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Print Access card application
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Why has the Access Card been developed?
The Bundaberg Regional Access Advisory Committee, Inc developed the concept of an Access Card in response to continued concern from people with a disability, who found the pricing policies of many entertainment, leisure and recreation venues/activities to be discriminatory.
People with a disability, who are unable to attend community venues and activities without attendant care support, have a right to equal participation in the community. This fundament right is protected under Section 8 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Commonwealth). These Acts make it unlawful to discriminate against a person who requires the assistance of a Carer.
In the past, a person with a disability who needed attendant care type support from a Carer in order to participate at most venues/activities in the community, has sometimes been required to pay two admission and/or booking fees; one for themselves and one for their Carer.
This practice is discriminatory because it has the effect of doubling the admission and/or booking price for the person with a disability.
A number of venue/activity operators have attempted to address this inequity and have allowed free admission for Carers. To date, however, these organisations have not had a simple or consistent method of identifying who may legitimately require a Carer.
The Access Card has been developed to promote the existing right of people with a disability to fair ticketing. It is not a discount scheme, concession or benefit; nor is it a new responsibility.
The Access Card is one easy way to demonstrate the requirement of a Carer, and will assist industry to comply with relevant disability anti-discrimination legislation.
Who is the Access Card for? back to top
The Access Card is for people with a significant, permanent disability, who are unable to participate at most available community venues and activities without a Carer to provide attendant care type support, for the rest of their life.
Attendant care type support includes significant assistance required with mobility, communication, self-care, or learning, planning and thinking, where the use of aids, equipment or alternative strategies do not enable the person to carry out these tasks independently. It does not include providing only reassurance, social company or encouragement.
The Access Card was not developed to overcome or compensate for any particular venue’s lack of accessibility; including the absence of ramps, lifts, accessible toilets, appropriate signage or captioning, etc. Responsibility for these access issues remains with venue and activity operators.
The Access Card is not issued to every person who has a disability. The card is issued to people who can demonstrate that they would not be able to participate at most venues and activities without a Carer, and that this need is life-long. Access Cards cannot be issued if the applicant is likely to become independent in the future as a result of treatment/management, training. Access Cards can only be issued when an ongoing need for a Carer can be demonstrated.
There are no income or assets tests applied to applications for an Access Card, and people may apply irrespective of their employment status or nationality.
Access Card applicants must meed criteria developed by the management committee.
In summary, you can apply for a card if you can demonstrate:
1. You live in the Wide Bay/Burnett Region;
2. You have a significant, permanent disability;
3. Due to the impact of your disability, you would be unable to participate at most community venues or activities without attendant care support; and
4. You need for a Carer will be life-long.
Privacy back to top
The information supplied to the Access Card program will be recorded and stored in a database and used solely for the purposes of administering the Access Card program and, where consent is given, for evaluation purposes.
You will not be sent any material that is not directly related to the Access Card program.
The information will not be shared, used or disclosed to anyone who is not involved in the administration, implementation or evaluation of the program.
The information supplied will be handled in accordance with the privacy principles of Bundaberg Regional Access Advisory Committee, Inc.
Facilities, organisations or potential Carers are not eligible to apply for an Access Card. Cards will only be issued in the name of, and will remain the property of, the person who has a disability. This enables the cardholder to choose whom they prefer to take as a Carer to each venue/activity.
How is the Card used? back to top
The Access Card can be presented when booking or purchasing a ticket, provided the cardholder requires attendant care support from a carer in order to access that particular venue or activity. Participating organisations will recognise the Access Card and will issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their Carer at no charge.
Cardholders can only use their card to receive a ticket if they cannot access or participate at that particular venue or activity without attendant care support from a Carer. If a cardholder previously attended an activity independently, this arrangement should continue unchanged.
The success and expansion of the Access Card is, in part, dependent upon the good will of both cardholders and affiliates. Cardholders must only use their card if attendant care type support is required for that particular activity or event. Attempts to use the Access Card when a Carer is not required are likely to jeopardise the willingness of industries to participate in the program, and may result in card cancellation.
Who is Carer? back to top
A carer may be a paid or unpaid person whose attendant care support is essential in order for the cardholder to be able to access an activity or event. The cardholder can choose whom they wish to have as their Carer, and this may vary depending on the activity and the occasion.
A person is not considered a carer if they are required for only reassurance, social company or encouragement; or if they are present to compensate for a particular venue’s lack of accessibility.
Where can I use the Access Card? back to top
Businesses and outlets
that charge an admission or participation fee, and officially
register to participate in the Access Card program.
Look for the distinctive Access Card logo displayed at the entrance of business premises or on their promotional and advertising material.
How to apply for the Access Card. back to top
The Access Card programme is a collaborative project between Carers Queensland (Wide Bay) and Bundaberg
Regional Access Advisory Committee, Inc. It is administered by
Bundaberg Regional Access Advisory Committee, Phone: 41544494
(Bundaberg) or write to PO Box 2252,
Bundaberg 4670 for an application form.
What is the cost of the Access Card back to top An administration fee of $15.00 is charged for the Access Card. The card is valid for 3 years and is then renewable for the same cost of $15.00.
Participating Businesses Back to Top |