Staff development has provided the key to increasing access to Hume’s recreational facilities. Recreation Services Manager Peter Utri said the City has taken the view that people with disabilities are better served by having greater access to a wide range of services rather than relying on special programs.
Staff working in leisure services have received training from staff at the Yooralla Society providing them with the confidence and skills to interact with clients with disabilities. “This ensures that access by people with disabilities will be neither confronting nor hazardous for users and staff,” Peter Utri said
The City recently held two ‘Nikhedonia Dance and Drama Days. Nikhedonia being the pleasure gained from anticipated success, activities included improvisation and dance on wheels, and movement and dance for people with intellectual disabilities.
Council also created a Turning the Tables Tea Room’ cafe at the Broadmeadows Leisure Centre for Nikhedonia. At this giant cafe able bodied people experienced many of the difficulties which daily confront those with disabilities.
As part of Community Safety Week Council also hosted the fun based ‘diversAbility Day’ featuring chairobics and modified tai chi, line dancing, and boccia.
A sure sign of the success of the City’s strategy is the increasing demand for additional car parking spaces at Hume’s Leisure Centres for people with disabilities. An access audit has been undertaken to check all buildings for hindrances to those with disabilities.
For further information contact Peter Utri, telephone (03) 9205 2200
