The expansion of eligibility for the Australian Disability Parking Permit to allow families and carers of ACT residents in need of support with walking safely due to cognitive or behavioural needs has been announced by the ACT Government.
The Government said the expansion would enable medical practitioners to support an application in circumstances where a person had cognitive, behavioural or neurological needs that prevented them walking safely without the continuous support of a family member, carer or support person.
“Australian Disability Parking Permits, also known as Mobility Parking Permits, are designed to support people with a disability that affects their mobility, allowing them – or their driver – to park in dedicated accessible parking spaces,” it said.
“Applications must be assessed and supported by a legally qualified medical practitioner or specialist eye doctor.”
According to the Minister for Business and Better Regulation, Tara Cheyne, a review of the criteria applied in the ACT was undertaken following community feedback.
“We want to ensure Australian Disability Parking Permits continue to support those in our community who need them most,” Ms Cheyne said.
“The expanded criteria will better support neurodivergent Canberrans, and their families and support networks, to enjoy our city and access the facilities and services they need,” she said.
“I sincerely thank Canberra’s Laura Gilbert, who first raised this matter with me and shared her own experiences of accessing shops and services with her family.”
She said the outcome wouldn’t have been possible without Ms Gilbert’s advocacy.
Ms Gilbert, who has a son with autism, said the expanded criteria would enable people with cognitive, behavioural or neurological needs and their families to get from A to B more safely and have more social interaction.
“This will help the autism community and intellectual disability community by alleviating the numerous stresses they undertake when they go out – and will save lives,” she said.
“It is a lifesaving change.”
Ms Cheyne said the ACT Government managed around 1,500 dedicated accessible parking spaces across Canberra, including on-street parking and parking spaces in Government-managed carparks.
“Further accessible parking spaces are available in private carparks and in public carparks that are privately operated or operated by the National Capital Authority,” she said.
“More information about the Australian Disability Parking Permit, including an application form for ACT residents, is available on the Access Canberra website,” Ms Cheyne said.
