Planning for Inclusion: Including People with Intellectual Disability in the Redevelopment of Peat Island

Led by A/Prof Linda Steele, in collaboration with Dr Phillippa Carnemolla, UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, and Council for Intellectual Disability 

The research 

The research aims to prevent the rezoning of Peat Island (the site of a state-operated disability institution for 99 years) for tourism purposes by exploring the significance of the site and its social history to the disability community, the possibility of a site of conscience on Peat Island, and the necessity for including people with disability in the management and development of the site.  The project has broader implications for planning and heritage law and practice, particularly as it relates to former disability institutions. The research involved analysis of the planning documents associated with the proposed rezoning of Peat Island, by reference to disability social history, disability human rights, disability inclusive practice, and national and international practices on sites of conscience. 

How the research supports positive change 

The research establishes an argument for the necessity for governments and the broader community to recognise, reckon with and preserve the disability social history of former sites of disability institutions, and ensure those who experienced and are affected by that history are involved in the development, ongoing stewardship and heritage management of these places. In order to support that goal, the project also establishes an evidence base for the need for knowledge and capacity building in disability inclusive practice and disability social history by state government, local government and heritage and planning professionals. 

To find out more: https://cid.org.au/our-campaigns/peat-island/