Engagement Session for People Living with Disability and Carers - Option 2 | City of Ballarat's Next Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (2026-30)

FAQs

• Can I bring my carer or support person?

  Yes absolutely! Make sure to register them at checkout!

• Can I bring notes to the session?

  Yes of course! Feel free to bring any notes you like!

• What if I need to arrive late or leave early?

  We understand this is a busy time for many people! You can come and go as needed, feel free to let us know!

• Will there be breaks?

  Yes! We will have scheduled breaks, and you are more than welcome to take a break, or step out at any time you need.

• Will my feedback be confidential?

  Your feedback will be recorded in a de-identified way and used to inform the Plan. No individual comments will be identified without consent.

• Is the Ballarat Town Hall accessible?

  Ballarat Town Hall Accessibility: Accessible entrance, including access to the lift available via Bath Lane at the rear of the Town Hall. Ramp access to the rear lift. Signage provided for the Visitor Information Centre entrance. Parking and Transportation Metered parking is available in front of and beside the Town Hall. Additional parking is available on nearby streets or at the multi-story car park at Central Square. Designated accessible parking spaces nearby: - In front of the Phoenix Building on Armstrong Street South (opposite the Central Square entrance) – parallel parking. - On Armstrong Street South beside the Town Hall car park (near Bath Lane) – drive-in parallel parking. - Near the Myer loading bay on Armstrong Street South – angled parking. - Near Office Choice on Armstrong Street South (and on the opposite side of the road) – angled parking. - The closest bus stop is Armstrong St/Sturt St. Toilets Accessible toilet and Adult Change Facility at the rear of the Town Hall (Bath Lane). Accessible toilet on the first floor. Male and female toilets available. Access Throughout and Amenities Hearing loop access is available in the Trench Room, Committee Room 1, and Committee Room 2. Carpet and stone flooring throughout the first and second floors of the Town Hall. Doorways wide enough for scooter and wheelchair access. Signage provided for the Visitor Information Centre entrance. Lift access is available for all levels of the Ballarat Town Hall. Assistance Animals There is an Assistance Animal Relief Area next to the Dana Street Car Park on Doveton Street South. Assistance animals are welcome, including an assistance dog within the meaning of section 4(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). If you have any questions about the venue, please contact Meg Lawton, the Disability Access and Inclusion Officer at meglawton@ballarat.vic.gov.au

• I don't feel comfortable in group settings, is there another way I can share my ideas?

  Yes! We have a few ways you can contribute: - An online, anonymous survey available - Artwork or video format - Book in a one to one discussion with Meg Lawton our Disability Access and Inclusion Officer at meglawton@ballarat.vic.gov.au or via the link below: https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/f66e66d94d564bc88b049d2682d10daa@ballarat.vic.gov.au/meetingtype/M_cUkfZ4rESYVxjQH9lN-Q2?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=mlink

• How can I provide my feedback?

  We understand that everyone accesses information differently and has unique preferences. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to share your feedback in a way that works best for you. Whether that be: A Word document version of the survey A printed copy available for collection at the Phoenix Customer Service desk Opportunities to attend an in-person workshop Book a one-on-one video call Submit your feedback as a video or even through artwork If you’d like to provide feedback in another format, please contact Meg Lawton (Access and Inclusion Officer) at meglawton@ballarat.vic.gov.au. Your voice matters, and we want to make sure you can share it in the way that feels most comfortable for you!

• What is a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan?

  A Disability Access and Inclusion Plan is a document that organisations develop to reduce and remove barriers experienced by people living with disability. Under Section 38 of the Victorian Disability Act 2006, Councils are required to prepare Disability Action Plans to: Reduce barriers to accessing goods, services, and facilities. Improve employment access and retention for people with disability. Promote inclusion and participation in community life. Achieve cultural and attitudinal change to eliminate discrimination. Many community organisations and businesses also have Disability Access and Inclusion Plans (not legislated).

• How is disability defined?

  United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities definition of disability, describes people with disability as people who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory differences that, when interacting with inaccessible communities and environments, prevent full and equal community participation

• What do we mean by accessible and inclusive?

  Being inclusive means that everyone: belongs is important can join in Accessible means that everyone can use it. This could include: A building or space A park or playground A service Information or a website

• How do you work with people living with disability at Council?

  We work closely with people with lived experience of disability through the City of Ballarat's Disability Advisory Committee. The Disability Advisory Committee was established in 2021, the purpose of the Committee is to provide information, advice and recommendations (where appropriate) to Council in relation to: Long term strategic and systemic issues that impact on people with disabilities and their participation in community life Disability awareness and other initiatives that assist access and inclusion and recognise the contributions of people with a disability Policies, plans and services that impact on people with disabilities The implementation of Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022-2026 Members should live, work, and/or study in the City of Ballarat. However, membership will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of the individual’s familiarity with the City of Ballarat, ability to attend meetings and relevant skills and expertise. The Committee consists of: Two Councillors, one of whom is nominated by Council as Chairperson Twelve community representatives that provide a diverse range of experiences and expertise related to disability Read more about the Disability Advisory Committee here: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/community/disability-access-and-inclusion/disability-advisory-committee