Disability Inclusion
Disability Inclusion Guide for Councils (2026)
Local governments play a vital role in creating communities where people with disability can participate fully in community life.
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.
The Australian Local Government Association, with support from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, has developed a new practical online Guide to support councils in embedding disability inclusion across planning, infrastructure, services, employment and engagement.
Designed as a practical online resource, including guidance, resources and case studies from councils around Australia, the Guide will help councils, elected members and executives to better understand their role and responsibilities, identify opportunities for improvement, and build on the excellent work already taking place in communities.
Find The Disability Inclusion Guide here
- Find the Executive Summary here
Watch this video to see ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett introducing the guide:
Watch this short video to learn why the Disability Inclusion Guide matters and how it will
help create more accessible, inclusive, and equitable communities:
Disability Inclusion Community of Practice
Establishing a Community of Practice in partnership with ALGA was central to the development of the Disability Inclusion Guide for Local Government. This collaborative network brought together 35 council staff and volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including people with lived experience of disability.
Community of Practice members met in Adelaide for a series of Disability Inclusion Workshops, pictured right (Photo Credit: Capture the Present, Feb 2026)
The Community of Practice met monthly, with four sub-groups that covered priority areas for disability inclusion in local government. The Community of Practice then delivered a series of four webinars focused on these priority areas for councils in advancing disability inclusion. Their collective input has ensured the Guide is practical, inclusive, and grounded in real-world experience.
Click the links below to explore priority areas and access recordings from the four-part Disability Inclusion Webinar Series.
- Education, Employment and Community Attitudes
- Safety, Justice, Gender Equality and Emergency Management
- Housing, Homelessness and Community Supports
- Participation, Community Life and the Built Environment
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.
ALGA acknowledges the support of the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in making this project possible.
Other policy priorities
