South Perth resident Ros Harman.
Camera IconSouth Perth resident Ros Harman. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Disability access lacking

Susanne Reilly, Southern GazetteSouthern Gazette

The 52-year-old has multiple sclerosis and has been using a wheelchair full-time for the past eight years.

She said she had become more aware of the difficulties faced by people with disabilities.

She said there were several shops along Angelo Street in older buildings that did not have access for her but the post office was one that affected her most.

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‘There’s quite an older population in South Perth so I thought they would be more accommodating,’ she said.

‘It wouldn’t be that hard to put a ramp over the stairs. Lucky for me I have a neighbour that takes care of my postal needs for me.’

An Australia Post spokesperson said the Australia Post Accessibility Plan highlighted its proactive and public commitment to taking a lead role in improving accessibility for Australians with disability and their carers.

The Angelo Street building is not owned by Australia Post.

According to the Disability Services Commission, Commonwealth and State legislation requires applications for new or refurbished buildings to be accessible by people with disabilities.

AUSTRALIA POST 2012-2015 ACCESSIBILITY PLAN– The Accessibility Action Plan focuses on improving accessibility for itsthree core stakeholder groups.– Community: Support the building of more inclusive, vibrant communities through creating opportunities for greater participation for people with disability and theircarers.– Customers: Better connect with customers through providing accessible products, services and facilities both physically and digitally.– People: Enhance attraction, recruitment and retention of people with disability by proactively improving access to employment and ongoing development opportunities within an inclusive work environment.Source: auspost.com.au