We are writing a Universal Design and Disability Inclusion Policy.
We also sometimes just call this 'the draft Policy' or 'the Policy'.
Tell us what you think about our draft Policy by end of Sunday 5 July 2026.
-
-
This Policy will support people with a disability by helping to make Yarra *accessible* and *inclusive*.
- Accessible means easy to find and use.
- Inclusive means everyone is welcome, including people with disability.
-
People with a disability and carers helped to make the policy.
We listened to community members with disability including our *Disability Advisory Committee*.
Our Disability Advisory Committee is a group of disabled people that:
- helps us plan our work
- shares feedback and ideas.
-
Click here
You can download and read the Easy Read draft Policy PDF here.
-
Click here
We also have the Easy Read draft Policy in a Word document which you can download here.
-
We want to know how we can make Yarra more inclusive and accessible.
-
We will use your ideas to help us finalise the Universal Design and Disability Inclusion Policy.
-
We will present the final Policy to Councillors to adopt later this year.
Skip to the survey now or you can keep scrolling to read more before you give us your feedback.
What is Universal Design?
Universal design makes spaces, products and services usable by as many people as possible. It includes:
-
Physical access for everyone
Provide ramps, wide paths, accessible toilets, and seating.
-
Sensory supportive environments
Create quiet areas, low-glare lighting, and less background noise.
-
Easy to see information
Use high-contrast signage, large fonts, braille, and tactile maps.
-
Easy to hear information
Include hearing loops, clear announcements, and visual alerts.
-
Easy to understand information
Use plain language, simple guides, and easy layouts and formats.
-
Multiple communication methods
Offer information in print, digital, pictograms, captions, and alternative formats.
-
Comfort and rest opportunities
Provide seating, rest areas, and non-slip surfaces.
-
Easy to use layouts of spaces
Design clear routes, level entrances, and accessible paths.
-
Flexible spaces and delivery
Ensure space and facilities, programs and services are easy for everyone to use.
-
Inclusive and responsive services
Provide customer service support for people of all-abilities.
Our priority areas
The Universal Design and Disability Inclusion Policy outlines 6 key priority areas that Council will focus on to help make Yarra more accessible and inclusive.
-
Priority 1: Accessible places and transport
We will use Universal Design when we:
- make things
- fix things.
This includes parks, streets, transport.
We will improve Council buildings and spaces to be more accessible.
We will make or fix accessible footpaths and lighting.
We will make more accessible and better:- car parks
- pathways that connect community areas.
We will ask community members with disability about what we should fix.
-
Priority 2: Inclusive services and information
Our services, programs and information will be accessible to more people.
We will make our services more:
- inclusive
- *flexible and responsive*
Flexible and responsive means:
- staff can change how they work to meet your access needs
- council customer service is accessible and inclusive.
We will improve our website and online information to be more accessible.
We will work with the community in more inclusive ways.
For example, when we ask community for feedback and ideas.
-
Priority 3: Inclusive participation and employment
We will work to improve disability inclusion.
We will create jobs for people with disability in Yarra.
We will help different community groups learn about disability inclusion.
For example, we will help sports clubs and community groups.
-
Priority 4: Fairness and safety
We want Yarra to feel safe for people with disability.
We will stand up for fairness and disability rights.
We will ask transport providers to be more accessible.
We will work on disability inclusion across local businesses, events and festivals.
We will help people make more accessible homes.
We will look at ways to help people with disability access:
- food
- support programs
- community services
We will make it easier for people with disability in an emergency, for example clear information.
-
Priority 5: Belonging and celebration
We will celebrate people with disability and carers in our community.
We will:
- tell stories about disability in our community news
- celebrate *awareness days*.
Awareness days are dates to celebrate and learn more about disability.
We will share more information about inclusive community activities. For example:
- local arts
- culture
- community life
- volunteering.
We will run more inclusive events and create more ways for people with disability and their carers to meet others.
-
Priority 6: Effective data and reporting outcomes
We will collect better disability data. For example, through surveys and other feedback options.
We will find more ways to check our work at different times when we run programs.
We will be honest and clear about:
- work we are doing
- what is working
- what we need to change or fix.
Now it’s your turn to tell us what you think.
Tell us:- what is working well
- what could be better
- your ideas for the future
We especially want to hear from:
- people with disability
- autistic people
- families
- partners
- carers
- advocates and allies
- community members
Your feedback will help us finish a Policy that works for everyone.
Please send your feedback on the draft Universal Design and Disability Inclusion Policy by 11.59pm, Sunday 5 July 2026.
You can also speak to in person to provide your feedback. Click here to find out more.
-
Speak to us in person
Join us at our pop-up event where you can speak to us in person, find out more and give us your feedback.
-
Interpreter service
This page can be translated using the menu on the top of the screen if you are using a desktop. If you are using a mobile or tablet, press the three lines on the top right corner of the page.
If you want to find out more in your own language, please call our interpreter service on 9280 1940.
-
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up for our Your Say Yarra newsletter to never miss a chance to have your say.
