On Tuesday, 4th August BCA Inform was held to discuss Local Government and Disability Inclusion. The session featured three guest speakers: Chris Stewart, Jackson Newell, and Dan Searle.
The session commenced with Chris Stewart, a disability planner with more than 30 years of local government experience. Chris spoke about the significant role that councils play in shaping everyday access through their responsibility for footpaths, public toilets, libraries, aged care services, local transport connections, and community infrastructure.
The session then moved to Dan Searle and Jackson Newell from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT who presented findings from the Pathways to Inclusion report, based on research with more than 300 blind or vision impaired people across New South Wales and the ACT.
Jackson presented action items from the report, including recommendations for local governments to maintain accessible paths, prioritize repairs, ensure inclusive design in urban planning, and implement consistent communication practices.
Dan highlighted the importance of lived experience in shaping local government decisions. Participants were encouraged to engage directly with their local council, opposition representatives, and council consultation processes, particularly when disability inclusion action plans are being developed or reviewed.
Overall, the session provided both information and practical advocacy tools. It reinforced that local councils have a direct influence on community accessibility, and that blind or vision impaired residents can contribute meaningfully by reporting barriers, participating in consultations, joining advisory groups where possible, and sharing lived experience to strengthen disability inclusion planning.