Share your ideas to make Singleton accessible to all

Published on 02 February 2022

Whether it’s access to services, facilities or employment, residents, disability carers and service providers are being encouraged to share their ideas for the future of accessibility in Singleton over the next four years. 

The Singleton Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-2026 will identify what Singleton Council needs to do to help people with disability feel and be more included in the community to access the same services, facilities and opportunities as everybody else. 

The survey asks residents and carers to identify challenges and barriers in our community, and what they think is needed in the way of infrastructure, services and programs to ensure the Singleton local government area is inclusive. 

Vicki Brereton, Council’s Director Organisation and Community Capacity said Council supported the needs of people with disability to have equal access and a choice over how to live their lives as all residents do.

“Access and inclusion are important to everyone in our community  ̶  not just people with a disability. Everyone benefits from accessible community spaces and inclusive practices,” Ms Brereton said. 

“The Singleton DIAP will identify what Council needs to do to help people with a disability feel and be more included in the community, and to access the same services, facilities and opportunities as everybody else. 

“But to get there, we need to hear from people with disability, carers and service providers about their experiences and ideas for change so that we can find ways together to make Singleton a better place live, work and play – creating community for all.”

Ms Brereton said Council has had an Inclusion Plan for over 20 years, and a track record of implementing actions including the construction of the award-winning Rose Point Park All Abilities Playground, footpath and kerb ramp installation schedule and modification to public facilities including automatic doors.

“The new plan will continue to drive inclusion and accessibility for all by removing barriers so that people with disability enjoy the full benefits of participation in our community,” she said. 

“Council is proud of the achievements that have been made over the last two decades and is determined to continue to improve access for all with the development and implementation of the next Disability Inclusion Action Plan.   

“To do that well, we need people with lived experience to have their say on what is needed in our community to break down barriers. The feedback from people with a disability, their carers and families are crucial to ensure the priorities in the plan meet the needs of our community.”

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan Survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SingletonDIAP and is open until 28 February 2022. The Singleton Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback later this year.

 

ENDS