[insightsa] Update on Advocacy matters

From: Elina Dalziel <edlohs@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: insightsa@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2015 19:46:18 +1030

Begin forwarded message:

From: FreeLists Mailing List Manager <ecartis@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: 28 October 2015 at 6:28:02 PM ACDT
To: insightsa-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: insightsa: squirrel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx post needs approval

This message was received for a list you are a moderator on, and
was marked for moderation due to the following reason:
Post to moderated list.

To approve this message and have it go out on the list, forward this to
insightsa-repost@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

If you wish to decline the post, change the 'apppost' below to 'delpost'.
If you wish to edit the post, change it to 'modpost' and edit the message
as needed - not all mail programs will work with modpost.

DO NOT DELETE THE FOLLOWING LINE. Ecartis needs it.
// apppost 5630800A:38D0.1:vafvtugfn

From squirrel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Wed Oct 28 03:58:02 2015
Return-Path: <squirrel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
X-Original-To: insightsa@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Delivered-To: insightsa@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Received: from localhost (localhost [127.0.0.1])
by turing.freelists.org (Avenir Technologies Mail Multiplex) with ESMTP
id 83FFC30CFE
for <insightsa@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>; Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:58:02 -0400 (EDT)
X-Virus-Scanned: Debian amavisd-new at turing.freelists.org
Received: from turing.freelists.org ([127.0.0.1])
by localhost (turing.freelists.org [127.0.0.1]) (amavisd-new, port
10024)
with ESMTP id G5e8Y0C-G2s6 for <insightsa@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>;
Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:58:02 -0400 (EDT)
Received: from icp-osb-irony-out4.external.iinet.net.au
(icp-osb-irony-out4.external.iinet.net.au [203.59.1.220])
by turing.freelists.org (Avenir Technologies Mail Multiplex) with ESMTP
id EBEAB30CFC
for <insightsa@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>; Wed, 28 Oct 2015 03:57:58 -0400 (EDT)
X-IronPort-Anti-Spam-Filtered: true
X-IronPort-Anti-Spam-Result:
AvQFAKR/MFZ8qa6K/2dsb2JhbABVCYJpTSMxYAEBqhgBAQEBAQEGllUDFwGHO0wBAQEBAQGBC4Q8CAIOFUUUBQYQASoBJj8BBB4FBIgbozKiJoYwhUWBAYMzgxEMQ4ExBZY9AXomhGSCB4Zxh1eFZoksg3BjgUpHHYFpK4YxAQEB
X-IronPort-AV: E=Sophos;i="5.20,209,1444665600";
d="scan'208,217";a="17659019"
Received: from unknown (HELO DavidPC) ([124.169.174.138])
by icp-osb-irony-out4.iinet.net.au with ESMTP; 28 Oct 2015 15:57:32 +0800
From: "David Squirrell" <squirrel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "David Squirrell" <squirrel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Newsletter from David squirrell BCA Adelaide Branch President
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2015 18:27:30 +1030
Message-ID:
<!&!AAAAAAAAAAAYAAAAAAAAAJUqW8gQ3bFJjr8QUqT5t1XCgAAAEAAAADturql8WqhMivqdEpDLkvkBAAAAAA==@healthon-net.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0036_01D111AE.515483D0"
X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook 15.0
Thread-Index: AdERVj+WZLYRGa+1SXCGtBUlY7uJPw==
Content-Language: en-au

This is a multipart message in MIME format.

------=_NextPart_000_0036_01D111AE.515483D0
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="us-ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

This has been sent as a BCC to BCA SA members & National Office, Insight SA,
& Service providers, & specific others

Today as a disability representative I attended the alternate month Premiers
access & Social Inclusion committee. I have the ability to petition many
things behind the scenes which are further evaluated & at times resolution
found

Today I listed or followed up prior listed issues

* Cyclists regulation changes - see below as to a letter I have sent
the Inspector of Police on that committee which I also raised in personal
discussion after the meeting

* Slip lanes - traffic often fails to give way. I raised the potential
consideration of zebra crossings here & at refuge associated crossings
(similar to the Gold Coast in Qld)

* Tram buttons to inform the driver that a person with a disability
wants to stop at the next platform - currently I have not located a clear
process for which the salient transport department is to get back to me.
Historically I have twice missed the desired stop & had the inconvenience of
having to re-trace my journey. Busses have buttons & trains stop at all
nominated route stations with appropriate audio.

* Taxi submission - this is a work that BCA (Adelaide Branch) has been
working on for some 3-4 years & was submitted last week & praised today for
its comprehensive nature.

* Shopping critique - Currently there is a review of buildings albeit
macro rather than micro in nature (the big picture rather than details). BCA
(Adelaide Branch) developed a critique tool - this is relevant as at
shopping centres there is an interface of private management, local council
& Government interests. Once again the comment was as to its comprehensive
nature.

* Adelaide City Council - numerous feedback has occurred that the
central business district is becoming more user unfriendly for a person with
a disability due to cyclists, skateboarders, al fresco dining, sandwich
boards, lack of consistent numbering & shop identification & the new design
of Victoria Square - The shop & building identification was also agreed to
from an essential services perspective responding to a call out.

* Pre-recorded messages of government departments - follow up - needs
to be in a mid-range non rapid manner to assist those with hearing loss
understand the options - currently this is to be followed up with the
Minister for Disability & potentially Federally re uniformity.

* Disability Parking permits - follow up - over the last few years &
via this committee last 2 years I have asked for a review of the legislation
which assesses people on mobility. It is based on the 1959 Act. I have
repeatedly asked if 2 further boxes can be added - Legally Blind (to assist
in safe placement of such a person to a pedestrian pathway) & (Guide Dog for
the blind) so as to have ample room re enabling the dog to be readies with
harness or relocated into a car where an extra distance is needed. It was
acknowledged that shopping centre designers have appeared to place car
parking lines closer together adding to the frustrations of access into &
out of vehicles.

* EOC & Disability Complaints pathways & Ombudsmen Office were
discussed as to a legitimate way of voicing concerns if you believe your
disability has led to a potential discrimination which you have been unable
to resolve. This was agreed by specified members as it also allows
documentation, investigation, evaluation & conciliation & correction
processes to be involved - I have been through this process twice this year
with successful outcomes.

The following has been tabled for the Police Inspector who attends the
meeting to consider & respond to. Once this has occurred I will try to
inform

I appreciate that the police role is largely controlled by legislation &
certain recommendations to the minister can be made that are evidence based.

Evidence however is not always easy to collect if the locations where such
is to be potentially found do not collect it in a usable manner -

for example

1. The hospital OASIS electronic ED records are usually diagnosis
based rather than causation based

2. Near misses of a cyclist hitting a pedestrian does not appear to
be an experience that the police can act upon

3. Fear of external to the home independent travelling for a person
with a disability due to perceived threats from cyclists (riding, behaviour,
language etc) has no way to be collected in a non-subjective manner

Questions that we as a Blind or sight impaired & often a hearing impaired
community that I would like some assistance in answering so as to inform
BCA, Service providers & the Deaf-Blind organisations are the following

1. When cars collide & a call is received at 131444 the police
usually do not attend unless personal injury, significant damage to a
vehicle, traffic flow or potential for an environmental risk is present. But
what would be the case when a pedestrian is hit by a cyclist & these factors
are not present to the same extent.

2. What should people with a disability do when confronted with a
near miss resulting in being shaken up leading to loss of independence or
sustaining a fall without significant injury.

3. By what method can the pedestrian access the identity of the
cyclist & if successful then to what extent can the police assist if the
experience is reported

4. If a driver loses their licence for drug / alcohol offences my
understanding is that that person can still utilise a cycle & may equally be
under the influence but is not legally barred from cycling as well

5. How will the police monitor & enforce cycling speed limits on
non-road areas - in northern Europe the cycles generically used are capable
of speeds of approximately 10kph & are not high performance

6. Will the police advise the Minister that registration &
identification of cyclists should be strongly considered to assist in
identification via police , public or CCTV footage. Some have suggested the
Bluetooth chip technology that already exists

7. Will the police advise the Minister to look at random stops as to
essential safety equipment, warning devices in working order, drug & alcohol
screening & appropriate indemnity insurance (cars have third party insurance
but most household insurance companies do not give protection when cyclists
are using the environment as also pointed out by DBH Legal firm last week
(Advertiser) which agrees with our survey of insurance companies last May
2015.

8. What will be the relationship between councils & SAPOL if
different policies as to cycling exist in different areas

9. Will the police consider promoting hearing, vision & cognition
testing to the Minister - we have such for vehicles & trucks etc but not for
gophers or cyclists nor do we have any evidence on these attributes for
those who use a cycle. An interesting example is that I am legally blind &
have a severe neurosensory deafness but can still cycle on a road but choose
not to.

10. Will the police be making any recommendations to the Minister as to
the interface of cyclists & pedestrians by way of public advertisement
through various facets of the media. May I also add here that Slip Lanes
could be included as well.

11. On the issue of Slip Lanes & non traffic light controlled pedestrian
crossings (refuge Islands) - what should we do where vehicles do not give
way - Can SAPOL recommend Zebra crossings as a tool similar to Gold Coast in
Qld.

12. How will evidence based data be collected that is meaningful

13. Will esplanade areas have intermittent police monitoring besides the
large dot matrix screens suggesting specified behaviours and at what
frequency - this is an issue for disability groups using such as part of
official walking or personal recreation.

14. What can people with a disability expect of the Police so we are
aware of the limitations legislation may present.

15. What can we expect of SAPOL if an assistance Dog is injured by a
cyclists behaviour as for many it is paramount to losing our eyesight &
independence again. I am aware that MLC Dennis Hood has introduced his
private members Bill after collaborating with BCA on promoting heightened
legislative protection similar to Police dogs & horses.

16. Will the SAPOL have any jurisdiction over cyclists that leave cycles
rested upon shop walls or laid down on pavement which interferes with Shore
Lining or accessibility.

As a vision impaired person I am aware that often we fail to delineate a
straight line & often turn abruptly as in to access a pram ramp at a light
controlled intersection. This may lead us into a conflictual situation with
a cyclist who does not know our intention as pedestrians do not give advice
of intent by hand signals as cyclist are supposed to do. Also we do not wear
protective clothing. An overseas study suggested that as a result of a
cyclist & pedestrian collision the incidence of traumatic brain injury is
34% which is a significant cost to an individual & the community.

Thank you

David

Dr David Squirrell

* Blind Citizens Australia (Adelaide Branch) President
* Access & Social Inclusion Plan (SA Govt) Committee
* BCA National Policy Development Committee

------=_NextPart_000_0036_01D111AE.515483D0
Content-Type: text/html;
charset="us-ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<html xmlns:v=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" =
xmlns:o=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" =
xmlns:w=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" =
xmlns:m=3D"http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml"; =
xmlns=3D"http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40";><head><meta =
http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3D"text/html; =
charset=3Dus-ascii"><meta name=3DGenerator content=3D"Microsoft Word 15 =
(filtered medium)"><style></style></head><body lang=3DEN-AU =
link=3D"#0563C1" vlink=3D"#954F72"><div class=3DWordSection1><o:p> </o:p>This has been sent as a =
BCC to BCA SA members & National Office, Insight SA, & Service =
providers, & specific others<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Today as a disability =
representative I attended the alternate month Premiers access & =
Social Inclusion committee. I have the ability to petition many things =
behind the scenes which are further evaluated & at times resolution =
found<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Today I listed or followed =
up prior listed issues<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p><![if !supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>Cyclists =
regulation changes – see below as to a letter I have sent the =
Inspector of Police on that committee which I also raised in personal =
discussion after the meeting<o:p></o:p><![if !supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>Slip lanes =
– traffic often fails to give way. I raised the potential =
consideration of zebra crossings here & at refuge associated =
crossings (similar to the Gold Coast in Qld)<o:p></o:p><![if !supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>Tram buttons =
to inform the driver that a person with a disability wants to stop at =
the next platform – currently I have not located a clear process =
for which the salient transport department is to get back to me. =
Historically I have twice missed the desired stop & had the =
inconvenience of having to re-trace my journey. Busses have buttons =
& trains stop at all nominated route stations with appropriate =
audio.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>Taxi =
submission – this is a work that BCA (Adelaide Branch) has been =
working on for some 3-4 years & was submitted last week & =
praised today for its comprehensive nature.<o:p></o:p><![if !supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>Shopping =
critique – Currently there is a review of buildings albeit macro =
rather than micro in nature (the big picture rather than details). BCA =
(Adelaide Branch) developed a critique tool – this is relevant as =
at shopping centres there is an interface of private management, local =
council & Government interests. Once again the comment was as to its =
comprehensive nature.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>Adelaide City =
Council – numerous feedback has occurred that the central business =
district is becoming more user unfriendly for a person with a disability =
due to cyclists, skateboarders, al fresco dining, sandwich boards, lack =
of consistent numbering & shop identification & the new design =
of Victoria Square – The shop & building identification was =
also agreed to from an essential services perspective responding to a =
call out.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>Pre-recorded =
messages of government departments – follow up - needs to be in a =
mid-range non rapid manner to assist those with hearing loss understand =
the options – currently this is to be followed up with the =
Minister for Disability & potentially Federally re =
uniformity.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>Disability =
Parking permits – follow up – over the last few years & =
via this committee last 2 years I have asked for a review of the =
legislation which assesses people on mobility. It is based on the 1959 =
Act. I have repeatedly asked if 2 further boxes can be added – =
Legally Blind (to assist in safe placement of such a person to a =
pedestrian pathway) & (Guide Dog for the blind) so as to have ample =
room re enabling the dog to be readies with harness or relocated into a =
car where an extra distance is needed. It was acknowledged that shopping =
centre designers have appeared to place car parking lines closer =
together adding to the frustrations of access into & out of =
vehicles.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>·       =
<![endif]>EOC & =
Disability Complaints pathways & Ombudsmen Office were discussed as =
to a legitimate way of voicing concerns if you believe your disability =
has led to a potential discrimination which you have been unable to =
resolve. This was agreed by specified members as it also allows =
documentation, investigation, evaluation & conciliation & =
correction processes to be involved – I have been through this =
process twice this year with successful =
outcomes.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p>The following has been tabled for the Police =
Inspector who attends the meeting to consider & respond to. Once =
this has occurred I will try to inform<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>I appreciate that the police role is largely =
controlled by legislation & certain recommendations to the minister =
can be made that are evidence based.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Evidence =
however is not always easy to collect if the locations where such is to =
be potentially found do not collect it in a usable manner – =
<o:p></o:p>for example <o:p></o:p><![if !supportLists]>1.        =
<![endif]>The hospital OASIS electronic ED records are =
usually diagnosis based rather than causation based<o:p></o:p><![if !supportLists]>2.        =
<![endif]>Near misses of a cyclist hitting a pedestrian =
does not appear to be an experience that the police can act =
upon<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>3.        =
<![endif]>Fear of external to the home independent =
travelling for a person with a disability due to perceived threats from =
cyclists (riding, behaviour, language etc) has no way to be collected in =
a non-subjective manner<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Questions =
that we as a Blind or sight impaired & often a hearing impaired =
community that I would like some assistance in answering so as to inform =
BCA, Service providers & the Deaf-Blind organisations are the =
following<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>1.        =
<![endif]>When cars collide & a call is received at =
131444 the police usually do not attend unless personal injury, =
significant damage to a vehicle, traffic flow or potential for an =
environmental risk is present. But what would be the case when a =
pedestrian is hit by a cyclist & these factors are not present to =
the same extent.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>2.        =
<![endif]>What should people with a disability do when =
confronted with a near miss resulting in being shaken up leading to loss =
of independence or sustaining a fall without significant =
injury.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>3.        =
<![endif]>By what method can the pedestrian access the =
identity of the cyclist & if successful then to what extent can the =
police assist if the experience is reported<o:p></o:p><![if !supportLists]>4.        =
<![endif]>If a driver loses their licence for drug / =
alcohol offences my understanding is that that person can still utilise =
a cycle & may equally be under the influence but is not legally =
barred from cycling as well<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>5.        =
<![endif]>How will the police monitor & enforce =
cycling speed limits on non-road areas – in northern Europe the =
cycles generically used are capable of speeds of approximately 10kph =
& are not high performance<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>6.        =
<![endif]>Will the police advise the Minister that =
registration & identification of cyclists should be strongly =
considered to assist in identification via police , public or CCTV =
footage. Some have suggested the Bluetooth chip technology that already =
exists<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>7.        =
<![endif]>Will the police advise the Minister to look at =
random stops as to essential safety equipment, warning devices in =
working order, drug & alcohol screening & appropriate indemnity =
insurance (cars have third party insurance but most household insurance =
companies do not give protection when cyclists are using the environment =
as also pointed out by DBH Legal firm last week (Advertiser) which =
agrees with our survey of insurance companies last May =
2015.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>8.        =
<![endif]>What will be the relationship between councils =
& SAPOL if different policies as to cycling exist in different =
areas<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>9.        =
<![endif]>Will the police consider promoting hearing, =
vision & cognition testing to the Minister – we have such for =
vehicles & trucks etc but not for gophers or cyclists nor do we have =
any evidence on these attributes for those who use a cycle. An =
interesting example is that I am legally blind & have a severe =
neurosensory deafness but can still cycle on a road but choose not =
to.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>10.    =
<![endif]>Will the police be making any recommendations to =
the Minister as to the interface of cyclists & pedestrians by way of =
public advertisement through various facets of the media. May I also add =
here that Slip Lanes could be included as well.<o:p></o:p><![if !supportLists]>11.    =
<![endif]>On the issue of Slip Lanes & non traffic =
light controlled pedestrian crossings (refuge Islands) – what =
should we do where vehicles do not give way – Can SAPOL recommend =
Zebra crossings as a tool similar to Gold Coast in Qld. =
<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>12.    =
<![endif]>How will evidence based data be collected that =
is meaningful<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>13.    =
<![endif]>Will esplanade areas have intermittent police =
monitoring besides the large dot matrix screens suggesting specified =
behaviours and at what frequency – this is an issue for disability =
groups using such as part of official walking or personal =
recreation.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>14.    =
<![endif]>What can people with a disability expect of the =
Police so we are aware of the limitations legislation may =
present.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>15.    =
<![endif]>What can we expect of SAPOL if an assistance Dog =
is injured by a cyclists behaviour as for many it is paramount to losing =
our eyesight & independence again. I am aware that MLC Dennis Hood =
has introduced his private members Bill after collaborating with BCA on =
promoting heightened legislative protection similar to Police dogs & =
horses.<o:p></o:p><![if =
!supportLists]>16.    =
<![endif]>Will the SAPOL have any jurisdiction over =
cyclists that leave cycles rested upon shop walls or laid down on =
pavement which interferes with Shore Lining or =
accessibility.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>As a vision =
impaired person I am aware that often we fail to delineate a straight =
line & often turn abruptly as in to access a pram ramp at a light =
controlled intersection. This may lead us into a conflictual situation =
with a cyclist who does not know our intention as pedestrians do not =
give advice of intent by hand signals as cyclist are supposed to do. =
Also we do not wear protective clothing. An overseas study suggested =
that as a result of a cyclist & pedestrian collision the incidence =
of traumatic brain injury is 34% which is a significant cost to an =
individual & the community.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Thank =
you<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>David<o:p></o:p>Dr David Squirrell<o:p></o:p><=
/p><ul type=3Ddisc><li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 =
level1 lfo7'>Blind Citizens =
Australia (Adelaide =
Branch) President <o:p></o:p></li><li =
class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 =
level1 lfo7'>Access & =
Social Inclusion Plan (SA Govt) Committee <o:p></o:p></li><li =
class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 =
level1 lfo7'>BCA National =
Policy Development Committee<o:p></o:p></li></ul><o:p> </o:p></div></body></html>
------=_NextPart_000_0036_01D111AE.515483D0--

// eompost 5630800A:38D0.1:vafvtugfn

[insightsa] Update on Advocacy matters

Other related posts: