Surf Coast Shire Council Civic Office Torquay

Access Guide

General Access
Communication
Vision
Hearing
Physical - Mobility
Physical - Wheelchair
Allergies and Intolerances

GENERAL ACCESS

• Offer a range of contact methods for receiving complaints and discussing feedback regarding accessibility issues/barriers.

• Employ people with disability

• Ask all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met

• Website meets WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards (https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/)

• Clear signage and instructions are provided throughout the reception space.

COMMUNICATION

• Use Plain English / easy read signage and information (includes menus and emergency information)

• A quiet space is available at the venue/ facility

• Provide clear, concise internal and external directional signage throughout your facility.

• Translating and Interpreting services are available on request.

VISION

• Provide digital communication materials (hard copy information is also available on line)

• Have Exit signs which are visible at a ground level (high level signs are difficult to see in a fire)

• Have effective lighting throughout facility.

• Use easy read fonts in our signage and communication materials.

HEARING

• Have a hearing loop

• Have a low noise reception areas with hearing loss friendly acoustics and adequate lighting for viewing facial expressions (includes common areas which are free of background noise, background music)

• Permanent hearing loop available in Council Chambers

• Portable hearing loops available for internal use or hire.

PHYSICAL - MOBILITY

• Use floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth

• Use non-slip tiles in the bathroom or slip resistant matting

• Have grab rails in the bathroom

• Provide seating in common areas including reception area. Seating provided is a variety/range and include some with back rests and arm rests.

PHYSICAL - WHEELCHAIR

• Have step free outdoor pathways

• Have step free access to into our business premise

• Have step free access to the conference or function room

• Have doorways which are easy to open and have lever handles (doorways 850mm or wider when open and not heavy)

• Have an accessible public toilet which is unlocked

• Have a wheelchair/scooter charging station (power point) in an accessible location

• Have at least one wheelchair accessible parking space with wheelchair accessible signage clearly displayed

• Have a wheelchair accessible toilet

• Provide a low height counter suitable for a person using a wheelchair or a person of small stature

• Have easy, step-free pathways (clear of obstructions) to all indoor and outdoor areas (includes picnic areas & BBQ)

• Have a lowered front counter desk for wheelchair access if people come into the counter for service

ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES

• Trained staff to respond to allergic reactions

• If community members attend public meetings and catering is provided we seek dietary needs beforehand

• Have equipment to respond to anaphylactic (Defibrillator)