The call has gone out for community input as the council updates an action plan designed to make the area more accessible and inclusive.
The updated Disability Inclusion Action Plan will span 2022 to 2025.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council wants to hear from people with a disability, support people, service providers and any other interested parties.
Long-term Hastings resident Kathryn Stephens echoed the call for people to have their say.
"If it's about us, it needs to come from us as people with disabilities, carers, family and support workers," she said.
Ms Stephens, who lost her sight at age 24 as a result of an accident, has her constant companion, guide dog Nessy, by her side.
"I have a lens on both sides of the story," she said.
"I used to skate through life nice and easy and all of a sudden it became a bit more difficult."
Ms Stephens would like the updated plan to be called an access and inclusion plan to reflect a positive message.
"It is about what we can do, not what we can't," she said.
Ms Stephens stressed access was for everybody, not just people with disabilities.
People can submit feedback to the council until 5pm on February 13 through an online or printed survey, email community.inclusion@pmhc.nsw.gov.au or call the council on 6581 8111.
Almost 6000 residents, or 7.4 per cent of the population, in the Port Macquarie-Hastings, identifies as having a disability.
This compares to the NSW average of 5.4 per cent.
The final report for the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 went before the November 2021 council meeting.
Now the council is turning its attention to an updated plan.
A frequently asked questions document can be found on the council's have your say website.
The document said it is important to hear from anyone who lives in or visits the Port Macquarie-Hastings and has something to say about access and inclusion in our region.
"The information collected from the survey will help us identify and understand the challenges that people with disability face in accessing council services and facilities," the document said.
The information will help set priorities for the plan.
Measures in the plan will help create a more inclusive and disability-friendly community.
The plan will be implemented from July 2022 to July 2025.
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Lisa Tisdell
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
I'm a Port Macquarie News journalist, keen traveller, angler and cricket fan.
