Council has formally endorsed the Maroondah Disability Action Plan 2022-2026, which sets out a plan for working towards making our community more inclusive and accessible for everyone over the next four years.
The Maroondah Disability Action Plan 2022-2026 was adopted at a Council meeting on Monday 18 July 2022.
Maroondah Mayor, Cr Mike Symon, said the adopted Plan took on a multilayered approach to addressing the disadvantages that people with a disability, their families and carers experience in their day-to-day lives.
“Council is strongly committed to supporting the wellbeing and inclusion of people with disabilities in Maroondah. The Disability Action Plan describes how Council, together with its partners, will continue to work towards reducing barriers for people with disabilities and to create opportunities for them and their carers to participate equally in community life,” Cr Symon said.
The Maroondah Disability Action Plan 2022-2026 replaces and builds on Council’s previous disability action plan and was developed through direct engagement with community members and stakeholders to identify the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Maroondah.
“Council is further committed to making our services, facilities and activities accessible to every member of the community and supporting the wellbeing and inclusion of people with disabilities in Maroondah so that they may enjoy all the opportunities our municipality affords,” Cr Symon said.
“This includes reducing barriers faced by people with a disability, promoting inclusion and participation in the community, and changing attitudes and practices that discriminate against people with a disability,” he added.
The Disability Action Plan, which aligns with Maroondah 2040: Our future together and that Maroondah Liveability Wellbeing and Resilience Strategy 2021-2031, outlines how Council will work towards providing support, access and inclusion for people with disabilities over the next four years.
“In recent years, Council has been an innovative leader in the disability sector as seen with the introduction of Changing Places facilities, the Pathway for Carers program, our key role in instigating the Porn is Not the Norm initiative, and provision of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Coordinator. Council has also been the recipient of many awards for its innovative work at both state and national level,” Cr Symon said.
“The commitments and initiatives in this Disability Action Plan will build on these achievements as we continue to work towards a more inclusive community,” he said.
According to the latest Census of Population and Housing data, as of 2021, the City of Maroondah had a total of 6,847 residents living with a profound or severe disability who require assistance with daily activities. This number has increased from 5,482 residents at the time of the 2016 Census.
The Maroondah Disability Action Plan 2022-2026 was developed through an examination of data and consideration of relevant government legislation, together with the community to determine the issues that are important to them.
“Council acknowledges the significant and valuable contribution of the Maroondah Disability Advisory Committee and community stakeholders who assisted in the development of this important document,” Cr Symon said.
“The Disability Action Plan will also assist Council to develop guidelines that promote equal participation of all people with disabilities, and promote respect for their dignity,” he said.
View