Summary The Interim DAP 2015-2017 provides a more focused document that is reflective of the review and evaluation of Council’s previous DAP 2011-2015 and the consultations undertaken. It demonstrates a commitment by Council to improve the awareness of people with a disability and as result, create a more inclusive community. With short term actions that are achievable and measurable, the Interim DAP will be strongly supported by all Council units and better integrated into Council’s core business and culture. Action Plan Based on the four outcome areas of the Victorian Disability Act (2006) the actions of the Interim DAP 2015-2017 have acknowledged the feedback received from Council officers and the community. The seventeen short term actions meet the SMART criteria and are aligned with Council goals and priorities. Outcome 1: Reducing barriers to persons with a disability accessing goods, services and facilities Ref Action Service Unit When Performance Indicator 1.1 (a) Upgrade present portable hearing loop system to current model (b) Provide information on how to use and access hearing Customer Service 30 Sep 2016 (a) Purchase of new portable hearing loop system (b) Information flyer on usage of hearing loops is produced and available 1.2 Undertake an assessment of the accessibility of the Civic Centre customer service area to ensure it meets current accessibility requirements. Governance 30 Jun 2017 Assessment undertaken with recommendations for any works required to meet current accessibility requirements 1.3 Source, install and trial captions tracks for the promotional videos in the public areas of the Civic Centre and the Visitor Information Centres in Castlemaine and Maldon. Information Technology 31 Jun 2017 All promotional videos in public areas are fully captioned 1.4 Increase the opportunities for people with a disability to contribute to Council decisions. Community Partnerships 31 Mar 2017 A “people with a disability” component forms part of the consultation section of Council Reports.
1.5 Increase awareness of infrastructure works undertaken that improve accessibility. Infrastructure Communications 31 Mar 2017 Two articles on accessibility components of infrastructure works to feature in Council’s Shire News publication Outcome 2: Reducing barriers to persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment Ref Action Service Unit When Performance Indicator 2.1 Develop networks with local disability employment specialists Organisational Development Local Economy 31 Mar 2017 Two meetings attended with local disability employment specialists 2.2 Establish with national specialists in disability employment and recruitment Organisational Development 30 Jun 2017 Membership obtained with one national disability employment organisation 2.3 Provide work experience opportunities for young people with disabilities Community Partnerships Organisational Development 31 Dec 2016 One young person with a disability has participated in a Council work experience program Outcome 3: Promoting inclusion and participation in the community of persons with a disability Ref Action Service Unit When Performance Indicator 3.1 Promote greater awareness of access and inclusion of people with a disability to the wider community and local businesses Community Partnerships Local Economy Communications 31 Mar 2017 Two articles on access and inclusion to feature in Council’s Shire News publication and the Business E-News 3.2 Identify the available transport options for people with a disability living in Mount Alexander Shire Community Partnerships 30 Jun 2017 An information flyer developed with available transport options and services 3.3 Establish a booking system and training for the hire of portable accessibility equipment (i.e. hearing loops and portable ramps) for Council staff, the community and event organisers Community Partnerships Customer Service 30 Sep 2016 Number of bookings made for the hire of portable accessible equipment