From: Maurice [ddasp@ozemail.com.au]
Sent: Monday, 31 January 2000 13:45
To: disabdis@humanrights.gov.au
Subject: Access to Polling Booths Inquirey

My brief submission on this matter is on a personal basis and not as the
National Coordinator for the DDA Standards Project.

I would like to make the following points:

1. Participation in Local, State and Commonwealth elections is the right of
every Australian Citizen over the age of 18 years, including people with a
disability.

2. Many individuals with a disability may wish to be more actively involved
in the election process as a scutineer or other electral Commission Officer
on the day of the election. They may also be actively involved as a
volunteer on behalf of one of the parties seeking election. Prevention of
this through barriers is surely discriminatory.

3. All locations for polling booths should be subject to an accessible
audit prior to them being approved as a suitable location.

4. Specific desks designed for people in mobility devices should be
available at all Polling booths.

5. At least 1 staff person of the electral Commission at each Booth should
have disability awareness training to enable them to appropriately assist
people with a disability where there is a need.

These items can be achieved through appropriate planning and organisation
as has been demonstrated in our local areas in South Australia.

Regards 
Maurice Corcoran