Town of Bassendean: Agenda

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TOWN OF BASSENDEAN

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE

ACCESS AND INCLUSION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Dear Committee Member

A meeting of the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee will be held in the Council Chamber, 48 Old Perth Road, Bassendean, on Wednesday, 4 March 2009, commencing at 10.00am.

Mr Bob Jarvis

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

27 February 2009

A G E N D A

1.0 DECLARATION OF OPENING/ANNOUNCEMENT OF VISITORS

2.0 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Members of the public who wish to do so may ask questions at this point in the agenda.

3.0 ATTENDANCES, APOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

4.0 DEPUTATIONS

5.0 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

5.1 Minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2008

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION – ITEM 5.1

That the minutes of the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee meeting held on 3 December 2008 be confirmed as a true record.

6.0 ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE PRESIDING PERSON WITHOUT DISCUSSION

7.0 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

8.0 BUSINESS DEFERRED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

9.0 REPORTS

9.1 DAIP Action Plan Implementation

This is considered a standing agenda item.

The Committee is asked to consider the attached action plan, note known actions that have already taken place on any strategy in the relevant current status column and any suggested actions in the proposed column against all relevant strategies.

The item is to be considered at the meeting.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION- ITEM 9.1

That the report on the DAIP Action Plan Implementation be received.

9.2 Inclusive Events

Events such as the Bassendean Fair & Expo have been held on reserves around the Town for many years. Access limitations have been experienced for wheelchair bound patrons on the often soft grass surface.

In December 2008, the Town conducted the Planet Earth Festival and for the first time utilized the Town Centre as the venue. Road closures, footpaths and other hard stand surfaces were incorporated into the event design.

Feedback on the success and opportunities for further access enhancements utilizing the Town Centre are encouraged.

The item is put for Committee consideration.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION – ITEM 9.2

That the following feedback be provided to Leisure Services on access at the Planet Earth Festival:

__________________________________________

_________________________________________.

9.3 Disability Future Directions 2025

On 20 February, the ADCD distributed the following email

“Due to strong interest in Disability Future Directions 2025, the Commission has extended the deadline for responses to the draft document to Friday 13th March 2009.

I would also like to extend an invitation for members of the project team to consult with local governments through their Access & Inclusion committees or other strategic or long term planning initiatives and mechanisms.

The Disability Future Directions 2025 document and consultation kit can be downloaded from the Commission’s website, www.disability.wa.gov.au – links are from a Disability Future Directions 2025 news item found under News and Events on the homepage. For more information, or to provide feedback, contact the project team:

Taryn Harvey (Executive Officer) - (08)9426 9791; taryn.harvey@dsc.wa.gov.au

Kerry Stopher (Project Manager) – (08) 9426 9296; kerry.stopher@dsc.wa.gov.au”

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION – ITEM 9.3

That the information on the Disability Future Directions 2025, be received.

10.0 PUBLIC QUESTIONS AND RIGHT OF REPLY

11.0 MOTIONS OF WHICH PREVIOUS NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN

12.0 ANNOUNCEMENTS OF NOTICES OF MOTION FOR THE NEXT MEETING

13.0 CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS

14.0 CLOSURE

The next meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 3 June 2009, commencing at 10.00am.

Strategies Identified to Overcome Barriers and Develop Opportunities
People with disabilities will:
Outcome 1 Have the same access to services of and any events organised, by a public authority

Strategies	Responsible Team	Timeframe	Current Status	Proposed Action
Council, Corporate management Team meetings & other planning sessions are to consider the needs of PWD to maximise access through advertising, venue selection and support services	CEO	Ongoing
People with disabilities to be informed that alternative arrangements can be made for the payments of rates, e.g., Visa Card, electronic banking etc. Officers to investigate alternative payment methods that enhances accessibility for all.	DCS	Ongoing
Support WINGS group on Fridays by staff and volunteers for assistance. To supplement and complement transport services, encourage community use of wheelchair accessible bus including on weekends.	MSDS/ VCTC	Ongoing

Children’s Services has an inclusion policy for both Out of School Care and Long Day Care. Special Needs Support Scheme funding is accessed from RUCSN when 1 to 1 care is required. Staff work with Eastern Region Metropolitan SUPS team in Midland on training and placement programs. Ensure staff and volunteers are trained to support PWD in a welcoming and inclusive way Purchase suitable equipment or modify using TADWA assistance to enhance communication with people with disabilities.	M Ch Serv DCS & Managers	Ongoing
Course providers to be made aware of disability access and awareness. Provide specific support, such as volunteers, to assist people with disabilities to participate. Brochure promotes: “people with special needs encouraged to participate” on the cover. Courses offered include activities designed for PWD’s and be as inclusive as possible. Venue suitability judged against access criteria & accessible venues to be priority for community events. Course instructors recruitment to include awareness of the needs of PWD.	Managers MLS	Ongoing
Accessible furniture and equipment for the Bassendean Library Services to be purchased as required in the annual budget, e.g., adjustable tables, illuminated magnifying glasses, large print books, audiocassettes, large print screens etc. Wheelchairs and trolleys to be available for PWD’s on request. Internet access to be promoted to PWD their families and their carers. Housebound delivery service to be promoted to PWD and their carers.	MLIS	Budget Planning Cycle
Provide transport for PWD’s to activities, outings and medical appointments as appropriate. Promote services through pamphlets, newsletters, Internet, marketing, and through community groups.	MSDS, V&CT C	Ongoing Business Planning Cycle

Ensure programs are inclusive and meet legislative requirements. Advertise programs widely and include clause on the inclusion of PWD’s. Liaise with other groups, Disability Services Commission, Local Area Co-ordinators and Leisure Services to ensure services are being offered to the target group.	MSDS, DCD, MLS	Ongoing
Provide Planning and Building information sheets and information on the website.	MDS	Ongoing
Identify people in the community who need assistance with waste collection and recycling bins and other such services. Personalise services to cater for PWD’s if appropriate.	MCS /MHES	Ongoing
Ensure parking local laws provide adequate disability bays and penalties for misuse of bays. Monitor and enforce the parking local law. Provide individualised attention to residents with disabilities if appropriate	MRS	Ongoing

Outcome 2: Have the same opportunity as others to access Buildings and Facilities of the public authority

Strategies	Responsible Team	Timeframe	Current Status	Proposed Action
Planned new Council facilities are to exceed Australian standards. Civic Centre refurbishment Remedial action to be undertaken on existing facilities in accordance with revised remedial works plan. Conduct bi-annual audits of publicly owned buildings and facilities and carry out remedial works to ensure the facilities are practically accessible. Encourage & acknowledge businesses in the Town that improve access (at their expense) to their buildings. To promote accessible places in the Town of Bassendean by compiling and distributing materials in appropriate formats. Implement special projects such as ‘You’re Welcome’ to provide accurate information to PWD about the accessibility of council facilities, local businesses and services.	Manager Asset Services CEO DCD,	Remedial works determined by audit & allocated budget Updated lists/Brochures
Hyde Retirement Village (HRV) access maintenance to be replaced as needed. Additional handrails to be located around HRV as required. Ensure hazard management compliance for all Town of Bassendean facilities.	Asset Services CV&CT Services	Remedial works determined by audit, priority & allocated budget
All significant events of the Town to be conducted in venues that are accessible to people with disabilities. e..g. Australia Day Fireworks, Multicultural Food Fair, and other events, Leisure Courses, etc.	Managers	Ongoing
Ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA - as amended) for all new buildings and significant alterations/additions.	PBS	Ongoing/ specified within project briefs
People with disabilities to be informed that alternative arrangements for removal of rubbish can be made upon request	Health & Environmental Services	Ongoing programme -in place since 1985

Continue annual program of remedial works to ensure that all Council buildings and facilities are continuously upgraded to provide access in keeping with the updated provisions of the BCA and the relevant Australian Standards. Ensure new works exceed disability access standards. Continue annual footpath renewal program that complies with Standards requirements	Asset Services	Remedial works determined by audit, priority & allocated budget
Council to maintain knowledge of the review processes of adopted Australian Standards and ensure that submissions are made seeking changes to the Standards to make facilities practically accessible.	DAIC & Council	Ongoing

Outcome 3 Will receive information in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it.

Strategies	Responsible Team	Timeframe	Current Status	Proposed Action
Council website to be reviewed for ease of access to Council information, use of graphics and other aids if needed. Advertising of events and invitations that are inclusive for people with disabilities Advertising of TTY availability	ISO	Ongoing
Website to be user friendly for people with vision impairments and to contain relevant information for people with disabilities. TTY to be used as required and advertised to the community through the Bassendean Briefings.	ISO MCCS	Ongoing
14 pt font size to be used wherever possible. Information to be provided to the public including people with disabilities and their carers/families.	CEO & Managers	Ongoing
Leisure courses and public events to be advertised in clear brochures and provided in alternate formats.	MLS	Ongoing
Council facilities such as the library & customer services to include a variety of materials in various formats e.g. Large print, audio tapes, video, DVD’s, etc.	MLIS & MCCS	Ongoing
Advertise & use TTY and appropriate IT tools when required. Ensure all information formats meet disability standards.	CEO & Managers	Ongoing
Information provided to households to be clear and legible with contrasting colours and published on the website. Internet access to be promoted to PWD, their families and their carers	ISO/EA	Ongoing
The Town’s corporate documents such as the Strategic and other corporate Plans, are informative and comply to disability standards.	CEO	Ongoing
All Council electorial material to be accessible to all..	CEO	Ongoing

Outcome 4 Receive the same level and quality of service from the staff of Bassendean as other people receive from the staff of that public authority

Strategies	Responsible Team	Timeframe	Current Status	Proposed Action
All staff to receive compulsory disability awareness training as part of their orientation/professional development. Refresher courses to be conducted every three years	DCS Managers/HRO	Ongoing
DAIC members will assist with the development of a training package and recommend other relevant organisations	DCD & MSDS	ongoing
Council members and volunteers to be given the opportunity to attend disability awareness training	CEO & Managers	ongoing
Commitment to all members of the local community in Council documents ensuring clear understanding that people with disabilities are included, as stated in the Vision 2030 Community Plan	CEO & Managers	ongoing
TTY Training for Customer Service staff	HR & ISO	ongoing

Outcome 5 Have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to a public authority.

Strategies

Responsible Team

Timeframe

Current Status

Proposed Action

The Disability Access & Inclusion Committee is to include PWD and their carers as one vehicle for Council consultations.

Grievance procedures to be advertised in various avenues including internet (Town’s website) and Bassendean Briefings.

EA/CEO
MSDS/DCD

Ongoing- within election cycle
Ongoing

The DCD to convene meetings of the DAIC and implement recommendations.

Business Units to adhere to the Town Complaint Handing Manual and grievance procedures.

DCD
Managers

Ongoing

Outcome 6 Have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation by a public authority.

Strategies	Responsible Team	Timeframe	Current Status	Proposed Action
Election advertising is to offer assistance for PWD to cast votes in the election. Postal voting to be used to maximise vote from PWDs. The internet to be accessible by PWD.	EA/CEO MSDS/DCD	Ongoing- within election cycle Ongoing
Community Transport & S&DS to assist PWD to access transport services if required to defined Council events/meetings	CVCT, MSDS	Ongoing
The DCD to convene meetings of the DAIC and implement recommendations.	DCD Managers	Ongoing
When undertaking community consultations, the Town will ensure that the information and processes are in accessible format to ensure the consultations are inclusive for all. DAIC to have a representative attend the public events meetings of Council. Officers are to ensure that community consultation mechanisms allow PWD’s capacity to input into the consultation process.	Managers DCD CMT	Ongoing Ongoing
PWD to provide feedback to Town’s staff on required improvements to the Town’s physical infrastructure and HRV if required. DAIC to be main avenue for consultation.	DAIC M Asset Services	Determined by audit priority & allocated budget