The program is currently paused due to the Coronavirus. In-person workshops are currently unavailable. You can still complete the training online on the training page.
Businesses and Services
We have made a FREE training and resources package for your business or service to help you meet the needs of your customers with invisible disabilities, such as intellectual disability and autism.
Why participate anchor
Why Participate?
One in twenty of your customers has either an intellectual disability, autism, acquired brain injury or Down syndrome. Our research has shown that people with invisible disabilities do not use many local businesses and services because of the challenges they face. They would like to use more businesses and services and make up a significant potential customer group.
We know businesses and services like yours strive to be inclusive. Great progress is being made for physical accessibility. But do you know how you can help customers when their disability is not physical?There are many small changes that you can make everyone feel welcome to use your business or service.
By taking part in the Are You Inclusive program you can discover ways for potential customers to find you and get your business recognised for being inclusive.
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Benefits of the Are You Inclusive Project
The Are You Inclusive program can help increase your base of new and loyal customers. This includes people with invisible disabilities such as intellectual disability and autism, but also their friends, family and support workers.
These benefits will also extend to other customers. Older people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can benefit from the training you and your staff receive.
The short and free training takes just 15 minutes online or 30 minutes in person. Once 50% of your staff or volunteers and all your new starters complete the training you get the other benefits of the program. These include:
A sticker to go in your window to show that you’re inclusive,
An electronic logo for promotional use,
Online promotions on our Facebook page,
Tools to aid in communication such as pictograms,
Listings on our business directory on our website,
and more!
Shop Locally
Show the community how inclusive you are, increase your social capital and be a part of positive change in the community.
It is another reason to shop locally and boost the economic profile of the community. The program can also help establish the region as an appealing location for the booming accessible-tourism market.
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Project Development
Just like everyone, people with invisible disability such as intellectual disability or autism need to use local businesses and services. They need to go shopping, to see a doctor, enjoy a swim, buy a car and relax with a coffee or hot chocolate.
Our research has shown us that people with invisible disability are a significant customer group and they face several challenges.
Dr Annie Brennan developed the Are You Inclusive training package based on information gathered from local people with disability, their family and support workers, as well as local businesses.
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Tips From the Are you Inclusive Project
Suggestions for helping customers with invisible disability use your business or service.
Making just one of these changes could make a huge difference.
We can provide you with free resources to help.
Train Your Staff
This is the number one way to become more inclusive.
For customers with an invisible disability the major barriers are more about communication and feeling overwhelmed.
Help your staff know how to communicate so customers with a disability feel welcome. We have our training video and quiz and workshops to help you with this.
Create a Low Sensory Environment
You can create a low sensory environment through your choice of lighting, music and colours that are not too bright, loud or clashing. You could also create a low sensory area or have a time when noise and lighting levels are adjusted. This could be during quiet times for your business which could be a part of your marketing strategy.
Use Alternative Communication Methods
Have a visual communication board available to help with verbal communication. These are called pictographs and are available free through the Are You Inclusive program
Make written information easier to understand by including pictures or having an easy read version.
Have Enough Empty Space
Ensure you have ample space around tables and chairs and check that promotional material is not reducing the space for customers.
You can also complete tasks like stocking shelves at specific times, or even outside of business hours, to make sure there is enough available space for customers to get around easily.
Let Everyone Know How Inclusive You Are
Tell everyone how inclusive you are through your own marketing material.
Provide information on how you are trying to be more inclusive. Use photos of your communication boards and quiet spaces. Make it a part of your regular promotional material.
Make Inclusion a Part of Policies and Procedures
This will make sure that all staff know inclusion is a priority for the business.
It will also ensure that the business or service will continue the changes you have made even if there is a senior staff turnover.
Hire People With Disability
Customers with invisible disability will know that they are welcomed and valued.
Call Attention to Your Quiet Times
If there is a period of time when your business or service is less busy than usual then make this time known. Some of your customers may choose to come in during this time as they would rather avoid crowds.
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Testimonials
Business Owners and Managers
“A great project for our local community – thanks for your assistance in helping us connect and become involved.
We are proud to offer our service to our local community and will benefit in doing so to our disabled population with your resources (video/quiz/pictograms etc).”
— Sherilee, Blue Mountains Explorer Bus
“Bookshops are all about inclusion. They are about imagination and ideas, enjoyment and knowledge – for everyone. And there are as many different kinds of book readers as there are books. All you need is an open mind.
That’s why I feel it is important to be part of the Are You Inclusive program. It is not just about being aware of barriers or behaviours that make people feel uncomfortable or unwelcome when they visit your business. It is also a timely reminder of one of the reasons I have a bookshop in the first place.”
— Siobhan, Springwood Book Lounge
“All the team here have commented that they got something out of the training. Whilst we don’t treat any customers any differently one to another, it provoked some thought as to the way we interact with customers.
Everyone wants to be treated with respect and dignity, and this showed us different ways to enable that to happen for everyone involved.”
— Bruce, Beaut-T-Ful Bags, Springwood and Katoomba
“I have noticed people asking what the sticker about which we explain to them what it is. Also have noticed more DARE [Disability Support] people coming in. We have had some new customers that have been deaf which we were able to use the training and cards provided to make everything smooth.
We try to use the training to make sure we are treating everyone the same no matter disability or not. But we love being part of your initiative and hope to continue to learn from you. So thank you for the opportunity”
— Mark, Butternut Cafe Springwood
Staff and volunteers Who Have Completed the Training:
“I really liked that you interviewed people with invisible disabilities to get their point of view, it really communicated the message of the program.”
“Very clear and to the point, and especially nice to see local people and places featured.”
“It gave me confidence that I am doing the right thing.”
“Informative and professional, many thanks.”
“I found it enlightening and certainly learnt a lot.”
Have You Got Some Feedback You’d Like to Share?
We encourage all types of feedback, including constructive criticism and good news stories!
Community members: fill in our form on the Community Feedback page.
Businesses/services: fill in our form on the Business Feedback page.
Stay up-to-date!
To keep up-to-date on the Are You Inclusive project, fill in the form below to be added to our business mailing list.