disability action plan

							Appendix A

DRAFT DISABILITY ACTION PLAN
October 2008

Introduction 1.1 Under Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995) as amended by Article 5 of the Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006), Larne Borough Council is required when carrying out its functions to have due regard to the need to: promote positive attitudes towards disabled people; and encourage participation by disabled people in public life (‘the disability duties’). Under Section 49B of the DDA 1995, Larne Borough Council is also required to submit to the Equality Commission a disability action plan showing how it proposes to fulfil these duties in relation to its functions. 1.2 As Mayor and Chief Executive of Larne Borough Council, we are committed to implementing effectively the disability duties and this disability action plan. We will allocate all necessary resources (in terms of people, time and money) in order to implement effectively this plan and where appropriate, build objectives and targets relating to the disability duties into corporate and annual operating plans. We will also put appropriate internal arrangements in place to ensure that the disability duties are complied with and this disability action plan effectively implemented. We will ensure the effective communication of the plan to staff and to providing all necessary training and guidance of staff on the disability duties and the implementation of the plan. We confirm our commitment to submitting an annual report to the Equality Commission on the implementation of this plan as well as carrying out a five yearly review of this plan. Larne Borough Council will use its best endeavours to consult with disabled people when implementing and reviewing their plans.

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Responsibility for implementing, reviewing and evaluating this disability action plan and the point of contact within Larne Borough Council will be: Sandra Bell Larne Borough Council Smiley Buildings Victoria Road Larne BT40 1RU Telephone number: 028 2827 2313 Fax number: 028 2826 0660 Email: bells@larne.gov.uk If you require this plan in an alternative format (such as large print, in Braille, on audio cassette, easy read or on computer disc) and/or language, please contact the above person to discuss your requirements. 1.3 We confirm our commitment to submitting an annual progress report on the implementation of this plan to the Equality Commission and carrying out a five year review of this plan, or plans submitted to the Equality Commission over the five year review period. A copy of this plan, our annual progress to the Equality Commission and our five year review of this plan will be made available on our website (www.larne.gov.uk). In addition, the Plan will be highlighted through press releases, our information day, advertisements, mail shots and through meetings with disability organisations and representative groups. 1.4 Functions Outlined below is the range of functions of Larne Borough Council. The Council performs five principal roles within its local area and district:

 the direct provision of a number of services and facilities,  the promotion of the arts, tourism, community and economic development,  the regulation and licensing of certain activities relating to environmental health, consumer protection and public safety,  a representative role on a number of bodies and Boards including Education and Health,  a consultative role in relation to functions conducted by other Government bodies and agencies on issues such as planning, water, roads and housing. In the performance of the above roles the Council carries out functions in the following areas:  the provision of facilities for recreational, social and cultural activities including leisure centres, community centres, parks, open spaces, sports grounds and places of entertainment  street cleansing  waste collection and disposal  the provision of burial grounds  the provision of grant aid to support the Arts, community development and the promotion of tourism and economic development  the administration and regulation of certain matters relating to the environment, public health and public safety including building control, food safety, statutory nuisance, dangerous buildings, air pollution, noise pollution, dog control, consumer protection and health and safety  the licensing and regulation of street trading, places of entertainment, amusement centres, sex establishments, societies lotteries, cinemas and petroleum stations  the making of bye-laws and regulation of same. To enable the Council to provide the above services and perform its other functions, the Council must levy an annual rate and has the power to:  acquire and dispose of land  borrow money

 employ staff  procure goods and services. To support and implement the above statutory functions and provision of services and facilities, the Council has adopted a wide range of policies. 1.5 Public life positions over which the Council has responsibility The Council has responsibility over the following public life positions: Sports Development Forum Larne Development Forum Community Workers Forum In addition, the Council are asked to nominate elected member representatives to the following bodies. Arc 21 Arts and Heritage Forum Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust – Management Group AONB Causeway Coast & Glens RTO Community Safety Partnership District Policing Partnership Forum for Local Government and the Arts Interreg IIIA Larne Development Forum Larne & District Citizens Advice Bureau Larne & District Home Accident Prevention Group Larne Road Safety Committee Larne Strategy Partnership Local Government Partnership on Traveller Issues Mid Antrim Museums Service Executive Board National Association of Councillors National Association of Councillors General Management Committee North Antrim Leader Plus NI Amenity Council NI Housing Council North Eastern Education and Library Board

North Eastern Group Building Control Committee Northern Group Public Health Committee Northern Health & Social Services Council NILGA Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for NI Sports Development Forum Executive Committee The Somme Association Ulster American Society. Currently 7 of the above nominations have resulted in representation by an elected member with disabilities.

2.

Previous Measures Outlined below are examples of the key measures which Larne Borough Council has already taken to promote positive attitudes towards disabled people and encourage the participation of disabled people in public life.  Two longstanding elected members with disabilities (Councillor McKee and the late Councillor Robert Lindsay Mason) have consistently raised the profile of those with both physical and mental disabilities. This has significantly impacted Council policy and involvement in areas such as the Special Olympics.  Councillor McKee’s advocacy led to the setting up of the first fitness centre specifically for those with disabilities. This has received much positive press and raised the profile of those with disabilities in the Borough.  Previous Mayors have initiated a job shadowing scheme whereby individuals in the Borough with disabilities have gained an insight into the role played by the Mayor and Council.  Inclusion of a representative from the Homefirst Community Trust Transitions team on the Larne Sports Development Forum.  Introduction of the ‘Carecall’ facility, which provides counselling and support for employees and elected members specifically, but not exclusively, for those experiencing depression.

 Thoughtful adjustments made to Council buildings to improve accessibility.  Established job placement schemes which have enabled those with physical disabilities and learning difficulties to gain experience of working for a public body. These placements are in areas as diverse as Parks and Open Spaces, the Leisure Centre and the Tourist Information Centre. Longstanding links with Ulster Sheltered Employment have facilitated some of these placements.

3.

Proposed action

Any proposed action will, where practicable and appropriate, be exercised in conjunction with Larne District Policing Partnership.
Action Measure Mainstreaming Review recruitment and selection/work placement procedures Timeframe Outcome Responsibility

September 2008 – August 2009

Improved employment opportunities for disabled people

Human Resource Manager

Training and Guidance Providing disability awareness and elected Members

September 2008 – August 2009

Increased awareness of disability awareness of disability issues Promotion of positive attitudes towards disabled people

Human Resource Manager

Encouraging participation in public life Encourage disabled people to apply for/participate in public life positions by effectively publicising the Disability Action Plan

September 2008 – August 2009

Better promotion of equality for disabled people High participation of

Policy Officer

Action Measure

Timeframe

Outcome disabled people in public life

Responsibility

Provide appropriate training and support to disabled people in public life positions (as required)

September 2008 – August 2009

Higher participation of disabled people in public life Promotion of positive attitudes towards disabled people

Human Resource Manager

Encourage others to promote the participation of September disabled people in public life by training Community 2008 – August Group leaders (as required) 2009 Internal Measures Appoint a Disability Champion at Elected Member and Officer level to progress the disability duties

Community Relations Officer

September 2008 – August 2009

Increased awareness of disability duties Promotion of positive attitudes towards disabled people

Council

Include a section in the annual confidential employee and elected member monitoring survey to determine the number of staff and elected members with a disability

September 2008 – August 2009

Promotion of positive attitudes towards disabled people

Human Resource Manager

Provide workplace support to those with a September disability, including making reasonable adjustments 2008-August to the physical environment, duties, working hours, 2009

Increased awareness of disability issues

Human Resource Manager

Action Measure terms and conditions (ongoing)

Timeframe

Outcome

Responsibility

Communication Review external and internal communication policies, practices and procedures Host an annual event to encourage positive interaction between disabled and non-disabled people

September 2008 – August 2010 September 2008 – August 2009

Disabled people portrayed in a positive role Promotion of positive attitudes towards disabled people

Best Value/Policy Development Officer Disability Champion/ Community Relations Officer/ Sports Development Officer/ Arts and Events Officer/ Best Value/Policy Development Officer Policy Officer

Include positive images of disabled people in council publications (ongoing)

September 2008 – August 2009

Promotion of positive attitudes towards disabled people

This Plan will be reviewed after one year. Signed by:

______________________ Mayor

____________________ Chief Executive