Disability Access and Inclusion Framework and Action Plan 2009 – 2013

Definition of Terms

Access and Equity Cross Organisational Group (A&E COG)

The A&E COG is an internal committee formed in 2008 to link areas across Council to monitor the development and implementation of the Disability Access and Inclusion Framework and Action Plan and the Multicultural Framework and Action Plan across the organisation.

Disability Consultative Committee (DCC)

The DCC provides advice to Council on issues relating to the needs of people with a disability, their carers and families and on the implementation of Council's Disability Access and Inclusion Framework. The DCC comprises people with a disability, carers of people with a disability and disability service providers. A  Councillor chairs the DCC.

Accessible

Able to be utilised by all people with a disability.

Access Audits

A formal checklist and report about accessibility that includes considerations in regard to people with a disability including people with a physical disability, vision or hearing impairments.

Alternative formats

Alternative formats include audiocassette, captioning, large print, plain English version, video, and languages other than English.

Alternative Communication

Alternative communication includes Auslan interpreters, TTY (Telephone Typewriter) phones, National Relay Service for telephonic communication with people who are deaf or have speech communication difficulties.

Assistive Devices

Compensatory equipment used to overcome a physical or sensory disability including hand held, electronic and prosthetic aids.

Assistive Listening Devices (Hearing Augmentation)

Compensatory equipment used for people who are hard-of-hearing to augment sound in room, auditorium or similar space.

Audio Loop

Audio loops consist of an amplifier and long cable, which transmits sound from a public address system directly to the hearing aids of people who are positioned within the loop cable. Audio loops are portable and are available for hire or purchase to assist people with hearing impairment at public events or meetings. They can also be permanently built into buildings at the time of construction.

Audible Emergency Alarms

Are alarms that can be heard by a person.

Auslan Interpreting Service (Australian Sign Language)

Auslan is the standard Australian sign language and is recognised by the Australian Government as a legitimate language with its own linguistic rules, syntax and grammar and is considered to have equal status to other languages. Auslan interpreters are available through VIC Deaf.

Audio Book

An audio taped recording of a person reading a book.

Telephone Typewriter (TTY)

A device attached to a telephone line that allows callers to communicate by typing messages that are seen by the person at the other end of the line in real  time.

Braille

Is the translation of text into raised dots on a page for people who have a vision impairment.

Braille Signage

Signage incorporating a Braille component, which will assist interpretation by a person with vision impairment, who can read Braille.

Barriers

Any law, system, building, attitude, program or policy that prevents a person’s full participation in the community.

CALD

Cultural and Linguistic Diversity refers to the wide range of cultural groups that make up the Australian population and Australian communities. It includes groups and individuals who differ according to religion, race, language or ethnicity. CALD is considered a more inclusive term than NESB (non-English speaking backgrounds) as it also includes people whose first language is English and/or are of Anglo-Celtic tradition. Be aware that CALD and NESB are both appropriate terms to use and that where these terms are used it should fit the context.

Companion Card

The purpose of the Companion Card Scheme is to assist people who have a severe or profound disability to access leisure and recreational opportunities without the financial burden associated with the admission costs to sport, entertainment and recreation venues/events for an accompanying carer.

International Symbol of Access

An international recognised symbol consisting of a stylised figure in a wheelchair on a plain square background. The colour of the figure is white on a blued background, with the figure facing right.

International Deafness Symbol

Should incorporate a stylised ear and diagonal flash on a plain square background. The symbol is white on a blue background.

Sign Language Interpretation Symbol

The symbol indicates that Sign Language Interpretation is provided for a lecture, tour, meeting, forum, conference or other event.

Large Print

Large print is useful for people who have some vision but cannot read standard size print. Large print is useful for many people and requires minimal equipment to prepare. Large print is generally a print size of 18 points or greater (if possible, items produced specifically for an individual should be in a font appropriate for that person).

Metro Access

Metro Access is a joint initiative with the Department of Human Services and Local Government. The goal of Metro Access is to enhance the capacity of local communities and disability supports across metropolitan Victoria to plan and support people with a disability to maximise opportunities for community membership and participation. Monash City Council has in place a full-time Metro Access position.

Monash Access & Inclusion Network (MAIN)

MAIN was established in 2005 and aims to actively increase the opportunities for people with a disability, carers, families, workers and interested others to share information, improve & promote community inclusive opportunities, identify gaps, advocate for change and work in partnership to overcome current issues affecting people living with a disability and their carers in Monash.

Mobility Map

A map that provides a guide to the location of accessible facilities and services e.g. designated accessible parking bays, unisex accessible toilets, accessible pathways, accessible telephones etc.

National Relay Service (NRS)

The NRS is an Australia-wide telephone access service provided for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. It is also available to anyone who wants to call a person with a hearing or speech impairment.

Speech-to-Speech Relay Service (STS)

Speech-to-Speech (STS) is one form of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). TRS is a service that allows a person with hearing and speech disabilities to access the telephone system to place and receive telephone calls. STS enables persons with a speech disability to make telephone calls using their own voice (or an assistive voice device). Like all forms of TRS, STS uses specially trained operators – called Communications Assistants – to relay the conversation back and forth between the person with the speech disability and the other party to the call.

Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGIs)

A tile with raised projections to indicate either danger or a change in level, or to act as a directional guide to people with vision impairments.

Tactile Signage

Consists of raised letters on signs to enable touch interpretation by a person with vision impairment. Signs should be located at an appropriate height to enable ease of reach by a person using a wheelchair.

Universal Access

A modern term that indicates an "Access for All" philosophy that promotes inclusive practices across all walks of life and all disabilities.

Visual Emergency Alarms

Must be able to be seen by a person with hearing impairment. Personal vibrating alarms can also be considered.

W3C Compliance

Compliance with a series of guidelines accepted worldwide that specify the appropriate standards to ensure that a website is usable by people with a disability.

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Updated: 4 November 2009

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