MEDIA RELEASE

Sutherland Shire Council is inviting people with lived experience of disability or mental health conditions, and those who support people with disability, to contribute to the Sutherland Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce said community engagement is vital for developing the plan, which will encourage more accessible infrastructure and services and celebrate diversity.

“With this new plan, we hope to improve the lives of people with disability by developing a framework which faithfully reflects the contributions of all residents to our community and promotes a more connected and inclusive Sutherland Shire going forward,” Mayor Pesce said.

“We need to hear from people with firsthand experience of disability and those who live with or support someone with disability. By doing so, we can provide the right facilities and accessible services to enable everyone the ability to participate in all aspects of community life.”

Residents are invited to participate in the following online events to help shape the objectives of this plan:

  • Focus Group for People with Intellectual Disability or Autism, Monday 7 February (Easy read resources available), 5.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) Roundtable Forum, Wednesday 9 February (Auslan interpreter and closed captions provided), 9.30am to 12.30pm

These open forums will encourage attendees to voice their experiences and provide feedback on enhancing liveability, improving access to meaningful employment and promoting inclusion for people with disability. This feedback will ensure the Disability Inclusion Action Plan reflects issues that are important to people with disability and those who are key support roles.

Council thanks those who have already contributed to the development of this plan by providing feedback in the Access and Inclusion Survey 2021, or by attending a recent online focus group or consultation.

“We want to create an environment which empowers all members of our community and we look forward to working together to bring this plan to life,” Mayor Pesce said.

For further inquiries or for assistance to book, please contact Council’s Communities team on 9710 0422 or via communities@ssc.nsw.gov.au.