Increase awareness of the human and legal rights of people with disabilities across Council and the community Continue to inform and educate Council staff on Council’s responsibilities under Federal and State Legislation to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Integrate disability advocacy issues into Knox Strategic Advocacy Plan Community Access and Equity Corporate Communications All Council departments Community Access & Equity Within existing resources Promote and demonstrate the principles of access and inclusion to the Share Council’s knowledge and experience in advocating for access and Community Access and Equity Community Wellbeing Within existing resources
wider community inclusion, via Council partnerships and networks, Council programs and the Knox Disability Email Information Service. Promote ‘good news’ stories to the community on what Council is doing or has undertaken to improve access and inclusion in Knox. Corporate Communications, Community Access & Equity Community Wellbeing Develop leadership capacity of Work with Knox Community and Neighbourhood Community Access & Equity Community Strengthening, Knox Within existing resources
relevant community organisations, people with disabilities and carers Houses to develop and update their Disability Action Plans. Promote Council resources and training opportunities to develop leadership and disability advocacy skills to community members and organisations. Community Access & Equity Neighbourhood Houses Community Strengthening Influence policy and decision making processes by lobbying other Advocate for the needs of people with disabilities, their families and Community Access & Equity Knox Disability Advisory Committee (KDAC) Within existing resources
Objectives Actions Lead responsibility Key Partners Resources Embed the principles of access and inclusion across Council Deliver Four Access and Inclusion Awareness Training sessions to Council staff. Promote training and skill development opportunities to Council staff to improve their knowledge and capacity to create environments inclusive of people with disabilities. Community Access & Equity Community Access & Equity People Performance All Council departments All Managers and Coordinators Within existing resources Demonstrate excellence in improving access and inclusion for people with Provide advice and support to Council Officers and Teams to assist in protecting the rights of people with Community Access & Equity All Council departments Within existing resources
disabilities, their families and carers disabilities. Coordinate and support the Knox Disability Advisory Committee. Monitor and evaluate the 2016 Access and Inclusion Plan outcomes and report to EMT and Council. Community Access & Equity Community Access & Equity People with disabilities will have equitable access to Council Services, facilities and programs Consult with internal Departments and Teams on current practices and challenges in ensuring accessible and inclusive services, facilities and programs. Community Access & Equity KDAC, all Council departments Within existing resources
Ensure people with disabilities can access and participate in Council governance processes Engage KDAC to provide input into internal Council planning, program and policy development. Community Access & Equity All Council departments Within existing resources That Council will be an employer of choice and support diversity within the workforce. Promote the benefits of workforce diversity for employing people with disabilities. People Performance Community Access & Equity Within existing resources Strategic Priority Area 3 – Information and Communication Enabling people with disabilities to engage with Council and the wider community is dependent
Provide a range of information that encourages and demonstrates actions to improve access and inclusion. Promote new and existing publications that enhance access and inclusion targeted at community groups and resources for people with disabilities, their carers and families (People First, Guide to Services for People with Disabilities, Missed Business Guide). Community Access & Equity Corporate Communications, All Council Departments Within existing resources
infrastructure including buildings, facilities, open spaces, playgrounds and streetscapes. and delivery of Council and community infrastructure projects. Participate in the development of Knox Council’s Health and Wellbeing Impact Assessment Guidelines to ensure consideration of the needs of people with disabilities in future development and planning applications. Deliver the annual Retrofitting Program as part of the yearly Capital Works program Community Access & Equity Facilities, Community Access & Equity Construction City Planning & Building Social Policy and Planning Community Facility Advocates Traffic and Transport
to improve accessibility of Council buildings and facilities. Deliver Capital Works program for footpaths and shared paths. Group Provide and maintain accessible footpaths and shared pathways. Deliver the Knox Mobility Study Implementation Plan (Year 3 – Local Business Engagement and Mobility Study Capital Works program). Traffic and Transport Community Access & Equity Within existing resources Increase awareness of local laws and specific Implement the “Help us keep footpaths clear” project (Mobility Study Parks Services Community Access & Equity, Local Within existing resources
services that relate to people with disabilities. Implementation Plan) encouraging residents to keep footpaths clear and accessible for all. Laws People with disabilities can access a range of public transport options. Advocate to Public Transport Victoria for accessible public transport infrastructure and access upgrades to additional bus stops in Knox. Traffic and Transport Community Access & Equity, KDAC, Asset Preservation Within existing resources Increased choice in housing options for people with disabilities, their families and carers. Advocate for more accessible and affordable housing choices for people with disabilities via the Knox Disability Housing Network. Community Access & Equity Social Policy & Planning Within existing resources
disabilities to volunteer within Council and the wider community. Engage volunteers with a disability for Knox’s three Major Events and Festivals. Cultural Planning & Development Community Access and Equity People with disabilities can participate with ease and dignity in a range of lifelong learning and community education programs. Support Knox Community and Neighbourhood Houses to be more inclusive and accessible of people with disabilities, through the development of Disability Actions Plans. Community Access & Equity Community Strengthening Within existing resources Children and students with disabilities can access a range of Engage and work with external partners in the delivery of activities and respite programs for Community Access & Equity External community groups and disability Within existing resources