Purpose

This is the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) broad policy on disability access for wheelchair patrons to the AIS Arena. The policy outlines the services provided to patrons with such disabilities who attend events in the AIS Arena. The ASC recognizes its obligation to provide, where practicable, equity in access to facilities and services to all patrons and to provide a safe and secure environment for those patrons. It will also cater for other patrons with a disability on a case-by-case basis.

Background

The AIS Arena was opened in 1981 and has provision for patrons in wheelchairs on the concourse level in Sections F, K and O. The availability of these sections varies depending on the type of event being staged.

Notwithstanding the provisions made for patrons with disabilities requiring wheelchair use in the original building design, there has been considerable change to the legislation, building design codes and community expectations since 1981.

In developing the policy the ASC engaged a consultant on disability issues to conduct a disability audit. It also sought advice from a fire safety engineer.

Policy

In recognizing the shortcomings of the current building as a modern public sport and entertainment venue, the ASC has endorsed the following policy for managing the AIS Arena.

The ASC will:

• endeavor to eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination against patrons on the grounds of disability and ensure that as far as practicable, that a person with a disability has equitable and dignified access to and use of the facilities at the AIS
• promote recognition that people with disability have the same fundamental rights as the rest of the community
• take every opportunity to engage in ongoing consultation with people with disabilities and ensure that all personnel are familiar with their needs and are suitably trained to address matters of possible discrimination
• develop a Management Plan and review it on an annual basis.