Access is key to inclusion. Did you know...
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1 in 5 people have a disability
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53% of people aged 65 and over have a disability
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Mitchell Shire Council has a responsibility to ensure that all people have the opportunity to participate equally in the community
Mitchell Shire Council is preparing an Access and Inclusion Action Plan that will guide the development of infrastructure and services that make it easier for people of all abilities to participate fully in our community.
Council is particularly interested in hearing from people living with a disability that would like to join a group of like-minded people to oversee the development of the action plan.
We are also interested in hearing from carers and other interested people from the business and public sector that can contribute to making Mitchell Shire a more inclusive place to live, work and play.
For further information about access and inclusion or to register your interest, please contact Council's Health and Community Development Officer Elle Brunsdon on 5734 6200.
Photo caption: Wendy Kelly (Rural Access Worker), Melanie Spiteri (Community Representative), Di Vidal (Community Representative) and Denise Allen (Disablitiy Advocate) at a recent accessibility working group meeting.
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
The definition of "disability" under the DDA includes:
- Physical
- Intellectual
- Psychiatric
- Sensory
- Neurological, and
- Learning disabilities, as well as
- Physical disfigurement, and
- The presence in the body of disease-causing organisms.
This broad definition is meant to ensure that everyone with a disability is protected. The DDA provides protection for everyone in Australia against discrimination based on disability. It encourages everyone to be involved in implementing the Act and to share in the overall benefits to the community and the economy that flow from participation by the widest range of people.
In 2009, Council approved the Mitchell Shire Disability Action Plan, developed under the guidance of the Mitchell Shire Access and Inclusion Committee. The Committee is a Section 86 Committee to Council and acts as a Disability Advisory Committee, providing advice to Council on issues including:
- Planning
- Communication / Information
- Parking
- Signage
- Accessible events
- Building and Infrastructure
- Community Inclusion
The Mitchell Shire Access and Inclusion Committee consists of:
- community members
- disability and advocacy organisations
- Council representation
- Councillor representation
In 2012 the Committee will focus on:
- development of a revised Mitchell Shire Disability Action Plan
- implementing relevant actions to work towards an Accessible; Informed; Equitable and Inclusive community.
The Mobility Scooter Recharge Scheme launched in Mitchell Shire
The Recharge Scheme is about supporting people in our community who may require an accessible power point to recharge their scooter while they are out and about. From 26 June 2012, Recharge locations are identified by a sticker outside the venue and at the powerpoint.
Scooters users can recharge at the following locations:
- Broadford Library and Customer Service Centre
- Seymour Library and Customer Service Centre
- Mitchell Community Health Service
- Wallan Multi-purpose Community Centre
- Kilmore Library and Customer Service Centre
- Kilmore Leisure Centre
- Bendigo Bank Wallan
- Café Dinglish Kilmore
The Scheme is the result of a partnership between the Connecting Mitchell Project and the Mitchell Shire Access and Inclusion Committee. The Recharge Scheme is part of the Mitchell Shire Disability Action Plan. For more information, or to plan your journey, please visit: www.rechargescheme.org.au