Inclusive Waimakariri – Draft Accessibility Plan

Accessibility is the practice of making information, activities, and/or environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible. In this context it refers to the removal of barriers that prevent people participating fully in community and civic life.

Accessible design benefits everyone, which includes families with young children as well as people with impairments and age-related disability.

This plan will act as a guide to enhance people’s independence and ability to participate, engage in, and benefit from Council services. Providing accessible services, communication channels, transportation options (including footpaths and road crossings), buildings and public spaces will make the Waimakariri District more inclusive for everyone. It will enhance the diversity of the district and make it attractive to residents and visitors of any age and ability.

Accessibility Goals

The following eight goals have been identified for the Council to create a more inclusive environment within the Waimakariri District.

1 Communication allows and encourages full access to information about Council events, services and facilities.

2 Everyone is able to fully participate in Council consultation and decisions that impact their living in the District.

3 Council services, programmes and events are accessible to everyone.

4 Everyone has access to public facilities and spaces.

5 The rights of disabled people are supported and promoted through advocacy an empowerment.

6 Injuries are avoided and rates of impairment reduced.

7 The Council has an equal employment opportunities environment and a diverse workforce.

8 Councillors and staff are upskilled in understanding and working with disabled people.

Delivering the Plan

During development of the Plan high-level priority areas and actions have been identified that combine building on existing good practice and introducing new initiatives to provide a framework for the Council to deliver the Accessibility Goals. Further information on the actions and priorities can be found on pages 24 to 31 of the Plan.

Monitoring the Plan

Monitoring and review will be undertaken between the Council and the disabled community to understand the impact and effectiveness of the actions being delivered as well as understanding any changing needs and priorities of the community. Monitoring of the implementation of the Plan will include:

• The Disability Strategy Reference Group and a core team of Council officers regularly monitor delivery of the Action Plan across Council activities.
• Community forums and other processes for people with impairments to give feedback.
• Inclusion of information in Council reports regarding consultation with people with impairments.

The plan will be reviewed three years from adoption by Council.