Disability Inclusion Action Plan

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) was adopted by Council in May 2022 after extensive community engagement with people with disability, carers and families as well as Council staff. 

It identifies key areas for action to reduce barriers that restrict the ability of people with disability to fully participate in the following areas: 

• Liveable Communities
• Systems and Processes
• Access to Meaningful Employment
• Attitudes and Behaviours

The DIAP will guide Council's actions over the next 4 years to 2026.

By implementing the DIAP, Council aims to foster the creation of an inclusive community that enables people with disability to access employment, transport, local businesses and buildings, community events, festivals and recreation and leisure facilities.

An inclusive community enables a person with disability to participate in community life and to enjoy what Bayside has to offer with their family, friends and carers community.

Progress on the actions and strategies identified in the DIAP are monitored by an internal Working Group and are assessed annually. Improvements to work practices and new actions and strategies are continually identified and listed each year. 

Some of our key achievements in the 2023-24 financial year include:

• Improvements made to the venues and fields bookings platform, Bookable to remove accessibility barriers, thereby improving use of the platform by people with disability.
• Completed a deaf/hearing audit of Council facilities. This has resulted in hearing loop technology being installed in the Council Chambers at Rockdale so deaf people are better able to participate in Council meetings.
• Council’s Development Control Plan requires a minimum of 20% of total dwellings in a residential apartment building to be adaptable and designed and constructed to a minimum standard to cater for people with disability.
• Walking Football, a modified soccer program designed for older people and those with mobility impairment was trialed and is now offered regularly at McCarthy Reserve in Rockdale.
• The Bayside Business Awards recognised inclusive employers and businesses offering inclusive customer service to people with disability.