The Stonnington Disability and Access Committee (SDAC) is currently seeking new candidates to join its 12-member committee. The SDAC play an important role in advising Council in creating an inclusive community with access for all.
Committee members are professionals representing a disability agency, carers and residents living with disability who help us develop policy, and programs as part of the Access and Inclusion plan.
Phineas Meere and Stella Barton joined SDAC in May 2021 with the aim of making their local community more accessible and inclusive for disabled people.
Phin is interested in helping Stonnington communities understand access and inclusion and its application to everyone. “Access and inclusion is more than just ramps and accessible toilets. It’s about creating communities that are inclusive and welcoming of people with disabilities.”
“Being on the Committee is important to me because it provides an opportunity for Council to hear directly from us – people with disabilities,” said Phin.
Stella is passionate about disability rights and accessibility, and she has been involved in the disability advocacy sector since the age of twelve as a member of the Youth Disability Advocacy Service.
Stella has a physical disability and uses an electric wheelchair when she goes out in the community.
“My independence is an aspect of my life that I value very highly; however, there are many barriers that can prevent me from accessing certain areas of my local area. These can include, but are not limited to, uneven footpaths, narrow streets and footpath works with no ramps down to the road.
“It is important that disabled people are included and involved in the changes that affect them, because that’s when positive and effective change occurs. I am glad to see that disabled people are at the front of the community decisions that are being made to make our community more accessible and inclusive.
“Being involved with SDAC is important to me because it allows me to advocate on behalf of the Stonnington disability community to make the area more accessible and inclusive for everyone,” said Stella.
SDAC applications are open until 30 April 2022.
