With almost one fifth of Australians living with some form of impairment, and one in 12 children suffering a disability, Local Government must do more to ensure full and free access is available to everyone.
This was the message of comedian and activist for people with disabilities, Wendy Harmer, when she addressed delegates at the Local Government Association of New South Wales Conference last October.
“Local Government has a commitment to include people with disabilities in all its thoughts and endeavours,” she said.
“People with disabilities have a right to access all services and facilities and all councils must do more to enable this to happen. We cannot leave the issue to the welfare department or there will be little progress.
“It is the responsibility of every Minister, every department, every council, Mayor and Councillor. It must be on the agenda of everyone.”
As a starting point, Wendy Harmer said Local Government should assess how accessible its playgrounds are.
“This doesn’t mean providing equipment that requires a key to be picked up from council chambers before it can be used, it means full time, permanently accessible equipment,” she said. “Look at your pools, changing rooms and toilets. Are these accessible for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues?
“Invite the local media and the wider community to come along and draw attention to how difficult it can be for people with disabilities to navigate certain environments, so there is a greater awareness of what people with a disability endure.”
Wendy Harmer suggested councils develop disability friendly precincts.
“Not only will your own residents benefit, but you can encourage tourism for people with disabilities by improving access at the local beach, parks, libraries, footpaths, council chambers, meeting rooms and so forth,” she said.
In closing, Wendy Harmer asked delegates to also consider how many disabled people their organisation employs.
“Could you be doing more?” she asked.
