Driving after my bins are emptied

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Introduction

This blog follows on from a previous blog about accessibility and my driveway. I hope this is the last time I need to blog about my difficulties in driving my van and having my bins emptied.

The photos in this blog occurred after my three bins were emptied by Eastwaste . I pay Prospect Council via my rates, for waste removal. As I enjoy my independence and believe in doing my share of the chores, I put my bins out for collection, and bring them in. I recommend reading the previous blog for more information, and examples of how my accessibility has been reduced.

Going for a drive

It was a hot day, and I didn’t want to get in the sun and place my bins in my backyard until later. The photos and captions explain my actions and results.

I start backing out after the bins have been emptied

 

I turn sharply in an attempt to miss the yellow recycle bin, but I cannot get out, and drive back in

 

After driving in, I try changing my angle and start to reverse again

 

I am close to the yellow recycle bin, but manage to get past it. But I then run out of the driveway on the left side of the photo and don’t want to go over the kerb. I drive back in.

 

I start backing out again, and I try another angle

 

I’m going to hit the yellow bin, so I stop and drive back in

 

I decide to slowly push the yellow recycle bin out of the way. The alternative is to spend 20+ minutes getting out and in my van

Pushing pushing

 

I’m finally out and driving away, but the bin is on the road. Fortunately, it is a coronavirus lockdown

Coming back from a drive to the pharmacy

No point trying to drive forwards and get in the driveway

 

I decided to reverse in and park on the driveway to the right. I can unload my wheelchair to the left (centre driveway)

 

I have trouble getting past the yellow bin, wind down my window, and try to move it to my right

 

The bin fell over. At least it is out of my way and I can get into the driveway now. Unfortunately, the bin is more difficult for other drivers to see.

 

I can get in, but then remember that the left driveway has lost its crossover and it will be too timely and difficult to park on the left driveway. I leave.

 

Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

The DDA Act of 1992 can be read here.

All organisations in Australia are obliged to adhere to the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, including the Prospect Council, EastWaste and the South Australian Ombudsman. The DDA act is Federal law. The SA Ombudsman is investigating my complaint against the Prospect Council.

When organisations are in violation of the DDA Act, I talk to them initially and reasonable organisations make changes to improve accessibility. If they do nothing, I report them to the Australia Human Rights Commission. Reputable organisations then listen and make the appropriate changes. Those that don’t listen or don’t care, can be taken to the Federal Court.

The violations of the DDA Act typically fall into one or more of the four categories below. I’ve provided an example for each.

  • The discriminator doesn’t make reasonable adjustments for the person with a disability e.g. they don’t allow more space for a person who uses a wheelchair, a modified vehicle or a modified cycle
  • There is an unjustifiable hardship imposed on the person with a disability e.g. going for a drive
  • Issues with the provision of means of access to premises for the person with a disability e.g. a crossover being too narrow for a vehicle to get through the crossover
  • Discrimination with the delivery of Services (and goods) to the person with a disability) e.g. difficulties faced with the removal of waste by the council

 

What now?

I will share my accessibility issues with the council and the ombudsman.

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Accessibility by WAH