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On This Page
We are committed to providing accessible places and spaces across the City so everyone in our community can participate fully. This page highlights facilities, communication supports and inclusive features across our parks, libraries and community buildings. Explore the sections below to find options that best support your access needs.
Inclusive features
The City of Rockingham has Chat Boards installed at two local play spaces, our all-abilities play space The Harbour Playground and Churchill Park Play Space.
Play and Chat Board (896.7 KB)
Churchill Park Playspace Chat Board (2.1 MB)
Harbour Playground Chat Board (4.4 MB)
What are Chat Boards?
Chat boards are simple communication tools that use symbols, pictures and words to help people who are non-speaking or have limited speech share their thoughts and needs. They are a type of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
AAC tools like chat boards are used in many places, like schools and therapy, and now more often, public play spaces. These boards help break down communication barriers so that everyone can join in, connect and play together.
AAC refers to methods of communication that support or replace spoken language. This can include:
- Communication boards or books with symbols and pictures
- gestures and sign language
- devices like speech-generating tablets.
AAC is essential for many people with disability who communicate in different ways, and people who are still developing language skills.
How to Use a Chat Board
Chat boards are designed to support interaction in a variety of ways. Anyone can use them to connect with others during play. You can:
- Point to symbols to share a message with someone.
- Speak or sign while pointing to the symbols.
- Read the words aloud as you point, especially if the person you're talking with cannot point themselves - then check in with a simple "yes" or "no".
Encourage others to join in using the board so that everyone can be included and have fun playing together.
As chat boards are made to be interacted with, we’ve made downloadable copies available on this page. You can print a version or save it to a device so it’s ready to use anywhere in the play space.
Changing Places are larger than standard accessible bathrooms which are specifically designed for people with high support needs who need additional space and assistance to manage their bathroom needs while out in the community, and for whom universal access toilets are not suitable.
You can learn more about these facilities on the Changing Places.
The City received grant funding from the State Government's Department of Communities Changing Places Grant Program to establish a Changing Places facility on the Rockingham Foreshore.
Locations
Changing Places are available at:
- Churchill Park, Rockingham Foreshore (adjacent to public toilets, which includes accessible toilet)
- Stockland Baldivis (Shopping Centre)
Find a Changing Places toilet in WA
The National Public Toilet Map show the location of accessible toilets, including Changing Places and Universal Access Toilets.
Features of Changing Places Facilities
- an adult-sized, height-adjustable changing table*
- ceiling hoist**
- a centrally located peninsula toilet
- a shower with a seat
- additional circulation space
- an automatic door
- a privacy screen
*The adult-sized, height adjustable change table is a Nivano 200kg change table with fold-out guard.
**The hoist is a CHS K440/C450 Fixed motor ceiling hoist (200kg max).
Slings
Slings (disposable or otherwise) are not provided in Changing Places. We encourage you to bring your own sling if required. If you are unsure about your sling’s compatibility with the hoist provided, please contact the supplier, manufacturer or prescribing therapist, or call the Independent Living Centre’s Advisory Service on 1300 885 886 for advice.
Access
To ensure the facility is available for those who need it, Changing Places are only accessible with the use of a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK).
MLAK keys can be purchased by people with disability, family members, support workers and disability service organisations. To order a MLAK key, visit the Master Locksmiths website.
An MLAK key can also be borrowed for single use from the City of Rockingham on 9528 0333 or customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au. Alternatively, use the Cruising Yacht Club, located on 2 Val Street, Rockingham, near the Changing Places Facility in Churchill Park on 9527 5468. A key can be borrowed from the City of Rockingham or the Cruising Yacht Club for a single use.opens in a new window
An accessible toilet that does not require the use of an MLAK key is located in the public toilets adjacent to the Changing Places facility.
Portable, cross the counter hearing loops provide hearing aid wearers with assistance in situations where they are having one-to-one conversations in meetings, at reception desks or other customer service situations.
These units are now available to provide assistance to customers at the following locations:
- Mary Davies Library and Community Centre
- Warnbro Community Library
- Rockingham Library
- Safety Bay Library
- Autumn Centre
- Aqua Jetty
- Administration Building.
What is a hearing loop?
A hearing loop (sometimes called an induction loop) is an assistive listening device that benefits people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to the T position.
Benefits include:
- Unwanted background noise is minimised
- sound goes directly into the hearing aid
- can be used by anyone with a compatible hearing aid. (Please note that not all hearing aids have a T position).
Community facilities
Playgrounds and parks
The City is blessed with a diverse range of parks and outdoor spaces to suit every occasion and many have features that make them accessible. Search for parks, reserves and sporting venues within the City.
The parks highlighted below offer high levels of accessibility and offer elements that make them a great place to visit for people of all ages and abilities.
The Harbour Playground
The Harbour Playground is an inclusive play space on the Secret Harbour foreshore designed for all ages and abilities. It brings the whole community together, providing opportunities for families and friends with different abilities and skills to play alongside one another in a safe environment.
The park features an “underwater cave” with a giant octopus. All areas of the cave, including the tunnel, are accessible and offer a variety of play elements such as seaweed ropes, slides and a giant whirlpool net. Additional play areas include a cruise line swing and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout.
Fantasy Park
This award-winning accessible playground for people with disability is located on Rand Avenue, Waikiki and features:
- a sensory garden and touching panels for the visually impaired
- large stone animal sculptures designed for interactive play
- user-friendly barbecues and picnic tables
- eight accessible parking bays on site
- accessible unisex toilet on site
- a pick-up/set down bay suitable for a bus is provided in the parking area.
Churchill Park Playspace
This heritage-themed play space includes maritime and nature themed play zones with climbing equipment, swings, softfall and woodchip surfaces. Featuring:
- concrete access paths around playground area and rubber softfall sections
- jetty shack and shipwreck structures to provide imagination play
- basket swings
- talk tubes and puzzle boards
- chat board
- accessible toilets and Changing Places facility
- accessible barbeques and drinking fountains.
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