Access and inclusion initiatives

• If people can’t physically access your business, they won’t
• Provide a firm, level path of travel from the car park to the entrance. If it is not possible to remove steps, install a ramp
• Automatic sensor doors are preferred
• Ensure counters are accessible to a person using a wheelchair
• Keep access areas free from items that may cause an obstruction or tripping hazard
• Provide a unisex accessible toilet with adequate space for a wheelchair
• Be aware of reflective glass at the entrance to your business and consider applying contrasting strips across any glass doors for ease of recognition.

People with disabilities have the same rights as the rest of the community to access services, facilities, and information. Failure to provide the same levels of access or opportunities could be viewed as discrimination under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992).

• Use clear and concise language
• Always emphasise the person first, not the disability
• If the person is deaf or hard of hearing, look directly at them and speak clearly at a normal pace, keeping your hands clear of your face
• Communicate using pen and paper if this assists
• If the person has a vision impairment, identify yourself and introduce any other people also present
• When handing paperwork or money to a person with a visual impairment, place the money in the person’s hand, giving them notes and coins separately
• Provide a customer service area at a height that is suitable for people using wheelchairs, with leg clearance underneath
• Improve customer service by providing staff with training on disability awareness and effective communication strategies.

Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS): 131 450 or visit the TIS website.

TIS National provides access to the following interpreting services:

• Immediate phone interpreting (131 450)
• ATIS automated voice-prompted immediate phone interpreting
• Pre-booked phone interpreting
• On-site interpreting
• Telehealth video interpreting service.

National Relay Service (NRS): 13 36 77 

The NRS can help you communicate with people who are deaf and/or find it hard hearing or speaking with people who use a phone.

• The NRS has specially trained staff called Relay Officers who help with every call
• Depending on the type of call, a Relay Officer will change voice to text or text to voice and AUSLAN to English or English to AUSLAN
• Relay Officers stay on the line throughout each call to help it go smoothly, but don’t change or get in the way of what is being said
• Except for calls made through Video Relay, the NRS is available 24 hours a day, every day.

Make sure all of your customers are able to access the information they need from your business.

• Display information in an accessible location
• It is recommended that information is provided in a minimum size 12 font with a sans serif typeface such as Arial
• Use matte or low-sheen paper
• Use high-contrast colors for printed information
• Provide clear, easy-to-read signage
• Lower your pamphlets and brochures to an accessible height for people of short stature or people using wheelchairs
• If your business is a restaurant or fast-food outlet, have a few menus in large print available to assist people with vision impairment.

Australia is currently experiencing a skills shortage, and the one in five Australians, or 4.4 million people, living with a disability represents a vast pool of talent that employers can tap into.

The business case for hiring people with disabilities is strong. People with disabilities generally take less sick leave and stay in jobs longer than other workers.

To access short video guides and downloadable resources with practical advice on disability and employment—from inclusive policies and recruitment to workplace changes and managing staff—see the Australian government’s Jobaccess Employer Toolkit.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, the City of Stirling values the creativity and innovations of a diverse workforce to help us better meet the needs of our diverse community.

The expectation of accessibility is now greater than ever, whether it is physical access to the built environment, customer service access, or access to information.

The City of Stirling is offering businesses a free informal walkthrough by friendly volunteers with personal experience of disability to provide your business with confidential recommendations for access improvements.

Walkthroughs are a proactive starting point for businesses to identify issues for consideration and develop a practical approach to improving access for everyone, including staff, customers, and visitors.

Walkthroughs may take one to two hours depending on the size of your business and can be arranged Mondays to Thursdays between 10.00am and 2.00pm, as mutually convenient. Following the walkthrough, a report will be developed and usually forwarded to your business within three weeks.

All information remains confidential, and there is no requirement to implement the advised recommendations.

Please note that an 'access walkthrough' does not address access for every element within a building. It is not intended to take the place of a formal access audit, which inspects and assesses to determine compliance with relevant access legislation, codes, and standards. Rather, a 'walkthrough' offers advice based on volunteers’ personal experience of disability.

To book an access walkthrough of your business, please email accessandinclusion@stirling.wa.gov.au or, for further information, please contact the Customer Service Team at (08) 9205 8555.

Liability disclaimer:

The City of Stirling shall in no event be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever arising out of the business walkthrough, the use of information provided during the walkthrough, or in the walkthrough report. The walkthrough report is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.