Building inclusion for people with disabilities

Our Access and Inclusion Program promotes inclusion by:

• working with local businesses to promote accessibility and inclusion
• improving understanding about the needs and goals of people with disabilities
• responding to community priorities
• ensuring that community planning focuses on the needs of people with disabilities
• supporting service providers to help people with a disability to live the life they choose
• developing simple ways for people to access information about services, activities and consultation.

Our officer is involved in a range of activities and projects throughout the year, including:

• Disability Awareness in Schools Program, which employs people with disabilities to discuss their experiences with primary, secondary and tertiary school students
• Sensory Friendly Film sessions — offering an environment where the sound is turned down and the light left on to create a more comfortable experience for people with autism and their families
• Chat & Chuckle, a fortnightly social group for people with acquired brain injury to meet others, share news and views, discuss ideas and have fun
• YouMeUs, an online disability awareness training program that supports and promotes inclusive environments
• Carers Day, which recognises the role of unpaid carers in our community
• co-ordinating our Disability Reference Committee
• International Day of People with Disability, an annual free activities day at Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre supporting people to come and try a sport and see if they like it and showcasing disability sports
• updating of our mobility maps and Accessible Events Checklist.

For further information about our Access and Inclusion Program, call 03 9524 3333 or email accessandinclusion@gleneira.vic.gov.au