Locals with disabilities are the focus of a new access initiative in the Gunnedah CBD.
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Gunnedah Shire Council's Access Working Group has partnered with Ability Links NSW to provide shop fronts with accessibility stickers and signage to display in their windows so that locals can tell if the space is accessible at a glance.
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Group chairperson Cr Ann Luke said one-in-three customers with a disability have "ceased a transaction because they were not treated with respect or fairly, and report that their customer needs are often unmet".
"{Gunnedah Shire] Council and the access working group are committed to becoming both a champion and advocate for accessibility and inclusion, and ensuring that everyone in our local area is made to feel welcome is a priority," Cr Luke said.
"The opportunity to partner with Ability Links NSW in implementing this great initiative in our own community while at the same time supporting our local businesses, is one we couldn't pass up and I would encourage businesses to get on board."
With the support of Gunnedah's Chamber of Commerce, Ability Linkers and members of the access working group will be taking to the streets to speak to business owners and managers to see if they would like to be involved. If the business meets the guidelines, a free sticker will be distributed to place in the shop window.
Businesses will also be provided with copies of the Missed Business Access Guide for Small Businesses to help apply strategies to improve access and maximise trade opportunities.
To get involved with the project, contact Gunnedah Shire Council's Debra Hilton on 6740 2100 or Ability Links NSW's Kellie Stewart on 5776 7282.
