Co-developing a Disability Inclusion Planning Guide for Local Government

The Social Deck was engaged by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) to co-develop an updated Disability Inclusion Planning – A Guide for Local Government, replacing the 2016 version.

The Guide is designed to help local governments throughout Australia to implement disability inclusion practice in their communities, services and infrastructure. It supports compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the development of councils’ Disability Access and Inclusion Plans.

Discovery, review and consultation

The project commenced with a discovery phase to confirm priorities, approach and existing evidence. We undertook a comprehensive desktop review of the 2016 Guide, and relevant legislation and policy across jurisdictions. We also looked at contemporary literature to identify strengths, gaps and areas requiring update in the Guide.

Through targeted consultation with disability peaks and experts, as well as engagement with state and territory governments, local government associations, and local councils, we developed a framework for the Guide. This included working with ALGA’s new Disability Community of Practice to design the structure and key areas.

We presented options to ALGA for how we could ensure the Guide remained a living, accessible and long-term resource for the future. This led to the decision to create the Guide into a microsite.

Co-development of the updated Guide

We then co-developed the new Guide in close collaboration with ALGA. This included iterative drafting, regular check-ins, and structured feedback from state associations, councils and key stakeholders.

We identified and developed case studies demonstrating best practice from councils nationwide, alongside practical tools such as templates, checklists and visual resources. Accessibility was embedded throughout, with content developed to meet WCAG 2.1 standards and incorporate plain and Easy English approaches.

Testing, refinement and implementation

Draft versions of the Guide were tested with local government stakeholders and experts to ensure usability and relevance. Insights from focus groups and stakeholder feedback informed refinement and finalisation.

Project outcome

The Guide was launched at the ALGA National General Assembly, in front of local council Mayors, CEOs and other stakeholders.  We continue to support ALGA in maintaining the Guide, implementing, monitoring and promoting it across councils.