Monday, 29 November 2004
'Missed Business' - a missed opportunity
Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski, today launched a new guide for small businesses on how to improve access and services to their customers titled 'Missed Business'
'Missed Business' provides practical advice on how small businesses can make their premises or services more accessible and user-friendly for mature-aged Australians and people with disabilities and their families.
"There are nearly four million people with disabilities in Australia plus their families, as well as many mature-aged people who may find it difficult to get around," said Dr Ozdowski. "All of these people are potential customers and each will make a choice about where they shop or do business based on how easy a business is to access and use. The information and advice provided in 'Missed Business' will help you to be the one they choose."
'Missed Business' was developed in partnership between Marrickville Council in New South Wales and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, and will be freely available to local business associations, community groups and individual businesses.
The Commission hopes other councils will follow suit. A generic copy of the booklet which can be adapted by councils for their own local businesses is available on the Commission's website at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/missed_business/
"Local government can play an important role in encouraging small business to improve access and I hope they will use this guide to assist local businesses to make our communities more accessible," said Dr Ozdowski.
Missed Business will also be available through Marrickville Council's website at http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/index.htm
Media inquiries: Janine MacDonald on 02 9284 9880 or 0407 660 235
Last updated 2 December 2001.
