Horsham Rural City Council is offering business owners help to improve accessibility in local shops.
About 20 per cent of Victorians have a disability and more have mobility issues.
For many where they choose to shop comes down to whether or not a business is inclusive of their needs.
HRCC Business Accessibility and Inclusion Officer Jane Combe said business operators with a good understanding of the impact of disability on their customers were able to attract more shoppers.
“Making it easier for all people to do their shopping is an important step businesses can take to support their community,” Ms Combe said.
“If your premises are not accessible for all you may be missing out on significant numbers of potential customers,” she said.
There are examples of Horsham businesses that are already seeing the benefits of improving accessibility.
Each Thursday staff from Atlas Fuels fill up the tanks of customers, allowing drivers with mobility constraints to remain in their cars.
The O’Callaghans Parade service station also has a ramp entry to its shop, ensuring people with reduced mobility can access the business.
Terry White Chemmart Horsham provides a great opportunity for people that use mobility devices to access all parts of their business.
This is made possible due to the layout of shelves within the shop. Providing enough room between shelves allows mobility device users to navigate the store confidently and safely.
HRCC wants to help other business operators understand what they can do to make their shops more accessible and inclusive.
The most common examples of barriers for people with mobility issues include steps at the entrance to a shop or a front door that is difficult to open.
“It’s not just about people with a disability or a mobility issue. Families with prams and people who are weary of germs all benefit from improved convenient access such as automatic doors, ramps or step removal and easy walk-through access in the store,” Ms Combe said.
“Accessibility also encompasses a range of things from training your staff on how to accommodate the needs of all people, the font you choose for your menus and website, how you arrange your product and where you place your signage,” she said.
Businesses that wish to participate in the project are encouraged to contact HRCC.
Council will work with the participating businesses by conducting an audit of the business, and will then provide recommendations of inclusive practices that the business can implement in the four focus areas.
