Disability Project
Local governments play a vital role in creating communities where people with disability can thrive. Across Australia, councils are leading the way in building more inclusive, accessible environments for everyone.
ALGA is a signatory to Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, a national framework based on the social model of disability. The Strategy aims to break down barriers and create accessible, inclusive communities where all people with disability can participate equally.
ALGA’s disability project supports real outcomes in communities under this Strategy:
Disability Inclusion Planning Guide update
In 2016, ALGA developed a Disability Inclusion Planning Guide, which provides information and tools to help councils update, develop and implement inclusive policies and practices to ensure people with disability have equal access to services and facilities.
ALGA is currently conducting a major update of the Disability Guide, to be released in mid-2026. The Guide will be delivered as a comprehensive online resource for local government and accessible to all Councils across the country.
Community of Practice
ALGA has established a Local Government Disability Community of Practice, bringing together 35 staff and volunteers from councils across Australia, representing a diverse range of backgrounds, including lived experience of disability.
The Community of Practice meets monthly, with four sub-groups focusing on:
- Education, Employment & Community Attitudes
- Safety, Justice, Gender Equality & Emergency Management
- Housing, Homelessness & Community Supports
- Participation, Community Life & the Built Environment
A Community of Practice workshop was held in Adelaide in February 2026.
Photo Credit: Capture the Present
Local Government Case Study Showcase
To showcase positive action already underway in our communities, ALGA is compiling a bank of case studies highlighting successful council initiatives that support people with disability.
Webinar Series
Working with the Community of Practice, ALGA is conducting a series of webinars:
Webinar 1 – Education, Employment & Community Attitudes
📅 24 March (1pm – 3pm AEDT)
How councils can influence education and employment outcomes, shift community attitudes, and address barriers using local programs and partnerships.
Webinar 2 – Safety, Justice, Gender Equality & Emergency Management
📅 9 April (1pm – 3pm AEST)
Local government’s role in creating safer, fairer communities and ensuring emergency management practices are inclusive and accessible.
Webinar 3 – Housing, Homelessness & Community Supports
📅 7 May (1pm – 3pm AEST)
How councils contribute to accessible housing, homelessness prevention, and strong community support systems, featuring practical, evidence‑based examples.
Webinar 4 – Participation, Community Life & the Built Environment
📅 4 June (1pm – 3pm AEST)
Strengthening participation, inclusion, and universal design in local environments through planning, community engagement, and infrastructure design.
ALGA acknowledges the support of the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in making this project possible.
Other policy priorities
