Disability Access and Inclusion
The City recognises the social model of disability. From this perspective, the way to address disability is to change the environment and society, rather than people with disabilities. We are committed to investigating ways to remove barriers to access and inclusion that may restrict a person’s abilities. The City is committed to actively promoting environments and services in which all people are valued and have the choices to live their best lives.
- The City of Kwinana employs a Community Development Officer - Inclusion and Healthy Ageing who works with City directorates and the community to ensure events, services, City facilities, and information are as accessible and inclusive as possible. The Diversity Officer also facilitates the Access and Inclusion Reference Group and can be contacted on (08) 9439 0200.
- The City has established an Access and Inclusion Reference Group (AIRG) to provide advice to the City on matters related to access and inclusion and to support the development, implementation, review and evaluation of various strategies, plans, services and other initiatives.
- The City has developed a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) guided by The Western Australian Disability Services Act 1993 (Amended 2004). The Act requires all Local Governments to develop and implement a DAIP. This helps ensure that people with disability have equal access to facilities, services and employment opportunities. Click here to view the DAIP.
- The City has an internal DAIP Champions team, comprised of staff who are committed to ensuring access and inclusion is implemented across all teams.
“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more.”
– Robert M. Hensel
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Spotlight: Functional Accessibility Feedback
Share Spotlight: Functional Accessibility Feedback on Facebook Share Spotlight: Functional Accessibility Feedback on Twitter Share Spotlight: Functional Accessibility Feedback on Linkedin Email Spotlight: Functional Accessibility Feedback linkLived experience provides valuable insights. Today, two of the City's Access and Inclusion Reference Group members, Jo-Anne Trent and Tanya Dupagne, provided Functional Accessibility Feedback today at the Recquatic Centre facility.
The feedback focused on the already existing accessible strengths of the facility, and identfied gaps for improvement. This information will be useful for the City when considering changes to make our facilities even more accessible!
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Spotlight: Inclusive Walking Group!
Share Spotlight: Inclusive Walking Group! on Facebook Share Spotlight: Inclusive Walking Group! on Twitter Share Spotlight: Inclusive Walking Group! on Linkedin Email Spotlight: Inclusive Walking Group! linkThe City of Kwinana are supporting an inclusive walking group hosted by Befriend.
Inclusive for all ages and abilities.
Where: Henley Reserve and adjacent Leda Park, near the basketball court.
When: Thursday's at 4.00pm.
Meet the host: Kate!
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Introducing: Emily Strange!
Share Introducing: Emily Strange! on Facebook Share Introducing: Emily Strange! on Twitter Share Introducing: Emily Strange! on Linkedin Email Introducing: Emily Strange! linkHi everyone!
My name is Emily Strange. I am the new Community Development Officer for Inclusion and Healthy Ageing at the City of Kwinana. I am very excited to have this opportunity. With experience working in a variety of settings such as schools, fitness centres, aged-care facilities and community services organisations, I have a good understanding of what it takes for a community and its individuals to thrive. Everyone is unique, and celebrating our differences and acknowledging individual needs, as well as coming together as a community to implement positive changes is very important. The team I am working in are a very dedicated group of people committed to listening to the Kwinana community. I am very passionate about helping people live a healthy life they love.
About me:
I was born in the country but grew up in Perth. I spent most of the school holidays on my grandparents farm in Dongara, where I rode motorbikes, caught yabbies and helped with the sheep work. In my early twenties, I moved to Broome with my younger sister. This really highlighted to me the importance of having opportunities that strengthen community connections and a sense of belonging. I was working as a coach at the local gym, relief assistant teaching in a classroom with children who have additional learning needs and later working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at the nursing home. Most recently, I worked for Anglicare WA as a facilitator delivering Family and Domestic Violence prevention workshops, and prior to this role, I worked at St Patrick’s Community Support Centre in the homelessness sector.
I look forward to working alongside the Kwinana community.
