The Gunnedah Disability Access Working Group is working to raise awareness of some of the issues faced by people with disabilities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Accompanied by concerned community members, the group recently parked wheelchairs in non-designated parking bays, bearing signs to indicate that 'laziness is not a disability' to highlight the issue of inappropriate use of designated access bays in Gunnedah.
Each sign was accompanied by a range of common excuses such as, ‘But it’s close, I will only be 5 minutes’, ‘Nobody is using it’, ‘I don't care’ and ‘Oops’.
"The event was staged as a result of feedback from frustrated parents, carers and the disability support sector during the development of the Gunnedah Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan,” group chair and Gunnedah councillor Ann Luke said.
“We hope to highlight that designated access bays are allocated specifically for those who have a legitimate disability or impairment, and who display a NSW Mobility Parking Scheme Permit or an Australian Disability Parking Permit on their vehicle.”
"This initiative is the first of many to be undertaken by the Access Working Group, which has recently reconvened to strengthen the council's commitment to access and inclusion, and to support the delivery of the Shire's Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021.”
Council’s nominated staff representative in the working group, Deb Hilton, wrote the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which went on public display in April.
“The two areas that the community highlighted were infrastructure and employment,” she said.
Ms Hilton said community comments had been taken on board and changes were being made before the plan goes before the council in June for endorsement.
She said the completed DIAP must then be submitted to the Minister for Local Government. If the plan is accepted, the council is required to provide 12-monthly reports on the ways it has implemented the plan.
The draft plan can still be viewed online via the council’s website at https://www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/development/landuse-planning/draft-plans-exhibition
For more information about Gunnedah Disability Access Working Group or the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021, contact Debra Hilton on 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au
Related stories: