People with disability make up a sizable segment of consumers. Customers also bring family, friends, coworkers, and social clubs, increasing your business exposure and reputation.

Businesses that are socially responsible are more likely to increase customer loyalty and reputation.

Are you missing out on potential customers? You will attract more customers by providing better access to your business!

‘Good access. Good business.’ is one way Cardinia Shire Council supports local businesses.

The guide features the Power Up Program, which provides power outlets for users of electronic mobility aids, further supporting accessibility and community engagement.

Join us in making Cardinia a more inclusive and welcoming place! Download your copy here

Prioritising accessibility is a smart business strategy that can lead to significant benefits.

Our ‘Good access. Good business.’ guide provides practical support for local businesses to understand why accessibility is important for people with disability, responsibilities, and how good access benefits both customers and your business.

Local government has a role in encouraging and supporting active participation in community life and ensuring that its services are accessible and inclusive for people with disability.

‘Good access. Good business.’ is one way Cardinia Shire Council supports local businesses to meet several of its Access and Inclusion Disability Strategy and Action Plan outcomes, including:

• reducing barriers for people with a disability in accessing goods, services, and facilities
• promoting inclusion and participation of people with a disability in the community
• achieving tangible changes in attitudes and practices which discriminate against people with disability
• reducing barriers for persons with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment.

This document has been produced in partnership with Cardinia Shire Access and Inclusion Committee

Further information

• Access and inclusion in Cardinia Shire: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/accessandinclusion
• For a copy of this checklist, please phone 1300 787 624 or email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Communication boards are a tool that use images, symbols and illustrations to help people express themselves. Users gesture or point at images to communication with others.

Further information

• Access and inclusion in Cardinia Shire: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/accessandinclusion
• For a copy of the communication board, please phone 1300 787 624 or email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

The Power Up Program is a Cardinia Shire Initiative where power outlets across the shire are allocated to users of electronic mobility chairs or scooters for recharging.

Customers using electronic mobility aids can recharge at your business, increasing customer interaction and satisfaction.

Benefits of the Power Up Program:

• increased accessibility
• increases safety
• an inclusive community
• increased community disability awareness
• more customers
• free Power Up sign and window sticker
• Power Up locations listed on Cardinia Shire website

How to apply for a ‘Power Up’ sign:

If you would like a Power Up sign at your business, you will need to:

• provide an accessible, designated power point
• have clear access to the power point
• have a Residual Current Device (RCD), also known as a safety switch, installed or mounted on your electrical switchboard
• have public liability insurance coverage of a minimum on $20 million
• If you’re interested in being part of this program, please contact Cardinia Shire Council’s Access and Ageing Team on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au.