ONE in five Queenslanders lives with disability, making accessibility and inclusion an important issue for every business, not just those working in the disability sector.
As disability advocate and advertising executive Lisa Cox says: “My legs don’t work, but my credit card does.”
It is a powerful reminder that people with disability are customers, employees, business owners, tourists, diners and shoppers who contribute to our economy and make choices about where they spend their money.
CheckUP, with the support of the Queensland Government, has developed Disability Friendly Business Basics, a suite of three free online micro credentials designed to give small business owners, sole traders and their employees practical skills to make their businesses more accessible, inclusive and disability friendly.
The initiative is particularly timely as Queensland prepares for Brisbane 2032, which has committed to delivering the most accessible Olympic and Paralympic Games in history.
Businesses across Queensland will increasingly be in the spotlight when it comes to accessibility and inclusion.
Disability inclusion also makes good business sense. People with disability represent around 20 per cent of potential customers.
They are consumers who want choice, good service and businesses where they feel welcomed and respected.
It is also important to remember that disability is not always visible.
Many people live with invisible or undiagnosed disability, and only a small proportion of Australians with disability receive NDIS funding.
Disability inclusion is therefore not simply an issue for the human services sector.
It is a responsibility and opportunity for businesses across every industry. The Disability Friendly Business Basics program consists of three courses: – Appropriate services for people with disability. – Biases and assumptions. – Communication and understanding behaviour.
Each course takes approximately 30 minutes and is self-paced. The training includes videos, quizzes, games and practical scenarios addressing real-life customer service and workplace challenges.
Participants can save their progress and return when it suits them. A certificate is provided on completion of each micro credential, with participants who complete all three receiving a digital badge recognising them as a disability friendly business.
The training is free and available online. To register or access Disability Friendly Business Basics, visit checkup.org.au/whatwe-do/online-training/ disability-friendly-businessbasics.
With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, now is the time for Queensland businesses to think about how they welcome and serve all customers.
Being disability friendly creates better experiences, builds customer loyalty and opens the door to more customers.
It simply makes good business sense.
