People with a disability

What is this about?

City of Canada Bay is committed to supporting people with disability to be active and engaged in our community and has endorsed a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2021-2025.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2021-2025

Download a PDF version of the Plan by clicking here or an EASY read version of the Plan by clicking here. If you have difficulty accessing this document please contact Council's Community Development Team or ask to view hard copy of the plan at Concord Library (60 Flavelle St, Concord), Five Dock Library(4-12 Garfield Street, Five Dock), The Learning Space (30 Shoreline Drive, Rhodes) or Council's Civic Centre (1a Marlborough Street, Drummoyne). 

The plan ensures that access and inclusion are embedded in every aspect of our work — reflecting Canada Bay's commitment to work with our community to celebrate diversity and create an inclusive and accessible place for everyone to live, work and visit. 

The document was prepared with guidance from the community and key stakeholders. It features four themes that reflect community input and planning focus:

• Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
• Creating more liveable communities
• Supporting access to meaningful employment
• Improving access to services through better systems and processes. 

Strategies and initiatives arising from these themes aim to raise awareness of the needs of people with disability, celebrate the diversity of our community, improve opportunities for people to move around our city, raise awareness of the benefits of inclusion and ensure that Council’s systems are accessible and easy to use.

Need more information?

Please contact Council's Community Development Officer or Social Planner on 9911 6555 or email council@canadabay.nsw.gov.au. 

If you do not understand this, visit Council in person or contact the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 and ask them to connect you to Council on 9911 6555. We will try to answer your enquiries by using an interpreter.

Italian

Se hai difficolta nel capire la presente, presentatai al council, oppure rivolgiti al Tis (Servizio telefonico interpreti) chiamando il 13 14 50 e chiedi di essere messo in contatto con il council al 9911 6555. Cercheremo di rispondere alle tue domande con l'aiuto dell'interprete.

Chinese

如果你不明白這一點，請來到安理會或  13 14 50  聯繫電話口譯服務（  TIS  ），並要求他們向您連接到理事會關於 9911 6555.  我們將嘗試使用一個解釋來回答您的垂詢

The vision of the Access and Inclusion Committee is to make the City of Canada Bay a more inclusive City with equal opportunities for residents to be actively involved in their diverse community. 

For more information visit the Access and Inclusion Committee page on the website or contact Council's Community Development team on 9121 0039 or at CCBCCommunityServices@canadabay.nsw.gov.au. 

Braille Bin Labels

Braille bin lid stickers are now available for residents. These stickers are designed to support residents who are blind or have low vision to identify their waste, recycling and green waste bins and are part of our commitment to an accessible and inclusive city.  

Available free of charge, request your Braille stickers today by emailing council@canadabay.nsw.gov.au or calling 9911 6555. Review a sample sticker here. 

Accessible Playgrounds

Livvi's Place, All Abilities Playground

Livvi's Place, Australia's first all abilities playground, was named the best play space in the country by Parks and Leisure Australia in 2010 with upgrades completed in 2022.

The ground-breaking playground in Timbrell Park, Five Dock, was an initiative of the City of Canada Bay, Touched by Olivia Foundation and Leighton Contractors, and was developed to reduce the barriers experienced by those with special needs, and allow children of all abilities to play together, side-by-side. Features seating and shade structures , inclusive play space, artwork, cafe and Barbecue facility, snakes and ladders path, wheelchair access, rope climb, synthetic softball, swings and jungle gym.

Where: 19 Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock.

Charles Heath Reserve Community and Play Space

A brand-new adventure playground featuring two accessible play towers. Other features of the playground include outdoor musical instruments, nature play, a wheelchair accessible carousel and trampoline, and cozy cocoon for timeout.

Designed in line with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines, the playground also features a wheelchair accessible trampoline and carousel, as well as a smooth, soft-fall surface to make it easier to get around.

Where: Queens Rd, Five Dock

Home Library

If you are unable to access our libraries due to illness or disability, the Home Library service provides a personal service to individuals in need. Find out how to access the service and if you’re eligible on our Libraries webpage or by calling our Home Library Officer on 9911 6211.

The Lab

The Lab is a network of technology clubs for young people with autism who enjoy working with computers. It’s available for different age groups at Five Dock and Rhodes. Registrations are essential via our What’s On page.  

GymAbility Program at Five Dock Leisure Centre

Five Dock Leisure Centre is home to a gym program for children with disability. GymAbility allows participants to target the development of physical abilities in a fun and safe environment through beginner-friendly gymnastics-based movements. 

All participants are required to have one parent/carer supporting and assisting them throughout the class, alongside our qualified coaches.  Visit their webpage to find out more.

National Public Toilet Map

The National Public Toilet Map provides information on over 23,000 facilities across the country including toilets, adult change and baby change rooms. Where available, the map includes information on accessibility for people with disability, opening hours and amenities such as showers and sharps disposal. Tap 'Find' to search for facilities. The site also indicates which toilets in the City of Canada Bay area have a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK).

Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK)

What is the MLAK system? 

The MLAK system is an innovative scheme that uses a universal lock and key to allow people with a disability 24 hours a day access to accessible public toilets. The MLAK is a master key that fits into specially designed locks allowing 24-hour access to MLAK fitted accessible public toilets nationwide.  The system is supported by the National Toilet Map fitted with MLAK Keys. 

Why have MLAK systems? 

Easy access to toilets is something that the public often takes for granted, whereas it is often difficult for a person with a physical disability to locate an accessible public toilet that is open of an evening. Other benefits include reducing vandalism and assisting to keep facilities clean. 

Who may purchase a MLAK? 

Keys may be purchased from a Master Locksmith. Availability is restricted to people who have a mobility difficulty or who have written authority from: 

• A doctor
• A disability organisation
• A local Council or community health centre
• The centre management or owner of a building with an accessible toilet on site. 

How to obtain a key 

Go to the National Public Toilet Map and enter a location, address or postcode into the search.  Only some accessible toilets are fitted with a MLAK key. You can purchase a key that opens all accessible toilets displaying the MLAK symbol. The key can be purchased directly from a Master Locksmith in your local area or you can complete the order form available from the Master Locksmiths website. To find your local locksmith use the Find a Master Locksmith on the Master Locksmiths website. 

For further information, please contact the Master Locksmiths Association on (03) 9645 9995 / 1800 810 698 (toll free), or Spinal Cord Injuries Australia on (02) 9661 8855 / 1800 819 775. 

For further information on facilities in the City of Canada Bay, call Council’s Customer Service Team on 9911 6555. 

Please note that Council undertakes audits of the parks with MLAK capability and reconciles this with the National Public Toilet map. 

Access Maps 

City of Canada Bay has developed a suite of access maps to help people travel within our villages more easily. 

These maps provide information on the location of kerb ramps, seats, traffic lights, bus stops, toilets and accessible parking. View the maps for Concord, Drummoyne and Five Dock Town Centre’s below: 

• Concord Town Centre Access Map
• Drummoyne Town Centre Access Map
• Five Dock Town Centre Access Map 

Parking 

Mobility permit holders can park for an unlimited period in permit parking scheme areas, including those with parking meters. Permit holders also have access to other concessions, which are listed on the Service NSW website.  

Transport 

Find information to help you plan an accessible trip on public transport by visiting the Transport NSW website. Whether you have an assistance animal, use a mobility aid or want to find out which concessions are available to you.

Below are some accessible transport services available to the City of Canada Bay community:

• Access Sydney is a community based organisation dedicated to providing transport options for people who are transport disadvantaged.
• Sir Roden and Lady Cutler Foundation was established to assist people with disability with transport to and from hospital and other medical appointments. Also provision of mobility scooters and other transport related products/subsidies.
• Volunteer Associates & of St Ambrose (VASA) maintain contact with the elderly by organising monthly morning tea outings, assisting with shopping on a fortnightly basis using the Council's community bus, and provide transport where necessary for appointments.  
• Bay Rider is a City of Canada Bay bus shuttle service for those experiencing transport difficulties.

Companion Card 

The NSW Companion Card program is for people with significant and permanent disability who have a lifelong need for attendant care support when accessing the community. The Companion Card allows a cardholder’s support person free entry into participating venues and events. 

For more information and how to apply for the Companion Card visit the NSW Government Website. 

Taxi Transport and subsidy scheme 

Wheelchair Book & Ride is a booking service for wheelchair accessible taxis in the Sydney metropolitan area. If you are unable to access public transport because you use a wheelchair, you can book a wheelchair accessible taxi online. You may also be eligible for a Taxi Transport Subsidy. 

For more information about booking taxis online visit the Service NSW website or for the Taxi Transport Subsidy scheme page. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS supports people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities. NDIS is working with people with disability to identify supports they need to live their lives. The goal of NDIS is to give people more choice and control over how, when and where support is provided and certainty these supports will be there.  

If you need help to access the NDIS and other services and supports in the community, the National Disability Insurance Agency funds Local Area Coordinators. You can contact someone using the SSI portal or call 1800 960 975 or email ssilac@ndis.gov.au.   

Carer Gateway 

The Gateway is a national online service that provides practical information and resources to support carers. The interactive finder connects to local support services. For support and advice call 1800 422 737 or visit the Carer Gateway website. 

National Disability Gateway 

The Disability Gateway can offer support, information, tools and services to help people live their lives without boundaries and achieve their own personal goals every day. 

The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need. Visit the National Disability Gateway website or call 1800 643787 for more information.

NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) 

The ADC is an independent agency of the NSW Government, established in 2019. Their role is to better protect older people and adults with disability from abuse, neglect and exploitation in their family, home and community.

The NSW Ageing and Disability Helpline is available Monday through Friday from 9am–4pm on 1800 628 221.

The Commission also supports adults with a disability with website resources to safeguard their rights , community training and more.

NDIS 

If you are approved for services under the NDIS, you can search for support services using the NDIS registered provider portal. 

Local Area Coordination 

For support with NDIS you can contact your Local Area Coordination service  for City of Canada Bay, SSI. 

Job Access

Job Access helps people living with disability, employers, service providers and businesses with information about skills development, training looking for jobs and financial support. 

More than half of Australian businesses could benefit by considering candidates with a disability during their hiring process. There are around 2.1 million Australians with a disability aged 15-64 years, but only 53 per cent participate in work. A diverse talent pool can help a business thrive. 

The Australian Government JobAccess offers free expert support including training and financial assistance to help you to get the best person for the job. For further information review the Job Access website. 

Finding jobs or getting support on the job

The Job Access website has some useful information on searching for jobs. 

A Disability Employment Service (DES) , including School Leaver Employment Supports can help if you’re looking for work or have a job. Find out how DES can help you or search for a provider in your area.  

If you’re looking for work, a DES provider can help you: 

• get ready to work
• train in specific job skills
• write your resume
• train in interview skills
• look for jobs that suit you. 

Once you get a job, your DES provider may help you with: 

• on-the-job training
• speaking to your boss and co-workers
• ongoing support in your job
• modifying your workplace
• Auslan at work. 

If you risk losing your job due to disability, illness or injury, you can get help from Work Assist. 

• National Disability Insurance Scheme
• PWD Australia
• National Relay Service
• Vision Australia
• The NSW Companion Card Scheme
• Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
• Mobility Parking Scheme
• Intellectual Disability Rights Service
• Health Direct
• Association for Children with a Disability
• Accessible Business