City of Nedlands
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
2013/14 – 2017/18
This plan is available in alternative formats such as large print, electronic format
(disc or emailed), audio or Braille on request.
Page | 1
Contents
1. Overview
3
2. Community Benefits
3
3. Legislation
4
4. Defining Disability
5
5. The Incidence of Disability
6
6. Consultation
6.1 Advice from Access Working Group
6.2 General Community Consultation
6.3 Consulting City Departments
6
7. Action Plan
9
8. Reporting
9
Page | 2
1.
Overview
The City of Nedlands’ Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2013/14 – 2017/18 is a key strategic document outlining the City’s
approach to working towards a more accessible and inclusive community.
The City is required by legislation to:
 Maintain a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan;
 Address seven specific outcome areas in the plan; and
 Report to the Disability Services Commission annually on progress against the plan.
While the City is required by legislation to maintain and implement a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, direct community benefits
also result from the City’s commitment to access and inclusion.
2.
Community Benefits
Many individuals and groups within the community benefit from measures designed to create a more inclusive and accessible
community. For example, automatically opening doors, designed to facilitate wheelchair entry into a building, also assist the person
carrying a heavy load of books or the parent pushing a pram. Information that meets access guidelines is generally easier for
everyone to read. Perhaps the most significant benefit of a more accessible, inclusive community is that community participation is
maximised. A community where the maximum number of people are able to work, play, shop, recreate and participate fully in
community life is a productive, healthy and connected community.
While the emphasis in the legislation is on ensuring access by people with disabilities, measures to ensure access and inclusion
benefit and strengthen the whole community.
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3.
Legislation
Western Australian Disability Services Act 1993
The Western Australian Disability Services Act 1993 (amended 2004 and 2012) requires public authorities to develop and
implement a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) that will further the principles and objectives of the Act. This means
ensuring that people with disabilities can access services provided by the public authority; and that these services facilitate
increased independence, opportunities and inclusion of people with disabilities in the community. The WA Disability Services Act
requires that the City’s DAIP addresses the following seven specific outcome areas:

Outcome 1: Services and Events: that people with disability have the same opportunity as other people to access the
services of, and any events organised by, the City of Nedlands.

Outcome 2: Buildings and Other Facilities: that people with disability have the same opportunity as other people to
access buildings and other facilities of the City of Nedlands.

Outcome 3: Information: that people with disability receive information from the City of Nedlands in a format that will enable
them to access the information as readily as other people are able to access it.

Outcome 4: Services: that people with disability receive the same level and quality of services from the staff as other
people receive from the City of Nedlands.

Outcome 5: Complaints: that people with disability have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to the
City of Nedlands.

Outcome 6: Consultation: that people with disability have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any
public consultation by the City of Nedlands.

Outcome 7: Employment: that people with disability have the same opportunities as other people to obtain and maintain
employment with the City of Nedlands.
Therefore the action plan has been structured to address the seven outcomes areas listed above.
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Local Government Act 1995
Part 3 of the Local Government Act (1995) describes the general, legislative and executive functions of local government. Section
3.1 states that “The general function of a local government is to provide for the good government of persons in its district”.
The 1995 Act is based on the principle of general competencies – that is, local governments can do what is required for good for
the people of the district, provided that this is not specifically prohibited by the Act or other laws. This is in contrast to the Local
Government Act 1960, which was based on the principle of ultra vires, meaning that Councils could only do what was stated in the
Act. This is a significant shift, with legislation changing from a regulatory to an enabling role, thereby providing the capacity for
local governments to respond to the needs of their local communities.
The Local Government Act (1995) therefore supports and enables local governments to take an active role in addressing the needs
of people with disabilities, not only because they are required to do so by statute, but because addressing these needs has general
community benefits.
Other Legislation
As members of the community, people with disabilities, their families and carers have the same rights as other people to access
local government services. These rights are enshrined in both State and Commonwealth legislation that makes it unlawful to
discriminate against a person with a disability. Legislation outlawing discrimination includes the Commonwealth Disability
Discrimination Act (1992) and the Western Australian Equal Opportunities Act (1984).
4.
Defining Disability
The WA Disability Services Act (1993) defines disability as a condition that:
 is attributed to an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments
 is permanent or likely to be permanent
 may or may not be episodic in nature; and
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
5.
results in a substantially reduced capacity for communication, social interaction learning or mobility and a need for
continuing support services.
The Incidence of Disability
National
The 2009 ABS Survey of Disability, Aging and Carers (SCAC) states that 4,000,000 people in Australia (18.5%) report having a
disability. Another 2,632,100 (12.2%) of people in Australia are carers for a person with a disability.
State
In Western Australia, 405,500 (20.6%) of people reported having a disability. An additional 246,800 people (12.6%) are carers of a
person with a disability. Allowing for some degree of overlap (i.e. some people with disabilities are also carers), it can be estimated
that approximately 30% of people in WA are profoundly impacted by disability, either as a person with disability or as a carer for a
person with disability. Therefore approximately 1 in 3 Western Australians and profoundly impacted by disability.
Increasing incidence of disability
The number of people with disability in Western Australia is increasing. This is due mainly to the ageing population. While age itself
is not a disability, the incidence of disability increases with age. The number and percentage of people with disability will increase
substantially as the ‘baby boomer’ generation moves into the older age groups and acquires disabilities. In addition, medical and
technical advances have resulted in an increased life expectancy for people with disabilities. According to the ABS, 51% of Western
Australian over 60 years of age have a disability, while the rate is 81% for those aged 85 years and over. With the prevalence of
disability in Australia increasing, it is estimated that 1 in 4 Western Australians will have a disability by 2026.
6.
Consultation
Consultation for this plan involved:
 Advice from the City’s Access Working Group
 An Access and Inclusion Survey – available on-line and in hard copy
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

6.1
Direct approach to a range of local service providers
Consultation with City departments.
Advice from Access Working Group
The City’s Access Working Group gave the following advice on preparing this plan:
 Keep it simple!
 Less is more – a shorter plan that is action based is best
 Ensure actions are specific and can be objectively reported against as either achieved or not achieved
 Ensure that responsibility for each action is clearly shown, for accountability
 Ensure the plan is available in accessible formats.
6.2
Access and Inclusion Survey
The survey was made available on-line and in hard copy of a range of City outlets and events. 35 people completed the survey. Of
these:
 70% of respondents were aware of the City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
 9% of respondents were persons with a disability, 27% were carers or friends of a person with a disability, 23% were from a
disability service organisation and 40% were interested community members
The key results are provided below:
 95% stated they do not experience difficulties or barriers when dealing with employees from the City
 80% did not experience barriers when accessing the City’s buildings and facilities
 79% did not experience barriers when attending the City’s community events
 70% rated access to the City’s buildings and facilities as good or very good
 68% rated the City as good or very good in terms of being inclusive
 67% rated their level of satisfaction with the City’s customer service as good or very good
 65% rated the City’s level of being an inclusive community as good or very good
 63% rated the City’s information as good or very good
 82% stated they have the same opportunity as others to participate in consultation
 44% rated accessibility of businesses within the City as good or very good, with 50% rating them as average and 6% as poor
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
43% were aware that the City offers grants for projects that benefit local people with disabilities
The survey results are generally positive and show the value of the City’s focus on systematically improving access to services and
facilities to date. The positive results include satisfaction ratings of dealing with City employees (95%), accessing the City’s
buildings and facilities (80%) and accessing the City’s events (79%).
Areas for improvement include lower satisfaction rating for awareness of the City’s disability related grants (43%), accessibility of
businesses within the City (44%) and accessibility of the City’s information (63%).
While the number of participants in the survey is relatively small, the results provide valuable information from community
members. Detailed feedback from the survey will be provided to City departments and local businesses, so improvements to
access can continue to be made. This plan includes actions that will continue to improve access and inclusion across all of the
seven specific outcomes areas specified in the Disability Services Act WA. These actions include a specific focus on improving the
City’s provision of accessible information.
6.3
Consultation of City Departments
City departments were consulted intensively on the inclusion of actions into this plan. The following business units have identified
actions for inclusion in the plan:
 Libraries
 Nedlands Community Care (Aged care)
 Point Resolution Child Care
 Communications
 Community Engagement
 Parks Department
 Engineering
 Sustainable Environment
 Customer Service
 Property Services
 Human Resources
 Community Events
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7. Action Plan
The following action plan addresses the seven specific outcomes areas listed in the Disability Services Act. The Act requires that
people with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to access the:
 Services and events
 Buildings and facilities
 Information
 Level and quality of services
 Complaints process
 Public consultation and
 Employment provided by the City.
Therefore the action plan is structured under the headings of the seven outcome areas. Responsibility for ensuring the
implementation of each action is allocated to a senior officer position, to ensure accountability.
7.1
Communicating the plan to the community
The community will be advised through local print and the City’s website that copies of the plan are available upon request and in
alternative formats if required. This will include hard copy in standard and large print, electronic format, audio format on cassette or
CD, Braille, email and on the City’s website and intranet.
Hard copies of the DAIP will also be available at reception in the City’s administration building and at all customer service centres.
As the City amends the DAIP, the community will be advised of the availability of updated plans, using the same communication
methods.
8. Reporting
The City will report to the Disability Services Commission annually on achievement against the actions listed in this plan.
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Outcome 1: Services and Events
People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of and any events
organised by the City of Nedlands.
Action
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
Responsible
Officer
Develop a checklist for
accessible events and
make available to officers
organising the City’s
community events.
Ensure officers organising
City’s community events
are aware of and use the
City’s accessible events
checklist.
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
Manager
Community
Development




Manager
Community
Development
Provide a Books on Wheels
to eligible housebound
residents.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide a bus service to
access the library
collections for eligible
residents.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide a Large Print
Collection at the Nedlands
and Mt Claremont Libraries.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide a Talking Book
Collection at the Nedlands
and Mt Claremont Libraries.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide an online
downloadable e-Audio book
collection through the
Library Service.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide two wheelchair
accessible PCs for public
use at the Nedlands





Manager
Community
Service Centres
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Library.
Provide an image enhancer
for public use at the
Nedlands and Mt
Claremont Libraries.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide a modified bus for
eligible community
members to access the
services provided by
Nedlands Community Care.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide Well Aged
programs for the
community.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide an audio loop for
hearing impaired clients in
Centre Based Day Care
facility.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Provide technology classes
and/or workshops at
Nedlands Community Care.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
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Provide social activities
aimed at inclusion and
preventing social isolation.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
Ensure PROCC Child Care
Coordinator is trained in
providing services to
children with disabilities.





Manager
Community
Service Centres
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Outcome 2: Buildings and Facilities
People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access the buildings and other facilities
provided by the City of Nedlands.
Action
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
Responsible
Officer
Melvista Pre School provide accessible WC and
general accessibility to and
within.

Manager
Property Services
John Leckie Pavilion - fit
automated door to the
accessible WC.

Manager
Property Services
John Leckie Pavilion additional accessible
parking bay to the car park.

Manager
Property Services
Allan Park Pavilion improve accessibility to and
within.

Manager
Property Services
Dalkeith Hall – provide
ramp and toilets, improve

Manager
Page | 14
general accessibility.
Property Services

Mount Claremont
Community Centre –
ensure accessibility from
the street and parking bays.
Construction of All Abilities
Play Space at Beaton Park
improving access to
facilities.

Upgrade Harris Park
playground Swanbourne to
AS and improved access
for 0 - 5 year olds.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade Campsie Park
playground Nedlands up to
AS and improved access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade Tresillian Centre
Nedlands Crèche playground to AS and equal
access specifications.

Manager Park
Services
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

Manager
Property Services


Manager Park
Services
Install internal dual use
path on David Cruickshank
Reserve Dalkeith to
improve park access.

Manager Park
Services
Install solar powered
lighting in Directors
Gardens Mt Claremont to
improve access and safety

Manager Park
Services
Install lighting in Highview
Park Car Park Nedlands to
improve security, safety
and access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground in New
Court Gardens Mt
Claremont to AS and
improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground on
Brockman Reserve Dalkeith
to AS and improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground on
Paiera Park Mt Claremont

Manager Park
Services
Page | 16
to AS and improve access.
Upgrade playground on
Hollywood Tennis Reserve
Nedlands to AS and
improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Install bollard lighting to
internal dual use path on
College Park Nedlands to
improve access and safety.

Manager Park
Services
Baines Park Swanbourne –
link path from Harris Park to
gazebo and BBQ (100m) to
improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Harris Park Swanbourne –
link path from Saltspray to
Seaward Ave (135m) to
improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Install internal dual use
path on Melvista Oval
Nedlands to improve

Manager Park
Services
Page | 17
access.
Upgrade playground on
Strickland St Reserve Mt
Claremont to AS and
improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground at Mt
Claremont Community to
AS and improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground in St
Peters Square Gardens Mt
Claremont to AS and
improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground in
Blain Park Dalkeith to AS
along and improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Install dual use path on
Allen Park Swanbourne to
improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade T-swing and install
softfall in playground on
Page | 18

Manager Park
Services
Allen Park Swanbourne to
AS and improve access.
Upgrade playground in
Swanbourne Estate to AS
and improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground in
College Park Nedlands to
AS and improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground on
Charles Court Reserve
Nedlands) to AS improve
access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade playground in
Hamilton Park Swanbourne
to AS and improve access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade fitness equipment
on Melvista Oval Nedlands
to include softfall for
improved access.

Manager Park
Services
Upgrade fitness equipment

Manager Park
Services
Page | 19
on College Park Nedlands
to include softfall for
improved access.
Identify and map existing
bushland walking trails
within the Bushland
Management Plan that are
suitable for disability
access.

Provide labelling of
disability access within
promotional material for the
Whadjuk Trails network.

Develop website
information on existing
bushland trails that are
suitable for disability
access.
Undertake a footpath audit
of the City on a biannual
basis (Footpaths 1.5 width
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
Manager
Sustainable
Environment

Manager
Sustainable
Environment

Manager
Sustainable
Environment


Manager
Engineering
Services
& under).
Create criteria for ranking of
footpaths.

Manager
Engineering
Services
Create a 5 year forward
works program for capital
works & replacement
works.

Manager
Engineering
Services
Undertake audit of shared
path strategy 2002-2012.

Develop shared path
strategy 2012 - 2022.

Manager
Engineering
Services
Create criteria for ranking
location of shared paths.

Manager
Engineering
Services
Create a forward works
program for capital works.

Manager
Engineering
Services
Page | 21

Manager
Engineering
Services
Develop a spreadsheet for
footpath requests from
people with disabilities.

Create criteria for ranking of
requests and a priority
submission for budget
submissions to Council on
an annual basis.





Manager
Engineering
Services
Provide training for staff on
awareness of providing
access for people with
disabilities.





Manager
Engineering
Services
Ensure relevant Parks staff
are aware of City’s
requirements for accessible
information.





Manager Park
Services
Page | 22
Manager
Engineering
Services
Outcome 3: Information
People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to access information provided by the City of
Nedlands.
Action
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
Responsible
Officer
Test website for:

Director
Community and
Organisational
Development
- Simple and intuitive
use
- Ability to be accessed
by screen readers
- Ability to be navigated
without use of a
mouse
Test for accessibility of
website with Access
Working Group annually.

Include a notification on the
website and on printed

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



Director
Community and
Organisational
Development
Director
Community and
publications that
information is available in a
variety of accessible
formats.
Organisational
Development

Research options for
providing training on
accessible website
communication methods
and develop ‘cheat sheet’
to assist staff.
Provide awareness
program/annual training for
managers and staff on
accessible information.

Review style guide to
ensure it meets
accessibility requirements.

Page | 24

Director
Community and
Organisational
Development



Director
Community and
Organisational
Development
Director
Community and
Organisational
Development
Outcome 4: Service from staff
People with disabilities receive the same level and quality of services from the staff of the City of Nedlands as
other people receive from the City of Nedlands.
Action
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
Responsible
Officer
Ensure that contractors are
complying with the City’s
DAIP requirements by
completing and submitting
the annual ‘City of
Nedlands DAIP –
Contractors Access
Report’.





Manager Park
Services
Organise annual DAIP
awareness training/session
for Park Services
administration and
operational staff.





Manager Park
Services
Undertake disability
awareness training for front
counter staff and Ranger

Page | 25
Manager
Corporate
staff.
Services
Develop information for the
City’s website regarding
ACROD parking within the
City of Nedlands.

Manager
Corporate
Services
Provide Information on the
City’s website on making
Freedom of Information
Applications.

Manager
Corporate
Services
Review facilities and
services available at Front
Counter to ensure access
to services by people with a
disability.
Install/upgrade facilities at
Front Counter following
review to enable equitable
access and customer
service levels.
Page | 26

Manager
Corporate
Services

Manager
Corporate
Services
Outcome 5: Complaints
People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to make complaints to the City of Nedlands.
Action
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
Responsible
Officer
Undertake disability
awareness training for front
counter staff, records staff
and Rangers staff.
Review complaints process
and associated facilities to
ensure access by all,
including people with a
disability.
Install/upgrade facilities at
Front Counter/request
changes to website
following review to enable
equitable access to making
complaints.
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
Manager
Corporate
Services

Manager
Corporate
Services

Manager
Corporate
Services
Outcome 6: Public Consultation
People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation by the
City of Nedlands.
Action
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
Responsible
Officer
Relevant Park Services
consultation information for
public distribution to be
made available in an
accessible format as part of
the Community
Engagement Plan for each
capital project.





Manager Park
Services
Review the City’s
Community Engagement
Plan template to ensure
that accessibility
requirements are
considering at the planning
stage.





Director
Community and
Organisational
Development
Page | 28
Consult the City’s Access
Working group on ways to
engage people with a
disability in consultations.



Director
Community and
Organisational
Development
Undertake training in
accessible information and
engagement (if available).



Director
Community and
Organisational
Development

Director
Community and
Organisational
Development
Ensure the Community
Engagement Coordinator is
trained in accessible
information.
Page | 29



Outcome 7: Employment
People with disability have the same opportunities as other people to obtain and maintain employment with the
City of Nedlands.
Action
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2017/18
Responsible
Officer
Develop corporate training
calendar that includes
disability awareness
training opportunities for
staff.

Manager Human
Resources
Liaise with Community
Development Officer
(Access) to determine
suitable disability access
training opportunities for
staff.

Manager Human
Resources
Provide disability
awareness training
opportunity for staff

Page | 30




Manager Human
Resources