Coorong District Council is seeking initial input from the community to help guide the development of a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP).

This plan will provide a guide for Coorong District Council’s actions to support and promote access and inclusion, which ensures all members of the community have the best opportunities to participate in community life.

Community members with a disability, carers, service providers, organisations and residents are invited to contribute to the development of this plan.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 330 people living in the Coorong District Council (6% of the population) are identified as requiring assistance due to a severe or profound disability. In addition, 13% of the region’s population identify as providing unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, long-term illness or old age.

Mayor Paul Simmons says it is Council’s responsibility as a local government body to ensure that all members of the community, regardless of ability, have the same rights to be included and participate in their community, access to Council’s services and products, and be considered in the work undertaken by Council.

“In order for all community members to be afforded these rights, it is essential that Council strives to create an inclusive environment,” Mayor Simmons says.

Under the Disability Inclusion Act 2018, it is a mandatory requirement that councils create and implement a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) by 31 October 2020, and review the document every four years.

The DAIP, to be developed with support and input obtained through consultation and engagement with members of the community, will include outcomes to support people with physical, mental and intellectual disabilities. This input will help develop an action plan to incorporate 4 key priorities around inclusive communities, leadership and collaboration, accessible communities and learning and employment.

Community engagement will commence Monday 1 June 2020 and concludes at 5:00pm, Friday 10 July 2020.

Community members and organisations will be invited to have their say by completing a survey which will be available online and in paper form, or by attending an individual information session with the Senior Community and Tourism Development Officer on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9 -10am, during the community engagement period.

After initial input from the community has been sought, a Draft plan will be developed and provided back to the community for further comment.

For more information regarding the Disability Access & Inclusion Plan please contact the Coorong District Council Community Development Team on 1300 785 277.

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Contact: Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au