Our Mildura team hosted a Disability Awareness Workshop in collaboration with the Mildura Rural City Council. This initiative aimed to enhance our team’s understanding of accessibility within our bus network, focusing on the unique needs of passengers with disabilities and fostering community awareness.
This was an important collaboration with Mildura Rural City Council (MRCC) that marked a significant milestone, being the first of its kind held onsite at Mildura’s depot. Approximately 30 staff members participated, gaining a profound understanding of the daily experiences of people with disabilities.
Jeni, MRCC’s Community Wellbeing Coordinator, led a comprehensive session covering topics like:
- Supporting and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities
- Increasing awareness and understanding of disability within society
- Learning appropriate language and techniques to assist people with disabilities
- Understanding the specific needs of customers, including those with disabilities
- Familiarising ourselves with local disability statistics
We transport approximately 100 students daily to and from the Mildura Specialist School, along with many other community members with varying abilities. This workshop presented an invaluable opportunity to equip our team with the knowledge and skills required to ensure a safe and supportive journey for all our passengers.
During the workshop, our team members from both the Mildura and Broken Hill depots engaged in some interactive exercises.
With blindfold props in hand, employees guided their blindfolded counterparts through the depot’s walkways towards the bus, relying solely on voice and touch for direction. Upon reaching the bus’s entry door, employees provided voice instructions to guide their blindfolded colleagues onto the bus, mimicking the experience of passengers with visual impairments.
This experience allowed our staff to understand the everyday realities that people with disabilities encounter.
Furthermore, our team learned to safely assist individuals with permanent physical disabilities in boarding and disembarking from the bus, using a wheelchair. Through these practical exercises and discussions, employees gained an insight into the specific needs of our customers, particularly those with physical disabilities.
This workshop emphasised the need for compassionate care when assisting passengers with disabilities, particularly when boarding and exiting heavy vehicles. It was a reminder that small gestures can make a significant difference in the lives of our passengers.
At CDC, we are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and community awareness. Our Disability Awareness Workshop was a significant step towards ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, can travel comfortably and securely on our buses. We are proud to be a part of this important journey towards inclusivity, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to serve our community better.
