s Strategic Plan Leadership Excellence 7.1 As a Council be accessible, strategic and professional, and make decisions that are in the best interests of our community and our City. 7.5 Lead the City using best practice and continuous improvement principles in the areas of customer service, governance, risk management, financial and resource management and other services. Issues/Barriers Limited awareness of DDA (and its implications for Council), disability discrimination issues and the City of Tea Tree Gully DDA Access Action Plan Insufficient awareness of the barriers that prevent equal access to the City s services and amenities The need for up to date information regarding developments in the application of the DDA. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

12 Access Action Plan Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 1.1 Review principles Complete by Manager People To develop Diversity of DDA which are June 2013 & Organisational in the Workplace incorporated into Development document which will induction packages for new staff include information about DDA and internal/external networks Staff access via internal intranet 1.2 Conduct in-house training for new staff which is based on the DDA training modules specifically developed for Councils 1.3 Ensure DDA training is integrated into all staff training plans December 2012 Ongoing Manager People & Organisational Development Manager People & Organisational Development First priority elected members, corporate leaders and front line staff DDA training modules to be delivered in conjunction with Fair Treatment training To be provided by a contracted trainer DDA Awareness training is captured in the Corporate Training Needs Analysis Training module provided annually 8 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

13 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 1.4 Refresher courses to be Complete by Manager People Material to be developed and provided June 2013 & Organisational developed for online internally following initial Development training and assessment roll out To include e-training modules hosted by a training organisation (to be selected through a request for quote process) 1.5 Develop accessible online induction training module for new staff 1.6 Maintain a DDA clause in Council s Position Description template 1.7 Position descriptions to only include inherent requirements Links to 3.1 and 3.2 December 2013 Ongoing Ongoing six monthly review Manager People & Organisational Development Manager People & Organisational Development Manager People & Organisational Development To be based on existing training material developed specifically for local government Clause to be reviewed when the template is updated All staff position descriptions are reviewed during the six monthly Individual Performance Plan process. Inherent requirements are updated to ensure they accurately reflect the mandatory components of each role City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

14 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 1.8 Ensure DDA Ongoing Executive Include fair treatment and requirements are Leadership inclusive principles within incorporated into Team the corporate planning strategic and business planning formats Corporate framework for example leaders in the Strategic Plan and team business plans 1.9 Develop and maintain networks with disability organisations and individuals who live with the experience of disability Ongoing People & Organisational Development Strategic Planning Social Planner Community Development & Engagement Strong networks maintained Consult with disability organisations and individuals during implementation and monitoring of the DDA Access Action Plan Internal networks to be developed at operational level (in addition to Internal Monitoring Group) External networks to be developed by key portfolio areas (e.g. Youth, Neighbourhood Development, People & Organisational Development) 10 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

15 Outcomes Increased staff and elected member awareness and access to information relating to the Disability Discrimination Act, the City of Tea Tree Gully DDA Access Action Plan and disability discrimination issues Increased commitment to the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act demonstrated by elected members, staff and volunteers of the City of Tea Tree Gully Commitment to the DDA Access Action Plan is demonstrated via strategic and financial planning documents People with disabilities and their associates report staff have an improved awareness of disability related issues Staff are able to access refresher courses in relation to disability discrimination. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

16 Goal 2 To raise community awareness of, and encourage commitment to, the principles of the Disability Discrimination Act and the City of Tea Tree Gully s DDA Policy and Access Action Plan. Links to Council s Strategic Plan A Diverse Population 6.3 Support a diverse and sustainable population by providing appropriate transport, infrastructure, services, housing, employment, recreation, culture, arts and learning opportunities. Leadership Excellence 7.2 Communicate with and inform our community using a variety of methods that meet community needs. Foster family and community development 8.1 Offer a diverse range of community programs, services and events that meet changing needs and create a sense of community. 8.4 Advocate on behalf of the community for health, allied support services, and other services, to fill identified gaps. Issues/Barriers Level of awareness of and/or commitment to equal access among community members, community groups, business and private developers Balancing community expectation and resource constraints impacting on the provision of new and existing DDA compliant infrastructure and facilities. 12 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

17 Access Action Plan Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 2.1 Council s Annual Report Annual Corporate leaders to to include reference ongoing Finance Services provide information to to future plans and Corporate the Strategic Marketing & achievements concerning access issues leaders Communications Team 2.2 Direct developers and business to information booklets on the DDA Ongoing Business & Economic Development Development Assessment Actively promote the benefits of Liveable Housing Design Refer to relevant information sources, e.g. The good the bad and the ugly: Design and construction for access gov.au/disability_ rights/buildings/ good.htm and www. accessauditsaustralia. com.au/access_ awareness_handbooks. aspx City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

18 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 2.3 Develop criteria and process to acknowledge local businesses which promote inclusiveness and provide quality customer service for people with a disability December Use the media to promote DDA Access Action Plan and achievements/outcomes Ongoing Business & Economic Development Strategic Marketing & Communications Strategic Marketing & Communications Strategic Planning Social Planner Develop methods to measure community satisfaction levels as a basis for evaluation Regular feature articles in the Gully Grapevine and approach people with disabilities and businesses asking for examples to promote At least once a year report back to community about the DDA Access Action Plan using for example the Gully Views in the Messenger press, radio 5RPH, Council s newsletter the Gully Grapevine and Council s website 14 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

19 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 2.5 Use the media to promote positive images of people with disabilities Ongoing 2.6 Regularly update a DDA information page on Council s website Ongoing Strategic Marketing & Communications Parks Assets Civil Operations Strategic Planning Social Planner Strategic Marketing & Communications Strategic Planning Social Planner Articles in Council s newsletter the Gully Grapevine and Council s website DDA information page regularly updated on Council s website To include web links to useful websites City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

20 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 2.7 Regularly review above Ongoing DDA Reference For discussion at community education Group meetings (people with and information DDA Internal disabilities and their strategies, developing new strategies which Monitoring associates are members respond to local needs and opportunities Group of DDA Reference Group) To broaden this discussion, to seek advice from stakeholders in existing networks within and external to Council Outcomes Positive images of people with disabilities promoted to community Criteria to determine access friendly business developed Methods to evaluate access friendly business developed Process for promoting access friendly business developed DDA Access Action Plan and associated outcomes receive media exposure Increased awareness of and commitment to DDA across the City of Tea Tree Gully Improved understanding and acknowledgement by community of the complexity of providing accessible infrastructure People with disabilities and their associates report finding access has improved. 16 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

21 Goal 3 To provide equal opportunities for employment and unpaid (volunteer) work in Council. Links to Council s Strategic Plan A Diverse Population 6.2 Encourage a population that supports our developing local economy, services and infrastructure. 6.3 Support a diverse and sustainable population by providing appropriate transport, infrastructure, services, housing, employment, recreation, culture, arts and learning opportunities. Leadership Excellence 7.5 Lead the City using best practice and continuous improvement principles in the areas of customer service, governance, risk management, financial and resource management, and other services. Foster family and community development 8.1 Offer a diverse range of community programs, services and events that meet changing needs and create a sense of community. Issues/Barriers Barriers to employment/unpaid work for people with a disability. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

22 Access Action Plan Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 3.1 Identify barriers to employment and volunteering for people with a disability Ongoing Links to 1.7 People & Organisational Development Community Development & Engagement Volunteer Services Coordinator Ensure only inherent requirements are listed in position descriptions To be addressed systematically and reported back to DDA Internal Monitoring Group Volunteer Services Coordinator and staff responsible for programs using volunteer labour to assess capacity for potential volunteers to fulfil requirements Develop Recruitment Principles and Guidelines promoting inclusion of people with disabilities Recruitment Requisition Form to include advertising vacancies with agencies assisting people with disabilities to find employment 18 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

23 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 3.2 Identify existing barriers to staff and volunteers with a disability Ongoing Links to 1.7 People & Organisational Development Community Development & Engagement Volunteer Services Coordinator Ensure only inherent requirements are listed in position descriptions Minimum of annual assessment of work stations including onsite and remote locations To be addressed systematically and reported back to DDA Internal Monitoring Group Volunteer Services Coordinator to assess staff requirements and capacity for potential volunteers to fulfil requirements on an individual basis City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

24 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 3.3 Determine and implement strategies to reduce/eliminate the barriers Ongoing 3.4 Contact appropriate disability agencies for discussion and advice Ongoing as need arises People & Organisational Development Community Development & Engagement Volunteer Services Coordinator Strategic Planning Social Planner People & Organisational Development Community Development & Engagement Volunteer Services Coordinator Seek recommendations from specialist agencies Implement recommendations Report actions taken to DDA Internal Monitoring Group, DDA Reference Group, Council and through media and webpage to community People & Organisational Development to continue liaison with agencies including Barkuma, Interwork and Personnel Employment 20 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

25 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 3.5 Continue working Ongoing Manager People Continue this valuable relationships with & Organisational work competent employment, Development Will work with training and placement agencies that support Interwork, Personnel people with disabilities. Links with 3.6 and 3.8 Employment and other similar agencies Integrate opportunities for people with disabilities into existing mainstream work experience programs 3.6 Investigate funding sources able to assist Council to employ people with disabilities Links with 3.5 and 3.8 Ongoing Manager People & Organisational Development Identify available funding sources Identify potential positions funding could support City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

26 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 3.7 Develop Employment December Manager People Draft guidelines and of people with a 2012 & Organisational develop a strategy Disability guideline and Development to support the complementary strategy employment of people with disabilities The final drafts to be referred to the DDA Internal Monitoring Group and DDA Reference Group for comment Draft guidelines and strategy endorsed, circulated and promoted Establish the number of people with disabilities currently employed by Council through self disclosure in an anonymous survey Set a target to increase the number of staff with disabilities employed by Council 22 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

27 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 3.8 Employment of December Manager People Include appropriate people with disabilities 2012 & Organisational agencies to source through traineeship and Development available candidates apprenticeship programs who may be people Links with 3.5 and 3.6 with disabilities in Council s Traineeship and Apprenticeship Procedures Outcomes Barriers to employment and volunteering reduced, people with disabilities experience inclusive employment, recruitment and selection practices Determine the number of people with a self identified disability employed by Council Increase in the number of people with a disability in Council employment and volunteer work. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

28 Goal 4 To provide equal access to Council information. Links to Council s Strategic Plan Leadership Excellence 7.2 Communicate with and inform our community using a variety of methods that meet community needs. 7.3 Foster responsible, informed and transparent decisions on key issues by ensuring we undertake timely and appropriate engagement with our community and other stakeholders. 7.5 Lead the City using best practice and continuous improvement principles in the areas of customer service, governance, risk management, financial and resource management, and other services. Foster family and community development 8.3 Develop and use our networks with other service providers to better inform the community of available services. Issues/Barriers Limited access for some members of the community to information provided by Council. 24 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

29 Access Action Plan Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 4.1 Information provided about key Council services and Emergency Management Planning to be developed into alternative formats Ongoing Produce information required in large print, , Rich Text Format (RTF) and Braille ready Locate agencies to assist with facilitating timely information provision Links to 4.3, 4.9, 4.12 & 4.13 December 2012 Governance & Policy Strategic Marketing & Communications Library Services Arts & Culture Strategic Planning Council documentation to meet DDA standard and minimum requirements wherever possible (as stipulated in Council s written standards guide) Regular reviews to be undertaken of the documents required to be accessible to the public free of charge and to be placed on Council s website Develop and maintain agency relationships City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

30 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 4.2 Provide information in alternative formats on request where possible Ongoing Links to Review corporate branding style guide Links to 4.1, 4.9 and 4.13 June 2013 Strategic Marketing & Communications Library Services Arts & Culture Governance & Policy Strategic Marketing & Communications Documents to be saved in plain or rich text and picture format for conversion into other formats Provide in audio format on request Promote this service through the Gully Views in the Messenger press, Council s newsletter Gully Grapevine (or similar publications), Council s website and disability agencies Where possible corporate branding to meet easily readable print requirements for people with no and low vision and/or colour deficiency disorders, e.g. for: font type and size colour contrasts 26 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

31 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 4.4 Ensure information Ongoing Monitor, ensure about disability services/ Strategic information is relevant programs is incorporated Marketing & and up to date into Council s intranet for Call Centre staff Communications Library Services Arts & Culture Community Development & Engagement Knowledge & Information Services Strategic Planning City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

32 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 4.5 Maintain TTY (Text Telephone) service and the Hearing Loops (5) installed at the Civic Centre Ongoing Links with Use the National Relay Service (NRS) as a communication tool Links with 4.5 Ongoing Customer Relations Strategic Marketing & Communications Governance & Policy Knowledge & Information Services People & Organisational Development All staff Customer Relations staff to use TTY as required Continue to publicise Hearing Loops and how they work, internally and externally Ensure signage is placed at doors to rooms (including in Braille) and within rooms containing hearing loops Promote service through Deaf CanDo Provide training to staff on TTY and NRS calls Staff to use to communicate with people with hearing and speech impairments when necessary 28 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

33 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 4.7 Investigate the need Ongoing DDA Internal for portable Hearing Monitoring Group Loops and other assistive members listening devices for use by staff in Council venues other than the Civic Centre Develop budget bids for purchase as required 4.8 Provide communication boards for staff to use at key customer service points Train staff to use communication boards and basic Auslan to communicate with people with disabilities at key access points for Council information Ongoing People & Organisational Development Strategic Marketing & Communications Library Services Arts & Culture DDA Internal Monitoring Group members to review the need for these in their areas of responsibility Members responsible for submitting budget bids for their own areas Maintain communication boards (4 types, symbols, words or pictures and small whiteboard and pen) to key customer service points (e.g. Customer Service and Library) Facilitate access to training in the use of communication boards and Auslan for key staff with regular access to refresher training to enable staff to maintain skills City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

34 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 4.9 Maintain a working Ongoing Build and maintain relationship with the Strategic relationships Royal Society for the Marketing & Blind and others to assist with the timeliness of Communications developing information requested into alternative formats (e.g. Braille) Governance & Policy Links to 4.1, 4.3, 4.12 and Promote and monitor Library services including home delivery services, large print material, maintain balanced collections (in print and non print formats) and new technology as it becomes available Ongoing Manager Library Services Arts & Culture Review and report on these services annually through the media and Council s website 30 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

35 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 4.11 Provision of information Ongoing on Council s website in accessible formats Strategic Marketing & Communications Knowledge & Information Services Library Services Arts & Culture Governance & Policy Documents to be formatted in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) for inclusion on website (tools to be considered during ongoing web reviews, subject to budget allocations) Capacity to increase font size on Council s website Provision of links to free software enabling improved access to web based information Meet W3C (Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) banners need to include out text which can be picked up by screen readers Website and intranet to display images with alternate text Provide transcripts or HTML transcripts for podcasts and videos on request City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

36 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 4.12 Conduct regular research to identify internet links to free software enabling improved access to web based information Ongoing Promotion may include information on Council s webpage, intranet, public training sessions and brochure Promote these links to the community Links to Investigate emerging technologies for people with vision impairments that will enable access to information and print media in alternative formats Development of budget bids where required Links to 4.1, 4.2, 4.9 and 4.12 Ongoing Strategic Marketing & Communications Knowledge & Information Services Library Services Arts & Culture Strategic Marketing & Communications Knowledge & Information Services Library Services Arts & Culture Promotion may include information on Council s web page, intranet, public training sessions and brochure Outcomes People with disabilities have access to Council information People with disabilities are able to request and receive in a timely manner Council information produced in alternative formats People with disabilities report satisfaction with the manner in which they receive information in a range of formats and font/size Increased participation in Library services by people with a disability Increased participation in Council meetings and gatherings at the Civic Centre by people with a disability 32 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

37 Goal 5 To provide high quality customer service. Links to Council s Strategic Plan Leadership Excellence 7.1 As a Council be accessible, strategic and professional, and make decisions that are in the best interests of our community and our City. 7.5 Lead the City using best practice and continuous improvement principles in the areas of customer service, governance, risk management, financial and resource management, and other services. Foster family and community development 8.3 Develop and use our networks with other service providers to better inform the community of available services. Issues/Barriers Need to record information relating to access issues and complaints. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

38 Access Action Plan Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 5.1 Monitor TRIM register Ongoing of DDA related issues or quarterly complaints review 5.2 Ensure staff use the correct procedure for reporting and documenting DDA related issues or complaints 5.3 Promote DDA Policy and procedure for Recording and Monitoring of DDA related issues or complaints among elected members, Council staff, volunteers and the wider community Strategic Planning Social Planner DDA Internal Monitoring Regular agenda item for quarterly staff DDA Internal Monitoring Group meetings for discussion Group members Ongoing Corporate leaders Procedure for Recording and Monitoring of DDA related issues or complaints is available to staff on Council s intranet Ongoing Manaager Governance & Policy Corporate leaders DDA Policy reviewed and adopted by Council September 2011 (attached as Appendix 2), next review due 2014 Elected Members to be briefed and trained next in 2015 following the 2014 elections Staff induction package includes orientation to DDA Promote DDA Policy through media and Council s website 34 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

39 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 5.4 Assist and support Ongoing Corporate Maintain a list of customers to use leaders advocacy services/ Council s Procedure for agencies and/or Recording and Monitoring of DDA related issues Strategic alternative complaints or complaints and where appropriate Planning Social Planner mechanisms Regular agenda item link customers with for DDA Internal appropriate advocacy Strategic Monitoring Group and services/agencies and/ or alternative complaints Marketing & DDA Reference Group mechanisms Communications meetings City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

40 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 5.5 Annual Customer Commence Satisfaction Survey about January 2013 access issues developed, conducted, feedback analysed and issues addressed December 2014 February 2015 Community Development & Engagement Strategic Marketing & Communications Strategic Planning Social Planner DDA Internal Monitoring Group members Survey developed to evaluate the achievement of the stated desired outcomes of the DDA Access Action Plan Published in Council newsletter the Gully Grapevine (or similar publication) and on Council s website Promote through disability organisations such as Deaf CanDo, Royal Society for the Blind & Personnel Employment Feedback analysed and reported Identified issues discussed by DDA Internal Monitoring Group and plan to resolve issues developed 36 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

41 Outcomes Complaints/grievance procedure is being used to resolve complaints People with disabilities have reported satisfaction with the procedure Accurate data collected and monitored relating to access issues and complaints People with disabilities make fewer complaints about discrimination on the ground of disability Appropriate referral of complainants to advocacy services/agencies People with disabilities are involved in the evaluation process. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

42 Goal 6 To facilitate universal design and development of accessible urban spaces to provide, where possible: Equal access to Council owned buildings and facilities Equal access to Council owned playgrounds, reserves and open space Equal access to the streetscape and pedestrian networks Equal access to transport infrastructure and Council community transport services. Links to Council s Strategic Plan Physical infrastructure that supports the future needs of our community 1.1 Plan and maintain infrastructure, buildings and facilities to meet the future needs of the community. 1.3 Provide fair and equitable access to Council facilities for all the community and optimise the use of the facilities. Our community linked through effective transport systems paths. 5.2 Create a coordinated and sustainable transport network that is safe, convenient, affordable and accessible. 5.3 Create a City conducive to public transport, walking and cycling by implementing good urban design and place-making strategies. A diverse population 6.1 Support and celebrate cultural diversity. 6.3 Support a diverse and sustainable population by providing appropriate transport, infrastructure, services, housing, employment, recreation, culture, arts and learning opportunities. Participation in entertainment, recreation, leisure and the arts 9.1 Provide and encourage the delivery of a diverse range of leisure, recreation, learning, entertainment, arts and cultural opportunities. 9.4 Encourage and support greater community engagement in artistic, cultural and creative pursuits. 5.1 Create regional connections and link our neighbourhoods, facilities and amenities by a network of cycle paths and pedestrian 38 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

43 Issues/Barriers Ageing of the population Inaccessible Council owned buildings, facilities and urban space, streetscape and pedestrian networks Level of available resources Development occurring that is non-compliant with current standards and legislation Assets an ageing community transport fleet. Access Action Plan Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 6.1 Refer Council Ongoing Manager Building Consultants to consultants to the & Projects meet the relevant requirements of the requirements of the DDA legislation DDA Encourage the use of user-friendly design features included in the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines where appropriate City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

44 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 6.2 Consider access issues during Council s precinct planning process Ongoing Links to Regularly review community transport routes and capacity to complement public transport services Ongoing annual review Community Development & Engagement Strategic Planning Community Development & Engagement Volunteer Services Coordinator Encourage people with disabilities to participate in the engagement process via a targeted approach When undertaking precinct planning utilise best practice principles of urban design including catering for people of various capabilities Promote the economic benefits of providing easy access to premises and services to stakeholders Community transport routes reviewed annually 40 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

45 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 6.4 Utilise the most recent, Ongoing Manager Building and where relevant, Quarterly & Projects legislated codes and update standards in the development of existing and new Council buildings Utilise optimum standards for disability access, taking into consideration available budget 6.5 Regularly review priority list of Council buildings for scheduled access upgrades or in response to information received regarding access for people with disabilities 6.6 Include $ amount for building upgrades in budget bids for each financial year (according to the above priority list of Council buildings) Ongoing Quarterly update Ongoing Annual Building & Projects Strategic Planning Social Planner Manager Building & Projects DDA Internal Monitoring Group to review progress Regular Agenda item for DDA Internal Monitoring Group meetings DDA Internal Monitoring Group to review progress Regular agenda item for DDA Internal Monitoring Group meetings Undertaken as part of the development of Council s annual budget City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

46 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 6.7 Conduct an access audit of customer service reception areas in key Council buildings June 2014 Manager Building & Projects (Locations are Civic Centre, Library, Recreation Centres and Waterworld) 6.8 Install accessible pathways in all redeveloped playgrounds 6.9 Refer to checklist for DDA planning for playground and reserve redevelopment to incorporate access for all (where possible) into program of works Ongoing Ongoing Parks Assets Recreation & Leisure Services Civil Assets Parks Assets Recreation & Leisure Services Civil Assets Audit to include: Physical access (e.g. wheelchair accessible lowered counter, entry points) Communication (e.g. counter hearing loop), digital screens Directional signage (e.g. Braille) Works currently undertaken on a needs basis Open Space Strategy completed December 2011 Play Space Guide due 2012 Implementation over 3 5 year period Open Space Strategy completed December 2011 Play Space Guide due 2012 Implementation over 3 5 year period 42 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

47 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 6.10 Investigate best practice Ongoing Parks Open Space Strategy designs for playgrounds Assets completed December which facilitate access for 2011 people with disabilities (for both parents/ Recreation & Play Space Guide due adults and children with disabilities) Leisure Services Civil Assets 2012 Implementation over 3 5 year period 6.11 Refer to appropriate Australian Standards and Advisory Notes on Access to Premises for installation of an accessible pedestrian footpath network Determine priority guidelines for redeveloping footpath network, and an accompanying budget Links to 5.2, 6.2 and 6.14 Ongoing Civil Assets Civil Operations Major Projects Buildings & Projects Environmental Sustainability Parks Assets A footpath complaints database has been established and is maintained within the Customer Request Management System To ensure meets the time frame for compliance with Disability Standards for Access to Public Transport 2004 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

48 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 6.12 Consider compliance Ongoing Manager Civil Footpath priorities re for public liability for Assets DDA to be determined paths in Linear Park and incorporated in accordance with the Local Government/State in the footpath Government Risk Report 2008 renewal program in collaboration with the established State Government committee Identify opportunities to secure external funding 6.13 Consider DDA and related customer feedback, complaints, results of surveys, Customer Request Management (CRM) system and related information to inform all Infrastructure and Asset Management Plans and annual capital works programs Ongoing Civil Assets Civil Operations Major Projects Building & Projects Environmental Sustainability Parks Assets DDA and related information (as listed) considered and influences capital works programs and outcomes when determining the priorities 44 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

49 Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 6.14 Audit all Council owned Commence by Civil People allocated parking spaces that are March 2013 Assets national Disability designated for people Civil Parking Permits have with disabilities for compliance Operations access to pedestrian Links to 6.11 access ways from car parks via compliant kerb ramps Car parks meet design standards including for signage and safety Outcomes Improved access to urban spaces in the City of Tea Tree Gully is reported People with disabilities find it easier to move around communities where developers are aware of obligations under DDA which have been met to the greatest degree possible People with disabilities may be involved in the refurbishment and redevelopment process to address non-compliant Council building works. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

50 Goal 7 To conduct planning activities to develop an understanding of the extent of works, resources and timeframe required to ensure that all Council assets have equity of access, where possible including: Council buildings and facilities Pedestrian networks Council s community transport services Transport infrastructure. Links to Council s Strategic Plan Physical infrastructure that supports the future needs of our community 1.1 Plan and maintain infrastructure, buildings and facilities to meet the future needs of the community. 1.3 Provide fair and equitable access to Council facilities for all the community and optimise the use of the facilities. 1.4 Demonstrate best practice in the application of sustainability principles, place-making and urban design in relation to Council buildings and infrastructure. 1.5 Develop long term precinct plans for Council activity hubs. Our community linked through effective transport systems 5.2 Create a coordinated and sustainable transport network that is safe, convenient, affordable and accessible. Foster family and community development 8.2 Support healthy lifestyles and a safe living environment by providing infrastructure, partnerships, programs, information and education. Participation in entertainment, recreation, leisure and the arts 9.1 Provide and encourage the delivery of a diverse range of leisure, recreation, learning, entertainment, arts and cultural opportunities. 46 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

51 Issues/Barriers Extent of work required to bring building, infrastructure and facilities into line with DDA requirements Extent of resources required to meet requirements. Access Action Plan Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 7.1 Through planning processes, develop an indication/estimate of work and resources required to meet DDA requirements Ongoing Outcomes Recommend appropriate time frames and budget for conducting the required works Identify time frames to complete works within budget allocations Building & Projects Civil Assets Strategic Planning Recreation & Leisure Services Community Development & Engagement To be developed according to adopted strategies and priority listings during the development of annual budgets For regular discussion by DDA Internal Monitoring Group Plans developed and implemented outlining the works, resources and priorities to meet DDA requirements in relation to all of Council s buildings/facilities, pedestrian networks, transport infrastructure and community transport service People with disabilities report satisfaction with progress and/or find accessibility has improved Increased awareness of the nature and extent of Council s responsibility to meet DDA requirements results in equitable access. City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

52 Goal 8 To ensure the Access Action Plan is implemented, monitored and reviewed. Links to Council s Strategic Plan Leadership Excellence 7.1 As a Council be accessible, strategic and professional, and make decisions that are in the best interests of our community and our City. 7.5 Lead the City using best practice and continuous improvement principles in the areas of customer service, governance, risk management, financial and resource management, and other services. Issues/Barriers Need for continuous DDA Access Action Plan monitoring, implementation and review processes. 48 City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan

53 Access Action Plan Strategies Timeframe Responsibility Review/Comment 8.1 DDA Reference Group Ongoing Strategic Planning Social Planner To meet at least twice a year: role monitoring implementation of DDA Access Action Plan, input into annual forum, raise issues of concern, provide feedback on DDA related issues 8.2 DDA Internal Monitoring Group 8.3 Annual Information Report to Council reporting achievements Ongoing Quarterly meeting Ongoing Strategic Planning Social Planner Strategic Planning Social Planner Corporate leaders from across Council to participate: role To monitor implementation of DDA Access Action Plan Support DDA Reference Group Problem solving Preparation of annual Information Report to Council City of Tea Tree Gully Disability Discrimination Act Access Action Plan