Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030
Disability inclusion is fundamental to creating an accessible and liveable community for all.
Through the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2026-2030, Bayside Council is committed to removing barriers and improving the way people with disability acess services and participate in community life.
What is the Disability Inclusion Action Plan?
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2026-2030 was adopted by Council in May 2026 following engagement with people with disability, carers, family members, service providers, community organisations and Council staff.
The DIAP outlines Council's commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible community over the next four years.
Key Priority Areas
- Creating liveable communities
- Improving access to services through better systems and processes
- Supporting access to inclusive employment
- Disability awareness and education
- Promoting positive community attitudes and behaviours
Why Disability Inclusion Matters
Bayside Council recognises that people with disability are valued members of the community who have the right to participate fully in civic, social, cultural and economic life.
Council plays an important role in shaping inclusive places, services and systems. This includes planning and maintaining accessible public spaces, delivering inclusive programs, providing equitable customer service, and working to shape broader community attitudes and behaviours.
Governance and Accountability
Bayside Council is committed to strong governance and clear accountability to support the effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
The DIAP will be included in Council's planning, reporting and operational frameworks, including alignment with the Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Operational Plan. Progress will be monitored and reported regularly to ensure actions are delivered, outcomes are achieved, and barriers to inclusion continue to be addressed.
Achievements from the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026
Over the past 4 years, Council has implemented the DIAP through improving disability awareness among staff, accessibility features in public spaces and facilities, inclusive community programs and accessible information and services.
Partnerships with community organisations and people with lived experience of disability, including the DIAP Working Group, have played an important role in shaping initiatives and ensuring Council's approach remains responsive to community needs.
Key achievements delivered under the 2022-2026 DIAP include:
- Established Walking Football at McCarthy Reserve, Rockdale, in partnership with Walking Football NSW.
- Continued inclusive swimming lessons in partnership with the Rainbow Club at Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre.
- Improved accessibility at events and meetings through the introduction of Auslan interpretation and internal booking procedures.
- Maintained accessibility information on the National Public Toilet Map.
- Completed a Beach Access Audit to inform future foreshore upgrades.
- Applied Universal Design principles to major infrastructure projects, including the Botany Aquatic Centre redevelopment.
- Delivered autism inclusion training to frontline staff to improve service accessibility.
- Commissioned a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessibility Audit of key Council facilities, with improvement actions underway.
- Expanded the Home Library Service to include group homes.
- Provided key information and community engagement materials in alternative formats upon request.
- Expanded inclusive library programs, including monthly Sensory Storytime sessions and a trial sensory space at Rockdale Library.
- Recognised International Day of People with Disability through awareness programs in Council's Early Education Centres.
- Supported employees with disability through workplace adjustments and inclusive recruitment practices.
- Created employment opportunities through the Bayside Garden Centre, inclusive apprenticeships and traineeships.
- Strengthened partnerships through the Sutherland and St George Disability Interagency and Employment Working Group.
- Recognised inclusive business practices through the Bayside Business Awards.
- Delivered staff training and engagement initiatives to strengthen workplace inclusion.