This award is open to

• Small businesses or non-profit organisations with an annual turnover of less than $10 million.
• Businesses must be based and operate within the Northern Beaches Local Government Area.

Exclusions

• Individuals or groups
• Businesses which are primarily disability service providers

A business can be nominated for multiple categories of the Northern Beaches Local Business Awards if eligible. 
Unsuccessful nominees from past years may be re-nominated in subsequent years.

Members of the assessment panel and Councillors are not permitted to nominate or encourage others to nominate on their behalf.

Criterion 1: Inclusive physical environment
An inclusive physical environment relates to any aspect, element or feature of the built and sensory environment that can facilitate a person with disability to enter a venue, find their way or participate in activity. 
Examples include:

• level entry or step-free entry door / continuous accessible path of travel to the entry
• wayfinding / directional signage to accessible entry posted at all entries
• automatic sliding doors / intercom to call if assistance is needed to enter
• lack of obstructions on wheelchair accessible pathway around doors
• clear and wide internal pathways and adequate circulation space for wheelchair users 
• lift access / high contrast floors and walls / reception area with low countertop
• railings on steps / firm non-slippery floor covering inside the premises
• tables with foot space underneath / chairs with and without arm rests
• accessible toilet and/or ambulant toilet on site / parent/baby change room
• accessible change room / shower / lockers area / warm tap water in washrooms
• adequate lighting / aircon / ventilation / noise levels for people with sensory difficulties
• large print or pictorial menu for people with low vision / hearing augmentation system
• quiet spaces for neurodiverse customers, like people with autism

Criterion 2: Inclusive policies, procedures, and customer service
Inclusive policies, procedures, and customer service may be any practices showing knowledge of disability legislation; understanding, empathy, positive attitudes towards people with disability; use of modifications and digital technology; and various other considerations aiming to facilitate easy access for people with disability. 
Examples include:

• knowledge of responsibilities and liabilities under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
• customer service responsive to unique requirements
• disability awareness training for staff and management
• supported employment / volunteering options offered for people with disability
• flexible support arrangements available for staff / volunteers with disability
• emergency evacuation plan showing consideration for people with disability
• staff knowledge of nearest available accessible parking space and toilet amenities
• quiet shopping / visiting hours / welcome assistance animals 
• in-person and online activities designed for people with various abilities
• website has up-to-date accessibility and service information.

Criterion 3: Customer Satisfaction 
Consider any positive feedback received from customers with disability or their family, friends or support workers demonstrating inclusive practice. Examples include:

• letters, emails, compliments from regular customers with disability or disability groups 
• articles, publications, media promotions / online business rating
• customer satisfaction reports / lack of complaints from people with disability.
   

Nominations will be reviewed by an appointed judging panel including community representatives and at least one person with disability.

The selection of recipients will be based upon the nominations received and information available to the judging panel. The judges’ decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

A site visit may be conducted to inspect the relevant physical adjustments as well interview the business on their procedural adjustments. 

An award does not have to be granted should the judging panel decide that no nominee fits the criteria sufficiently.

Finalists will be contacted directly by the Local Business Awards by mid to late May.