Program to Focus on Access Friendly Business

The launch of a new initiative to encourage businesses in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area to become more access friendly has the potential to make a big difference to those in the community with a disability.

The 'Access Friendly' project is an initiative of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Access Committee and involves the Committee offering a free service to businesses providing advice and tips on how to become more disability friendly.

The launch event held at Abundance Cafe at Sancrox saw Access Committee member Lyndel Bosman from Guide Dogs Australia demonstrate how to support someone with a visual impairment to get seated or be directed to the amenities. Participants were also given tips on using the 'clock' settings to provide instructions to visually impaired customers on where food and beverages are located in relation to the table settings.

Councillor Lisa Intemann, Access Committee member who launched the initiative, says that any of the 4,826 local residents with a disability may experience difficulty in accessing information, facilities and services.

"If a person with a disability or a frail aged person can't easily access a service then local operators might be missing out on business. This project will provide local businesses with the advice and support to ensure their products and services are access friendly," said Councillor Intemann.

As part of the program launch the Access Sub-Committee has identified businesses from each township that champion the factors that reflect an access friendly business. These business champions include Abundance Cafe and Timbertown Pharmacy in Wauchope whose owners and staff have focussed on inclusive and respectful customer service along with the Sandbar Cafe and Restaurant in North Haven who have already completed an Access Friendly assessment.

"Small changes can make a big difference and just by raising awareness of some of the little things businesses can do with their customer service and attitude, the Committee hope to encourage many more local businesses to become Access Friendly," concluded Councillor Intemann.

In recommending the program Mayor Peter Besseling said, the opportunity to support programs that create better access to infrastructure, our natural environment and assistance services is one that Council is taking very seriously.

"The economic benefits that are available certainly need to be realised, but this will only come about when there is a focus on access and equity issues for all those who live in, or are visiting our community. In this regard, the role of our Access Committee is vital in providing a feedback mechanism, as well as fulfilling an advocacy and leadership role," said Mayor Besseling.

Businesses wishing to participate in the 'Access Friendly' program should contact Council.

For more information http://www.hastings.nsw.gov.au/www/html/7128-august-2013.asp