Conciliated outcomes: Clubs and associations
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).