People with disabilities

Maitland Council is an inclusive organisation which welcomes community input to facilitate accessibility in all areas of community life.

People with disability play a fundamental role in the Maitland community, contributing in countless ways to its social and economic prosperity.Yet people with disability are also one of the most discriminated and disadvantaged groups in Australian society.

According to the 2016 Census, within Maitland about 5.8% of the population or around 4,400 people have a need for assistance with core activities. This is just below the wider population percentage of 6.4% of the Hunter Region.

In 2017, Council adopted the Disability Inclusion Action Plan which outlines Council's commitment to improving opportunities for people of all ages with any disability to participate fully in community life.

For further information please contact Community Planner - Ageing and Disability on 02 4934 9700.

Accessible playgrounds

Maitland has two accessible playgrounds.

  • Maitland Park has a Liberty Swing that is operated by a MLAK, which can be accessed at the Maitland Council Administration Building, High Street Maitland.
  • Morpeth Common is a fenced accessible playground with a hammock swing and accessible rocking equipment.
Including You Accessibility Tent

The Maitland Including You Accessibility Tent provides a safe and welcoming space for people with disabilities, their families and carers at events. Inside the tent there are a range of items for FREE hire such as vision aids, communication cards, sensory tools and ‘sensory tents’ designed specifically for kids.

The tent is a collaborative initiative between Council, Our Voice Our Choice and local volunteers. It is staffed by people who understand the value of inclusion and play a role in raising awareness amongst the broader community of the needs and challenges faced by people with disability, their families, friends and carers.

If you would like to know more, or you are interested in using the Including You Accessibility Tent at your next event, contact Our Voice Our Choice at life@ovoc.com.au or on 02 4058 3358. The Including You Accessibility Tent will be at all Maitland Events in 2020. A full list of dates is available at maitlandevents.com.au