Council has endorsed a new Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) at the most recent OCM held on 18 April.
Endorsement of the plan follows a multi-step consultation process which included public engagement and community feedback identifying access barriers affecting City residents and visitors, guidance from the Disability Access and Inclusion Committee, and consultation and workshops by staff and Elected Members.
Data from the latest census showed that nearly 4 per cent of the population of the City reported needing help in their day-to-day lives due to disability.
It also revealed the most prevalent conditions in the City were mental health conditions (8.7 per cent), other long term health conditions (7.5 per cent) and arthritis (7.1 per cent).
Mayor David McMullen said these statistics highlighted the continued need for multiple supports to address the needs of an ageing population, mental health crisis and chronic illnesses.
“The DAIP 2023–2028 identifies key actions and priorities to ensure the City remains accessible, inclusive and welcoming to all,” he said.
“The City is deeply committed to improving access and inclusion for people who live in, work in and visit Subiaco. The DAIP also identifies areas for improvement and ensuring that services, facilities and communications are accessible and inclusive for everyone in the community.
“While the City’s DAIP aims to support people with disability; improved access and inclusion in our Subiaco community benefits people of all ages and abilities.”
The DAIP 2023-2028 succeeds the DAIP 2017-2022, which was due for renewal under the
Disability Services Act 1993.
Some of the outcomes from the DAIP 2017-2022 included inviting Auslan interpreters to present at some of the City’s events (notably sunset@subi), delivery of the Compassion – Connection through Art exhibition featuring artists with a wide range of disabilities (conducted in partnership with Mission Australia), and the delivery of mental health first aid training for City staff.
The DAIP 2023-2028 is available to the public in multiple formats
here.