People With Disability

The National Public Toilet Map is a website and app that lists more than 16,000 publicly available toilets across Australia.

Users can check details such as opening hours, shower facilities, baby change tables and accessibility features. This helps people find a toilet that meets their needs.

You can search by suburb, save toilet locations, plan trips and link to your GPS for directions.

Click here to view the Map.

Click here to view Changing Places.

Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK)

The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system is an initiative of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA). It gives people with disability access to designated public facilities, including toilets, facilities in national parks, council areas and lifts at railway stations.

The system also provides access to Changing Places facilities, locked accessible toilets and Liberty Swings.

People with disability can purchase an MLAK key to access facilities fitted with a compatible MLAK lock cylinder. These include toilets, playground equipment and other designated facilities.

Click here to order an MLAK key.

Click here to visit the MLAK website for more information.

Under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW), all councils must have a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).

Click here to view Lane Cove Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022–2026

Developing the plan

Lane Cove Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022–2026 was developed following community consultation. This included engagement with local residents, businesses, service providers, Councillors and Council staff.

Between March and August 2022, consultants held individual and group discussions with Council staff, support services and local people with disability.

Council also consulted its committees, including the Age Friendly Advisory Committee and the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Workshops were held with key staff and Councillors.

Community feedback and adoption

The draft plan was placed on public exhibition for six weeks. This gave the community an opportunity to provide further feedback before the plan was submitted to Council for review.

Lane Cove Council adopted the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022–2026 on 23 February 2023.

Updating the plan

Council is currently renewing its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2027-2030. Click here to tell us how well you think Council encourages our community and supports people with disability, chronic health conditions or caring roles.

Lane Cove Council is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. It provides people with hidden disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses with access to a Sunflower lanyard.

The lanyard features a yellow sunflower on a green background. It signals to others that the wearer has a non-visible disability and may need support, understanding or extra time.

Lane Cove Council recognises that not all disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are immediately apparent.

Where to get a Sunflower lanyard:

Sunflower lanyards are available on request from:

• Lane Cove Council Civic Centre
• Lane Cove Library
• St Leonards Library

What is the Sunflower?

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a discreet way to let others know you have a disability, condition or chronic illness that may not be immediately apparent.

Wearing a Sunflower lanyard signals that you may need extra help, understanding or patience. This may be when you're out in public, at work, shopping or using public transport.

The Sunflower helps you communicate your needs without having to explain your disability each time you need assistance.

The Sunflower:

• Does not guarantee specific accommodations or services. It signals to others that you may need support or assistance.
• Can represent many conditions. It is not limited to any particular disability, condition or chronic illness.
• Promotes inclusivity and understanding. It helps raise awareness of non-visible disabilities and the needs of those living with them.
• Is entirely optional. You can choose whether or not to wear it.

Click here to visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website for more information.
You can also email help@hiddendisabilitiesshop.com.au.

Lane Cove Council is proud to partner with the Zero Barriers Project. This program helps eliminate barriers for people with disability by creating a more accessible and inclusive business community.

Zero Barriers takes a practical approach. It works with businesses and services to make small changes that improve accessibility and help them reach more people.

Zero Barriers aims to:

• Educate businesses and services about the accessibility and inclusion barriers experienced by people with disability.
• Help businesses and services become more disability-friendly.
• Recognise and promote businesses and services committed to removing barriers for people with disability.

Sign up for a free assessment

Lane Cove businesses can register for the free assessment and program via the Zero Barriers website.

Click here to apply for a free assessment

Explore the directory

To see which businesses have partnered with Lane Cove Council and Zero Barriers, click here to see the directory.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s first national scheme for people with disability. It provides funding directly to eligible individuals and helps connect people with disability to community and government supports.

To learn more about the NDIS, including your eligibility, click here to visit the NDIS website.

How can I get more information or apply for the NDIS?

Uniting Local Area Coordination (LAC) is the NDIS community partner for Lane Cove. Uniting LAC can help with applying for the NDIS, using your plan and connecting with community services.

Contact Uniting LAC:

Phone: 1300 453 303 (during business hours).
Online enquiries: www.lac.uniting.org.
Email: uniting.customercare@ndis.gov.au.

Where can I go if I have problems with a provider?

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission registers and regulates NDIS providers. It also works with people with disability to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services.

If you have concerns about an NDIS provider or need to report an issue, contact the Commission:

Phone: 1800 035 544
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am–5.30 pm
Email: contactcentre@ndiscommission.gov.au.

How can I contact Council about local accessibility?

If you have feedback or suggestions to improve local accessibility, we’d love to hear from you.

Email us at service@lanecove.nsw.gov.au.

The Different Degrees Theatre Ensemble is a drama group for people of all abilities. The group creates its own original theatre productions while developing a range of drama skills.

The group meets at the Living and Learning Centre on Wednesdays 6:00pm–8:00pm during school terms. 

The Ensemble is led by a professional theatre maker and supported by an assistant director, staff from Lane Cove Council and Sydney Community Services, and volunteers.

For more information, contact the Disability Services Coordinator at Sydney Community Services.

Click here to visit the Sydney Community Services website for more information.

You can also contact the Disability Services Coordinator at Sydney Community Services:
Phone: 02 8598 7055
Email:support@sydneycs.org