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Blind Citizens Australia (BCA): National Policy
Blind Citizens Australia, in conjunction with the Blythe-Sanderson Group, proudly launched the Blind Citizens Australia Obstacle Notice at the BCA National Convention 2007. This A6 notice provides a self advocacy tool for people who are blind or vision impaired that assists in removing obstacles from local communities. It also raises the profile of BCA and awareness of blindness and vision impairment. The notice is now available for members in all states and territories of Australia.
You can request an obstacle notice/s by calling the BCA National Office on 1800 033 660. A web based request form is also currently under development.
The information contained on the notice and a disclaimer is available for download by selecting the links. This information is also available in large print, audio tape and Braille on request.
Special thanks to Blythe-Sanderson Group ( www.blythe-sanderson.com.au) for their sponsorship of the BCA Obstacle Notice and to Kelly Hazell Lawyers for their legal advice. The cane user logo used on the BCA Obstacle Notice was produced by the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation with support and technical assistance from the Office for Special Constituencies, National Endowment for the Arts. Graphic design assistance by the Society of Environmental Graphic Design. Consultant: Jacqueline Ann Clipsham.
Victoria will see the introduction of a new public transport ticketing system in 2008. BCA (in conjunction with the Transport Ticketing Authority, the government department responsible for implementing the system) has put together a work in progress document answering frequently asked questions by members. Click here to download a word copy of this document. This document will be updated with the development of the system.
Blind Citizens Australia has produced 'Safer Streets' to help inform people who are blind or vision impaired how to advocate on public access issues. The contents of the document includes: Access to public places - What are my rights?, Obstructions – Dangerous things in public places, Building better streets – Asking for changes to make the streets safer and how to make a complaint with an anti-discrimination body. The document also contains hypothetical case studies, sample advocacy letters and letter writing tips. There is a link below to the HTML version of this document, which also contains a function to download the large print version. This document is also available in other accessible formats by contacting BCA head office. HTML version of Safer Streets.
Pedestrian Safety Policy
Public Transport Policy
In December 2007, the Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation released two documents aimed at promoting good wayfinding design and audit practices in the building industry. These documents have been designed to help designers, developers, building managers and owners to do their part in creating a more inclusive and accessible built environment.
Wayfinding design guidelines outlines a practical and comprehensive design method to wayfinding and identifies ways of improving access to, into and through new and existing properties. Wayfinding system audit includes an audit checklist template to be customised for gathering information on buildings and their surrounds.
These publications are available for free download in PDF at: http://www.construction-innovation.info/publications.html
FAQ’s: Access to premises
BCA’s response to the draft DDA Standards on Access to Premises can be read here. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) on the DDA Standards Project can be found on the HREOC website.
The AASC formed during September 2006 and consists of a broad range of disability organizations, including BCA. The aim of the committee is to develop a consistent national approach to the issues facing people with a disability undertaking air travel in Australia that will provide clear objectives and amendments for the DDA Review of the Transport Standards in 2007.
To aid the work of the AASC, committee members have been asked to gather case studies from their organisations member base on their experiences of perceived discrimination when undertaking air travel. Read an airline case study example. Submit your case study through the 'BCA Member policy input' section.
For information on concession fares for people who are blind or vision impaired and dog guide policy for Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Blue and Pacific Blue visit the following page: Airline Policy
Travel tips for people who are blind or vision impaired
The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 Standards for Accessible Public Transport became law on 23 October 2002. To view the Standards and related documents visit the Federal Attorney Generals web site. FAQ’s on the DDA Standards Project can be found on the HREOC website.
To find information about the National Blind Travel Pass visit the following page: National Blind Travel Pass: State by State Entitlements
In 2007, BCA held two public transport forums in Victoria, which combined, were attended by over 120 people. A report containing the recommendations of these forums has been prepared and contains information that will be forwarded to public transport operators.
The report also outlines the issues that BCA will be looking at in 2008-2009 and a list of useful public transport contacts that members can access.
In addition to the report, summaries of the presentations and discussion points for each session are provided below.
In recent years, silent or near-silent vehicles such as hybrid electric cars and motorbikes have become more commonplace. This trend is of great concern to people who are blind or vision impaired because it increases the safety hazards already present in pedestrian travel.
Read Blind Citizens Australia's Position Statement on Silent Vehicles.
Today's Date: 07/07/08 Last updated: 23/10/2007Copyright Notice Disclaimer: External Links
Blind Citizens Australia. Ross House, 247 - 251 Flinders Lane, MELBOURNE VIC 3000. Telephone: (03) 9654 1400 or 1800 033 660. TTY: (03) 9376 9275. Facsimile: (03) 9650 3200. E-mail: bca@bca.org.au
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