With the aim of offering people with a disability the same access to recreation opportunities and to participate fully in community life, Armidale has introduced a Recreational Access Project.
Sponsored by Council and funded by Aged and Disability Services, the program enables people aged 16 to 65, who have a disability, to join in a wide range of activities. These include lawn bowls, gymnasium, ten pin bowling, tai chi, as well as social activities, such as clubs, movies, dinner outings and games. Each year a group travels to Sydney to compete in the annual City to Surf Fun Run.
Among other activities, the New England branch of Sailability conducts sailing sessions in Access Dinghies on Malpas Dam. This activity has proved so popular that Council’s Access Advisory Committee is now seeking funding or sponsorship for a fourth dinghy.
Coordinator of the Project, Steve Austin, said that it is vital that people with disabilities can be part of the community. “Accessibility is the key to ensuring this,” he said. Council is also assisting the program by addressing the issue of access to facilities and for all new development applications.
The Access Advisory Committee, which includes people with a variety of disabilities meets bimonthly. It recommends any changes it thinks appropriate to Council. Other initiatives include school visits to increase awareness of disability issues, and successful accreditation as Access Adviser by the ACCESS Institute of NSW.
For further information contact Steve Austin, telephone (02) 6770 3600
