International Day of People with Disability recognises the achievements and contributions of 5.5 million Australians with disability. The day raises awareness about the barriers that people with disability face, while encouraging greater understanding and inclusion in our community.
We’re committed to making sure City of Boroondara is an inclusive and accessible place for people with disability.
To mark International Day of People with Disability on 3 December, view new artworks on display in Camberwell created by community members with lived experiences of disability. You can also find a booklist of memoirs and stories curated by our libraries team celebrating disability and diversity.
What’s on
Enchanted art display
At Camberwell Library, discover a collection of new artworks created by people with lived experiences of disability from Hawthorn Community House’s art group. Gabriela Aguiard, a featured artist, shares that ‘creating visual art has been my hobby since childhood, but over the years it became a lifeline that has helped me manage my wellbeing.’ Through a number of community-based art programs, Hawthorn Community House encourages participants to explore their creativity and engage in independent art-making supported by experienced art therapists and tutors.
A selection of artworks will be on display from 2 to 15 December. You can view the collection during library opening hours in the hallway from customer service to Camberwell Library.
Afternoon tea
Come and enjoy a light afternoon tea with good conversation on Thursday 5 December, 2 pm to 3 pm. Join us to officially open Enchanted, view the artworks on display and celebrate the diversity of our community. Everyone is welcome. Find out more about the International Day of People with Disability afternoon tea event.
Life without limits booklist
Our Library team has curated a collection of memoirs and stories celebrating disability and diversity. Many of these stories reflect a firsthand experience with disability and remind us how important it is to have inclusion and access for everyone.
Visit our International Day of People with Disability 2024 booklist.
Disability access and inclusion for kids
Learn, share and spark a conversation about disability with a special collection of stories and picture books for junior readers to borrow.
Visit our International Day of People with Disability 2024 junior booklist.
Hays Paddock Playground
Hays Paddock playground in Kew East was one of Australia’s first inclusive playgrounds, opening in 1998. The newly redeveloped playground continues this legacy with side-by-side play opportunities for children of all abilities.
Inclusive features at Hays Paddock Playground include:
- ramp access into and throughout the main timber play unit for those who use wheelchairs or walking frames
- an accessible adult swing seat and high-backed toddler swing seat
- a new accessible carousel
- sand and water play features for children with mobility challenges
- computer pictographs graphic communication boards for non-verbal users
- better access throughout the whole playground.
Find out more about Hays Paddock Playground.
Resources, services and facilities
Boroondara Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024–2028
The Boroondara Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024–2028 shows our commitment to making Boroondara more inclusive and accessible for people with disability. It builds on the achievements of our previous plans and recognises that improving disability access and inclusion is an ongoing journey.
Learn more about our Boroondara Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024–28.
Sport and Recreation
The Boroondara Disability Sport and Recreation Hub aims to connect people with disability to programs and services available across Boroondara Aquatic and Leisure Facilities.
Visit the Disability Sport and Recreation Hub site to learn more about what's on offer and how to get involved.
For more inclusive sport and fitness activities near you, visit our Accessible sports and fitness page.
Inclusion and sport go hand in hand. Everyone has the right to be involved and it’s beneficial when club membership represents and reflects the local community.
Our Boroondara Sport and Recreation Inclusion Guide provides advice, ideas, resources and practical ways that sports clubs can support all members of our community in their participation journey.
Boroondara Access Keys
Access Keys include contextualised photos, access details, maps and sensory guides to make it as easy as possible for people to enjoy our facilities.
Read these guides on your own or share them with a friend, family member, carer or support worker to get ready for your visit.
Learn more about Boroondara Access Keys.
Boroondara Social Stories
Social Stories help you get ready for social interaction by providing clear information about specific social situations.
They can support people with autism spectrum disorder, language disorders, social communication difficulties or cognitive delays and disability. They support parents, carers and educators.
Learn more about Boroondara Social Stories.
Find more resources and learn about accessible events, facilities, parks and playgrounds and accessible sports and fitness on our disability access and inclusion page.