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Easy Read The Makings of Inclusive Communities page
This page is about a the findings of a research project.
The research project is called Planning Inclusive Communities.
The researcher is Dr. Lisa Stafford.
Research Findings for Stage 1
We wanted to learn from people with and without disabilities 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 cities or regional centres
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.
Aged from 9 years to 92 years
From Clarence and greater Hobart, Tasmania
and
Gympie and surrounds in Queensland.
They came from different backgrounds and roles.
Over half of participants were people with disability, mental health needs, long term health - chronic illness.
Others were family members, community members, local government.
So, what makes a community inclusive?
1. People said that at the centre of an Inclusive Community must be its people
Where everyone is valued and belongs.
We can be ourselves.
2. People said diversity is important.
All people and their cultures are valued and respected
People with disabilities are valued and accepted.
Indigenous knowledges are respected.
3. People said Communities must be planned and set up for all people.
People with disabilities have what they need to be involved
and to have a good life.
Our communities and cities must be planned and built for equity, fairness and accessibility.
If a place is fair, it means all people are treated right and the same.
Equity means that people with different barriers and needs are given what they need to be involved.
If a place is accessible, it is easy for them to make out what to do, to reach it, to get around, or enter.
To help, people said we must listen, learn and be led by people with disabilities
4. People said communities should be happy places that support people to live well.
Everyone has choices.
Spaces to create, share, play, have fun.
Spaces to relax.
Our communities look after people.
5. People said being in nature and doing things with others is important.
Nature is like
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the ocean
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open grass
-
walking in the bush
When in nature, people like feeling different things like
smells, sounds, touch.
Nature and being with other makes us feel good and part of community.
Doing things with others like:
-
Sharing food.
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Talking.
Now that we know what an inclusive community is, how do we make it happen?
We heard a lot of ideas.
We heard how change needed.
People felt that inclusive communities and cities must be valued
Communities must be happy and healthy for all people and place.
Must plan and design with people and communities from the start.
We plan better together.
This is with people with disability and, diverse groups, government and local council and urban and regional planning practitioners.
We listen, learn and talk with each other often.
Show people it can be done.
Good views about people with disabilities.
Learn from people with disabilities.
Next we create the change needed.
​This is stage 2, the last stage of the research.
We will create learning information.
Identify people who want to help make change.
Create an ideal plan for creating inclusive communities.
In 2023 we will be asking people to help us.
Like:
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People with disabilities
-
Urban planners
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Community minded people.
For more information go to making stories
We thank everyone who was part of the research and for sharing ideas.
