Why good access for people with disability is good for business

1 in 6 Australians (4.4 million) have a disability. This is a huge segment of the population. They are often overlooked as customers and have spending power and choices.

Making small changes to your business to include people with disability is easy and boosts profitability. It also shows you care and is the law.

You can boost your business bottom line up to 25% by making it easier for people with disability to buy your products or services, according to Monash University research.

What’s more, for every $1 spent on access there is a $13 return on investment.

Being inclusive doesn’t have to involve huge changes or major renovations. In many cases, only small changes to the premises, customer service, marketing and communication, and employee training are all that’s needed.

Increasing access also shows that your business cares about the whole community and that you are respectful of all people.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes it unlawful to discriminate, in the provision of goods, services or facilities, against people on the basis that they have, or may have, a disability.

Find out more at Good access is good business, a free business breakfast on Thursday 30 November. Learn the simple steps you can take to implement changes to increase your customer reach. And hear from businesses like iFly in Penrith and Castlereagh Boutique Hotel in central Sydney about how they’ve connected and cater for people with disability.

This event is hosted by the City of Sydney in partnership with Zero Barriers, an organisation that helps eliminate barriers for people with disability by creating a more accessible and inclusive customer and employee experience. Speakers include IncludeAbility ambassador and comedian Tim Ferguson (pictured), President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher and Zero Barriers executive officer Dee-Dee San Jose.