After 25 years, South Australia’s Disability Parking Permit (DPP) scheme is getting its long-awaited update, aiming to better reflect the diversity of people living in South Australia.
From November 24, the new eligibility criteria is allowing more South Australians to access the scheme, including those with significant cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairments.
Under the updated system, people who are legally blind can now apply for a DPP without needing to demonstrate a mobility impairment or hold a driver’s license.
Previously, permits primarily focused on individuals with physical disabilities and mobility limitations, leaving gaps for those whose daily lives are restricted in other ways.
Children or adults who require ongoing supervision to move safely due to cognitive, behavioural, or neurological conditions are now also eligible.
The revised criteria removed the requirement that public transport use must be “significantly impeded”, recognising that transportation challenges vary widely and are not always captured by a single metric. These changes open the doors for many South Australians who previously struggled to meet the strict rules.
Eligibility is now assessed through a wider range of health practitioners, including occupational therapists, optometrists, and psychologists. The scheme focuses on real-world mobility and supervision needs, which parents of children with autism or individuals needing ongoing support will benefit from.
This update is about “recognising the diversity of South Australians with Disabilities”, said Jon Whelan, Chief Executive of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
“It ensures people who need support to move independently, or who require supervision, can access the assistance they need.”
For people who are legally blind, these changes are particularly impactful. Even if they are transported as passengers rather than drivers, they can now hold a permit, making it easier to access parking near appointments, workplaces, and social activities.
Existing DPP holders will not be affected by the change, and there is no age restriction for new applicants.
There is no age limit for applicants, and those who meet the updated eligibility criteria can apply through sa.gov.au, with approved permits issued within approximately ten working days.
The review of the scheme comes after years of advocacy calling for a system that better represents the breadth of disabilities in South Australia.
While some may worry that expanding eligibility may overwhelm parking availability, authorities say the impact is expected to be manageable. The National Disability Standards have set minimum accessible parking requirements, and councils are increasingly implementing time extensions for disability spaces.
The goal is not only to provide spaces but to ensure people can stay parked long enough to attend appointments, workplaces, and social activities.
After 25 years, South Australia’s Disability Parking Permit (DPP) scheme is getting its long-awaited update, aiming to better reflect the diversity of people living in South Australia.
From November 24, the new eligibility criteria is allowing more South Australians to access the scheme, including those with significant cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairments.
Under the updated system, people who are legally blind can now apply for a DPP without needing to demonstrate a mobility impairment or hold a driver’s license.
Previously, permits primarily focused on individuals with physical disabilities and mobility limitations, leaving gaps for those whose daily lives are restricted in other ways.
Children or adults who require ongoing supervision to move safely due to cognitive, behavioural, or neurological conditions are now also eligible.
The revised criteria removed the requirement that public transport use must be “significantly impeded”, recognising that transportation challenges vary widely and are not always captured by a single metric. These changes open the doors for many South Australians who previously struggled to meet the strict rules.
Eligibility is now assessed through a wider range of health practitioners, including occupational therapists, optometrists, and psychologists. The scheme focuses on real-world mobility and supervision needs, which parents of children with autism or individuals needing ongoing support will benefit from.
This update is about “recognising the diversity of South Australians with Disabilities”, said Jon Whelan, Chief Executive of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
“It ensures people who need support to move independently, or who require supervision, can access the assistance they need.”
For people who are legally blind, these changes are particularly impactful. Even if they are transported as passengers rather than drivers, they can now hold a permit, making it easier to access parking near appointments, workplaces, and social activities.
Existing DPP holders will not be affected by the change, and there is no age restriction for new applicants.
There is no age limit for applicants, and those who meet the updated eligibility criteria can apply through sa.gov.au, with approved permits issued within approximately ten working days.
The review of the scheme comes after years of advocacy calling for a system that better represents the breadth of disabilities in South Australia.
While some may worry that expanding eligibility may overwhelm parking availability, authorities say the impact is expected to be manageable. The National Disability Standards have set minimum accessible parking requirements, and councils are increasingly implementing time extensions for disability spaces.
The goal is not only to provide spaces but to ensure people can stay parked long enough to attend appointments, workplaces, and social activities.
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