Good access is good business
Council wants small business and retailers in Moreland to be more accessible for people with a disability, older people and people with prams and small children.
Council's 'Good Access is Good Business' guide has practical tips and legal requirements on how to be accessible.
Download the Good Access is Good Business guide (PDF 1Mb), pick up a free copy from a Citizens Service Centre or contact Council to post a guide to you.
Why have good access at your business?
Moreland is home to almost 16,000 businesses. Good access benefits all of your customers.
Did you know?
- 18 per cent or 22,000 people in Moreland have a disability of some kind, and
- 25,000 people in Moreland are over 65 years old.
Good access also benefits:
- parents with young children in prams;
- people with heavy shopping bags;
- carers of people with a disability and
- delivery people.
What does ‘good access’ mean for business?
Your business may have legal requirements for access. These include accessible toilets and ramps.
Improving access for people does not have to be expensive. You can do things like:
- train your staff to be respectful
- be mindful of background noise like music
- make the entrance easy to see
- use language like “accessible toilet” (not disabled toilet) and “accessible parking” (not disabled parking)
- remove dangerous fittings that may injure a blind person
Your business can have:
- an accessible website
- enough space between tables
- a chair available for people waiting
- a delivery service or service at home
- have clear and wide aisles
- safety markings on glass walls
- slip-resistant floors
- signs with contrasting colours and large writing and
- an EFTPOS payment system
The Good Access is Good Business guide is a MetroAccess project.
Good Access grants
Council offers grants to small businesses in Moreland. These grants help businesses improve the accessibility of their premises.
The grants might be used for things like:
- the removal of steps to install access ramp and
- installation of handrails to an existing entry .
Before you apply, contact Council's MetroAccess Officer for ideas on how your business can be more accessible and if you can apply for a grant.
Grant applications due 30 March 2009
Send the grant application to:
- Council's Metro Access Officer
Locked Bag 10
Moreland Victoria 3058 or - email the application form to Council's MetroAccess Officer sneilsen@moreland.vic.gov.au
The Good Access grant application and guidelines (DOC 1Mb) include the grant application form, guidelines and the selection criteria. A business can only apply for a Good Access grant once.
