The aim of MetroAccess is to build the capacity of local communities across metropolitan Victoria so that they are more welcoming and inclusive of people with disabilities.
MetroAccess is a partnership initiative between the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and Local Government.
MetroAccess objectives
There are five main objectives of MetroAccess:
- To support people with disabilities to participate in community life.
- To build and strengthen the ways in which the local community supports people with disabilities and their families.
- To ensure that local planning and services engage and involve people with disabilities and their families, disability service providers and community groups.
- To work with disability support providers to help them to support people with disabilities and their families
- To ensure that people with disabilities can access information about relevant services and activities in their community.
MetroAccess projects
Changing Places
In Australia standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability or their carers. As a result, carers struggle with choosing between changing their loved-ones on the floors of public toilets or being confined to the four walls of their home.
Changing Places toilets are a real improvement on standard accessible toilets, each facility provides:
- a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench
- a tracking hoist system
- enough space and a safe and clean environment.
Maroondah City Council launched a Changing Places toilet at Ringwood Lake in 2014, with other facilities now available at Aquanation, Eastland, Realm, Croydon Town Square and Maroondah Nets at HE Parker Reserve,
Maroondah leading the way
Maroondah City Council developed and lead a Changing Places Consortium to introduce the Changing Places toilet to Australia. This included:
- the development of a Changing Places Information kit
- running 2 Changing Places events, the last being held on September 2014 at Deakin Edge, Federation Square in Melbourne in partnership with Planning Institute of Australia, City of Melbourne and the Municipal Association of Victoria.
For more information on Changing Places visit the
Marveloo
Maroondah City Council also developed a mobile Changing Places facility called Marveloo. The Marveloo concept was developed by Council’s Team Leader Parks, Don Di Giandomenico. Don was inspired by his wife Angela and daughter Jessica, who has cerebral palsy, to undertake the extensive work to design and develop the project.
Marveloo’s design means that carers will have peace of mind that facilities will be available to cater for their loved ones’ needs in a safe, comfortable and dignified manner.
Marveloo features include:
- overhead ceiling hoist
- height adjustable adult change table
- a fully accessible toilet
- curtains for extra privacy
- access ramp and automatic door
- heating and cooling
- an external sun shade.
Marveloo meets Australian Standards design for access and mobility, and is fully compliant to a range of legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
If you are interested in booking Marveloo you need to fill out the Expression of Interest form.
Social Script
Council, with assistance from Amaze (the peak body for people on the autism spectrum) has produced a social script for Warrien Reserve, Warrien Road, Croydon North.
A social script is a short description of a situation, event or activity which includes specific information about what to expect in that situation and why.
A social script helps people with autism or those who may feel anxious in new places or situations, learn more about a place before they visit it.
Stroke a Chord - Choir for people with Aphasia
The aim of the choir is to allow people with limited or no speech to have a positive and joyful experience with their voice, and hopefully improve their quality of life and enjoy socialising in an understanding environment. The choir commenced in May 2010.
Join the choir
If you are an adult who has had a stroke and have experienced some communication difficulties after your stroke, then this choir is for you. Carers are also welcome to attend.
The choir is facilitated by a Music Therapist and meets every Tuesday at 1pm in Ringwood East.
Contact them through their Facebook page for Stroke A Chord. Stroke A Chord is now lead by Yooralla Eastern Region Communication Service (C.A.N service).
Further information
For further information contact our MetroAccess Officer on 03 9294 5750.
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