Learn about our commitment to access and inclusion, read about our Inclusive Communities Plan and services, and find the locations of our accessible toilets, Changing Places, wheelchair-accessible beaches and playgrounds.
Our commitment to access and inclusion
The City of PAE is committed to promoting access and inclusion for all residents in our community. While the personal experience and impact of disability are unique to every individual, we understand that disability and mental health conditions are present in people from different cultural groups and people of different ages, genders and socioeconomic levels across our community.
Recently, Federal and State Governments passed legislation that will improve the lives of people with disabilities and keep us accountable to the community. We’re in a unique position where we can both directly and indirectly drive change and advocate for the rights of people with disability, as well as improve the way they engage in community life.
As leaders in access and inclusion, we work in partnership with our community to make our city more equitable, inclusive and accessible. Our goal is to provide an equal chance for all people with disabilities to access our programs, services, activities and facilities, and to support them to lead their best lives possible.
Our Inclusive Communities Plan
Our Inclusive Communities Plan provides a wholistic approach and commitment to strengthening inclusion and access through key themes like:
- Accessible places and spaces
- Inclusive programs and community connections
- Accessible informaiton and communication
- Employment, volunteering and leadership
Read our Inclusive Communities Plan
Read our Easy Read Inclusive Communities Plan
Read the South Australian Disability Inclusion Plan
Read the Australian Disability Strategy
Our inclusive online community
If you live with a disability, care for someone with a disability or work for an organisation that supports people with disabilities, you might be interested in joining our Shaping Inclusion online community.
Shaping Inclusion is a way to get involved in improving access and inclusion outcomes in our city by sharing experiences, providing feedback and discussing topics that matter to you.
Our access and inclusion services
We’re working to improve access and inclusion in our community, and we’re committed to making sure that visitors and residents can get to and around our city.
If you’re looking for building, business and facility accessibility across PAE, we recommend using the Pavely app. You can also find a hearing loop at our Civic Centre.
The Parks Library, the Lights Community and Sports Centre, Yitpi Yartapuultiku and the Largs Bay toilets are home to Changing Places, which feature adult change tables, tracking hoist systems and nature-inspired ceiling designs in calming colours.
These facilities support individuals and their caregivers engaging in our community's social life. Notably, The Parks Library was the first accredited Changing Place in South Australia.
The facilities include:
- Adult change table
- Tracking hoist system
- Peninsula toilet
- Privacy curtain
You can access these facilities using a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). A key to the Parks and Lights Changing Places are also available from the front desk of each of these facilities. A spare MLAK key will shortly be available from the Largs Bay Kiosk.
We use MLAK security systems to help people with disabilities safely gain 24/7 access to a network of public facilities across our city. You can apply for an MLAK by completing an MLAK key application form. Once your application is approved, you can purchase an MLAK Key.
South Australian Companion Card holders are entitled to one free MLAK key through a partnership with the South Australian Government.
For information on pricing or to apply for a standard or companion card holder MLAK visit the MLAK website.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is restricted to people who have a disability or have written authority from:
- A doctor
- A disability organisation
- A community health centre
- The owner or management of a building with an accessible toilet on site
If you don’t have your own MLAK key, you’ll find a notice posted at each facility to let you know where you can borrow one.
We’re working to make our beautiful 7km stretch of coastline more accessible. You can learn more about wheelchair-accessible beaches around PAE and the rest of the South Australian Coast on the Accessible Beaches website.
Beach access mats
Our beach access mats provide a safe path for people using wheelchairs, gophers, prams, walking frames or crutches, and for people with visual impairments. They also help older dogs access the beach. These long, sturdy beach access mats are placed on top of soft sand to support wheeled mobility aids (like wheelchairs or prams) and to make it easier for people who have difficulty walking to reach the firm sand at the water’s edge.
Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that our beach access mats will reach the hard sand because of constantly changing sand and tides, but the mats are placed in a position where they’ll reach hard sand as much as possible.
Surrounding facilities play an important role in making our beaches wheelchair accessible. We’ve worked collaboratively with our local community to make sure that our beach access mats are placed in areas with supporting facilities, such as parking, retail outlets and accessible toilets.
Each of our beach access mats has a unique identifying number, which can be found on a sign located near each mat. If you find a damaged mat, please take note of the identifying number and then report the issue to our helpful Customer Services team on 8405 6600 or email us at service@cityofpae.sa.gov.au
Locations
Opposite Hall Street, Semaphore - currently available
This mat is currently available, however, site conditions can change daily resulting in a need to temporarily remove the mat. To avoid potential disappointment please contact us on 8405 6600 to confirm if the mat is available. Other accessible beach locations can be found at Accessible Beaches Australia
Opposite Arthur Street, Semaphore South - currently unavailable
This beach mat has been severely damaged due to recent winter tidal surges and windstorms. As a result, the area is now quite steep and we have concerns that users will slip, due to the incline. We will work with the State Government, through the Department for Environment and Water, to undertake remediation work at this site.
Why isn’t the beach mat there today?
Beach access mats are usually available from September to May, depending on weather conditions. If we are expecting a damaging storm, we will remove all beach access mats to prevent damage or injury. We will replace them as soon as possible after the weather has improved.
From time to time, the beach access mats need maintenance. We do our best to minimise the impacts caused by removing a mat, although it is not always possible for us to give notice of the works. If you can’t find the beach access mat at its usual location, we invite you to explore another location until the works are complete.
Beach access wheelchairs
You can hire beach-accessible wheelchairs at Semaphore Surf Lifesaving Club during patrol hours over summer, or by arrangement (bookings are essential). Patrol members will roll out the beach access mats to help you get onto the beach, and they’ll be nearby if you need any support.
There are several accessible playgrounds around our city, with play equipment that caters to people with many different abilities and interests.
The Liberty Swing at Semaphore is currently unavailable due to damage.
You can find communication boards at these playgrounds:
- Emerald Park Reserve
- Polonia Reserve
- Sheffield Reserve
- Wandana Reserve
- Jack Watkins Reserve
- McLauchlan Rd Reserve
- George Crawford Reserve
- Fotheringham Reserve
- Leopold Conrad Reserve
- Queensborough Ave Reserve
- Regency Park Oval
- Waite St Reserve
- Veterans Memorial Reserve
- Largs Foreshore
- Semaphore Foreshore (Palais)
- Mark Basham Reserve
- Stonewell Common Reserve
- Somerset Reserve
- Duffield Reserve
Visit the Lights Community and Sports Centre and Libraries pages for local opportunities and programs. Examples of current and past accessible programs include:
- Reading Journey – Spark imagination and build lifelong literacy.
- Raising Children Collection – Navigate the big topics and tricky moments.
- Raising Children Packs – Borrow ready-made packs for important transitions.
- Sensory Support – Help kids thrive with tailored sensory resources.
Library Collection – large print books, audio books, books suitable for people experiencing dyslexia etc
Active Storytime for children who need to move Headphones for those with auditory processing to utilise at regular programs
Specialised keyboards with a large ball mouse to support public PC use
Our Raising Children Resources are packed with practical tools to support families at every stage.
Dementia Friendly Collection – resources to support people living dementia and their carers (Port Adelaide Library only)
Adult Reading Help programs - 1:1 and Drop in sessions
We also list local disability programs in our Programs and Activity Guide.
We use the Userway accessibility tool on our website. Click on the round orange accessibility icon on any page of our website to manage your accessibility settings.
We support access and inclusion outcomes through our Grants program. Explore what we offer on our Grants page.
