Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 - Working towards an accessible and connected community
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Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 Working towards an accessible and connected community
Working towards
an accessible and
connected community
Contents
Foreword 4
Introduction 5
Defining disability 6
Highlights from the Maroondah Disability Policy
and Action Plan 2014-2018 8
Maroondah in context 10
Policy context 11
What does the evidence say? 14
What you told us 16
Our strategic response 18
Focus area 1 - Social and Economic Inclusion 20
Focus area 2 - Services and Information 26
Focus area 3 - Design, Infrastructure and Transport 30
Focus area 4 - Advocacy and Leadership 34
Tracking our progress 39
References 40
Glossary 42
Acronyms 43
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 3
Accessible and connected
Foreword
We are very pleased to present the
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action
Plan 2019-2021 which outlines Council’s
commitment and strategic direction in
supporting a more inclusive community
for everyone who lives, works and plays
in Maroondah.
The Maroondah Disability Policy and Action We commend the Maroondah Disability
Plan is underpinned by the community Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 to you
vision outlined in Maroondah 2040: Our as we work towards a more inclusive
future together to be a safe, healthy and Maroondah community.
active community with local opportunities
provided for people of all ages and abilities 2019 Maroondah Disability Advisory
to have high levels of social, emotional and Committee (MDAC)
physical wellbeing.
The Maroondah Disability Policy and Action
Plan incorporates a range of initiatives
across the breadth of Council operations to
remove barriers to discrimination and meet
the legislative obligations for people with
disabilities, their families and carers.
In recent years, Maroondah City Council
has become an innovative leader in the
disability sector. Examples include the
introduction of Changing Places facilities,
the Pathways for Carers program and the
Access Focus Group. Council has been the
recipient of many awards for its innovative
work at both a state and national level.
The commitments and initiatives in this Insert: M
DAC Chair, Deputy Mayor,
policy and action plan will build on this Cr Kylie Spears; and Cr Tony Dib.
recent success and work towards a
Main image: S ome members of the 2019
community where all people have the
Maroondah Disability Advisory
opportunity to have high levels of social,
Committee (MDAC)
emotional and physical wellbeing.
4 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021
Introduction
“People with disabilities want to bring about a transformation of their lives.
They want their human rights recognised and realised. They want the things
that everyone else in the community take for granted. They want somewhere to
live, a job, better health care, a good education, a chance to enjoy the company
of friends and family, to go to the footy and go to the movies. They want the
chance to participate meaningfully in the life of the community. And they are
hopeful. They desire change and they want others in the community to share
their vision. They recognise that governments cannot work in isolation and they
want others to see the benefits of building more inclusive communities.”
(National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, Shut Out, 2009)
Social inclusion is a key determinant The Plan has been developed through
of health and wellbeing. Being socially examining and identifying local data,
included means that people experience a considering relevant government legislation
sense of belonging, are accepted for who and engaging with the community to
they are within their communities, have determine the issues that matter to
valued roles in the community, actively them. This process has resulted in the
participate in community life, are involved identification of key strategies for people
in activities based on their personal with disabilities and their families.
preferences, have social relationships and
share common interests. The Plan is a statutory requirement that
is prepared in terms of the requirements
This Maroondah Disability Policy and set out in the Disability Act 2006. This Act
Action Plan 2019-2021 outlines Council’s reinforces that people with disabilities have
commitment and strategic direction in equal rights as members of the community
supporting a more accessible and socially to participate in decision making, access
inclusive community over the next three information and receive support. Council
years. It replaces the Maroondah Disability is required to report annually in its Annual
Policy and Action Plan 2014-2018 which Report on the progress of the Plan.
has guided Council’s work to address the
aspirations and priorities of people with Council acknowledges the valuable
disabilities in Maroondah. contribution of the Maroondah Disability
Advisory Committee (MDAC) in the
Maroondah 2040: Our future together development of this Maroondah Disability
outlines the community’s vision for Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021.
Maroondah looking ahead to the year 2040 The MDAC provides strategic advice and
and beyond. The Maroondah Disability advocacy, helping Council to promote social
Policy and Action Plan is designed to work inclusion and participation of people with a
towards the outcomes of a safe, healthy disability in the community.
and active community; an accessible and
connected community; and an inclusive and
diverse community.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 5
Accessible and connected
Defining disability
A full definition of disability can be found in section 4 of the Disabilities Discrimination
Act 1992 which describes disability as “an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity
limitations and participation restrictions”.
The United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(UN Convention) recognises disability as:
“an evolving concept and that disability results from the interaction between persons
with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their
full and effective participation in society on an equal basis as others. People with
disabilities include those who have long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory
impairments” (UN convention).
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) states that it is important in the
current Australian context that Council’s should strive to include, involve and accommodate
people within all aspects of community life by considering disability on a broad scale.
Types of disability described in the Disability Discrimination
Act 1992 (DDA)
Disability can result from an accident, illness or congenital or genetic disorder.
There are many disability types, including:
Physical
Disease
causing Intellectual
organisms
Physical Types of Psychiatric
disfigurement
Disability
Learning Neurological
Sensory
6 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021
Balloon football
The DDA defines “disability” in relation to a person as:
• Total or partial loss of the person’s bodily • A disorder, illness or disease that affects
or mental functions; or a person’s thought processes, perception
of reality, emotions or judgment or
• Total or partial loss of a part of the body that results in disturbed behaviour; and
includes a disability that:
• The presence in the body of organisms
causing disease or illness • presently exists
• The presence in the body of organisms • previously existed but no longer exists
capable of causing disease or illness
• may exist in the future (including
• The malfunction, malformation or because of a genetic predisposition to
disfigurement of a part of the person’s that disability)
body
• is imputed to a person.
• A disorder or malfunction that results
in the person learning differently To avoid doubt, a disability that is
from a person without the disorder or otherwise covered by this definition
malfunction includes behaviour that is a symptom or
manifestation of the disability.
With an ageing population in Maroondah,
a key issue in planning for inclusion of all
within our community is acknowledging
that many will be living with disabilities
and/or providing care for a person with
disabilities at some point in their lives.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 7
Accessible and connected
Highlights from the
Maroondah Disability
Policy and Action Plan
2014-2018
Through implementing actions in the Some key highlights from the 2014-2018
previous Plan, Council has assisted in the Plan include:
delivery of multiple services including:
Pathways for Carers
• Providing NDIS transition assistance.
This program was designed to combat
• Improving disability facilities and access issues of mental and physical health for
points in public places. carers. The program invites carers of people
with disabilities or mental illness to be part
• Promoting the use of the mobile of a twice monthly walk along the Mullum
restroom Marveloo. Mullum Creek trail where they can socialise,
connect, learn about support services and
• Providing Mental Health First Aid
share their experiences with like-minded
training for the community.
carers. A guest is invited to each walk to
speak with and present to the carers.
• Facilitating workshops and activities
to support the development of people The positive response to the Pathways
with disabilities and their carers at for Carers program has resulted in several
multiple levels. other Councils initiating walks in their
municipality. The program was also
• Updating Council’s website to be successful in receiving the 2018 LGPro Aged
WCAG 2.0AA compliant and include and Disability Award for an outstanding
core pages in easy English and program/project – non-grant based (funded
ReadSpeaker. and resourced by a Council).
8 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021
Access Focus Group Changing Places campaign
An Access Focus Group was established Changing Places was introduced to
and facilitated by Council to work closely Australia in 2012 with the establishment
with Queensland Investment Corporation of a consortium led by Maroondah City
(QIC) to ensure that the redevelopment Council. The project was inspired by the
of Eastland Shopping Centre, the new desire to achieve best practice in the area
Ringwood Town Square and Realm would of accessible toilets. In 2015, Maroondah
be accessible for all. The group comprised City Council was honoured with the 2015
of five local people with disabilities, a National Award for Excellence in Local
carer, a healthcare practitioner, an access Government for their rigorous advocacy for
consultant along with representatives from Changing Places facilities.
QIC and Council.
Originating in the UK in 2005, Changing
Through this partnership, there were Places facilities address the needs of
many recommendations adopted and people with severe and profound physical
implemented including: disability and their carers that mainstream
accessible toilets do not provide. Changing
• well designed and accessible parking Places facilities are designed with toilet
including parking with extra room for facilities, extra physical space, wheelchair
wheelchairs accessibility, a tracking hoist system to lift
individuals out of chairs and onto toilets,
• the use of luminance, colour and textual
a height adjustable adult sized changing
contrasts to assist people with vision
bench assisting carers to change their loved
impairment
ones and all provided in a clean and safe
• hearing augmentation systems at all environment.
customer service desks Changing Places facilities provide the
basic hygiene needs, inclusion, dignity and
• exceptional accessibility appropriate
comfort for users. Without Changing Places
toilet facilities to cater for all people
toilets, people with physical disabilities
including both ambulant and Changing
may have to be changed whilst lying
Places toilets.
on the floor of a public toilet, or avoid
public spaces and mainstream services
completely, resulting in social isolation.
There are currently four
Changing Places facilities
installed in Maroondah
at Ringwood Lake
Park, Realm, and two at
Eastland Shopping Centre.
Council is planning to
install future Changing
Places facilities at
Karralyka, Croydon Town
Square, Jubilee Park, and
HE Parker multi-sports
complex.
The Changing Places toilet at Ringwood Lake Park
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 9
Accessible and connected
Maroondah in context
The City of Maroondah covers a land area of 61.4 square kilometres in Melbourne’s outer
east, 22 kilometres from the Central Business District. The area is a substantially developed
peri-urban municipality with an estimated residential population of 117,396 people.
Maroondah has the strategic advantage of being located at the north-eastern junction of
the Eastern Freeway – EastLink corridor. There are two train lines and a large number of
bus routes linking the City with other regions.
The City hosts a regional health precinct including a major public hospital, a large private
hospital, educational facilities that cater from early childhood learning to tertiary level, two
libraries, arts and cultural centres, an art gallery and a range of community centres and
sporting facilities.
At the time of the 2016 Census of Population and Housing, the City of Maroondah had a
total of 5,482 residents living with a profound or severe disability who require assistance
with daily activities. This equates to 5% of the total Maroondah population.
Holloway Ro
ad
Council offices
Croydon Hills
Train lines
Warranwood Croydon Train stations
Br
North us
hy
Cre
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Creeks
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Yarra Roa
Yarrunga
oad
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Community Community houses
Ro
House
Dorset R
Wonga
Plymouth Parks
Road
North wy Leisure facilities
hH
Ringwood da
Community on
M aro Arts and cultural
House
centres
Croydon
Wyreena
Croydon Community
Arts Centre
Croydon
Memorial Pool
y
ad
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H
Ro
Mount D
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da
andenong
nde
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Road
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Da
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oo
nt Aquahub
nd
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ar
Ringwood a a o
rr
M
um
l M
North W ul Dorset
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m ee Ringwood Golf
l lu Cr Karralyka
u East
r Road
M
te
Realm and
Ringwood Eastland Ringwood
Colches
East Croydon
Bayswater Road
Central South
Dorset Road
Ringwood
Community
Ringwood House
Bayswater
Heatherdale
Maroondah North Kilsyth
eek
Federation Estate
Wantirna Road
Tarralla Cr
South
d
Roa
ury
EastLink
Heathmont
Aquanation rbury Road terb
nte Can
Ca
Glen Park Arrabri
Liverpool Road
Heathmont Community Community
House House
The Rings Ringwood Golf
g Creek
Dandenon
10 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Policy context
International policy context
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international
human rights treaty adopted in December 2006 and ratified by Australia in July 2008.
The treaty is intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. It
recognises human rights including those relating to health, adequate living conditions,
freedom of movement, equal recognition before the law and access to education and
employment. Parties to the Convention, including Australia, are required to promote,
protect and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities and
ensure that they enjoy full equality under the law.
National policy context
The Australian Federal Government has As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a
multiple legislation and standards set lifetime approach, investing in people with
in place to uphold the equal rights and disabilities early to improve their outcomes
freedom of people with disabilities and later in life. The NDIS supports people with
implement the standards of the United disabilities to build skills and capability so
Nations Convention on the Rights of they can participate in the community and
Persons with Disabilities. find suitable employment. The national
policy context includes:
National Disability Strategy 2010 -2020
(NDS) involves a commitment from all
federal, state and local levels of government Legislation
to a united, national approach to improving
the lives of people with disabilities, their • Disability Discrimination Act 1992
families and carers, as well as providing
leadership for a community-wide shift in • Fair Work Act 2009
attitudes. The six policy areas covered in the
NDS are: Standards
1. Inclusive and accessible communities • Disability Education Standards 2005
2. Rights protection, justice and legislation • Building Code of Australia 2015
3. Economic security • Disability (Access to
4. Personal and community support Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010
5. Learning skills • National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS) National Standards for
6. Health and wellbeing. Disability Services
The National Disability Insurance Scheme
Policies
(NDIS) was introduced in July 2013 as a
new approach for providing support for • National Disability Strategy 2010-2020
Australians with disabilities, their families
and carers. The NDIS provides about • National Mental Health and Disability
460,000 Australians under the age of 65 Employment Strategy 2009
with a permanent and significant disability
with the reasonable and necessary supports • National Mental Health Plan 2017-2022
they need to live an ordinary life.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 11Accessible and connected
State policy context
The principles of the United Nations The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)
Convention on the Rights of Persons has developed a Strategic Framework
with Disabilities are reflected in the for Local Government - Creating a More
Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Inclusive Community for People with a
Responsibilities Act 2006. The Act provides Disability which aligns with the National
a set of rights, freedoms and responsibilities Disability Strategy and the Victorian State
that governments must observe when Disability Plan and helps Councils meet
creating laws, public policy or delivering legal obligations to remove barriers of
services. The 20 fundamental rights discrimination.
outlined in the legislation promote and
protect the freedom, respect, equality and
dignity of all people in Victoria. The Charter
Local context
requires that all levels of government and
Disability is a key focus for Council across
other public authorities comply with these
service delivery, advocacy, partnerships,
rights and consider the relevant human
facilitation and development. The
rights contained in the legislation when
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action
developing laws, policies and making
Plan 2019-2021 is a key strategic document
decisions.
that sits beneath the Maroondah 2040
Absolutely everybody, the Victorian State Community Vision and Council Plan.
Disability Plan 2017-2020 seeks to realise
the social, economic and civic aspirations Maroondah 2040
of people with disabilities. The four policy
areas covered in the Plan are: The Maroondah 2040 Community Vision
1. Inclusive communities for a safe, healthy and active community;
and an inclusive and diverse community, is
2. Health, housing and wellbeing central to this Plan.
3. Fairness and safety While many Maroondah 2040 key directions
extend beyond the scope of this Plan, the
4. Contributing lives.
current Council Plan 2017-2021 outlines
commitments relevant to it.
Legislation
• Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010
• Victorian Disability Act 2006 and
Disability Regulation 2007
• Victorian Mental Health Act 2014
• Victorian Charter of Human Rights
and Responsibilities Act 2006
• Victorian Local Government Act 1989
Policies
• Victorian Autism State Plan
2009-2019
• Absolutely Everyone - Victorian State
Disability Plan 2017-2020
12 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Council Plan 2017-2021
The Council Plan 2017-2021 is Maroondah The Council Plan is implemented through
City Council’s key medium-term strategic a service delivery planning process, and
document that sets key directions and outcomes are measured and reported
priority actions to work towards the regularly. Achievements are reported back
long-term community vision outlined in to Council and the community through the
Maroondah 2040: Our future together. Maroondah City Council Annual Report at
The Council Plan plays a vital role in the end of each financial year.
shaping Maroondah’s future over a four-
year period. It identifies both challenges In addition to Maroondah 2040: Our future
and opportunities for our community at the together and the Council Plan, there are a
local and regional level within the context wide range of other strategic documents
of the community’s long-term Maroondah that will contribute to the delivery of
2040 vision. It also forms the basis for outcomes and key directions within this
Council to make decisions regarding Plan. The figure below shows the inter-
resources and priorities in response to relationships between the Disability Policy
community needs and aspirations. and Action Plan and many of the other
strategic documents adopted by Council.
Council Plan and Long Term Financial Strategy
Maroondah Health
and Wellbeing Plan
Council 2017-2021 Legislated
Policies,
Strategies
Strategies
Disability Policy and and Plans
and Plans
Action Plan
2019-2021
Service Delivery Plans and Annual Budget
Individual Work Plans (RADAR)
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 13Accessible and connected
What does the evidence say?
Council has undertaken a review of
relevant data on disability to assist in the
development of priority actions for the
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action
Plan 2019-2021.
A key source of information is the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of
Population and Housing 2016, where a member of the population has indicated that
they require assistance with one or more daily core activities including body movement,
communication and/or self-care.
The following diagram key
statistics relating to people
with a disability in Maroondah. 23% of people
living with
disabilities are
aged 85+
Expected to
5% of the total
increase by 35%
population is living
between 2016 to
with a disability
2031
Disability in
Maroondah
Shared highest
10,818 unpaid
percentage of
carers provide
people living
assistance to
with disabilities
someone with a
in the Eastern
disability
Metropolitan
Region
14 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Disability trends
At the time of the 2016 Census of Future projections
Population and Housing, the City of
Maroondah had a total of 5,482 (5% of total Over the coming decades, Maroondah’s
population) residents living with a profound population demographics are expected to
or severe disability, who require assistance change significantly. Population forecasts
with daily activities. Ringwood, Ringwood enable us to estimate future aged care,
East, and Warranwood are identified as disability and support service needs for
having the highest percentage of people Maroondah by identifying what services
living with disabilities. will be required and in what quantity.
Projections indicate that demand for
In Maroondah, 47.6% of the population Council services and assistance will increase
over 85 are identified as in need of over the coming years as dementia, an
assistance with daily activities or living ageing population and disability are all
with disabilities. There are more females forecast to increase considerably.
living with a profound or severe disability in
Maroondah than there are males. Between 2016-2031, the population of
Maroondah residents living with disabilities
Maroondah has almost double the number is expected to increase by 35%. Of this
of people providing unpaid care as they increase, the age groups between
have people in need of assistance. An 70-74 and 85+ years are expected to have
unpaid carer is defined as someone who the most significant increase.
provides unpaid care and support to family
members and friends with a disability, Challenges
mental illness, chronic health issue or age-
related condition. The recently introduced National Disability
Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the largest,
For people who live with a disability, most complex major national social reform
education and employment can be difficult in Australian since the introduction of
to access. The percentage of population in Medicare. The NDIS provides support for
need of assistance who are unemployed and people who are impacted or unable to
looking for work is greater in Maroondah take part in everyday activities due to a
than both the Eastern Metropolitan Region permanent or significant disability. Since
(EMR) and Greater Melbourne. its introduction in November 2017, Council
has played a key role in supporting local
The 2016 Personal Safety Survey (PSS),
residents to have the knowledge they
which is led by the Australian Bureau of
require to understand how the NDIS relates
Statistics (ABS) found women and girls with
to them, or to the person that they care for.
disabilities are twice as likely as women
and girls without disabilities to experience Throughout the lifespan of the previous
violence throughout their lives. Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan
2014-2018, Council identified several major
Women with disabilities experience the
challenges to meeting the needs of people
same kinds of violence experienced by
with disabilities that will continue to be
other women but also disability-based
addressed as part of this new 2019-2021
violence and is often specific to the nature
Plan. Key themes include accessibility,
of their disability.
infrastructure, communication, social
Examples include: inclusion, education and employment.
• denial of mobility and communication
devices
• withholding of food, water or medication
• threats of institutionalisation
• rough handling by care workers.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 15Accessible and connected
What you told us
In developing the Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021, Council
undertook direct engagement with community members and stakeholders to identify the
challenges faced by people with disabilities in Maroondah. Over a 12-month engagement
period, Council sought input from members of the community, people with disabilities,
carers of people with disabilities, representatives of local disability organisations, and
internal stakeholders. The focus of this engagement was to help identify the issues faced
by people living with disabilities in Maroondah and to determine what can be done to deal
with those issues. The Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021: Engagement
Report, January 2019 highlights the key findings from this engagement process.
Council sought input from the community and key stakeholders through a range of
engagement activities including:
• Café Consult at the 2017 Maroondah Festival
• a community survey
• interviews with representatives of local disability organisations and internal
stakeholders/departments.
Café Consult
Café Consult took place at the Maroondah Festival in November 2017 enabling the
community to speak with Council staff and participate in a range of interactive activities
to have their say on disability issues and opportunities. During the Festival, a total of 571
responses were received.
Cafe Consult at the Maroondah Festival
16 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Maroondah Disability Policy Interviews
and Action Plan survey
Council undertook a suite of interviews with
The Maroondah Disability Policy and Action local organisations and internal stakeholders
Plan survey was available to the public in a between September and November 2018 to
hardcopy format at Council service centres capture what is currently being done, what
and facilities, local libraries and community areas require more work, and how Council
centres, and in an electronic format on can use the Maroondah Disability Policy
Council’s website. The survey was also sent and Action Plan to reduce the issues faced
to local community groups for distribution. by people with disabilities. The interviews
involved organisations such as the
The survey was open from 8 October to Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee,
2 November 2018, with Council receiving Monkami Centre, Irabina Autism Services,
a total of 91 submissions. Of the surveys Eastern Disability Action Group, YourDNA,
received: 37.4% were submitted by Ringwood Spiders, and Maroondah City
individuals who identified as ‘a community Council internal departments/stakeholders.
member’, 14.8% as ‘a representative of an
organisation’, 14.8% as ‘a carer of a person
with a disability’, and 13% as ‘a person with
Key issues and opportunities
a disability’. The survey enabled participants
Through the engagement activities it
to identify three areas they believed needed
was identified that the key issues faced
to be focused on to make Maroondah more
by people with disabilities, community
inclusive for people with disabilities; the
members and local stakeholders,
key issues faced by people with disabilities
included:
in Maroondah, and what could be done to
address these issues. • Access to local infrastructure including
safe footpaths, parking near amenities,
and public transport.
Have your say
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2018-2021 • A lack of employment opportunities
and support services.
We are interested in your opinion on how we can make
Maroondah more accessible and inclusive.
• Availability of information.
1. What is your connection to Maroondah?
You can tick more than one answer
Live Work Visit Study • Accessing and transitioning into the
National Disability Insurance Scheme
If you live in Maroondah please indicate the suburb:
Bayswater North Croydon South Park Orchards Vermont
(NDIS).
Croydon Heathmont Ringwood Warranwood
Croydon Hills Kilsyth Ringwood East Wonga Park • Negative stigma and attitudes towards
people with disabilities.
Croydon North Kilsyth South Ringwood North
2. Which of the following best describes you?
Please place a tick next to any option that applies to you
A community member The engagement process indicated that
A representative of an organisation
A person with a disability
there are several issues that prevent
What type of disability do you have? people with disabilities from having equal
opportunities to participate in community
A carer of a person with a disability
What type of disability do they have? life. It was identified that Council has
a role to play in reducing these issues
A disability service provider
A recipient of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
by advocating for and implementing
Looking to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) change within the community, in terms
Other (please specify)
of accessibility and design of local
infrastructure, employment opportunities,
social inclusion, promoting the value of
people with disabilities, and the sharing of
information and services.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 17Accessible and connected
Our strategic response
Our strategic framework for disability inclusion and access
Vision Maroondah will be an accessible and inclusive community that provides an
equal opportunity for people of all abilities, their families and their carers to
actively and fully participate in the life of our community.
Principles Autonomy Opportunity Human Rights Diversity Accountability
Focus Area Social and Services and Design, Advocacy and
economic information infrastructure leadership
inclusion and transport
Individual’s I live well I have access to I feel included My needs are
experience what I need considered
Policy • Create a safe, • Continue to • Ensure • Advocate for
directions social and develop inclusive inclusive people with
recreational communication design of all disabilities,
environment methods in major projects their families
that is providing in Maroondah. and carers.
engaging and customer
inclusive. service to the • Implement • Advocate
community. Council’s and promote
• Increase levels ongoing an increase
of employment • Ensure Council’s capital works in affordable
and education online channels program housing in
for people with are accessible to improve Maroondah.
disabilities in and compliant. accessibility
partnership of Council’s • Promote
with local • Support people infrastructure a positive
business and with disabilities in response awareness of
community and their families to community people with
organisations. navigating needs. disabilities
disability in our
• Ensure arts support services. • Support community.
and cultural environments
activities in • Provide and that are • Develop
Maroondah are promote accessible for capacity
inclusive and wellbeing and people with building skills
accessible. educational disabilities. within the
opportunities Maroondah
• Support new inclusive of community.
and existing disability.
Council
employees • Provide
with appropriate
disabilities. and relevant
information
and support
to people with
disabilities, their
families and
carers.
18 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Our vision for disability Key principles
inclusion and access
There are five principles that underpin the
The aim of the Maroondah Disability plan:
Policy and Action Plan is to reduce key
• autonomy
issues faced by people with disabilities in
Maroondah, and to create opportunities
• opportunity
for people with disabilities to participate
equally in the life of the community.
• human rights
Our vision for disability inclusion and access
in Maroondah is: • diversity
‘Maroondah will be an accessible and • accountability.
inclusive community that provides equal
opportunity for people of all abilities, their These principles are drawn from the
families and carers to actively and fully State Disability Plan 2017-2020 and
participate in the life of our community.’ are all considered of equal importance.
As foundational considerations, these
To achieve this vision, Council will provide
principles will underpin all of Council’s
accessible and equitable local infrastructure,
policy directions and activities in working
services, and facilities that will effectively
towards our vision for disability access and
meet the needs of people with disabilities,
inclusion within this Plan.
their families and carers. Maroondah will
play a leading role in promoting the value
and needs of people with disabilities within
the community.
Focus areas
In working towards this vision, four key
focus areas have been developed that
incorporate a range of key policy
directions and priority actions over Focus Area 1 Focus Area 2
the next three years. They have Social & Services and
been informed by the background Economic Information
research evidence, detailed Inclusion
community feedback and advice
from the Maroondah Disability
Advisory Committee. Disability
Policy and
The four focus areas within Action Plan
this framework are considered
to be of equal importance and
have been derived from the Focus Area 3 Focus Area 4
key issues faced by people with
Design, Advocacy &
disabilities identified from Council’s
Infrastructure & Leadership
background study into disability
Transport
in Maroondah and community and
stakeholder engagement activities.
They provide the framework for policy
directions and priority actions to work toward
the overall vision for disability access and inclusion
in Maroondah.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 19Accessible and connected
Ringwood Spiders Football Club provides Australian Rules football
opportunities for people with a mild to medium intellectual disability
Focus area 1 - Social and
Economic Inclusion
Vision statement
People with disabilities will have improved access to employment, education and
volunteer opportunities along with greater opportunities to participate in leisure,
recreation, arts and cultural activities.
What the evidence tells us
People with disabilities often find it significantly higher than that of the Eastern
difficult to access employment, training Metropolitan Region (EMR) and Greater
and education suited to their capabilities. Melbourne.
In Maroondah, there is a significantly
lower percentage of people in need of For people with disabilities, learning and
assistance with core activities in the educational opportunities, and the ability
workforce than people who are not in need to gain a qualification can be difficult to
of assistance. The percentage of people in access. In Maroondah, those in need of
need of assistance who are unemployed assistance are much less likely (8.7%) to
and looking for work is 16.1%, compared have received a bachelors or higher degree
to 5.2% of unemployed people looking compared to those who are not in need of
for work amongst the total population assistance (24.2%). More than half of the
of Maroondah. The percentage of people Maroondah community that are in need of
in need of assistance in Maroondah who assistance in Maroondah (58.9%) reportedly
are unemployed and looking for work is have no qualifications.
20 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Factors of socio-economic inclusion in Maroondah
What the community has Key directions
told us 2019-2021
In Maroondah, access to employment • Create a safe, social and recreational
opportunities, education, training programs environment that is engaging and
and volunteer activities are some of the key inclusive.
issues identified for people with disabilities.
Responses from community and local • Increase levels of employment and
stakeholder engagement have illustrated education for people with disabilities
that social and recreational activities and in partnership with local business and
employment opportunities are just a few of community organisations.
the challenges for people with disabilities.
People with disabilities who are unable to • Ensure arts and cultural activities in
participate in the social and economic life Maroondah are inclusive and accessible.
of the community can be at higher risk of
• Support new and existing Council
becoming socially isolated.
employees with disabilities.
Consultation with the community
demonstrated the importance for people
with disabilities to have access to training
and social activities that assist their
development towards work and a satisfying
social life. Without appropriate learning and
employment opportunities, people with
disabilities do not receive the education and
training they require and are often unable to
enter the workforce and contribute to the
economy.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 21Accessible and connected
Priority actions 2019-2021
Time Frame
Key Direction Priority Action Lead Area
2019 2020 2021
1.1 Create a 1.1.1 Include disability Business &
safe, social and consideration into risk Activity Centre
recreational management plans for Development
environment that
is engaging and
Realm and Eastland
activation programming.
• • • Revenue Property
inclusive & Customer
Service
1.1.2 Work in partnership Community
to develop innovative Services - Aged &
options to support Disability Services
vulnerable people, including
people with disabilities,
• • •
to reconnect with the
community.
1.1.3 Review current Council Health, Local
emergency practices in Laws, and
line with the Vulnerable Emergency
People in Emergencies
Policy (DHHS) in relation
• • • Management
to vulnerable persons and
people with disabilities.
1.1.4 Implement initiatives Leisure
to help increase the
participation of women
with disabilities in regular
• • • Communications
& Engagement
exercise.
1.1.5 Consider inclusion and Leisure
accessibility requirements
for people with disabilities
who are attending a Council • • •
run community event or
activity.
1.1.6 Continue to implement Leisure
inclusive recreational
activities to connect people
of all abilities and help
• • •
address social isolation.
1.1.7 Review the Physical Leisure
Activity Strategy ensuring
it continues to encompass
the needs of people with
• • •
disabilities.
22 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Time Frame
Key Direction Priority Action Lead Area
2019 2020 2021
1.2 Increase levels 1.2.1 Work in partnership to Business &
of employment deliver a Men’s Health lunch Activity Centre
and education
for people with
for local business members
to raise awareness of mental • Development
disabilities in health. Integrated
partnership with Planning
local business 1.2.2 Invest in ways to build Business &
and community capacity of businesses to Activity Centre
organisations help make their practice
more inclusive and diverse
• • • Development
for people with disabilities.
1.2.3 Highlight local Business &
businesses that demonstrate Activity Centre
good practice models of
employing people with
• • • Development
disabilities.
1.2.4 Highlight the positive Business &
outcomes from building
relationships with customers • • • Activity Centre
Development
who have disabilities.
1.2.5 Encourage local Business &
businesses to consider Activity Centre
volunteer positions/work Development
placement for people
with disabilities to create
• • • Integrated
a learning employment Planning
pathway.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 23Accessible and connected
Priority actions 2019-2021
Time Frame
Key Direction Priority Action Lead Area
2019 2020 2021
1.3 Ensure arts 1.3.1 Continue to advise Community
and cultural and support local artists Services - Arts
activities in with disabilities and local & Cultural
Maroondah are
inclusive and
disability organisations
to develop and promote • • • Development
accessible their arts and cultural
activities/programs in
Maroondah.
1.3.2 Continue to provide Community
public artworks and art Services - Arts
activations in public spaces & Cultural
that are inclusive of people
with disabilities, utilising a
• • • Development
wide range of locations and
formats.
1.3.3 Implement arts Community
programs as a way of
connecting people with and • • • Services - Arts
& Cultural
without disabilities. Development
1.4 Support 1.4.1 Continue to provide Workplace
new and reasonable adjustments for People & Culture
existing Council
employees with
employees with an existing
or acquired disability to help
• • •
disabilities cater for individual needs.
1.4.2 Develop and implement Workplace
employment and training
pathways within Council for • • • People & Culture
people with disabilities.
24 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 25
Accessible and connected
Christopher Hills at the 2018 session, ‘Technology and You - how
technology can change the lives of people with disabilities’
Focus Area 2 - Services and
Information
Vision statement
Services and the sharing of information will be easily available for people with
disabilities to help increase access to health, social, and support resources.
What the evidence tells us
Access to quality and tailored services Council’s ‘Pathways for Carers’ program
are critically important for the health has shown that carers who participate in
and wellbeing of people with disabilities. the program experience an increase in
Without access to services, people can confidence, self-esteem and overall mental
become socially isolated and be at high health through the social and supportive
risk of suffering poor mental health due connection with other carers.
to their inability to access employment
opportunities, social and support groups, In Maroondah, 19.6% of people in need of
public transport or attend appointments. assistance reported that they do not have
access to the internet at home. Internet
Services are also highly important access is an important network for people
for families and carers of people with with disabilities and their families to
disabilities. Carers of people with disabilities assist with the access of information and
are at high risk of poor mental and physical increase knowledge of the supports and
health due to the highly demanding role of opportunities available.
providing assistance to someone in need.
26 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Access to services in Maroondah for people with disabilities
What the community has Key directions
told us 2019-2021
For people with disabilities, their families • Continue to develop inclusive
and carers, accessing information communication methods in providing
regarding services and social events can customer service to the community.
help connect them to their community.
Council’s engagement process informed • Ensure Council’s online channels are
us that information about support services accessible and compliant.
could be more accessible for people with
disabilities and their carers. • Support people with disabilities and their
families navigating disability support
With the introduction of the National services.
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), many
families and carers have experienced • Provide and promote wellbeing and
a reduction of services they previously educational opportunities inclusive of
accessed, as well as a loss of funding to carer disability.
programs. Responses from the engagement
highlighted the importance of Council’s role • Provide appropriate and relevant
in assisting families transition to the NDIS. information and support to people with
disabilities, their families and carers.
Engagement with the community indicated
that events and activities that are accessible
for people with disabilities can help
create social connections and interactive
opportunities. The community told us that
the supply of local services and therapies
needed by many members of the community
is limited, resulting in people having to leave
Maroondah to receive treatment.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 27Accessible and connected
Priority actions 2019-2021
Time Frame
Key Direction Priority Action Lead Area
2019 2020 2021
2.1 Continue to 2.1.1 Ensure accessibility is Revenue,
develop inclusive considered when reviewing Property &
communication
methods in
Council’s webchat and social
media channels. • • • Customer Service
providing Communications
customer & Engagement
service to the 2.1.2 Implement disability Workplace
community and mental health training People & Culture
for Council employees
with regards to customer • • • Revenue,
contact. Property &
Customer Service
2.1 Continue to 2.1.3 Attend Maroondah’s Revenue,
develop inclusive Disability Advisory Property &
communication Committee for consultation Customer Service
methods in
providing
on service interaction.
• • •
customer
service to the
community
2.2 Ensure 2.2.1 Develop and manage Communications
Council’s online an action plan outlined in & Engagement
channels are
accessible and
the ICT Strategy to ensure
WCAG 2.0AA accessibility • • •
compliant compliance for online
communication.
2.3 Support 2.3.1 Advocate for an Community
people with ongoing resource to support Services - Aged &
disabilities and
their families
people with disabilities to
navigate and connect to
• • • Disability
navigating relevant support systems.
disability support
2.3.2 Investigate Council’s Community
services
future role supporting Services - Aged &
people with disabilities not Disability
covered by My Aged Care
or NDIS while continuing to
• • •
identify and advocate for
NDIS gaps.
28 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Time Frame
Key Direction Priority Action Lead Area
2019 2020 2021
2.4 Provide 2.4.1 Work in partnership Community
and promote with the Department of Services -
wellbeing and Education and Training Children & Youth
educational to deliver the Maroondah Services
opportunities
inclusive of
Positive Education project
which aims to increase the
• • •
disability wellbeing and educational
outcomes of young people
in Maroondah.
2.4.2 Review Council Community
services for children and Services -
young people living with Children & Youth
disabilities and implement
strategies to ensure these
• • • Services
services are inclusive and
accessible.
2.4.3 Develop support Community
systems and referral Services -
and transition pathways Maternal & Child
for parents/children
with disabilities and
• • Health
communicate these with
relevant stakeholders.
2.4.4 Investigate the Community
development of a resource Services -
for parents of a baby/child Maternal & Child
with a disability. • • • Health
Children & Youth
Services
2.5 Provide 2.5.1 Continue to update,
appropriate improve and promote
and relevant Council’s online resources
information for people with disabilities, Integrated
and support
to people with
and their families and carers. • • Planning
disabilities, their
families and
carers
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 29Accessible and connected
Ringwood Lake Park carpark - entry via Maroondah Highway
Focus Area 3 - Design,
Infrastructure and Transport
Vision statement
A range of enhanced accessible facilities and environments will help to ensure that all
people with disabilities can fully participate in community life.
What the evidence tells us
A community should be designed appropriately with facilities that ensure that everyone
has equal opportunities to access all places, and that all environments have support
capabilities for those who require assistance. For everyone to have equal opportunity to
participate in the activities that a community has to offer, all public places including shops,
parks, buildings, public facilities, car parks, public transport stations and activity centres
need to be designed with appropriate infrastructure to cater for people with disabilities.
Studies show that the construction of new public places (i.e. shopping centres) built
under the minimum Australian design standards do not always provide the appropriate
facilities needed by people with disabilities to be able to experience and enjoy that place
in the same manner as another community member. Instead, the construction of new
public places requires developers to go above and beyond the minimum Australian design
standards, to ensure that new places are designed with facilities to fully cater for the
needs of people with disabilities.
30 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Public transport is a major form of transportation and movement for many people with
disabilities. In Maroondah, 13.5% of people in need of assistance belong to a household
that do not have access to a motor vehicle. As a result, it is vital that public transport
vehicles and stations are designed to be accessible and safe for people with disabilities
and provide information and assistance that is easily understood and readily available.
What the community has Key directions
told us 2019-2021
Accessible design, infrastructure and
• Ensure inclusive design of all major
transport are critical elements for people
projects in Maroondah.
with disabilities to be able to access,
participate, and feel included in community • Implement Council’s ongoing capital
life. Respondents identified that it is works program to improve accessibility
important for people with disabilities of Council’s infrastructure in response to
to have equal access throughout the community needs.
community. Engagement indicated that
there are many locations throughout • Support environments that are accessible
Maroondah that remain inaccessible for for people with disabilities.
people with disabilities due to a lack of
appropriate parking, unsafe or non-existent
footpaths, accessible public transport and
facilities, shops and cafes that were not
designed to be disability friendly. Responses
from engagement emphasised the
importance of Council’s role in developing
and enhancing accessible facilities and
environments throughout Maroondah.
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 31Accessible and connected
Priority actions 2019-2021
Time Frame
Key Direction Priority Action Lead Area
2019 2020 2021
3.1 Ensure 3.1.1 Consider and apply Assets
inclusive design universal design elements
of all major
projects in
in all major projects within
Maroondah.
• • •
Maroondah
3.2 Implement 3.2.1 Undertake facility Assets
Council’s audits to assist with and
ongoing capital
works program
identify enhanced access
opportunities for community
• • •
to improve facilities.
accessibility
3.2.2 Consider the Assets
of Council’s
installation of fencing or
infrastructure
in response
to community
natural barriers to enclose
play spaces ensuring the • • •
safety of people with
needs
disabilities.
3.3 Support 3.3.1 Continue to provide Building Services
environments advice and information to
that are
accessible for
the community regarding
accessibility requirements • • •
people with for buildings under the
disabilities building code.
3.3.2 Work towards Engineering
resolving known Services
infrastructure accessibility
issues based on community • • •
feedback through the DDA
Improvement program.
3.3.3 Continue to implement Engineering
the footpath construction Services
program to ensure footpaths
and curbs are safe and
• • •
accessible.
3.3.4 Consider the Disability Statutory
Standards 2010 and Planning
Maroondah’s Planning
Scheme in Council’s • • •
planning and development
processes.
32 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021Warm water pool at Aquanation
Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021 33Accessible and connected
The Changing Places facility at Ringwood Lake Park
Focus Area 4 - Advocacy and
Leadership
Vision statement
Council advocacy and leadership will result in increased community recognition of
the value of people with a disability whilst broadening commitments from all levels
of government and private enterprise to facilitate accessibility and inclusion for all
members of the community.
What the evidence tells us
Varying attitudes and negative stigma about disability presents a major challenge that
prevents people with disabilities from feeling included in our community. There are two
types of ‘attitudes’ towards disability that can make people with disabilities feel excluded:
• Direct - a member of society that does When negative stigma and attitudes
not feel comfortable around a person towards disability are present, people with
with disabilities disabilities are prevented from feeling equal
and valued within the community and
• Indirect - when people with disabilities often find it difficult to participate and be
are not considered in the construction included in all aspects of community life.
of a building, place or facility, resulting Through advocacy and leadership, positive
in poorly thought out development that attitudes towards disability and the value
is not accessible for those who require of people with disabilities can become
extra assistance. greatly acknowledged and assist in making
a community inclusive for all.
34 Maroondah Disability Policy and Action Plan 2019-2021You can also read
