Finding an accessible businesses in Griffith will be made easier over the coming months with the Access At A Glance program being delivered in the city.
The program launch coincides with the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3 – a day to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Intereach is partnering with Griffith City Council, and with the support of the Griffith Business Chamber, is assessing businesses on how accessible and inclusive they are. Access At A Glance focuses on how businesses are currently meeting disability access and inclusion and provides advice on improvements to lift the experience of all customers.
The outcome of that accessibility audit can be highlighted with a number of stickers which allow people, at a glance, to make an assessment if they will have access and support in that business.
Intereach Acting CEO Yvtte Buhagiar said Access At A Glance was a free service and an opportunity for businesses to have a conversation with Griffith Intereach team to look at ways or gaining a greater understanding of how small changes can make a huge difference when it comes to access and inclusion.
Saying being an inclusive business benefits everyone, not just people with disability. This includes people with prams, temporary injuries and older people.
“We would welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with local businesses. In being an inclusive business it simply means providing products and services in a way that ensures people of all abilities are welcome and treated with equity and dignity,” Ms Buhagiar said.
“With the Business Chamber and City Council being so supportive, we can see that Griffith wants to be a leader in this space, we really appreciate their support in this partnership.”
A number of local businesses have already registered for an assessment, which will ramp up in 2023. They include the Country Universities Centre Western Riverina, Cater & Blumer Solicitors, Griffith Tourism Hub and PinnacleHPC Accountants.
Griffith City Council Mayor Doug Curran said the program was an opportunity for all businesses to get involved.
“We welcome this partnership and the support that Access At A Glance has already received, but I would encourage all business to think about accessibility and get involved,” Mayor Curran said.
“Council has a well-regarded Disability Inclusion and Access Committee that is supported by Councillor Shari Blumer (Chair) and Councillor Laurie Testoni. They are always advocating for improvements across our region.
“Importantly, we have committee members who can share their lived experience which is crucial when it comes to support and decision-making.”
Inclusion benefits us all, however, can be particularly beneficial for:
- People with physical disability e.g. people who use wheelchairs, mobility aids such as mobility scooters, walking frames or crutches
- People with vision or hearing impairment
- Carers of people with disability
- People with prams and strollers
- People with a learning difficulty, intellectual disability or brain injury
- People who are frail.
