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  • Disability Awareness

Introduction to disability access and inclusion

What your small business needs to know
  • Disability Awareness

Introduction to disability access and inclusion

What your small business needs to know
  • Disability Awareness

Introduction to disability access and inclusion

What your small business needs to know
  • Disability Awareness
  • Disability Awareness

3. Understanding disability

The social model shifts how we think about disability and is particularly relevant for small businesses.

It recognises that disability arises when a person’s needs and abilities interact with an environment that includes:

  • Physical barriers: like inaccessible hotel rooms or attractions.
  • Digital barriers: think about websites or booking systems that are hard to navigate.
  • Attitudinal and communication barriers: like staff who haven’t received disability awareness training.

The social model empowers small businesses to focus on removing these barriers, allowing people with disability to enjoy travel experiences fully and equally.

Defining disability

While small businesses may think that they can benefit from being aware of different ‘types’ of disabilities, what truly matters is focusing on the access requirements of individuals. A business can know the definitions of various disabilities but still have an environment that excludes many people.

Disability is defined as:

  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: this international standard offers a broad definition, recognising that people with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments may face barriers that hinder their travel participation.
  • National Legal Definitions: in countries like Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) offers legal protection against discrimination. The DDA recognises a range of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, mental illness, sensory, neurological, learning, physical disfigurement, and immunological.

Common access requirements

While these are specifically beneficial for people with disability, creating an inclusive and accessible environment truly benefits everyone. Here’s a look at some common access requirements:

  • Physical accessibility: ensure ample space for movement with wide aisles and walkways. Provide designated accessible parking spaces.  Include ramps and/or lifts for multi-level access. Design spaces to be free from unnecessary obstacles.
  • Digital accessibility: design websites, software, and digital communications to work seamlessly with assistive technologies such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, and alternative input devices.
  • Sensory considerations: offer options for reduced sensory input, such as quieter spaces, adjustable lighting, or less crowded times when possible.
  • Clear communication: use simple, concise language and avoid jargon. Supplement verbal communication with visual aids like pictures, diagrams, or written instructions.  Be prepared to employ alternative communication methods like writing, gestures, picture boards, or assistive technology devices.
  • Information accessibility: provide important information in multiple formats to accommodate different needs. This could include large print, audio recordings, Braille, or content designed to be screen-reader friendly.
  • Assistance and support: be ready to offer guidance, help with navigation, and assistance with tasks if needed.  Practice patience, flexibility, and understanding when interacting with people with disability, as their needs may vary or fluctuate.

Universal access symbols

Small businesses should be familiar with universal access symbols.

These internationally recognised icons provide clear, visual information about accessibility features, making it easier for everyone to understand what services are available. Here are some key examples:

Wheelchair-Accessible
Wheelchair-accessible: indicates access for individuals with limited mobility, including wheelchair users.

Large Print
Large print: this symbol may be used at 18 point or larger and identifies large-print versions of books, programs, forms, and any other printed material.

Blind or Low Vision Access
Access (other than print or braille) for people who are blind or have low vision: this can be used in places such as guided tours, nature trails, sensory gardens, or tactile exhibits.

Braille
Braille: indicates that printed material is available in Braille.

Assistive Listening Systems
Assistive listening systems: indicates the presence of a system such as a hearing loop that transmits amplified sound via hearing aids, headsets, or other devices.

Audio Description
Audio description: indicates a live commentary or narration of visual elements provided by a trained audio describer.

Closed Captioning (CC)
Closed captioning (CC): indicates that closed captioning is available. Open captions are always in view and cannot be turned off, whereas the visibility of closed captions is controlled by the viewer.

Opened Captioning (CC)
Open captioning (OC): indicates that open captioning is available. Open captions are always in view and cannot be turned off, whereas the visibility of closed captions is controlled by the viewer.

Information
Information: indicates the location for information about an event and its accessibility.

Sign Language Interpretation
Sign language interpretation: indicates that Auslan sign language interpretation is provided.

Telephone Typewriter
Teletypewriter (TTY): indicates the presence of a device used with the phone for communication with and between members of the d/Deaf community and people without disability.

Volume Control Telephone
Volume control telephone: indicates the presence of telephones that have handsets with amplified sound and/or adjustable volume controls.

Downloadable Resources

Statement of Commitment Template

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Common Access Requirements

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External links

In this chapter

Defining disability

Common access requirements

Universal access symbols

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