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. Disability access must be included, by law, in all new public buildings.

Additionally, strong communication links have been formed between the representatives of the disabled community and the City of Albany Works and Services department to help address access issues.

To increase flexibility in achieving desired outcomes, the City has formed a Technical Working Group - Disabilities, under the direction of the Executive Director Works and Services, that will:

• set priorities for upgrading City facilities and infrastructure to meet contemporary access standards
• consult with relevant City of Albany officers on disability needs for planned community and recreation facilities and programs

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 City of Albany's 2003 Disability Services Plan is available below, along with the draft Disability Access and Inclusion Strategy, which provides a new blueprint for the removal of barriers faced by people with disabilities, their families and carers in accessing City services and facilities. Download a copy of the draft strategy below and have your say. Comments on the draft strategy must be made in writing and lodged with the Chief Executive Officer, City of Albany, PO Box 484, Albany WA 6331 by the close of business on Friday 29 June.

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 an hour or two and are available from the beach kiosks.

The “In-Home, Out-of-Home, In the Community” disability services directory is on the Disability Services Commission website and includes contacts and links for a range of disability services, organisations and information.

The City of Albany recently installed a Liberty Swing 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. 

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