1. Inclusive and accessible communities

There are many barriers which must be broken down in the community before people with disability are full, active participating members of the community. Some are physical, some are social and some are attitudinal. We have to work on them all.

Outcome

People with disability to live in accessible and well designed communities with opportunities for full inclusion in social, economic, sporting and cultural life.

Policy Directions

• Increased participation of people with disability, their families and carers in the social, cultural, recreational and sporting life of the community.
• Improved accessibility of the built and natural environment through planning and regulatory systems, maximising the participation and inclusion of every member of the community.
• Improved provision of accessible and well designed housing with choice for people with disability about where they live.
• A public, private and community transport system that is accessible for the whole community.
• Communication and information systems to be accessible, reliable and responsive to the needs of people with disability, their families and carers.

Areas for future action

1.1 Improve access and increase participation of people with disability in sporting, recreational, social, religious and cultural activities whether as participants, spectators, organisers, staff or volunteers.

1.2 Support the development of strong social networks for people with disability.

1.3  Monitor adherence to and evaluate the effectiveness of the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 and Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 and improve the accessibility of reports.

1.4  Promote the development of Disability Access Facilitation Plans by airlines and airport operators to improve communication between operators and passengers with disability.

1.5  All levels of government develop approaches to increase the provision of universal design in public and private housing in both new builds and modification of existing stock.

1.6  Improve community awareness of the benefits of universal design.

1.7  Promote universal design principles in procurement.

1.8  All governments adopt the mandated conformance levels for web accessibility as a baseline requirement to ensure more people with disability have access to online information and services.

1.9  Use the National Broadband Network as an enabling technology platform to deliver innovative services, communication and support for people with disability, their families and carers.