Accessible communications and universal design

Universal design principles such as ‘equitable and flexible use’ aim to ensure policies, programs and services are accessible to as many people as possible, inclusive of age, ability, gender identity, culture, language and any other social characteristics.

We will work across government to embed universal design principles in all elements of the design and delivery of
infrastructure.

This will include:

  • adopting universal design principles in the first two years of the plan in parks, sport and recreation, and health infrastructure
  • continuing to build a network of fully accessible public toilets across Victoria to support people with disability to take part in their local community and access recreational venues, as well as embedding their construction in major infrastructure and transport projects (this includes funding local government and not-for-profit agencies to build 18 more Changing Places facilities across Victoria in 2021–22)
  • publicly releasing the whole-of-government Universal design policy and sharing examples of good practice with community, industry and local government.
Equitable access to key information in formats that are accessible is critical to ensuring the inclusion, participation and safety of people with disability.

We will build capacity across government to provide inclusive, accessible and targeted communications for people with disability.

This will include:

  • developing whole-of-government strategies and approaches to ensure we are meeting the communication needs of people with disability – we will do this through co-design with people with disability and building accessible communications awareness and expertise within the Victorian public service
  • a particular focus in the first two years of the plan on improving accessible communications in emergency management and planning.

Updated