The City of Perth has committed to review its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) next year. Updated every five years, the DAIP’s current goals for the 2021–2025 period include addressing accessibility to buildings, events, parking and restrooms throughout the city.
Nina-Marie Butler, a member of the Access and Inclusivity Advisory Group (AIAG) which works alongside the city on the DAIP, said the group is made up of individuals with lived experience of disabilities who advocate for their community.
“The group wants people with disabilities to be more visible, to have more access to the city and be able to participate more,” she said.
Jakob Ratnayeke, a wheelchair athlete and vocalist for local punk band ALF, said he has noticed improvement but believes there’s other areas to focus on.
“I got on a stage for the first time, literally onto a stage, the last show we played. Most stages are nearly impossible to get onto because they are too high up,” he said.
Jakob Ratnayeke singing into a microphone positioned on the floor of The Bird, while his band members play on the stage behind him. Photo: Laura Angel Photography.
In 2021, a Northbridge restaurant was converted into a live-music venue, Ratnayeke attended a gig, only to find the bathrooms had been refurbished and made inaccessible.
“It was a Nando’s before and now there were two toilet blocks, one inside and outside, and neither were accessible,” he said.
Ms Butler finds it absurd venues are allowed to become inaccessible considering the growing number of people with disabilities.
“There’s what roughly 5 million Australians with a disability, and it’s the only minority group that if you are not a part of now, you could become a part of in the future.”
Nina-Marie Butler Member of The Access and Inclusion Advisory Group
A 2022 survey conducted by the ABS revealed 5.5 million Australians’ have disability, an increase from the 4.4 million recorded in 2018 with almost half a million of those living with disability in Western Australia.
Braedan La Marr from The Bird says if a recent grant application is successful, a ramp to their stage will be installed by the end of next year.
“We’ve always been committed to inclusivity and this upgrade is a natural step in ensuring that our space is welcoming to all, we want to make sure everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can perform at The Bird.”
La Marr believes venues are likely hesitant to make upgrades due to costs and a general lack of knowledge about accessibility needs. He said: “I think venues overlook accessibility because it’s easy to assume the status quo is good enough, especially if there haven’t been any complaints.
“But accessibility isn’t about reacting to issues, it’s about proactively creating an environment that is welcoming to all. Making these improvements is an investment in your community, and in the long-term sustainability of the venue.”
The AIAG has addressed community feedback about accessibility issues to the State Library of Western Australia and collaborated with event organisers to ensure people with disabilities could access the Kings Park Lightscapes event. Ms Butler said they plan to address accessibility issues performers face at venues in the city in their next meeting.