Action plan to build a more inclusive Willoughby

Last modified on 09 June 2022

Boosting the number of accessible services and areas, and fostering positive community attitudes, are among the highlights of Willoughby City Council’s draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 released today.

The Willoughby community has been asked to provide feedback on the plan, which is on exhibition until 6 July.

The draft plan has been developed following extensive community consultation with people with a disability, and their carers.

The draft plan’s focus is to develop a more cohesive and positive environment for people with disability, create a more liveable community, achieve a higher rate of employment participation and provide equitable access to mainstream services.

Practical measures to realise the vision of a more inclusive community, which are outlined in the plan, include:

• Improving access to Council services through a range of measures – two of which involve introducing hearing augmentation technology and charging points for mobility devices at Council facilities
• Providing more accessible parking bays, rest stops, along with more accessible streets, footpaths, parks and open spaces
• Increasing the positive representation of people with disability in Council publications and hold more inclusive events, including social, recreational and arts and cultural events
• Increasing employment and development opportunities at the Council for people with a disability
• Provide dedicated quiet, sensory and respite spaces which are helpful to people who are sensitive to over-stimulation of the senses

Improvements already completed or planned by the Council includes:

• An audit of all bus stops, with work already underway on a program to upgrade more than 400 bus stops to meet modern disability standards
• An online directory of accessible parks and playgrounds; and
• Ensuring the Council’s website meets accessibility guidelines
• Removing unnecessary selection criteria during the Council recruitment process to reduce barriers for people with a disability
• Facility upgrades with accessible design features, including at the Willoughby Leisure Centre.

Willoughby City Council has also supported community groups with projects to boost community participation for people with disability, including new wheelchair accessible raised garden beds at the Market Garden Park Community Garden.

Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said it was vital for the council to hear directly from people with experience in disability to inform the plan.

“Building a more inclusive city means people with disability have every opportunity to fully participate in our community, find meaningful employment opportunities and be more connected to the services and networks they need,” Mayor Taylor said.

“Already, many community members, local providers and advocacy groups have taken the time to help us review our previous 2017 plan.

“The publication of this draft updated plan is now a great opportunity for the Willoughby community to let us know what further progress we can make.”

There are more than 14,000 people living with disability in the Willoughby LGA.

Willoughby residents are invited to view and provide feedback on the plan by visiting the haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au website until 6 July.

Photo caption: Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor listening to Helen at the Beaconsfield Road bus stop at Chatswood.