Include AB.003regular contributions regarding disability inclusion/access to internal communication mediums. 6 items in various Council newsletters/staff communication annually, ensuring articles are broadly representative of all disabilities. Year 1, Ongoing Community Partnerships Community Engagement Current resources AB.004 Develop and implement relevant and targeted disability awareness training for frontline staff, incorporating information specifically required for the business unit e.g. customer service, lifeguards, libraries, rangers, childcare workers. Ensure training is relevant and related to role (e.g. Rangers will require different training to Childcare staff) Key frontline staff are identified and provided relevant training. Year 1 Ongoing People & Culture Community Partnerships Current operational resources
AB.005 Develop and implement training for relevant Communications and Engagement staff to better represent the reality of people with a disability in media and other communication mediums. Training to include a practical component to ensure the “lived experience” of people with a disability is properly conveyed. 100% of relevant staff completed training. Year 1 – ongoing as required for new staff. Community Engagement Community Partnerships $30,000 and current staff resources AB.006 Include disability awareness training in induction for Councillors Training to include a practical component to ensure the experience” of people with a disability is properly conveyed. New Councillors complete training through induction and training is both practical and theoretical. Year 1- ongoing as required. Governance and Business Services Community Partnerships Current operational resources
AB.010 Develop and implement an innovative, relevant and holistic annual disability awareness and education campaign for the broader Central Coast community, Campaign to include information from and partnerships with relevant external organisations Deliver a minimum of 1 campaign annually Year 1 Ongoing. Community Partnerships Community Engagement External partners for example disability related agencies and government departments $5,700 Operational resources
Liveable Communities Objective: Continuously improve accessibility, inclusivity and liveability of the local Central Coast community Strategy area Action Item Number Action Key Performance Indicator(s) Timing Responsibility: Project Delivery/financial Responsibility: Supporting Partners Resources Improve Council’s commitment and approach to designing inclusive and ‘liveable communities’ LC.001 Identify and deliver training on universal design and access standards to responsible for developing and delivering projects, (e.g., town, environmental, recreation and traffic planners)to ensure staff responsible for developing and delivering projects are also delivering “liveable communities” Relevant training identified and sourced. 90% of key staff that have been identified by unit managers receive training. Year 1 – ongoing as required for new relevant staff. People & Culture Strategic Planning Open Space & Recreation Roads & Drainage Facilities Management $6,000 allocated for Facilities Management training and Current operational resources LC.002 Holistically incorporate accessibility requirements when developing the Central Development Control Plan (DCP) to ensure “liveable communities” on the Central Coast. Complete upon redevelopment of DCP. Year 3 Strategic Planning Community Partnerships To be included in Year 3 funding cycle
LC.005 Develop and a picture augmentative/symbol signage program at The Entrance (such as program undertaken within “Sydney Park” and “safe places” program for people with an intellectual disability.) program developed, implemented and assessed. Year 2 Community Partnerships To be included in Year 2 funding cycle
LC.006 Promote Central Coast Council community funding programs to assist local organisations to access funding to increase opportunities for inclusion and infrastructure enhancements. Information on Central Coast Council community funding programs made available to all relevant local organisations. Relevant local organisations made aware of grant writing and aligned skill development opportunities. Greater support to submit applications is provided including alternate formats for submission such as video if approved by Council. Year 1 – ongoing. Community Partnerships Current staff resources
Increase the inclusivity and accessibility of playgrounds LC.007 Review and update the playground strategy for the Central Coast to ensure accessibility requirements are addressed at identified playgrounds- this should include but may not be limited to access, fencing, equipment at existing and proposed playgrounds. Ensure relevant playground information is available on Central Coast Council website. Relevant playground information available on Central Coast Council website. Deliver an updated playground strategy. Identified playgrounds are upgraded, and new playgrounds constructed to ensure accessibility. Year 1 Year 2 Open Space & Recreation Community Partnerships Current operational resources
Improve the inclusivity of events LC.008 Ensure all significant Council and external events adequately consider and demonstrate accessibility and inclusivity in planning, delivery, and infrastructure (e.g. wheelchair portable toilets and communication methods such as interpreters and signage). Update the Planning Accessible Events Guide and accessibility checklist. Update internal event kit/ guidelines with accessibility requirements and checklist. Year 1 Community Partnerships Current staff resources $2,000 LC.009 Develop and implement consistent policy for compliance with Companion Card use at Council facilities and events. Policy developed and promoted. Opportunities identified to extend program. Information on website’s listings of facilities and other relevant mediums. Year 2 Community Partnerships Leisure & Lifestyle To be included in Year 2 funding cycle
Increase accessibility features of Council managed natural areas. LC.010 Develop a project to facilitate access to Council managed and controlled natural areas (e.g. walking and fire trails) for people with mobility aids. Trail project developed and evaluated. Year 2 Natural & Environmental Assets Community Partnerships To be included in Year 2 funding cycle
Increase accessibility features at patrolled beaches, pools, leisure centres, jetties and wharves. LC.011 Develop an accessibility audit program for the long term improvement of identified beaches, pools, leisure centres, jetties and wharves to inform related works program and prioritise improvements/upgrades. Audit process developed. Key audits and work program completed Year 1- 2 Year 2-10 Waterways & Coastal Protection Leisure & Lifestyle External Agency Stronger Fund – Major Projects $800,000 for beaches and fishing platform Waterways and Coastal Protection $50,000 Leisure and Lifestyle $20,000 for pool and leisure centre audits
LC.014 Develop procedure for procurement, management and operation of beach wheelchairs at appropriate patrolled beaches ensuring relevant external stakeholders participate in development of procedures. Procedure for procurement, management and operation implemented with relevant external input. Purchase a minimum of 4 beach wheelchairs. Year 1 Leisure & Lifestyle Current costs Stronger Fund – Major Projects and Leisure & Lifestyle $10,000 for beach Increase accessibility and inclusivity of Council owned community facilities LC.015 Develop accessibility audit program for council owned community facilities to inform related works program and prioritise improvements/ upgrades. Audit program developed. Key audits and work program undertaken Year 1 – 2 Years 2-10 Property & Asset Management Stronger Communities Fund – Major Projects $580,000
LC.16 Ensure priority recommendations arising from accessibility audit are considered within annual capital works program. High need projects are prioritised into annual capital works program Year 3 - ongoing Property & Asset Management To be included in Year 3 funding cycle LC.017 Ensure current leasing agreements with external tenants occupying Central Coast Council owned community facilities include conditions to maintain accessibility features of the relevant facility. (e.g. possible removal of access ramp) New or renewed leases include accessibility and inclusivity conditions Year 1 Ongoing Property & Asset Management Operational Resources Increase availability of accessible amenities LC.018 Identify potential locations and funding for changing including adult change table and amenities. Ensure this action is considered through other identified audit programs. Location identified and funding sourced. Year 1 - 2 Community Partnerships Open Space & Recreation Leisure & Lifestyle Property & Management Current operational resources and grant funding
LC.019 Identify options for portable changing place facility to be used at key locations and events when required Options identified for portable change places. Year 1 - 2 Open Space & Recreation External Agency Current operational costs LC.020 Investigate all options and develop unified policy on use of MLAK system for accessible public toilets, ensuring information and locations are available widely (including Central Council website) Policy developed and implemented The National Public Toilet Map is updated with all relevant details of public accessible toilets Year 2 Property & Asset Management Community Partnerships To be included in Year 2 funding cycle Creating and improving accessible pedestrian paths of travel LC.021 Develop appropriate Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plans (PAMPs) in key areas Scope and plan projects Seek funding Implement plan(s) Year 1 Year 2-4 Roads & Drainage resources To be included in Year 2-4 funding cycle
LC.022 Deliver accessible bus and supporting infrastructure including footpaths Accessible bus stop program identified Program included within Council capital works program Year 1 – 2 Year 2- ongoing Roads & Drainage resources To be included in Year 2 funding cycle LC.023 Explore partnership opportunities with accessible bus companies to identify routes for accessible Partnerships explored and developed, identified routes trialled. Year 2 – 3. Community Partnerships To be included in Year 2-3 funding cycle Increase tourism and economic development opportunities LC.024 Identify opportunities to promote existing information portals/apps such as WheelEasy, finder website. Existing and appropriate information identified and promoted Year 1- ongoing Community Partnerships Current staff resources
LC.025 Identify partnership opportunities to assist businesses to become more inclusive. This could be achieved through information, education, signage and programs such as Missed Business program or “Be Accessible (NZ program) Partnerships developed and identified opportunities supported and delivered. Year 2 Community Partnerships To be included in Year 2 funding cycle
LC.026 In partnership with relevant organisations/entities (e.g. Central Coast Tourism) explore accessible tourism opportunities through infrastructure improvements, marketing and promotion to develop the Central Coast as a highly attractive tourist destination for people with disabilities, friends and families. Opportunities identified Plan developed Required works considered within capital works program Accessible tourism resources and information delivered to the tourism sector to increase knowledge and awareness Promotion and marketing campaign developed and delivered. Years 1-2 Community Partnerships Community Engagement Current operational resources
Employment Objective: Improve inclusive employment practices and increase the rate of meaningful employment of people with disabilities within Central Coast Council. Strategy area Action Item Number Action Key Performance Indicator(s) Timing Responsibility: Project Delivery/financial Responsibility: Supporting Partners Resources Provide inclusive volunteer, work experience and paid work opportunities for people with disabilities E.001 Establish a program or adapt existing project(s) to provide work placement opportunities and volunteer positions for people with disabilities. Program developed and implemented. Number of people completing placements. Year 2 People & Culture Community Partnerships To be included in Year 2 funding cycle Increase inclusivity of the workplace and recruitment processes for people with disabilities. E.002 Review and update all relevant Central Council People and Culture policies to ensure inclusive employment practices that consider all types of disabilities, e.g., leave policies, including sick and carers, general work conditions policies and work from home policy. All relevant policies reviewed and updated. Year 1 - 3 People & Culture Community Partnerships Operational resources
E.003 Develop inclusive recruitment and employment policy and supporting documentation. Policy developed and implemented. Year 1 People & Culture Community Partnerships Current operational resources E.004 Develop clear and concise procedure/brief to engage only relevant organisations and employment agencies who demonstrate a commitment to inclusive services, e.g. appropriate language, inclusive training methods and alternate formats. documentation is developed and implemented. All documentation will ensure training is specific to the needs of the individual. Year 1 - 2 People & Culture Community Partnerships Current operational resources E.005 Inclusive employment training provided for all People and Culture staff, ensuring ‘hidden disabilities’ are adequately understood. Training successfully delivered to all relevant existing staff Training supplied through induction process to all new relevant staff. Year 1- Prior to inclusive policy being developed. People & Culture Community Partnerships Current operational resources
E.006 Develop and utilise accessibility statement for all job adverts e.g. equity statement, key contact person, stating inclusivity of workplace and support available 100% of all job adverts Year 1 People & Culture Community Partnerships Current operational resources E.007 Ensure online recruitment processes use Easy English and are meeting relevant standards (i.e. WCAG2.0) and explore options for a recruitment process that does not require online application submissions. Meeting compliance for WCAG2.0 or relevant standard. Options for application system investigated and reported. Year 1 Year 1 People & Culture Community Engagement Current operational resources E.008 Develop and provide training for supervisory staff regarding mental health and disability awareness. Training developed or incorporated into existing training and supplied to all supervisory Year 1 – 2 ongoing People & Culture Community Partnerships Current operational resources and included in Year 2 funding cycle
E.009 Provide professional development training/information and resources for employees with disabilities on rights and relevant support available. Relevant made available to all staff Numbers of staff using information or completing training. Year 3 - ongoing People & Culture Community Partnerships Current operational resources and included in Year 3 funding cycle
Systems and Processes Objective: Provide more equitable access to mainstream services for people with disability through improved systems and processes Strategy area Action Item Number Action Key Performance Indicator(s) Timing Responsibility: Project Delivery/financial Responsibility: Supporting Partners Resources Procure goods, materials, works and services including infrastructure, facilities and information technologies that are accessible to staff and community members with a disability SP.001 Develop and implement procurement policy, procedures, and guidelines that facilitate the inclusion of people with disabilities and ensure social procurement opportunities are realised (e.g. strive to support social enterprise/businesses that employ people with a disability). Identification of relevant policy, procedures, and guidelines. Consultation with key stakeholders regarding disability inclusion provisions Update relevant documentation Communicate to end users Monitor, review and report on effectiveness Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Ongoing Procurement & Projects Community Partnerships Current operational resources
SP.002 Purchase software, hardware and platforms which meet accessibility standards, including , WCAG2.0 and which are compatible with assistive technologies All new software/hardware procured must demonstrate accessibility compliance Year 1 - Ongoing Information Technology Operational resources Ensure equitable and dignified communication with staff and community including the provision of accessible information SP.003 Ensure newly developed Central Coast Council website and intranet adheres to relevant accessibility standards (e.g. WCAG2.0) Website relevant standards. Year 1-2 Ongoing Community Engagement Community Partnerships Transformation project budget SP.004 Deliver accessible documents training to who produce documents for upload to the website At one person per business unit receives training – as determined by unit manager Year 1-2 Community Engagement Community Partnerships Current operational resources
SP.005 Ensure Central Council website has a dedicated area that contains accurate and relevant information for people with a disability – encompassing residents, tourists and businesses. Website information is continually available. Content is relevant and current. External engaged with people with a disability are accurately recognised and acknowledged. Year 1 Ongoing. Community Partnerships Community Engagement Current operational resources SP.006 Ensure new content uploaded to website and intranet meets relevant accessibility requirements. 100% of new uploads (unless meets business content exception rule) and identified key historical documents made available in accessible format. Ongoing post launch of new website. Community Engagement Community Partnerships Current operational resources
SP.009 Audit of existing hearing loops at Council facilities, including libraries, customer service centres, Council chambers and Theatres. Audit to also identify additional key community facilities that could benefit from the installation of hearing loops and other technology such as captioning. Audit completed, priority list for repair identified and work progressively completed. Identify funding opportunities for the of hearing loops and other technologies to existing key facilities. Year 1 – 3 Year 3 Property & Management Leisure & Lifestyle Libraries Community Engagement Included in funding cycle for all years
Better promote and share information about accessibility services, features and equipment that Council has available SP.010 Implement signage at beaches and all relevant facilities and open spaces that indicate locations accessibility features, e.g., beaches with wheelchairs and or matting, parks with suitable equipment. Signage implemented at all relevant with accessibility Relevant information also available on Central Coast Council website. Year 1- Ongoing Open & Recreation Leisure & Lifestyle Community Partnerships Leisure and Lifestyle capital program (Year 1) SP.011 Promote the role and function of the Disability Inclusion Officer within Central Coast Council and the broader community - with information available through various mediums (e.g. website, interagency, media, written information, etc.) Increased community and staff understanding of the Disability Inclusion Officer role. Year 1 – ongoing. Community Partnerships Community Engagement Current operational resources
Ensure community engagement practices are inclusive of people with disabilities SP.012 Incorporate strategies and measures into the Community Engagement Framework to increase opportunities for people with a disability to engage with Council Strategies and measures developed and included in Community Engagement Framework These strategies are implemented and adapted for all engagement activities Year 1 Community Engagement Community Partnerships Current operational resources SP.013 Explore appropriate ongoing engagement opportunities to assist Council in implementing the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Mechanisms need to include opportunities for engagement with external and internal stakeholders. Appropriate engagement mechanisms identified and established. Resource and specialist organisation list developed. Year 1 Year 2 Community Partnerships Community Engagement $3,000
Implementation, Monitoring, Review and Evaluation An important part of ensuring the success of the Action Plan is to monitor and report on the implementation of the actions within the plan. Council will continue to ensure that sufficient progress is being made, that actions are being implemented within specified timeframes, that quarterly reviews are completed and that the overall outcomes of the Action Plan are evaluated. Implementation and Monitoring Actions within the Action Plan are incorporated into the Operational and Business Plan of Council. This means that individual actions fit under business units Council and their progress is reported on a quarterly basis like any other aspect of day to day operation. On completion of the action it will be considered implemented. An officer of Council has responsibility for overseeing and monitoring the general implementation and progression of the Action Plan. This officer will continually liaise with business units to monitor progress of implementation and provide assistance in achieving outcomes. A progress report on the action plan’s implementation will be provided to the community through quarterly reports of the Operational Plan. Review and Reporting Central Council will also regularly review the Action Plan. Council will include details of the implementation of the Action Plan within its annual report and relevant sections of the annual report will be provided to the Minister overseeing the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014. An annual review of the Action Plan will provide Council opportunity to incorporate new actions, resources and funding that have become possible as a result of achieving earlier actions.