The City of Greater Bendigo is recognising International Day of People with Disability on Friday December 3, 2021 by releasing Access Keys for the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre and the Emergency Relief Centre at the Bendigo Showgrounds.
The International Day of People with Disability is a United Nations observed day aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
City of Greater Bendigo Director Health and Wellbeing, Vicky Mason said Access Keys are customised accessibility guides that provide accurate and convenient information about accessing venues, events and programs for all people regardless of ability.
“They are universally designed and suitable for all people, regardless of ability,” Ms Mason said.
“Access Key information includes instructions on getting to the chosen venue or event, parking, layout, access in and around a venue or event, reception locations, toilets including their environmental specifications, food and beverage services, experiences and accessible offerings and more.
“They help users understand what to expect when visiting a specific facility or experience before attending. They also help to determine the suitability of an experience, alleviate anxiety about visiting new places, support the interpretation of circumstances and process new concepts whilst in attendance and are a great tool for fostering independence.”
“Many people may benefit from Access Keys including people on the Autism spectrum, parents with prams, educators, people with intellectual disabilities, severe language disorders, acquired brain injuries, sensory impairment, Sensory Processing Disorder, Dementia, deaf or hard of hearing, temporary disability, Alzheimer’s, Attention deficit hyper disorder (ADHD), Down syndrome, cognitive impairment, vision impairment and people who do not speak English.
“The City has made commitments through both the Healthy Greater Bendigo community health and wellbeing plan 2021-2025 and the Council Plan 2021-25 to improve disability access across Greater Bendigo.
“According to the 2016 Australian Census figures 6,546 people or 5.9 per cent of Greater Bendigo’s population reported they needed assistance with core activities which means that
Access Keys are very important for many in our community and also visitors to our region.”
The Access Keys will be available on and the City’s website
Other information:
- In Australia over 4.4 million people (one in five people) have some form of disability (17.8 per cent of females and 17.6 per cent of males.
- The likelihood of living with disability increases with age and two in five people with disability are 65 years or older. Of all people with disability, 1.9 million are aged 65 and over, representing almost half (44.5%) of all people with disability. This reflects both an ageing population and increasing life expectancy of Australians.
- 2.1 million Australians of working age (15-64 years) have disability while 35.9 per cent of Australia’s 8.9 million households include a person with disability.
Access Keys for the Kangaroo Flat and Bendigo Libraries are also nearing completion and will be available in the near future.
