By Christine de Kock
INNOVATIVE new ways to improve transport options for people with disabilities are being mapped out by Maribyrnong City Council.
The council is working with disability service groups, the Taxi Directorate (a State Government body) and community members to develop a communications board.
The council’s MetroAccess officer Eilis Hughes said the board would have a list of icons, which identified common taxi conversations.
“We are developing an A4 laminated sheet that has simple phrases and pictures, like: ‘can I please have a receipt’ and ‘stop here please’,” she said.
“If a person has trouble speaking they can point to the image, it can also be used by people who don’t speak English.”
MetroAccess is also working with disability service providers near Highpoint to put together a disability access map.
In addition, people with a disability are being groomed as public speakers, so that as individuals they can advocate for disability awareness.
The council’s ongoing efforts to increase awareness of the needs of people with disabilities has resulted in trader Ruth London installing a disability access ramp at her shop in Seddon.
Chair of the Maribyrnong Council’s Disability Advisory Committee Joseph Cutri said she was a role model for the community.
“Ruth took the initiative to do this one simple thing that has made her a role model among traders in our community. It doesn’t take much to pull your weight and address issues of disability access,” Cr Cutri said.
