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INTRODUCTION
Hume City Council is proud to be advancing the commitment to participation and wellbeing
of people with disabilities through the development of this action plan. The Hume City
Council Disability Action Plan 2012-2016 (DAP) continues and enhances Council’s work in
this area. The conclusion of the Social Justice Charter Action Plan – People with Disabilities
2007/08 – 2009/10 was an opportunity for Council to review outcomes and prioritise actions
for the next four years.
This draft DAP has been developed after extensive review and community and stakeholder
consultation. This action plan is a tool for Council to plan and implement programs, services
and events and remove barriers to access for people with disabilities.
Disability Action Plans (DAP’s) are a requirement for Victorian Local Government authorities
under the Victorian Disability Act 2006. The Victorian Disability Act 2006 (section 38)
requires public sector bodies, including local government to prepare a DAP.
Access and inclusion for all, has long been a key theme across the local government sector.
Hume City Council has been a leader in this area with the adoption of the Social Justice
Charter in 2001.This DAPis a commitment from Council to ensure practical implementation
is a key focus and achievements that can be easily monitored by all levels of government
and communities.
This document was developed in three stages:



Review of Social Justice Charter Action Plan – People with Disabilities 2007/08 –
2009/10 (reported outcomes are included in the Social Justice Charter Annual Report
2010);
The Development of a discussion paper which reviewed State and Federal
Government legislation and policy direction and considered Council’s previous
outcomes and future actions. The discussion paper informed and guided the
community and stakeholder consultation;
Community and key stakeholder consultation forums and individual interviews.
This draft of the DAP is now open for the second phase of community and key stakeholder
feedback.
The community and key stakeholder feedback on this draft will be considered and the final
version of Hume City Council Disability Action Plan 2012-2016 will be presented to Council
for adoption in April 2012.
Once the final draft has been adopted by Council, actions included in the DAP will be
monitored and reviewed annually. Consistent with the requirements under the Victorian
Disability Act 2006, the DAP progress and outcomes will be reported through the Hume City
Council Annual Report.
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FEEDBACK
Feedback or comments can be forwarded to Andrew Tranter - Metro Access Officer
via email to andrewtr@hume.vic.gov.au.
or
Ph 9205 2485.
Please forward all feedback and comments by 5pm Friday 9th March 2012
GUIDING LEGISLATION
The Hume City Council Disability Action Plan 2012 – 2016 is developed in accordance with
the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Disability Act 2006, and relevant Australian
Standards for Access and Mobility A1428 and the Charter of Human Rights and
Responsibilities Act Vic (2006)
The Victorian Disability Act 2006 (section 38) requires public sector bodies, including local
government, to prepare a DAP for the purposes of:
•
•
•
•
Reducing barriers to people with disabilities accessing goods, services and facilities;
Reducing barriers to people with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment;
Promoting inclusion and participation in the community of people with a disability;
Achieving tangible changes in attitudes and practices which discriminate against
people with a disability.
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SOCIAL JUSTICE FRAMEWORK
In addition to the legislation requirements, this DAP has been developed within Hume City
Council’s Social Justice Policy Framework. This DAPis underpinned by the concept of Social
Justice with four inter-connected and overlapping elements:
Principles — Influence the process and actions;
Rights — The Citizen’s Bill of Rights, incorporating The Charter of Human Rights and
Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic);
Actions — Includes Council action plans and strategies;
Accountability — Monitoring of progress and annual reporting.
The Social Justice Framework assists Councillors and officers to apply social justice values
when making policy and providing services to Hume community.
Figure One: Social Justice Policy Framework
Social Justice is:
i.
Every effort should be made to reduce economic and social inequality;
ii.
All people should be guaranteed equal human rights;
iii.
All people should be enabled to participate fully in society;
iv.
A just society understands that actions and experiences of the past and current
decisions and activities affect future generations.
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DISABILITY PROFILE IN HUME CITY
According to the 2006 Census, 4.1% of Hume residents require assistance in their day to
day needs for self-care, body movements or communication because of a disability or longterm health condition. This is slightly above the Melbourne average of 4.0% (ABS, 2006
Census).
The Broadmeadows Statistical Local Area (SLA) within Hume is recorded as the most
disadvantaged in Victoria (ABS, 2006 Census).The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
has found that people living in the most disadvantaged quintile of Melbourne were twice as
likely to have severe disability (2.8%) as those living in the most advantaged quintile (1.4%).
Within Melbourne, this study found that the Broadmeadows SLA has the largest proportion
of persons aged 0 to 64 years experiencing a severe disability (3.9% of the population) when
compared to all SLAs within Melbourne’s Statistical Division (AIHW, The geography of
disability and economic disadvantage in Australian capital cities, 2009).
THEMES FOR THE DISABILITY ACTION PLAN
Three themes are to be addressed through this Disability Action Plan (DAP). These themes
are reflected in Hume City Council’s Social Justice Charter and its previous Social Justice
Charter Action Plan – People with Disabilities 2007/08 -2009/10. Two of the previous themes
‘Access & Opportunity’ and ‘Participate’ have been combined into one entitled ‘Access and
Participation’. This change is a direct result of the community and stakeholder consultation
Council conducted to evaluate the previous Social Justice Charter Action Plans.
The three themes are listed below, with a short description about what is intended by each
theme.
Inform – It is vital that people with disabilities and their carers are informed about the DAP,
are consulted in its development and are informed about the services and programs Council
offers. In addition, this theme provides actions to increase the communication between
Council and people with disabilities and improve the capacity for people with disabilities to
find the information they need in the way that is most effective and relevant.
Access and Participation – For people with disabilities and their carers to be supported in
their endeavours, it is important they are able to access the services and programs
available. Part of this theme focuses on physical access to Council buildings and facilities,
while other sections of this theme focus on ways to increase the participation of people with
disabilities in events, decision-making and services.
Advocacy – A key role of Council, in partnership with people with disabilities and community
agencies, is to ensure other levels of government and relevant parties are aware of the
issues faced by people with disabilities and their carers in Hume City. This theme identifies a
range of experiences, needs and issues that Council will raise with other parties including
the State and Federal Governments in order to increase funding, services and improved
outcomes for the Hume community.
An objective for each of the above themes has been developed to capture the essence of
the themes and to inform the strategies and specific actions outlined in the following sections
of this plan.
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Objectives and Key Performance Indicators
Objectives
Inform community members and
service providers about the role of
Council and the services provided.
Key Performance Indicator
Measure
Target
Provide accessible formatted
communication and symbols on printed
documents.
70% of Council published documents
will be available in accessible format
and will be identified with appropriate
access symbols by June 2016
Continued improvement of Council’s
websites to include accessible formats.
Annual assessment of website
undertaken in consultation with
community.
Hume City Council Disability Directory
Biannual review and update of
Council’s Disability Services
Directory.
Support and expansion of Hume
Disability Issues Group.
Hume Disability Issues Group to
meet 10 times annually in 2012/13,
moving to quarterly meetings by
2016.
Inform
Inform Council of ongoing and
emerging needs of people with
disabilities.
Audit Council staff disability awareness
training needs and link to My Hume
Review staff appraisal process.
Enhance social, recreation and leisure
participation for people with disabilities
through the continued expansion of
integrated and specific programs.
Access and
Participation
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Support and cultivate a range of
inclusive programs through Council’s
Community Grants Program.
Support the development of programs
that engage people with disabilities in
arts and culture, leisure and skill
development activities.
Minimum of 4 tailored disability
awareness training sessions
delivered annually.
Community information workshop
conducted annually in conjunction
with community grants program.
4 new community programs offered
annually across the municipality.
Explore funding opportunities and
partnerships to enhance integrated and
specific programs for people with
disabilities.
Explore a minimum of 5 grants and
partnership opportunities annually.
Continue to offer Job Preparation
Programs to assist people who have
experienced barriers to employment
due to mental health.
Conduct a minimum of 30 interviews
annually and target 20 job
placements annually.
Support the implementation of the
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Structured Training Program to train
and casually employ local DHS Clients.
Minimum of 10 people attending
training program annually.
Develop key recruitment strategies
encouraging participation for
Indigenous and under-represented
groups.
Minimum of five people from
disadvantaged or culturally diverse
backgrounds provided with the
opportunity to participate in
employment programs (traineeships)
annually.
Ensure access to all existing Hume City
Council community facilities.
Enhance the accessibility of Council
facilities through rolling audits and
improvements under the Disability
Action Plan Capital Works Program.
Minimum of 3 Council facilities per
year to have full access works
carried out to address accredited
Disability Access Audit reports.
Engage our community and foster
participation of people with disabilities
in civic life of the City.
Support Hume Disability Issues Group
through governance and advocacy
training.
3 professional development training
sessions held annually.
Provide training and community
education forums to support people with
disabilities to obtain skills that support
self-advocacy.
3 advocacy and/or community
forums held annually.
Facilitate and support the continued
development of education and
employment pathways for people with
disabilities.
Advocacy
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
INFORM
People with disabilities whether physical, mental or intellectual, are best served when
information of existing supports is communicated in several formats, catering to the varying
abilities of our residents. An informed and aware community enhances the opportunities for
people with disabilities to reduce barriers and therefore increase participation in social and
economic life. Enhancing knowledge within Council of the needs and capabilities of people
with disabilities advances the opportunities for informed communication and service
provision. The timely and appropriate distribution and collection of information will be a key
activity for Council.
Objective 1: Promote respect and recognition of people with disabilities through
enhanced communication between Council, people with disabilities, their carers and
the broader community.
Strategy
1.1 Inform
community
members and
service providers
about the role of
Council and the
services
provided.
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Action
1.1.1 Develop a
HCC Branding
Style Guide
including
accessible
guidelines.
Responsibility
Lead: Marketing and
Communications
Timeline
July 2012
Outcome
Improved access to
Council information.
1.1.2 Introduce
guidelines for use
of symbols on
printed documents
and Council
signage to identify
accessibility for
Council services.
1.1.3 Continue to
improve Council’s
websites to
include accessible
formats.
Lead: Marketing and
Communications
Supported by:
Customer Service
2013
Improved access to
Council information.
Lead: Organisation
Planning and
Improvement
Supported by:
Learning
Community
Leisure and Youth
Services
Ongoing
Increase usage of
Councils website by
people with
disabilities.
1.1.4 Review and
update biannually
the HCC Disability
Directory.
1.1.5 Develop a
Social Media
Policy to enhance
Council’s
information
distribution.
Lead: Social
Development
2012
2014
2016
HCC Disability
Directory updated
biannually.
Lead: Marketing and
Communications
2012
Social Media Policy
developed and
implemented.
Strategy
1.2 Inform
Council of
ongoing and
emerging needs
of people with
disabilities.
Action
1.2.1 Continue to
support and
expand the HCC
Disabilities
Issues Group.
Responsibility
Lead: Social
Development
Timeline
Annually
Outcome
Number of events /
activities offered in
partnership.
1.2.2 Use social
networking
opportunities to
engage with
Council services,
programs and
festivals.
Lead: Marketing
and
Communications
Supported by:
Social
Development
Leisure and Youth
Services
Learning
Community
Lead: Human
Resources
Supported by:
Social
Development and
Customer Service
Ongoing
Increased awareness
of Council services,
programs and festivals.
2014
Increase staff
awareness to develop
information and
services in more
accessible and
disability friendly
formats.
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Leisure and Youth
Services;
Aged Services;
Public Health;
Family and
Children’s
Services;
Learning
Community; and
Customer Service
Ongoing
Programs and
activities provided to
increase staff
engagement with
community and
enhance Council
knowledge.
Lead: Research
Supported by:
Social
Development;
Family and
Children’s
Services; Aged
Services and
Public Health; and
Customer Service
2012,
ongoing
Disability Snap Shot
includes HCC service
and program usage
data.
1.2.3 Audit
Council staff
disability
awareness
training needs
and link training
to My Hume
Review staff
appraisal
process.
1.2.4 Develop
and implement
programs and
activities that
increase Council
Officer interaction
with community
members and
service providers.
1.2.5 Explore
opportunities
within Council
services to
improve data
collection to
increase
knowledge and
evidence of
community
needs.
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Strategy
1.3 Inform the
broader
community
about the needs
and abilities of
people with
disabilities.
Action
1.3.1
Accessibility is
addressed as
part of the
planning stage
for events and
festivals.
1.3.1Develop and
implement age
appropriate
integrated
events, programs
and training to
provide
opportunities for
interaction
between people
with disabilities
and the broader
community.
Responsibility
Lead: Marketing
and
Communications
Timeline
Ongoing
Outcome
Events and festivals
are accessible and
inclusive.
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Leisure and Youth
Services; Aged
Services and
Public Health;
Learning
Community;
Family and
Children’s
Services;
Economic
Development; and
Marketing and
Communications
Ongoing
Programs and
activities provided to
increase interaction
between people with
disabilities and the
broader community.
1.3.2 Through the
Health and
Community
Service Alliance
– develop a
Disability
Partnership
Network for
service providers
to enhance
referral
pathways.
1.3.3 Distribute
the Accessible
Business Guide
to the local
business
community and
service providers
highlighting their
responsibility to
provide
accessible
buildings.
Lead: Social
2012,
Development
ongoing
Supported by:
Aged Services and
Public Health
Increased knowledge
and partnerships
developed to enhance
services.
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Economic
Development; and
Infrastructure
Planning
Local businesses are
accessible.
2012,
ongoing
“Council needs to be welcoming to people with disabilities… things like the symbols and
access ramps indicate that I’m welcome”
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ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION
Not all people with disabilities are alike. All people have specific needs, priorities and
perspectives including the type and level of support required. Council will work with people
with disabilities and their carers to identify access requirements and appropriate responses
to the unique needs of individuals. Developing and advancing strategies that systemically
remove barriers to participation by providing equitable opportunities for involvement in our
City in the social, recreation, economic and built environment is a key commitment of a just
society. The key to social inclusion is to increase participation in all spheres of influence
across the municipality.
Objective 2: To strengthen access and participation of people with disabilities within
the social, recreation, economic and built environment of our City.
Strategy
2.1 Enhance
social, recreation
and leisure
participation for
people with
disabilities
through the
continued
expansion of
integrated and
specific
programs.
Action
2.1.1 Support and
cultivate a range
of inclusive
programs through
Council’s
Community Grants
Program.
Responsibility
Lead: Social
Development
Timeline
Ongoing
Outcome
Distribution of
Community Grants
Program funding to
groups promoting
inclusion.
2.1.2 Develop and
implement
programs that
make it possible
for people with
disabilities to
engage in arts and
culture, leisure
and skill
development
activities.
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by: Aged
Services and Public
Health;
Family and
Children’s Services;
Leisure and Youth
Services;
Learning
Community;
And Sustainable
Environment
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Leisure and Youth
Services;
Aged Services and
Public Health;
Family and
Children’s Services;
Learning
Community;
Ongoing
Increase range of
programs offered to
people with
disabilities.
Ongoing
Increase funding and
partnership formed to
offer programs for
people with
disabilities.
2.1.3 Explore
funding
opportunities and
partnerships to
enhance
integrated and
specific programs
for people with
disabilities.
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Strategy
2.2 Facilitate and
support the
continued
development of
education and
employment
pathways for
people with
disabilities.
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Action
2.1.4 Liaise with
sporting clubs and
explore continued
opportunities to
include recreation
programs for
people with
disabilities.
2.1.5 As part of
the Access All
Abilities Program,
continue to
upgrade
equipment in
Council’s leisure
facilities that
supports
participation in
activities offered.
2.2.1 Established
key recruitment
strategies to
encourage
participation for
indigenous and
under represented
groups (Hume City
Council People
and Culture
Strategy 2011)
2.2.2 Initiate the
‘Jobs and Skills
Council’,
encouraging
membership from
key internal and
external
stakeholders to
advance the ‘Local
Jobs for Local
People’ initiative to
include
employment
pathways for
people with
disabilities.
Responsibility
Economic
Development; and
Sustainable
Environment
Lead: Leisure and
Youth Services
Supported by:
Learning
Communities
Timeline
Outcome
Ongoing
Increased number of
sport and recreation
programs offered to
people with
disabilities.
Lead: Leisure and
Youth Services
Ongoing
People with
disabilities
participating in a
range of leisure
centre activities.
Lead: Human
Resources
Supported by:
Economic
Development and
Social Development
20122016
Traineeship
opportunities for
people with
disabilities.
Lead: Economic
Development
Supported by:
Social Development
2012
Increased economic
participation of
people with disability.
Increased
employment
opportunities being
offered to people
with disabilities by
employers and
business.
Strategy
Action
2.2.3 Support the
implementation of
the Department of
Human Services
(DHS) Structured
Training Program
to train and
casually employ
local DHS clients.
2.2.4 Continue to
support the Early
Employment and
Learning
Committee 3047
and 3429 to assist
people with
disabilities to
access
employment.
Responsibility
Lead: Economic
Development
Supported by:
Human Resources
Timeline
2012
Lead: Economic
2012
Development
Supported by: Social
Development
Outcome
Number of people
attending the training
program.
Number of people
employed.
Number of people
with disabilities
assisted.
“…I’m tired of volunteering my time and it never leading anywhere… I’m capable of working
so give me a job so that I can earn money and afford to participate in living”
Strategy
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Action
2.2.5 Promote the
Broadmeadows
Employment
&Training Program
(BEAT), job
support service, to
people with
disabilities.
2.2.6 Include
recognition of local
businesses
employing people
with disabilities in
the HCC Business
Awards.
2.2.7 Develop a
fact sheet
promoting
opportunities of
employing people
with disabilities
and discuss with
the business
community during
industry visits.
2.2.8 Continue to
offer Job
Responsibility
Lead: Economic
Development
Timeline
2012
Outcome
People with
disabilities participate
in the program.
Lead: Economic
2013
Development
Supported by: Social
Development
Reward, recognition
and promotion of the
business community
advancing
employment
opportunities.
Lead: Economic
2013
Development
Supported by: Social
Development
Increase awareness
of the opportunities
to employ people
with disabilities.
Lead: Economic
Development
Number of people
completing the
2012
Strategy
2.3 Ensure
access to
buildings, open
space and
transport by
ensuring
consideration of
people with
disabilities at the
planning and
implementation
stage of new
developments
and initiatives.
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Action
Preparation
Programs to assist
people who have
experienced
barriers to
employment due
to mental health.
2.3.1 Consult the
HCC Disability
Issues Group and
conduct access
audits by an
accredited Access
Audit Consultant
at planning and
sign off stage for
all new Council
buildings.
Responsibility
Timeline
Outcome
program.
Lead:
Statutory Planning
Supported by:
Infrastructure
Planning; Social
Development; and
Transit City & Urban
Design
2012
All new Council
buildings built to DDA
standards.
2.3.2 Enhance the
accessibility of
Council facilities
through rolling
audits and
improvements
under the Capital
Disability Action
Plan Capital
Works.
2.3.3 Provide work
place access
audits and work
place adaption in
Council work
places to provide a
safe and
accessible
workplace for staff
of all abilities
2.3.4 Incorporate
planning for high
quality and
accessible walking
and cycling
infrastructure and
connections into
the planning
scheme and MSS
review.
Lead: Services
Supported by:
Infrastructure
Planning and Social
Development
20122016
Existing Council
facilities accessible
and meeting DDA
standards
Lead: Human
Resources
Supported by Social
Development;
Customer Service
and Services
2014
Accessible and
adaptable workplace
for all staff at Hume
City Council.
Lead: Strategic
Planning
Supported by:
Leisure and Youth
Services
Parks and Open
Space
Infrastructure
Planning
Traffic and Civic
Design; and Transit
City & Urban Design
2013
All new pathways
developed within
access guidelines.
Strategy
2.4 Continual
review and
improvement of
access to Council
services to ensure
accessibility
issues are
addressed.
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Action
2.3.5 Establish
standards for
accessible open
space as part of
the review of
Councils
Guidelines for
Planning, Design
and Construction
of Open Space
Development
Principles for
Recreation and
Community and
Facilities (Hume
City Council
Playspace
Strategy 20122016).
Responsibility
Lead: Strategic
Planning
Supported by:
Leisure and Youth
Services
Infrastructure
Planning
Traffic and Civil
Design
Parks and Open
Space
Social Development;
and Transit City &
Urban Design
Timeline
2013
Outcome
Accessible standards
developed and
implemented.
2.3.6 Support the
review of existing
and potential
community
transport initiatives
to determine a
rational and
priorities for
funding.
2.3.7 Develop a
Transport Access
Guide for
Council’s major
facilities to identify
and promote
alternative and
accessible travel
options.
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Strategic Planning
2014
Community transport
opportunities
extended across
Hume City.
Lead: Strategic
Planning
Supported by:
Sustainable
Environment
Infrastructure
planning
Traffic and Civil
Design
Learning
Communities
2013
Transport Access
Guide to Council
facilities developed
and distributed.
2.4.1
Implementation of
the Human
Service Planning
Framework
considering
accessibility for
Council services.
Lead: Social
Development
2012,
ongoing
Council’s Disability
Access Framework
implemented across
the organisation to
ensure service
requirements are
considered.
Strategy
Action
2.4.2 Explore
partnership
opportunities to
enhance and
expand Council
services to offer
broader options to
services.
Responsibility
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by: Aged
Services and Public
Health
Family and
Children’s Services
Timeline
Ongoing
Outcome
Increased
participation in
Council services.
ADVOCACY
A key role of Council is to ensure other levels of government are aware of the recreation,
social, economic and service requirements of people with disabilities. Advocating on behalf
of and with people with disabilities supports Hume City Council’s commitment to protect and
promote the human rights of people with disabilities. Advocacy aims to address the causes
of social exclusion such as poverty, reduced mobility and prejudice. Encouraging and
equipping community members to participate in advocacy, supports the social justice goals
of respect and recognition which are fundamental to developing a supportive community,
employment opportunities and increasing social inclusion.
Objective 3: To advocate for and with people with disabilities on Social Justice Issues
affecting access and participation in social, economic and civic life.
Strategy
3.1 Ensure
timely response
to issues
impacting on
social justice
and access to
choices affecting
the lives of
people with
disabilities.
Action
3.1.1 Respond to
State and Federal
Government
submissions to
ensure residents
are represented.
3.1.2 Regular,
regional and
state-wide
networks that
support and
promote issues
impacting on
people with
disabilities and
their carers.
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Responsibility
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Family and
Children’s Services
Aged Services and
Public Health
Economic
Development
Learning
Community
Leisure and Youth
Services
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by: Aged
Services and Public
Health
Timeline
Ongoing
Outcome
Timely response to
inform and influence
State and Federal
Government policy
direction and service
provision.
Ongoing
Reports to Council re
the issues and service
requirements of people
with disabilities and
their careers.
Strategy
Action
3.1.3 Advocate for
appropriate levels
of funding for
services and
facilities by
regularly meeting
with relevant
representatives.
Responsibility
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Economic
Development
Aged Care and
Public Health
Family and
Children’s Services
Learning
Communities
Leisure and Youth
Services
Timeline
Ongoing
Outcome
Funding received to
increase accessible
services and facilities.
3.2 Engage our
community and
foster
participation of
people with
disabilities in
civic life of the
City.
3.2.1 Continue to
support the HCC
Disabilities Issues
Group through
governance and
advocacy training.
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Corporate Services
Ongoing
Provision of secretarial
support and meeting
rooms.
Delivery of governance
and advocacy training.
3.2.2 Provide
training and
community
education forums
to support people
with disabilities to
obtain skills that
support selfadvocacy.
3.2.4 Develop a
community
advocacy register
of people
identifying with a
disability to inform
decision making/
advocacy process
of Council.
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Learning
Community
Ongoing
Training and
community forums
offered annually.
Lead: Social
Development
Supported by:
Research
2013
Number of people
registered.
“I would like to learn more about how I can have a voice…we need training”
19 | P a g e