People with a disability are being urged to speak out and share their experiences to help shape the City of Sydney’s inclusion (disability) action plan.
You can have your say by completing a digital survey, attending one of our online workshops or speaking with us over the phone.
“While we have made real progress in reducing physical barriers in our city, there are still many barriers that prevent people with disability from fully participating in our city life and living at ease in our community,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“Our vision is for an inclusive and accessible city, where people with disability have equitable opportunities to participate in every aspect of social and cultural life, as well as access to meaningful employment and participation in the decision making process.
“We know that the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened existing inequalities for many people with disability and those caring for someone with disability. We want to hear about your experiences and work with you to create a more inclusive, accessible and liveable city.”
The City of Sydney would like to hear from people with disability, people with mental health conditions, carers, disability workers and disability organisations.
The consultation will investigate the less visible barriers people may face, including lack of community awareness, community attitudes and behaviours, and difficulty accessing information, services or employment. It will also explore the physical barriers that may prevent people with disability from moving around our city and accessing our public spaces, parks, playgrounds and facilities.
Mark Tonga, chair of the City of Sydney’s Inclusion (Disability) Advisory Panel, has experienced many of these barriers first-hand. As a tetraplegic, he faces many physical barriers but it is the invisible obstacles such as community attitudes and perceptions that are at the top of his list for further action.
“Once you start shifting attitudes and perceptions, everything else will follow,” Mr Tonga said.
“Changing attitudes and influencing the narrative around disability and inclusion will help shape policies, overcome physical barriers and create new opportunities.
Mr Tonga said the Covid-19 pandemic has created both opportunities and challenges for people with disability.
“People who have been bed-ridden and unable to leave their home to access cultural institutions have now been able to experience virtual visits to museums, galleries and libraries through online platforms,” Mr Tonga said.
Ms Elliffe said lack of community awareness, access to affordable housing and health services were ongoing challenges for people with disability. She said there was still a lack of community awareness, especially for people like herself with Down Syndrome.
An inclusive city is one where people with disability are viewed positively by the wider community and acknowledged and celebrated for their diverse contributions and experiences.
Online workshops will be held on:
- Tuesday 22 September, 1pm–2.30pm – community workshop
- Thursday 24 September, 5–6.30pm – community workshop
- Wednesday 30 September, 10am–11.30am – disability sector workshop
To register, go to cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/
