Easy Access For All At MARC
29 September 2009
Local care providers and families who frequent the award-winning Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) have embraced accessibility improvements to the leisure facility.
Monash Council funded $260,000 worth of accessibility improvements and upgrades to the Centre after collecting feedback from users of the facility and liaising with community groups.
Before the new change rooms where built, two shared accessible/family change rooms were attempting to support 894,000 visitations and an average of 2,963 children enrolled in the Learn To Swim program for each term in 2008/2009.
Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris said that the changes will deliver improved amenities at the Centre, aligning with continued increases in attendance.
"The accessible change rooms are amongst the most innovative in the leisure industry and include ceiling hoists for transporting users within the change room. They are also eco-friendly, harvesting rain water for toilet flushing," said Cr Klisaris.
Bruce Gullan, Yoralla Carer whose clients participate in the Attendant Support Initiative (ASI) program said, "The new change rooms satisfy all of our clients needs and the extra ceiling hoist is very convenient."
Carmel, ASI participant, said that the new improvements are "Very good. Everything I need is always available with no waiting."
Attendant Support Workers provide individualised support with mobility, transfers, dressing and acessing specialised equipment including the pool hoist, access ramp and slings and floating devices.
Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre is located at 626 Waverley Road, Glen Waverley.
For more information about MARC's programs, please visit Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre or phone 9561 2111.
Published: 29 September 2009
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