At Para Mobility, we believe accessibility is more than compliance — it’s about creating environments where everyone can participate fully and comfortably. For local Australian councils, understanding what your community truly needs starts with listening. Whether you’re considering a pool hoist, aquatic wheelchair, changing place facilities, or other inclusive infrastructure, community endorsement ensures the solution is both valued and used.
Here’s a practical guide for councils on how to engage with your community to gain meaningful endorsement for accessibility initiatives.
1. Start by Asking the Right Questions
Before any investment, councils should explore:
- What barriers are people with disabilities currently facing?
- Are there existing accessibility items that are underutilised or missing entirely?
- What would make your parks, pools, libraries, or community centres more inclusive?
These questions can form the foundation for more targeted consultation.
2. Connect with Local Disability Groups and Advocates
Community-based disability organisations are your strongest allies. Many are well-connected, understand the lived experience, and can provide insight into what’s needed most.
How to connect:
- Reach out to your local Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee
- Contact NDIS Local Area Coordinators (LACs) or Community Connectors
- Partner with organisations like IDEAS, People with Disability Australia (PWDA), or Carers Australia
These groups can help you consult more effectively and ensure your engagement is respectful and inclusive.
3. Engage Residents and Facility Users Directly
Use your existing communication channels to survey or host conversations with community members:
- Host pop-up feedback sessions at pools, parks, or community centres
- Share short surveys via social media or newsletters
- Include accessibility questions in broader community engagement campaigns
- Create opportunities for one-on-one discussions or forums (virtual and in-person)
Make sure the process is accessible — provide Easy Read versions, Auslan interpreters, and ensure venues are inclusive.
4. Trial & Observe
In some cases, councils have successfully trialled temporary installations (e.g., portable pool hoists, wheelchairs or ramps) and monitored how they’re used. This low-risk method allows councils to:
- Gather real data on usage and demand
- Observe staff interaction and training needs
- Understand the broader community impact
Feedback from these trials often becomes powerful support for permanent installations.
5. Build the Business Case with Community Voices
Once you’ve gathered input, share your findings with transparency. When presenting proposals to council or grant bodies, include:
- Community feedback and stories
- Letters of support from disability groups or advocacy organisations
- Data from trials or surveys
- Photographic or video evidence of participation barriers
Showing community backing strengthens your case and demonstrates a real need.
6. Keep the Conversation Going
Endorsement isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a commitment to ongoing dialogue. Regularly update your community on decisions, progress, and how their input made a difference. This builds trust and keeps accessibility on the agenda.
Inclusive design is only effective when it reflects the voices of those it’s meant to support. By consulting with your local disability community and facility users early and often, you’ll not only create more accessible public spaces — you’ll ensure they are embraced, respected, and valued.
If you’re unsure where to start, Para Mobility is here to help — from accessibility product advice to community engagement support. Let’s make local spaces more inclusive, together.
