The community and SCI
Accessible business
Is this happening in your business?
Your cashier is telling customers to buy elsewhere.Your receptionist isn't answering one out of every seven queries.You're refusing 14% of potential clients entrance to your premises.You're losing thousands of dollars because your business doesn't welcome new clients.
Impossible!!
No, it isn't. To some extent you're losing business if your premises are not accessible to people with disabilities.
Some Facts
Over 19% of the Australian population have a disability. That's more than 2.5 million people - people who require goods and services like anybody else. If these people encounter barriers to entering your premises they'll simply spend their money elsewhere.
- Why should I spend good money making access?
- Because by doing so you'll open up new market opportunities.
- It's your legal obligation—Equal Access and Equal Opportunity are enshrined in a wide range of State and Federal laws: Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Acts, Building Codes and Australian Standards.
Changes that make sense
- Ramped entrances and elevators as well as other modifications that will allow the maximum number of people to use your facilities.
- Products that are well-designed and easy to use.
- Staff that is trained to communicate effectively with people who have disabilities.
- The development of a corporate culture of equity.
Some added bonuses
- A ramped entrance and elevator will not only allow access to people with physical disabilities; it will also be used by the elderly and by parents with children in prams.
- Occupational Health and Safety problems associated with the delivery and removal of goods will also be alleviated.
- Equal access will broaden your choices of prospective employees.
- Staff trained in the principles of communicating effectively with people who have disabilities will have improved communication skills with all customers.
SCI Australia can help you improve access to your business premises
Established in 1967, we are recognised as the peak consumer organisation representing people with disabilities throughout Australia.
We have extensive first-hand experience and knowledge of the day to day problems and challenges facing people with severe physical disabilities. These include such concerns as access to buildings and services, product usage and negative and obtrusive community/staff perceptions.For information/referral contact SCInfo on 02 9661 8855 or email information@scia.org.au.
And see Missed Bussiness Guide, a useful guide to help you to attract more customers by providing better access to your business.
Disability discrimination
What is disability discrimination?
It's being retrenched because the new office is upstairs. It's being refused enrolment in that course because it's not available part-time. It's not being allowed into that cinema because your wheelchair is "a fire hazard". It's being forced to use taxis because public transport is inaccessible? It's not fair. And it's against the law.
What law?
The Commonwealth's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), and State Anti-Discrimination Acts protect people with disabilities from unfair treatment. Complaints under the DDA are administered by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). Complaints under State law are heard by Anti-Discrimination or Equal Opportunity bodies.
What if you've experienced disability discrimination?
If you can't settle the matter yourself, ask SCInfo about your rights. You can also discuss it with legal advisers at the specialist disability discrimination legal centre in your State or Territory. They will let you know how to lodge a complaint, and whether it would be better to lodge it with AHRC or your State body.
What happens after you lodge a complaint?
Firstly AHRC or the State body with which you lodged the complaint will try to get you and the person responsible for the discrimination (respondent) to meet in a conciliation conference and reach a resolution of your complaint.
What if you can't resolve the complaint?
If you and the respondent can't agree, and the issue you complained about is indeed against the law, you can take the complaint further. If your complaint was made to AHRC, it will go to the Federal Court for a ruling. If your complaint was made to a State body, it will go to a tribunal.
Isn't there a better way?
This process is very time-consuming and stressful for individuals. Fortunately, it is not the only way the legislation can be used to fight discrimination. Disability organisations can make representative complaints on behalf of their members. And best of all, the DDA allows standards to be established in many areas that will make clear to all their responsibilities to people with disabilities. There is already a transport standard, and guidelines have been established in Building Access.
Links to discrimination websites and locations
Australian Human Rights Commission
Anti Discrimination Board of New South Wales
Master Locksmiths Access Key System - MLAK
What is the MLAK?
MLAK symbolThe MLAK is a master key that fits into specially designed locks allowing 24 hour a day access to public toilets. Eligible people can purchase a key that opens all accessible toilets displaying the MLAK symbol.
Who's Eligible?
Eligibility is restricted to people who have a disability or have written authority from:
- a doctor
- a disability organisation
- a local council or community health centre
- the owner or management of a building with an accessible toilet on site
For more information call SCInfo on 02 9661 8855; 1800 819 775 or The Master Locksmiths' Association of Australasia on 1800 810 698; 03 9645 9995.
- Download a list of MLAK locked facilities (updated August 2008)
- Download Frequently Asked Questions about MLAK
- Download MLAK Code of Practice
- Sample signage
