People with a Disability

Overview

Shoalhaven City Council actively supports people with disabilities and their carers.

You will find out about our activities to support the inclusion of people with a disability and to remove barriers so they have access and can participate in mainstream activities more easily.

International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD)

International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD) takes place on 3 December 2022, aiming to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with a disability and celebrate their contribution to our community.

The IDPwD Grant 2022 provides funding to local, non-profit community groups and organisations to host events and activities which help grow a more socially connected and inclusive Shoalhaven for people living with a disability, their families and carers. 

Shoalhaven disability forum

  • Meets monthly to discuss relevant issues to service providers, consumers and the community and facilitates a services expo in August each year

Find out more:

Inclusion and Access Advisory Group

Shoalhaven City Council’s Inclusion and Access Advisory Group objective is to:

  • Inform, educate and advise Shoalhaven City Council, its staff and residents on accessibility and inclusion with the purpose of creating accessible and inclusive community infrastructure. Membership is by application
  • View Inclusion & Access Advisory Group agendas and minutes

Get more information:

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Our Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 outlines how we aim to support and improve the inclusion of people with a disability as part of our core business and remove barriers to access and participation.

This is Council’s second Disability Inclusion Plan 2022-2026 (The Plan). The Plan builds on our achievements and shows our commitment to improving opportunities for people of all ages with a disability, to access the full range of services and activities available. The priorities and actions within The Plan are based on the lived experience of people who live, work, play and visit the Shoalhaven.

Access to MLAK key for community facilities

The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is a master key that fits into specially designed locks allowing 24 hour a day access to public toilets.

Eligible people - those with a disability and a letter of authorisation from a doctor - can purchase a key that opens all accessible toilets, and Liberty Swings that have a MLAK symbol on them.

For more information:

Beach wheelchairs

Shoalhaven City Council has 10 beach wheelchairs available free of charge for beaches across the City.

The beach wheelchairs will provide and improve access to the beach for children and young people living with disability.

The child and adult size all-terrain beach wheelchairs will ensure children, particularly those aged 9 to 15 years, have access to and are included in mainstream activities, for example, visiting the beach.

Hire a Beach wheelchair

Liberty swings

Liberty Swings are located at:

The Liberty Swings are an Australian invention that enables people using wheelchairs to experience the fun and enjoyment of swinging.

These swings have become a popular activity with children and adults using both electric and manual chairs.

Users and carers need to:

  • Follow the instructions carefully for safe and easy use
  • Make sure that a carer checks that the chair is attached securely
  • Push the Liberty swing - either the carer or depending on the dexterity of the user, the user can manually operate it

You will need access to an MLAK key to open the gate.

MLAK keys are located at: