We are always working to improve our City to make our services and amenities accessible and inclusive for all.
It is important that our community feel welcomed and included, and our facilities take people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds into consideration.
Our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan identified that one of the biggest barriers people living with disability often face are people’s attitudes and a lack of understanding around what day-to-day life is like living with disability.
This inspired our three-part Disability Visibility video series.
These short films below highlight three amazing individuals who have a deep connection with our City, while also confronting some of the misconceptions that can still be prevalent in society for those living with disability.
They provide an opportunity for our community to learn more about the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how we can work together to build a more inclusive future for all.
We thank Annette, Shane and Dorian for their honesty, courage and vision to speak with us and share these key messages with our entire community.
Annette's Story
Annette lives with vision impairment assisted by two guide dogs, but that hasn't stopped her from achieving great things.
She loves utilising our community shopping bus to purchase groceries and meet with friends, she is an active volunteer and is also an esteemed disability advocate - having addressed the United Nations on the global stage.
Annette shares several important messages with our community in this video about what life is like living with vision impairment and some of the simple things we can do when engaging with individuals who are assisted by guide dogs.
Shane's Story
Shane Hryhorec spent most of his childhood in Henley Beach and it still holds a special place in his heart.
He's seen Henley evolve over the years including the introduction of a Changing Places facility, our accessible beach mat and various other features designed to create an inclusive community space.
Hear from Shane about why it has become a "tourist hot spot for people with disabilities" in his words, which only adds to the great variety of people who use and enjoy our coastline each day.
Dorian's Story
Stereotypes are "slowing changing" but there's still more we can all do to support those living with disability.
Dorian shares his journey living with autism and how he has learned to manage and thrive in certain circumstances - such as when he visits the gym.
He is a strong, active and impressive young man who is passionate about educating others and changing perspectives of what 'Hollywood' perceives autism to be in real life.