DISABILITY ACCESS AND ACTION PLAN


Throughout 2012-2013, Horsham Rural City Council has undertaken an extensive review of the Disability Access and Action Plan and a draft plan has now been prepared. In preparing this plan, the following process was followed:


Steering Committee comprising of representation from Council, disability service providers and community members, formed to oversee all stages of development of the plan


Staff Reference Group formed to identify knowledge, issues, needs and opportunities


Staff focus groups formed to develop actions for the plan


Two community focus groups held in Horsham - 34 people in attendance


One session held with the Wimmera Disability Access Forum One-on-one interviews held with service providers, disability


groups, people with a disability and parents/carers in Horsham and surrounding areas


Staff and community surveys conducted (paper copy and on-line) resulting in over 100 responses


Research conducted on legislative requirements, government directions, State-wide trends, statistics, etc Public exhibition of draft Disability Access and Action Plan


Extensive consultation, including consideration of human rights issues has occurred throughout the development of this important plan. A consultation draft has been made available to the public and feedback will be incorporated into the plan prior to final adoption by Council.


COMMUNICATION


Throughout the consultation process that occurred when developing the draft Disability Access and Action Plan, it was identified that not everyone reads the newspaper and that information to the public should be provided in a variety of formats. To address this issue, we now provide information on noticeboards at disability service providers Axis Worx and Wimmera Uniting Care Disability Support Services. We also use the radio to communicate wherever possible.


It was also identified that some people require assistance with completing surveys. We now offer one-on-one interviews to ensure that all people in the community are given an opportunity to provide input and feedback to Council on matters that are important to them.


ANNUAL REPORT 2012 - 2013 41


POLICIES AND PROCEDURES


This year a policy framework setting out the parameters for policy development, review and approval, was adopted by Council. Staff from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission were consulted and provided important input into the framework prior to adoption.


JELLYBEANS MULTI CULTURAL PLAYGROUP


Jellybeans is a multicultural playgroup that is run by Horsham Rural City Council. Jellybeans is supported by the Wimmera Settlement Program and a team of volunteers. Sessions are held fortnightly throughout school terms. Jellybeans offers an opportunity for children from different cultures to have fun, make new friends and develop new skills through informal play. It also provides a social opportunity for parents and carers.


TRAINING


Arrangements have been made for staff from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to deliver training to Council staff in August 2013. This mandatory training will be provided to Councillors and all staff including managers, indoor, outdoor and home care staff.


WRITING ON THE WALL


The writing on the wall project worked with our Indigenous and migrant communities to develop 15 lasting public artworks in Horsham.


The project engaged 15 young people through a creative process (see page 21).


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