Many people in our community have a need for good access.
Communication
To be able to communicate with anyone, you first need to establish the way they communicate..
The customer may need larger print to read or require help in hearing you.
For example, you can install a hearing loop or assistive hearing device to help you communicate with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing or you can learn Auslan to communicate with someone who is deaf.
All of the following sections will improve your chances of offering your business' products or services to those with a disability.
Attitude
One thing that often gets missed when talking about access for people with disability is attitude. You can train your staff to be respectful and learn more about how to work with people of all abilities.
Manoeuvrability
To improve access for all of your customers:-
You can –
Advertise
If you have good access to your business:-
You can –
Visibility
Good visibility improves access and reduces risk.
You can:-
Seating
Sometimes customers with mobility issues or health concerns may require seating at times.
You can:-
Have a seat (with arm rests) available if someone needs it.
Level Access
Level access makes entry to your business easier for everyone.
You can:-
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets must meet Australian standards.
You can:-
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For more information and to find further assistance, contact your Local Rural/Metro and Deaf Access Worker (VIC only) through your local council, or click here for Further Information on this site.
- People with disability
- Delivery people
- Parents with prams or small children
- All customers when it's busy
Communication
To be able to communicate with anyone, you first need to establish the way they communicate..
The customer may need larger print to read or require help in hearing you.
For example, you can install a hearing loop or assistive hearing device to help you communicate with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing or you can learn Auslan to communicate with someone who is deaf.
All of the following sections will improve your chances of offering your business' products or services to those with a disability.
Attitude
One thing that often gets missed when talking about access for people with disability is attitude. You can train your staff to be respectful and learn more about how to work with people of all abilities.
Manoeuvrability
To improve access for all of your customers:-
You can –
- Have clear corridors in your shop with at least 1 metre between aisles.
- Remove dangerous obstacles from entrances such as advertising boards and displays or furniture.
- Have clear site lines from front door to counter.
- Ensure EFTPOS machines are cordless or have long cord to reach over counter.
Advertise
If you have good access to your business:-
You can –
- Advertise your accessibility in your normal marketing.
- Let people know you are accessible and use recognised symbols where appropriate such as the “Blue Wheelchair”.
- Promote alternative contact methods such as National Relay Service for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
- Improve access to your website for people who are blind or have low vision. For example, does your website work with assistive screen reader technology? Is there flexibility in your website so people can change size or information is provided in large print?
Visibility
Good visibility improves access and reduces risk.
You can:-
- Make the entrance easy to see
- Paint the entrance to your business in a colour that contrasts well with the surroundings.
- Make sure directions to the main entrance are clear especially when there are multiple doors.
- Be aware of reflective glass in your shop front. This can be very confusing for someone with low vision. You can put safety markings on the glass so people don’t walk into it.
- Improve the lighting in your business so people who lip read can see you. Remove dark areas to help people with low vision navigate around your premises.
Seating
Sometimes customers with mobility issues or health concerns may require seating at times.
You can:-
Have a seat (with arm rests) available if someone needs it.
Level Access
Level access makes entry to your business easier for everyone.
You can:-
- Ideally remove of steps and provide level entry
- If you cannot provide level entry provide a portable ramp that meets Australian standards.
- If these are not possible consider moving the main entrance to a more accessible location.
- If all this is not possible place a doorbell on the outside of the entrance so people can ring for assistance and ensure you have a cordless EFTPOS machine.
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets must meet Australian standards.
You can:-
- Provide an accessible toilet for customers particularly where they may be waiting a while such as restaurants.
- If you do not have an accessible toilet on premises make sure all staff know where the nearest one is.
- If you decide to make your toilet accessible please seek technical advice.
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For more information and to find further assistance, contact your Local Rural/Metro and Deaf Access Worker (VIC only) through your local council, or click here for Further Information on this site.
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