Disability Inclusion Research

1. Welcome 2. Services 3. Continued 4. About You

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. Services

Accessibility

Below is a list of accessibility-related aspects that may impact your participants' ability to participate in the community. Reflecting on the past 12 months, please rate your satisfaction with each, based on your organisation's experience supporting people with disability in the Sutherland Shire. Rate from 1 to 5 where 1 means "Very dissatisfied" and 5 means "Very satisfied". Feel free to comment on areas needing improvement.

1

Very dissatisfied		2

Dissatisfied		3

Neutral		4

Satisfied		5

Very satisfied

Comment
Sensory-friendly features in public or community spaces
Comment
Suitability of public transport for people with a range of disabilities
Comment
Public toilets and adult change facilities
Comment
Accessibility of Council-run facilities (e.g. libraries, community centres)
Comment
Safety and maintenance of pedestrian pathways
Comment
Availability of accessible parking for service vehicles or participants
Comment
Availability of accessible information and signage (e.g. Easy Read, braille, tactile markers)
Comment
Physical accessibility of public spaces (e.g. parks, streets, transport hubs)
Comment
Overall community accessibility for people with disability
Comment

Collaboration and Engagement with Council

Reflecting on your organisation's interaction with the Sutherland Shire Council over the past 12 months, please rate your satisfaction with the following aspects. Comment where applicable.

1

Very dissatisfied		2

Dissatisfied		3

Neutral		4

Satisfied		5

Very satisfied

Comment
Support for inclusive events and community programs
Comment
Council's understanding of disability issues and service needs
Comment
Support for Council-led accessibility initiatives (e.g. Zero Barriers, Access Maps)
Comment
Opportunities to contribute to Council consultations or planning
Comment
Access to Council spaces for service delivery or programs
Comment
Inclusion of disability service providers in community development
Comment
Communication and responsiveness of Council staff
Comment
Overall relationship with Sutherland Shire Council
Comment

Service Delivery and System Supports

Please rate your organisation's satisfaction with the local conditions for delivering quality disability services in the Sutherland Shire. Comment on challenges or system improvements needed.

1

Very dissatisfied		2

Dissatisfied		3

Neutral		4

Satisfied		5

Very satisfied

Comment
Access to affordable and suitable spaces for programs or service delivery
Comment
Ability to meet the diverse needs of participants in the community
Comment
Support for participants during transitions (e.g. early intervention to school, school to adult life)
Comment
Suitability of infrastructure for delivering services to high-needs participants
Comment
Availability of trained and qualified disability support workers
Comment
Access to local transport options for participants
Comment
Availability of community partnerships or collaboration opportunities
Comment
Coordination with health, education, or other mainstream services
Comment
Availability of emergency planning resources and supports for participants with disability
Comment
Overall environment for disability service provision in the Sutherland Shire
Comment

3. Continued

Inclusion

Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statements, based on your organisation's observations of participant outcomes over the past 12 months. Feel free to provide comments on where progress is most needed.

1

Strongly disagree		2

Disagree		3

Neutral		4

Agree		5

Strongly agree

Comment
Clients and families feel respected and valued in the local community
Comment
Services are culturally inclusive and accessible to participants from diverse backgrounds
Comment
Clients can access support in ways that suit their communication and access needs
Comment
Clients feel welcomed and included in community life
Comment
Clients are empowered to express their goals and participate in decisions
Comment
Clients are supported to transition into adulthood, employment, or independent living
Comment
Community attitudes toward disability are improving
Comment
Clients have access to meaningful social and recreational activities
Comment
Overall, the Sutherland Shire is an inclusive place for people with disability
Comment

Workforce and Organisational Challenges

The following items relate to internal and systemic challenges that may impact your organisation's ability to deliver services. Please rate the level of challenge each area presents on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means "Not a challenge" and 5 means "Major challenge".

1

Not a challenge		2

Minor challenge		3

Moderate challenge		4

Significant challenge		5

Major challenge

Comment
Coordinating with mainstream services (e.g. health, education, housing)
Comment
Supporting participants with complex or dual diagnoses
Comment
Navigating transport and mobility barriers for participants
Comment
Recruiting qualified disability support workers
Comment
Complexity of NDIS funding and compliance
Comment
Access to professional development or training
Comment
Supporting participants transitioning beyond 18 years old (e.g. post-school pathways)
Comment
Staff retention and turnover
Comment
Maintaining financial sustainability under current funding arrangements
Comment
Providing services in rural or hard-to-reach areas of the Sutherland Shire
Comment
Managing demand vs available resources
Comment

Awareness

Please indicate whether your organisation is aware of the following local resources or initiatives provided by the Sutherland Shire Council. Feel free to comment on accessibility, gaps, or effectiveness.

NoYesComment
NDIS information sessions hosted locally
Comment
Emergency planning resources for vulnerable participants
Comment
Access and Inclusion Business Awards
Comment
Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)
Comment
Community grant programs available to disability providers
Comment
Zero Barriers campaign
Comment
Availability of adult change facilities
Comment
Accessible play and recreation upgrades
Comment
Council's Disability Directory or service listings
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?