Disability Services

Statistically, about 20 per cent of Albany's population has some form of disability and about 6 per cent have a profound or severe core activity limitation. The City of Albany recognises that people with disabilities have special needs, and features that meet the special recreation needs of people with disabilities have been included in recreation developments such as the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre upgrade and are planned in proposed family parks.

The Western Australian Disability Services Act (1993) requires local governments to develop and implement a Disability Service Plan to ensure people with disabilities can access municipal services and facilities. These Disability Service Plans also help Councils meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the Equal Opportunity Amendment Act Western Australia (1988).

The Disability Access and Inclusion Strategy is currently under review. The Strategy provides a focus on access to buildings, facilities, services and information provided by the City of Albany to increase independence, opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities in the local community.

For people using a wheelchair, access to Albany's beautiful sandy beaches can be difficult. To assist visitors and locals alike to enjoy the beach the City has provided Aussie Beach Access wheelchairs at both Middleton Beach and Emu Point. These wheelchairs have wide wheels suitable for use on sand. They are free for people to use for up to two hours and are available from the beach kiosks.

The City of Albany has a Liberty Swing available at Eyre Park. The Liberty Swing is a world-first Australian innovation – a swing that allows wheelchair users the opportunity to experience the joy of having a swing in the park.

The Liberty Swing has been designed as an inclusive device that facilitates the whole family, disabled and able-bodied, participating in park activities. 

This project was funded by the Variety Club and Lotterywest.

For access to the Liberty Swing, please contact the City of Albany via E-mail or telephone (08) 9841 9333.