Disability Services

There are many government and non-government services in the Shire providing assistance for those with a disability. These services range from long-day care, medical services, respite, and home care to post school options and employment options. For a comprehensive list, see the Community Directory for the contact details of the various services.

Disability Fact Sheets

Accessible Car Spaces for People with a Disability Fact Sheet (374.09kB)

Access to Community Facilities

MLAK

The MLAK is a master key that fits into specially designed locks allowing 24 hour a day access to public toilets. Eligible people - those with a disability and a letter of authorisation from a doctor, disability organisation, local council or community health centre - can purchase a key that opens accessible toilets from the Master Locksmith Association.

Please contact Council for the locations of MLAK accessible toilet on: +61 2 9843 0555.

Liberty Swing at Crestwood Reserve, Bernie Mullane Sporting Complex and Balcombe Heights Estate

The Liberty Swings, installed at Crestwood Reserve, Bernie Mullane Sporting Complex and Balcombe Heights Estate, are an Australian invention that enables people using wheelchairs to experience the fun and enjoyment of swinging.

These swings have become a popular activity with children using both electric and manual chairs. Following the instructions carefully, it is safe and easy to use. The swings requires a carer to ensure that the chair is attached securely and can either be pushed by the carer or, depending on the dexterity of the user, can be manually operated.

Crestwood Reserve is one of the Shire's most popular recreation areas with accessible tracks, barbecue areas and equal-access play areas including a swing with handles for lifting in and out of a wheelchair and a jungle gym with accessible ramps.

There is also an accessible around-about at the Bernie Mullane Sporting Complex

Access

Council's role is to support and promote equitable physical access to public buildings and amenities and look into complaints and issues raised by residents of the Shire. In the past these have included concerns about footpaths, accessible parking, kerbing, and access to community facilities or public buildings.

What can you do?

Should you have any concerns regarding access click here to complete an e-request:

The Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS)

The Mobility Parking scheme (MPS) provides parking concessions to people with mobility disabilities.

All applications for a new or renewal MPS card must be signed by a medical doctor. MPS cards are only valid for up to six months. Temporary MPS cards can be issued for up to 3 months. MPS application who hold a NSW divers licence are required to have a medical fitness accessment and this is then noted on their licence.

Who is eligible for a Mobility Parking Scheme Card?

To be eligible for a Mobility Parking Scheme card, as person must:

Be unable to walk due to the permanent or temporary loss of use of one or both legs or other permanent medical or physical condition.
Be someone whose physical condition is detrimentally affected as a result of walking 100 metres
Require the use of crutches, a walking frame, callipers, scooter, wheelchair or other similar mobility aid.

MPS cards are also available to people who are permanently blind.

Please follow this link to download the MPS applications for Individuals or an Organisation.

Disability Services Directory

Council has a Community Information Directory, which list the many group, organisations and services in The Hills Shire area or you may wish to download the sub-directory - Disabilities Services Directory below.

Disability Services Directory (365.46kB)

Disabilities Fact Sheet

Disabilities Fact Sheet 2010 (376.16kB)