Images

  • Plie, Groove'n'Shuffle, Disability Inclusion Award Winner 2021
  • Evolve Tennis Academy, Disability Inclusion Award Highly Commended 2021

There are a number of ways the Northern Beaches is becoming more accessible and inclusive than ever. Being inclusive is all about adapting the way that products and services are provided to suit the needs of the whole community.

Disability Inclusion Award 

The Disability Inclusion Award as part of the Northern Beaches Local Business Awards.

The award recognises businesses on the Northern Beaches who serve the whole community and aim to accommodating the needs of all customers regardless of their ability.

Anyone can nominate a business for the Disability Inclusion Award, including customers, community members, businesses owners and staff.

Winners are announced at the Northern Beaches Local Business Awards Gala Presentation at Dee Why RSL Club.

Inclusive Customer Service online training available

As part of the Award program, Council is offering free online disability awareness training for business owners and frontline staff who interact with customers.

Inclusive Customer Service involves putting people first and recognising that everyone is unique in their abilities. Being inclusive is simply about making things easier and more comfortable for all your customers.

The attitude and behaviour of service staff is critical to the customer experience. The learnings from this online training will give employees the confidence and skills they need to deliver a truly inclusive experience for people with diverse needs.

What is involved?

This online workshop will take less than an hour to complete in your own time. Each attendee will receive a Certificate of Participation. Limited places available.

Please send an expression of interest to disability@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or call 02 8495 6621.

NSW Companion Card

The NSW Companion Card program enables people with a lifelong need for a high level of care to participate in events and activities in the community. Participants are entitled to a free extra ticket for their carer at participating venues or events.

To find out if you are eligible or to apply for the program, visit the NSW Companion Card website.

Businesses, organisations, venues and events can sign up to be affiliates of the program on the NSW Companion Card website. Affiliates issue a companion ticket to participants of the program at no charge, and in return are provided an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to social inclusion and tap into an underutilised market.

A full list of affiliate businesses is available online.

Resources

One in five Australians have some kind of disability, so making your business or service accessible is as good for businesses as it is for the community. There are a number of helpful resources available online to help your business or community group be more accessible and inclusive: