The workshop will be held in Port Broughton on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, as part of a series of identical sessions across the three council areas.
The review and development of the DAIP align with recent legislative changes aimed at promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in South Australia.
Legislation passed in State Parliament in July 2024 progresses key recommendations made from an independent review of the Disability Inclusion Act 2018 (SA).
This Act forms a crucial part of South Australia’s efforts to advocate for people with disabilities, reflecting the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, and state-wide initiatives such as the new SA Autism Strategy 2024-2029.
The Act mandates the creation of a State Disability Inclusion Plan and provides a framework for State authorities, including local councils, to develop their own DAIPs.
South Australia’s Minister for Human Services Nat Cook said: “People with disability are not responsible for the limitations imposed on them by barriers in our physical environment, attitudes, and laws.”
“This is about laying stronger legislative foundations for disability access and inclusion, and ensuring that the State Government and local councils remain accountable for making South Australia a more inclusive place for everyone,” Minister Cook said. “As a society, we are responsible for removing those barriers in the name of equality, inclusion, and justice.”
The upcoming workshop in Port Broughton is an opportunity for individuals, families, and carers to contribute to the next DAIP and influence how the Council improves disability access and inclusion in the Top of the Yorke. A previous 2020-2024 DAIP survey of 300 people revealed that in the Barunga West Council area 22 per cent of respondents identified as living with disabilities, 34 per cent as family members or carers, 51 per cent were aged 60 and over, and 14 per cent lived outside of a township.
Workshop Details:
When 10:30am – 12pm, Tuesday, 24 September 2024
Where Gallery 1871, Port Broughton Town Hall, McKay Street, Port Broughton
Registration Contact Jill Maden at barunga@barungawest.sa.gov.au or call (08) 8635 2107.
The Port Broughton workshop will involve participants sitting at shared group tables for 1.5 hours to provide feedback on how Council can improve disability access and inclusion.
Carers are welcome, and there will be helpers available to assist in documenting participants' thoughts and ideas. To ensure sessions are accessible for all, the workshop venues have been carefully selected for their accessibility features.
Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas openly, knowing that their contributions will help shape a more inclusive future for the community.
For those unable to attend, input can be provided through an online survey, accessible via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DisabilityAccessInclusionPlan
Barunga West Council encourages everyone, including individuals living with a disability, carers, people working in the disability sector, and those passionate about inclusion, to participate in the engagement process and help shape an inclusive future for their region.
Submissions are open until 5pm on 1 November 2024.