Equal Access Strategy
The provision of equal access enhances everyone's capacity to participate fully in community life, regardless of their physical or intellectual capabilities.
People with disabilities, and other people with access limitations, have the same fundamental rights as all members of the community, as articulated by the following principles:
- People with disability should not be defined by their disability.
- People with disabilities have a right to equal access to facilities, services, programs, activities and employment in order to fully participate in the community and have equal opportunity to fulfil their individual potential.
- Changes to the physical and social environment to improve access and equity assist people with disabilities to integrate more completely into the community, and also benefit the wider community.
In recognition of this, the City of Hobart developed its first strategy, presented as an action plan, in 1998. The Equal Access Strategy 2014-2019(PDF, 2MB) ensures that the Council responds to all the relevant United Nations declarations relating to the rights of people with a disability and meets its requirements under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992, and the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act 1999, as a provider of goods and services and as an employer. Council also has broader social responsibilities to its community, as reflected in its Capital City Strategic Plan 2015-2025, and the Social Inclusion Strategy 2014-2019(PDF, 4MB) .
In developing the Equal Access Strategy 2014-2019, Council consulted extensively with the disability sector including people with a disability, care providers, service providers, advocacy agencies, State and Federal Government representatives, Council staff and other key people who provide services and activities for people with a disability in the Hobart municipal area.
Equal Access Strategy(PDF, 2MB)
Social Inclusion Strategy(PDF, 4MB)