A guide to assist councils with their obligations for disability inclusion was launched recently in Brisbane. The Disability Inclusion Planning – A Guide for Local Government, provides information and tools to help councils update, develop and implement inclusive policies and practices to ensure people with disability have equal access to services and facilities in their local government areas.
Assistant Minister for Social Services, Jane Prentice, said the guide was an important tool supporting the National Disability Strategy, which focuses on improving the lives of people with disability.
Councils are encouraged to develop or update their Disability Access and Inclusion Plans using the guide, which can be downloaded on the Australian Local Government Council (ALGA) website.
Improving accessibility and inclusiveness is a key priority for Brisbane with the City Council investing more than $27 million this financial year. The city has already delivered a 100 per cent accessibility bus fleet and is in the process of upgrading all ferry terminals and bus stops to be fully accessible.
Pictured is Assistant Minister for Social Services, Jane Prentice with ALGA vice-president Mayor Doug Shipman, left and Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.