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. Parents

Access (As Experienced by Your Child)

Below are accessibility factors in the Sutherland Shire. Reflecting on the past 12 months, rate your satisfaction with your child’s accessibility on a 1 to 5 scale. Comment where improvement is needed.

Leave blank if not applicable.

	1 Very dissatisfied	2 Dissatisfied	3 Neutral	4 Satisfied	5 Very satisfied	Comment
Safe footpaths near schools, parks, or activities						Comment
Access to inclusive play spaces and recreation programs						Comment
Physical accessibility of public spaces used by your child						Comment
Availability of sensory-friendly environments						Comment
Overall community accessibility for children with disability						Comment

Facilities and Services

Below are services and facilities. Reflecting on the past 12 months, rate your satisfaction on a 1 to 5 scale. Comment on areas for improvement.

Leave blank if not applicable.

	1 Very dissatisfied	2 Dissatisfied	3 Neutral	4 Satisfied	5 Very satisfied	Comment
Early childhood and school inclusion supports						Comment
Public toilets and change facilities for high support needs						Comment
Access to respite services for children						Comment
Inclusive sports, recreation, or community events						Comment
Overall suitability of services for my child						Comment

Inclusion

Reflecting on the past 12 months, indicate how much you agree with these statements about inclusion on a 1 to 5 scale. Comment where inclusion could improve.

	1 Strongly disagree	2 Disagree	3 Neutral	4 Agree	5 Strongly agree	Comment
My child is included in social and community activities						Comment
I feel listened to as a parent in matters affecting my child						Comment
There is support for my child’s transition to adulthood						Comment
My child feels welcomed in community spaces						Comment
Overall, my child and family feel included in the Sutherland Shire						Comment

3. Continued

Support

Below are support areas for families. Reflecting on the past 12 months, rate your satisfaction on a 1 to 5 scale. Add comments where support could improve.

	1 Very dissatisfied	2 Dissatisfied	3 Neutral	4 Satisfied	5 Very satisfied	Comment
Emotional and peer support for parents						Comment
Access to respite care or trusted support workers						Comment
Information on transition planning (e.g., post-school options)						Comment
Help navigating NDIS and other systems						Comment
Support in emergencies (e.g., evacuation procedures, accessible crisis services)						Comment
Overall support for families in the Sutherland Shire						Comment

Future

These items focus on planning for your child’s future, especially after age 18. Indicate your agreement on a 1 to 5 scale. Comment where needed.

	1 Strongly disagree	2 Disagree	3 Neutral	4 Agree	5 Strongly agree	Comment
I feel supported in preparing for my child’s independence						Comment
I am confident my child will receive adequate support into adulthood						Comment
I have clear information about supports after age 18						Comment
Overall, the community supports a positive future for young adults with disability						Comment

Awareness

Indicate whether you are aware of these services and programs in the Sutherland Shire. Comment on areas for improved awareness.

	No	Yes	Comment
Parent support or information sessions by Council			Comment
Inclusive play spaces and recreation programs			Comment
Respite and short-term accommodation options			Comment
Transition to adulthood programs or NDIS support			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?