We wanted to learn from people with and without disability what makes communities inclusive.

 When we say community we mean the area where you live – your local street and neighbourhood. 

Our communities are part of bigger areas like a city or regional centre.

When we say Inclusive we mean you have the same opportunities to do everyday things in your community like everyone else.

We heard ideas and experiences from 97 people.  

The 97 people were:

• From Clarence and greater Hobart in Tasmania, or Gympie and surrounds in Queensland.

• They were aged from 9 to 92, and

• From different backgrounds and roles

• Half of participants identified as person with disability, mental health needs, long term health - chronic illness,

• Others were  brothers, sisters, parents and allies.

So, what makes a community inclusive?

People said that at the centre of an Inclusive Community must be its people.

• Everyone is welcomed, valued and belongs.

• We can be ourselves.

People said diversity is important

• All people and their cultures are valued and respected.

• Disability is a normal part of being human

• Indigenous knowledges are respected

People said Communities must be planned and set up for all people

• People have what they need to be involved  and to have a meaningful everyday life and thrive.

• Fairness, equity and accessibility are important principles that guide planning and development

• We listen, learn and are led by lived experiences and local knowledges

People said Communities should be vibrant and thriving places that support people to live well 

• Everyone has choices to create, share, play and have fun,

• There are spaces for relaxation

• Our communities nurture people – physically, mentally and spiritually.

People said Our communities should connect people, local areas and nature.

• These connections are essential to our wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Now that we know what an inclusive community is, how do we make it happen?

We heard a lot of ideas of what’s needed to make change.

First  inclusive communities and cities must be understood and valued as a core asset.

Inclusive Communities are an investment in the social, economic, health and wellbeing of people and place. 

We must always plan and design with people and communities from the start

We can plan better by working together - with disabled people and, diverse groups, government and local council and urban planners.

We need to Listen, Learn and Communicate continually.  

Show people what’s possible, think big and outside the box.

Challenge the negative perceptions and naysayers through awareness raising education.

Next we create the change needed. This is stage 2 – the last stage of the research.

We will document

• better ways of working and educating

• identify change makers, and

• outline assets of communities

This will help make a model for planning inclusively.

We will be asking people with disability, urban planners and community minded people to help us do this.  

We thank everyone for being involved in this research.

Look out for more updates.

Making change together matters.