Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Access for all - a must for best practice*

'Access for All' is an essential element of any Local Government facility or service aiming to achieve best practice status. The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act has determined the responsibilities of Local Government, which now must address access challenges and adapt facilities and services to ensure access for all members of the community.

Best practice can only be achieved if facilities and services meet all Local Government responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act. These affect every area of Council operations.

Barriers to Access requiring attention by Local Government include the following.

• Barriers to buildings and facilities
• Barriers when providing information
• Barriers to goods and services
• Barriers to employment.

Access Audits Australia responds to the specific needs of Local Government in addressing disability access issues. It has assisted a variety of Councils through disability access audits, development of policies and action plans and disability awareness training.

The results of access audits have been incorporated into Asset Management systems allowing works to be scheduled in line with maintenance works or refurbishments. In addition, valuable advice has been provided at the planning and project development stages to ensure new works comply with legislation and standards.

The development of policies and action plans allows for a comprehensive analysis of issues and the development of action strategies to meet residents needs appropriately. Best practice in Local Government is only possible when 'Access for All' is achieved.

For further information contact Joe Manton or Jim Connor at Access Audits Australia on (03) 9459 1753.

*Copy supplied by Access Audits Australia.

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