Grove Gazette

Inclusion

Accessible Building Program @ OGPS

 

Over the past few years, you will have noticed that OGPS has had lots of work put into our school grounds. As a school, our site provides many challenges in terms of inclusion and access. From the front of the school to the back, the land falls more than 10 meters. This fall of the land, coupled with older buildings has presented a variety of areas for improvement when looking at our school grounds through an inclusion lens. 

An aspect of my work has been to work with staff, families, allied health professionals and the Department of Education to identify, plan, prepare and lodge applications for building works. The applications are lodged through the Accessible Buildings Program (ABP) and overseen by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA). The cost of works funded by the Accessible Buildings Program must exceed $5,000 (GST inclusive), any works required that are less than this amount will need to be paid by the school. An exception to this minimum cost is for applications for hearing equipment.

You will have seen a variety of modifications and improvements to our school over the past few years, funded through ABP applications, including;

  • Compliant ramps installed to assist with safe access and traversing of school land.
  • Lift installed for access to playground.
  • Concrete levelled and improved.
  • Tactiles installed to ramps and landing platforms.
  • Sinks built in areas they are needed for access and hygiene purposes.
  • Decking replaced to try and mitigate slips, trips and falls.
  • ‘Roger’ hearing system installed in classroom/learning area.
  • Safety rails installed on decking/retaining wall edges and ramps.

Over the course of this year, you will see more building works to improve the safety and accessibility of our school. During this time, access may be limited in certain areas while contractors complete the modification works. We thank you for your support and patience while we improve our school for all students, parents, staff and the wider school community.

 

Kind regards,

Ryan Baltetsch