A Disability Engagement and Advocacy Network (DEAN) will be established in Gawler to assist people living with disability influence policies and practices of governments at all levels.
The idea for a DEAN is one of the major outcomes from an International Day of Disabled Persons event sponsored by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo.
Mr Piccolo said while the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme offers great hope of a better life for people living with disability, their families and carers there are many issues that are not resolved by funding through the NDIS.
“Simple changes to basic infrastructure will greatly assist people living with a physical disability to access important services,” said Mr Piccolo.
“I am particularly interested in hearing from people living with disability who find it difficult to access public transport and other services because of physical barriers.
“Councils are now required to adopt disability and inclusion plans, so the DEAN can provide important feedback to local council on their policies and practices.
“Invariability infrastructure improvements designed to assist people living with disability also assists other people in the community, like frail or elderly citizens and those with mobility issues.
The focus of the DEAN is to engage people living with a disability and to support them in advocating for their needs and provide the NDIA with feedback.
Mr Piccolo said that in the new year he will be convening a forum for advocates already working in the disability and aged care area. This will enable the DEAN to learn the best ways to engage and advocate on behalf of people living with disability.
The afternoon tea was held to Mark the International Day of Disabled Persons and gather ideas as to how as a community we can better support people living with disability.
Mr Piccolo said that he hoped that the DEAN would work closely with the Gawler Business Development Group to assist local businesses to become more disability aware to help the person living with disability, but also to boost their bottom line.