Better Access is Better Business

What is the Better Access is Better Business initiative?

Better Access is Better Business has been created by City of Onkaparinga to support the tourism and business sector and attract a broader audience to become immersed in our incredible region. With more people holidaying locally this is an important opportunity for businesses to stand out by offering experiences for all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

The program forms part of Council’s broader goal to have an accessible and inclusive city based on fairness and respect and stems from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (SA) and City of Onkaparinga’s Inclusive Communities Action Plan 2021-2024.

Are Access and Inclusion the same as Disability?

Access and inclusion is the process whereby every person (irrespective of age, disability, gender, religion, sexual preference or ethnicity) who wishes to, can access and participate fully in all aspects of an activity or service in the same way as any other member of the community.

Disability, in relation to a person, includes a long-term physical, psychiatric, intellectual or sensory impairment that, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder the person’s full and effective participation in the community on an equal basis with others.

A best practice guide to help grow your business

This guide has been created to assist businesses to become more accessible. The guide encourages businesses to look at things through a different lens and focus on changes they can initiate quickly and easily.

The involvement from industry and those with disability has been essential in creating this guide to ensure that it provides real value for businesses and visitors.  The guide provides clear explanations and facts, as well as easy and cost-effective ways businesses can evolve their offerings and experiences to cater for people with diverse needs.   

Better Access is Better Business - Best Practice Guide(PDF, 4MB)

What is Accessible and Inclusive Tourism?

Many people have access needs and businesses would benefit from working towards catering to a diverse range of customers, including people with temporary and permanent disabilities, older people, carers, culturally and linguistically diverse people, young people and families.  

Accessible and inclusive tourism ensures that everyone can access venues and services with ease while feeling welcome and included, and that all people are able to participate and enjoy tourism opportunities. Australia’s population is ageing, creating a growing market of travellers with accessibility needs.

View the online training video below for more about what your business can do:

See what the City of Onkaparinga is doing in this space:

 

See what local businesses Adel-Aid and Beach Road Wines are doing to become more accessible:

 

Fast Facts

  • One in five Australians have a disability.
  • Accessible and inclusive tourism is growing and made up 25% of the tourism market in 2020.
  • Nearly 90% of people with a disability take a holiday each year.
  • Two in five people with disability are 65 years or older.
  • Only 4.4% of people with a disability in Australia use a wheelchair.
  • 17.1% of people with disability use mobility aids.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2019, 4430.0 Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia 2018, viewed October 2021.

The Local Government Association was commissioned by the Department of Human Services for the delivery of the NDIA Community Inclusion and Capacity Development Grant with a particular focus on regional, rural and remote SA.

 

 

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