Disability Access
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley prepares and implements a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan to ensure Council services are available to all community members (ratepayers and residents). The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan is prepared in accordance with the Disability Services Act 1993. A summary of the outcomes of the Shire’s Plan for 2007/08 are provided below. For a full copy of the Shire’s plan, please click here.
Outcome 1
- Existing functions, facilities and services are appropriate to the needs of all people:
- Planning for new parks and park upgrades under the Shire’s Parks Plan includes consideration of access requirements, including soft fall materials for people with disabilities and accessible park infrastructure
- Regular training in the safe operation of the hydraulic pool hoist and assisting people with mobility limitations is undertaken by staff at the Kununurra Leisure Centre
- Kununurra Leisure Centre and Wyndham Pool continue to provide free entry to carers accompanying people with disabilities
Outcome 2
- Access to buildings and facilities is provided and reviewed:
- Accessibility audit of Shire owned public buildings was conducted
- Installation of ramps to improve accessibility and safety in Wyndham main shopping precinct
- Annual program of footpath repairs and maintenance completed
Outcome 3
- Information about functions, facilities and services is provided in formats to meet the communication requirements of all people:
- Planning for the Shire’s website re-development includes consideration of accessibility standards and guidelines
- Council endeavours to ensure that all information is made available to the community in clear and concise language and is available in formats accessible for people with disabilities
Outcome 4
Improved awareness of needs of all people to participate in community life:
- Key Council Officers participate in disability awareness training
Outcome 5
- Opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in public consultations, grievance mechanisms and decision making processes are provided:
- Council Meetings and public consultations are held in accessible venues
‘You’re Welcome’ – Access and Inclusion Project
The You're Welcome WA Access Initiative provides Local Governments and local communities with an opportunity to provide clear access information about their local facilities and amenities to people of all ages and abilities living in or visiting their locality.
The two main objectives of You’re Welcome WA are to:
- enable people with disabilities, their families and carers to participate in community life by encouraging community and businesses to make their services and facilities accessible; and
- provide accurate easy to obtain information so that people with disabilities, their families and carers are able to access their local communities.
A third additional and complementary objective of You’re Welcome is to:
- establish links between people with disabilities, government and the community, including business, that will help to create Western Australia as an accessible community.
You’re Welcome WA aims to make Western Australia an accessible State through three strategies:
- Collecting accurate access information so that people with disabilities know how to access local business and community attractions, services and facilities.
- Developing and maintaining easy-to-obtain online access information to publicise community business and attractions.
- Providing practical information to assist business and community groups to expand their customer base by making their services more access friendly.
Currently You’re Welcome WA is being implemented by 26 Local Governments throughout Western Australia with funding and support from a partnership between WALGA and the DSC. Other You’re Welcome partners include the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Rottnest Island Authority.
For more information contact the You’re Welcome WA Coordinator, Community Access and Information Branch, Disability Services Commission, 146 Colin Street, West Perth WA 6872 or telephone 08 9426 9301.