Ararat Rural City Council has partnered with the community to develop a Disability Action Plan (DAP) that reflects real community needs and delivers practical, meaningful change across the municipality.
The dedicated Disability Action Plan Working Group will ensure the plan is shaped from the start by people who understand disability from personal, professional and caring perspectives.
The Working Group will review Council's service provision for people living with a disability and identify Council policies and programs for improvement. It will also explore how Council can encourage local organisations, businesses and stakeholders to improve accessibility and inclusion across the municipality.
The Working Group, which includes representatives from local NDIS providers, Pinnacle Inc and Grampians Community Health, met for the first time last week for an initial brainstorming session, marking an important first step in what Council sees as a highly valued piece of work.
ARCC Deputy CEO Phuong Au, who is leading the project, said the Working Group's collective insight was integral to the creation of a Disability Action Plan that could be efficiently implemented across Ararat Rural City.
"The people who have generously put up their hand to contribute to the development of this Action Plan are carers, industry professionals and people living with disability themselves," said Ms Au.
"Their commitment to seeing this plan succeed is inspiring. They want to be part of the journey, not just the blueprint. Council is very thankful to have their collective expertise and looks forward to improving inclusivity and support for residents living with disability."
As part of the Action Plan development, the Working Group will host a series of local forums in the community to gather ideas, feedback and lived experience for residents to underpin the Action Plan.
