International Wheelchair Day

The Hon. S.W. KEY (Ashford) (15:20): My question is directed to the Minister for Disabilities. As we come up to International Wheelchair Day on 1 March 2016, how is the government supporting wheelchair users in our community?

The Hon. L.A. VLAHOS (Taylor—Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse) (15:20): I thank the member for Ashford for her question and note her interest in improving the lives of people with disabilities in South Australia.

International Wheelchair Day will be celebrated on 1 March 2016, and members may be aware that International Wheelchair Day was first launched by Mr Steve Wilkinson in 2008. The day commemorates the birthday of his late mother, Joyce, who helped him cope with the challenges of growing up with spina bifida. Many of us, as we go through our lives and daily activities, will be touched by someone who lives with disability every day. We know that improving access and inclusion across all areas of the community provides real differences to the quality of lives and wellbeing of people with a disability.

As members, we would be aware that government funds provide a range of services and support for people who use wheelchairs for mobility—a hugely important thing for everyday wellbeing. Wheelchairs are provided through the government's Domiciliary Equipment Service, known as DES, and comprehensive equipment and home modification services are provided, additionally.

For people with complex issues, DES provides an in-house Wheelchair and Seating Service, a network of specialist suppliers to undertake work across the state, and from 1 July to December last year, DES supplied 1,032 wheelchairs, including 809 refurbishments. The comprehensive refurbishment program offers great results, faster supply times and better uses of resources across the state.

DES also completed more than 2,500 on-road wheelchair repairs last year. Importantly, Housing SA modifies social housing to enable people to have full access to their properties and utilise the facilities to retain their independence, and in the 2014-15 year, 3,569 modifications were undertaken to roughly 2,586 properties across the state.

Disability Access and Inclusion plans are also being introduced across the state and in local government agencies. Through this initiative, government departments and councils have introduced a recharge scheme whereby a dedicated power point is provided to those who use electric wheelchairs or scooters, providing recharge facilities at these points. Points are now available at over 50 locations across the state and the metropolitan area, including one at the Goodwood Community Centre, which services the member for Ashford's electorate, which I'm sure she is aware of.

Furthermore, the Adelaide City Council, through the Adelaide Aquatic Centre redevelopment, has also installed new accessible change and bathroom facilities and improved pool access for people who use wheelchairs. We know the participation of people with disability in recreational and leisure activities can also be restricted due to the natural environment, and the beach raises particular challenges for people who use wheelchairs. Recently, it was announced that Seacliff has become the state's first wheelchair-accessible beach due to community action, including the support of the member for Bright, and I congratulate him on that.

In closing, I would like to encourage all people in parliament to join me in celebrating International Wheelchair Day on 1 March, and acknowledge the valuable contribution that people living with a disability make to our community as a whole.