For many people without a disability it is not always possible to recognise barriers to physical access, poor signage for people with low vision and lack of ability to participate in community activities.

The Disability Services Commission of WA requires the shire to have a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and to make this a relevant document it requires input from the residents of Wagin.

The first of such plans was developed in 1996 and has been updated over time.

A review of the current plan is due next year and consultation must start now.

This plan will be integrated with other planning activities of council and needs to be contemporary in nature.

A thorough audit of the physical environment will be undertaken and any barriers identified will be removed.

The other component of these plans is that concerning the inclusion of people with disability.

The six desired outcome areas are:

1. People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to access the services of

and any events organised by the shire;

2. People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to access the buildings and other facilities of the shire;

3. People with disabilities receive information from the shire in a format that will enable them to access the information as readily as other people are able to

access it;

4. People with disabilities receive the same level and quality of service from the staff of the shire as other people receive from the shire;

5. People with disabilities have the same opportunity as other people to make complaints to the shire; and

6. People with disabilities have the same opportunities as other people to participate in any public consultation conducted by the shire.

The shire would like to hear from people with disabilities living in Wagin, their carers and family members and any other person or organisation that wishes to make comment on disability access and inclusion.

These comments need to relate to those services the shire provides or facilities that it is responsible

for.

Please send comments to Carolyn Webster, manager community and regulatory services to mrcs@wagin.wa.gov.au or PO Box 200, Wagin, WA, 6315.