Council Minutes - 27 October 2009 - City of Greater Geelong

Greater Geelong City Council 27 October 2009
Minutes of Ordinary Meeting
SECTION B - REPORTS Page 7
1. DISABILITY ACTION PLAN 2009-2013 (CONT’D)
The next area of activity is around improving access to employment opportunities for
people with disabilities. Without access to employment, full participation and choice in
the social and economic life of the community is denied. The actions include Council
introducing the ‘Disability Action Plan 2009 – 2013’ into staff induction packages and
enabling managers when recruiting, training and equipping employees who have a
permanent or temporary disability. This may include ‘’reasonable adjustment’’ being
made in the workplace. Further, regular training in disability awareness will be offered
to staff through a variety of media.
The third area of the plan revolves around creating a community culture of inclusion.
Actions include; participation in the annual ‘International Day of Disability’ celebrations;
hosting appropriate community and civic functions; promoting local and regional forums
that increase disability inclusion and awareness and providing Council documents in a
range of accessible communication and language formats, e.g. Braille, large print,
audiotape and ‘Easy English’ upon request. Further, Council Meetings will continue to
be made accessible with availability of attendant care, hearing loop and accessible
venues.
The fourth action area involves creating a change in the culture of the community and
removing discrimination. This will involve; making minor changes to Council’s customer
service, marketing and promotion including monitoring of any access and equity
complaints; enabling customer feedback modes such as email, telephone, hearing
loop, Braille and easy to read documents. Companion Card procedures will be
refreshed and managers and supervisors will be consulted regarding access and
inclusion training needs.
The Disability actions are all listed with measurable outcomes. The results will be
reported to Council and the DAC annually.
Environmental Implications
There will be physical impacts on the environment where it is necessary to modify or
provide facilities that improve access for people with disabilities. These physical
changes will in turn improve access for all community members. Impacts on the
environment, including energy use and green house gas emissions will be lessened
when accessible services and facilities are planned from the outset.
Financial Implications
Strategies outlined in the Action Areas of the 2009-2013 Disability Action Plan are
generally within current business unit budgets.
As part of the commitment to equity of access to services and facilities, Council will be
required to continue to ensure adequate funding for the implementation of the 2009-
2013 Disability Action Plan and future plans.
Ongoing savings will be achieved by ensuring that access requirements are considered
and addressed during the initial planning and construction phases of all projects,
thereby eliminating the costly remedial activity.