Access At A Glance

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The adage ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’ applies to the successful partnership forged during efforts to improve accessibility to buildings in Yarrawonga.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for a program designed to make buildings more accessible.

All Abilities House owner Jenny Price and the staff at Intereach have teamed up to overcome these challenges.

Jenny’s recently completed All Abilities House has been built to provide short-term rental accommodation after she realised there were limited opportunities for people with disabilities who wanted to enjoy travel and holidays.

She became involved with community and human service provider Intereach after meeting Community Linker Tracey Molluso and Program Manager Ashley Lythgo and showing them through her recently completed home.

With encouragement from Intereach, she also became involved in Access At A Glance which is being rolled out in Moira Shire to ensure businesses are accessible for everyone and wanted to be a champion for the program.

And this is where the challenges arose when coronavirus restrictions were imposed because on-site assessments for participating businesses could not take place.

Intereach worked with Jenny to find a solution, which came with the help of social media platforms. Firstly, they set up a trial to attempt a virtual assessment. Using Facetime, Jenny could walk around and undertake a virtual assessment of the building.

She said this successful approach showcased how different methods can be used to stay connected and deliver services in our communities, even during difficult times like the pandemic.

Access At A Glance assessments in Yarrawonga has already been completed, and more are planned for coming weeks.

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“I’m excited to be able to continue working with Intereach in the Moira Shire to celebrate what we can offer in our community and help our businesses become more accessible,” Jenny said.

Intereach services continue to support the organisation’s  16 offices in central, northern and western Victoria, and the Riverina and Murray regions of NSW. It provides services support and information to children, families, people with disability, mental health and older people.

To discuss any of the services provided by Intereach during COVID-19 restrictions you can call the toll free number 1300 488 226, or to find more information visit www.intereach.com.au