The City of Melville is committed to making a great place for all its residents and has a Community Development Officer – Access and Inclusion to ensure that:

• individuals with disabilities and their families/carers enjoy living in an accessible friendly city;
• local community groups and members are supported in developing and delivering facilities, information and programs that are inclusive of, or specific to, people with disabilities;
• awareness of issues for people with disabilities and their families/carers is raised through events and training;
• people with disabilities are able to be involved in decision making about their community.

The ABS estimates that 20% of people living in the City of Melville have a disability. In total, almost a third of local people are affected, as the disability also impacts on family members and friends. A disability is any continuing condition that restricts everyday activities.

The Disability Services Act (1993) defines disability as a condition that:

• is attributable to an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments;
• is permanent; and may or may not be episodic in nature.

A range of barriers may prevent people with a disability from accessing community services, events, public buildings and facilities, and from gaining access to information, public consultation and decision making processes. The City of Melville is committed to ensuring these barriers are overcome.