DDA conciliation: associations
Conciliated outcomes:
Clubs and associations
Last updated: 2005. For more recent outcomes please refer to the Commission's conciliation register
Participation in emergency work
A woman who has limited use of one arm complained that a volunteer emergency assistance association to which she belonged would not allow her to perform the work which was the main purpose of membership. The association indicated that it had concerns about her ability to perform these duties safely and that she had not yet demonstrated her competence in this respect. The matter was settled when an independent assessment confirmed her ability to perform the tasks required. (2005)
Getting on air
A man with a reading disability complained that the community radio station
with which he works was not providing him with the same access to training
in on air presenting as other members. The complaint was settled with
an agreement to train the man with volunteer assistance. (2001)
Ramp access provided
A man who uses crutches as a result of polio complained that his club
did not provide ramp access. The complaint was settled when the club agreed
to install two ramps complying with relevant Australian Standards. (2000)
Watching bowls
The husband of a woman who has Alzheimer's disease complained that she
had been banned from watching him play at their bowls club on the basis
that her presence upset other members. The complaint was settled with
an apology and a decision to allow her to continue attending. (2000)
Franchise complaint settled
A
man with a speech impediment complained that he had been treated rudely
when seeking information about a franchise operation he was interested
in joining. The matter was settled without admission of liability with
an apology from the franchisor. (Note: The employment provisions of the
DDA do not include franchisor-franchisee arrangements, but the Commission's
view is that in many cases franchise arrangements will be covered by section
27 of the DDA dealing with clubs and associations.) (1995)
Club access provided
A man who uses a wheelchair complained that his local RSL club, which
had opened in 1993, lacked wheelchair access to many of its areas and
facilities including a tavern, bar, games room and outside tables, as
well as kerbing design at the entrance which placed wheelchair users at
risk of tipping over. The local council concerned had advised that they
regarded all then applicable planning requirements as met. The matter
was settled when the club responded quickly to the complaint by commencing
works to rectify the kerbing and provide tavern and games room access.
(Access to one bar and some outside areas remained restricted due to site
constraints.) (1994).