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Councils have a unique position in communities allowing them to identify barriers to inclusion and develop and implement improved policies and practices. Councils can reflect their community priorities by providing local solutions for improved inclusion and social cohesion.
The Guide is an important, practical resource for local government. It provides:
- background on the importance of disability inclusion
- an overview of the worldwide, national and state legislative and policy context
- advice on factors that support disability inclusion best practice in local government
- a step-by-step guide and template for disability inclusion action planning
- links to useful resources to assist local government in developing and implementing their plans.
Case studies highlight the great work that local government has already been doing to empower people with disability to participate in their community.
The Urbis Economic and Social Advisory Team interviewed more than 60 stakeholders to assist in the development of the Guide. Stakeholders included local government organisations, people with disability, peak bodies and advocacy organisations, industry experts, federal, state and territory government representatives and local government state and territory associations.
This project builds on Urbis’ extensive experience in disability inclusion practice, policy and strategy including evaluating Ability Links NSW, developing the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan, and evaluating the Disability Standards for Education 2005.
As Mayor O’Loughlin noted “There have been several fundamental changes in the way we provide support for people with disability in the past two decades and this guide acts as a resource to assist councils in responding to and meeting those new requirements.”
