Access Resource Kit (ARK) - Disability Services Commission

FOREWORD
Access to services and facilities impacts directly on the quality of everyday life of many
people with disabilities, their families and carers. While many of us take for granted
the ability to go about our daily lives without experiencing barriers in our normal
environment, the same is not the case for people with disabilities.
The Disability Services Act (1993) contains a vision of a world in which people with
disabilities share the same opportunities as others to access community life. The Act
requires State Government to develop Disability Service Plans. Since January 1996
over 250 public authorities have been implementing their Disability Service Plans to
remove access barriers.
The Commission has been delighted with the response to this planning initiative and is
keen to assist public authorities identify current access issues and develop solutions to
address them.
I am pleased to release this Access Resource Kit which has been developed with
extensive consultation and co-operation between the community and government.
Individuals with disabilities and their service providers have contributed valuable
insights and information into the features that make services accessible. The
productive partnership has continued with State Government agencies and Local
Governments throughout Western Australia contributing significantly to the project.
The contents of the Kit have benefited greatly from this shared expertise and
experience.
I thank all who assisted with the Kit’s development, including ACROD and the
Independent Living Centre who joined with the Commission to form the project’s
steering committee.
I am delighted that the Western Australian Municipal Association and the Institute of
Municipal Management are continuing their support of the Disability Service Plan
initiative by endorsing the Kit.
The Kit will be valuable in assisting us create that accessible world to which we aspire.
I look forward to the future when people with disabilities can access services and
facilities like other members of the community.
Barry MacKinnon
CHAIRPERSON, DISABILITY SERVICES COMMISSION
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