CommunitiesThrive® - Empowering Communities to Thrive, One Data Point at a Time

1. Welcome

Introduction

Thank you for participating in this research to help us better understand residents' experience with disability inclusion within the Sutherland Shire. This research consists of a short survey, which will take approximately five minutes to complete.

What do we mean by disability?
Disability is a broad term that refers to long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. This includes visible and invisible conditions, and experiences can vary widely from person to person.

The information you provide will be invaluable in helping us improve the Sutherland Shire Council’s service and enhance community outcomes.

Before you begin, please review and confirm your agreement to participate in this research.

Participation Agreement

I confirm that I am 16 years of age or older.
I am a resident of Sutherland Shire Council, or I regularly use one or more of its services.
This research is being conducted by CommunitiesThrive® and involves a survey.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and I may withdraw at any time.
I understand that the results of this survey may be published in reports or presentations, but my individual responses will remain anonymous.
For further information, or if I have any questions or concerns about privacy or participation, I can contact CommunitiesThrive® at chris@communitiesthrive.com.au, or refer to the Privacy Policy at www.communitiesthrive.com.au/privacy-policy.

Accessibility and Alternative Formats

This survey is optimised for mobile devices, keyboard input, mouse use, and is compatible with screen readers. Hard copies are available at the Sutherland Shire Council’s Customer Contact Centre (4–20 Eton Street, Sutherland).
If you would prefer to complete the survey by phone, please contact Lesley on 0415 874 514.

Acknowledgement of Country

In the spirit of reconciliation, CommunitiesThrive® acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

To indicate your consent and begin the survey, please select the "I agree" button below.

2. Lived Experience

Community

Below are accessibility factors within the Sutherland Shire. Reflecting on the past 12 months, rate your satisfaction on a 1 to 5 scale. Comment on items needing improvement.

Leave blank if unsure or not applicable.

	1 Very dissatisfied	2 Dissatisfied	3 Neutral	4 Satisfied	5 Very satisfied	Comment
Quiet spaces or sensory-friendly areas						Comment
Access to public transport and accessible parking						Comment
Feeling welcomed and included in public places						Comment
Accessible communication formats (e.g., Easy Read, captioning)						Comment
Digital accessibility of Council websites and services						Comment
Condition and usability of footpaths and crossings						Comment
Ramps, lifts, and step-free access where needed						Comment
Overall accessibility of the Sutherland Shire						Comment

Facilities and Services

Below are facilities and services in the Sutherland Shire. Reflecting on the past 12 months, rate your satisfaction with access on a 1 to 5 scale. Leave blank if not applicable.

	1 Very dissatisfied	2 Dissatisfied	3 Neutral	4 Satisfied	5 Very satisfied	Comment
Public toilets and adult change facilities						Comment
Parks, playgrounds, and beach access points						Comment
Accessible parking and public transport options						Comment
Libraries, community centres, and Council offices						Comment
Overall access to public facilities and services in the Sutherland Shire						Comment

Inclusion

Reflecting on the past 12 months, indicate how much you agree with these statements on a 1 to 5 scale. Comments welcome.

	1 Strongly disagree	2 Disagree	3 Neutral	4 Agree	5 Strongly agree	Comment
I have not experienced discrimination due to disability						Comment
I feel included in local activities and events						Comment
I feel safe and respected in my neighbourhood						Comment
I can move around the community independently or with support						Comment
Overall, the community supports people with disability						Comment

3. Continued

Support

Rate your satisfaction with the following supports in the community over the past 12 months on a 1 to 5 scale. Comment on areas for improvement.

	1 Very dissatisfied	2 Dissatisfied	3 Neutral	4 Satisfied	5 Very satisfied	Comment
Access to information in suitable formats						Comment
Opportunities for social connection and peer support						Comment
Mental health and emotional wellbeing support						Comment
Help with transport and getting to appointments or activities						Comment
Support in emergencies (e.g., evacuation information, safe places, crisis communication)						Comment
Overall support for people with disability in the Sutherland Shire						Comment

Employment and Economic Participation

Rate your satisfaction with employment and training support over the past 12 months on a 1 to 5 scale. Comments encouraged.

	1 Very dissatisfied	2 Dissatisfied	3 Neutral	4 Satisfied	5 Very satisfied	Comment
Access to training and skill development opportunities						Comment
Availability of reasonable adjustments at work						Comment
Support for finding employment (e.g., NDIS, DES)						Comment
Overall employment support in the community						Comment

Awareness

Indicate whether you are aware of these Council programs or upgrades related to accessibility and inclusion. Comment on gaps or awareness needs.

	No	Yes	Comment
Zero Barriers campaign for inclusive businesses			Comment
Adult change tables in public facilities			Comment
Council’s online Disability Services Directory			Comment
Inclusive playgrounds and accessibility upgrades (e.g., Engadine and Sutherland)			Comment

Finally...

What suggestions do you have for improving the Sutherland Shire Council's disability inclusion?

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with the Sutherland Shire Council's disability inclusion?

4. About You

Lastly, a few questions about you and your overall experience (all optional, and asked in line with state guidelines so we can better understand and serve our community)...

Your Details

Question	Answer
In what suburb do you usually live?
How many years have you lived within the Sutherland Shire Council (if applicable)?
What is your age group?
What is your gender?
Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
Do you speak a language other than English at home?
Do you have dependent children under the age of 18?
What is your current living situation?
What is your current employment situation?
What is your sexual orientation?

Your Experience with Disability or Support

Question	Answer
What is the main type of disability or long-term health condition you experience (if applicable)?
Do you require assistance with day-to-day activities?
What is the main type of disability or long-term health condition experienced by the person or participants you care for, parent, or support (if applicable)?
Which of the following best describes your role in supporting people with disability or long-term health conditions (if applicable)?
Overall, how satisfied are you with Sutherland Shire Council’s disability inclusion efforts?

Final Thoughts

Do you have any additional comments on anything we haven't covered, or on the survey itself?