{"id":3389,"date":"2022-08-17T13:15:57","date_gmt":"2022-08-17T03:15:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/?p=3389"},"modified":"2022-08-17T13:15:59","modified_gmt":"2022-08-17T03:15:59","slug":"awareness-campaign-to-improve-inclusivity-and-think-outside-the-chair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/awareness-campaign-to-improve-inclusivity-and-think-outside-the-chair\/","title":{"rendered":"Awareness campaign to improve inclusivity and think outside the chair"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Central Coast Council has joined the \u2018think outside the chair<\/a>\u2019 movement with a pilot awareness campaign to challenge community perceptions and change attitudes and behaviours towards people with invisible disabilities (also known as hidden disabilities).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Mel Smith said invisible disabilities may not be immediately apparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeople with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments and each have specific needs. Accessible public toilets and car spaces are not exclusive for those with only seen disabilities or impaired mobility,\u201d Ms Smith said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn Australia, 90 percent of the 4.4 million people with disabilities are living with an invisible disability. Unfortunately, those living with hidden disabilities can experience confrontation and abuse from uninformed people when using accessible toilets or car spaces \u2013 because their disabilities may not be obvious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe all have a part to play in creating a truly inclusive and accessible community for people living with disabilities. Of the highest importance is in our attitudes and behaviours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy increasing community awareness of invisible disabilities, we hope to bring necessary change to behaviours and attitudes to improve inclusion and respect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said the Central Coast is home to a diverse and growing community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCouncil is committed to continuous improvement of accessibility, inclusivity and liveability within the local community,\u201d Mr Hart said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA key strategy of Council\u2019s Disability Inclusion Action Plan is to promote positive and contemporary attitudes and behaviour towards people with a disability, which in turn will result in inclusive actions.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased that this project delivers on this action and seeks to improve positive outcomes for people with a disability so they can fully participate in day-to-day community life and feel welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some ways we can help improve inclusivity for people with invisible disabilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n