Wagga mayor Kerry Pascoe has welcomed Access Aware to the city for a week of “Celebrating Accessibility in Wagga” from Monday through to Friday.

The celebration is the initiative of Access Aware – their chief accessibility database operating in Wagga.

Access Aware assists people with access issues by promoting businesses that provide accessible features that benefit them. Project officer for Access Aware, John Donoghue, said the aim is to get 100 businesses on board.

“This project gives people with disabilities the chance to participate in the community,” John said.

The mayor opened a free information session in the civic building last night.

A smorgasbord of information about the new federal premise standards and invaluable information on ways to increase profitability through access-friendly business was offered at the session.

Speakers included John Donoghue mayor Pascoe and first-class examples of local business leaders in accessibility.

Over 20 per cent of the population experiences difficulties accessing buildings and public spaces, including:

- People with disability.

- Older people with mobility issues.

- People with injuries.

- Mothers with children (especially with prams).

- Shoppers with trolleys and shopping bags.

People with access difficulties visit businesses that cater to their particular needs, and as a result providing good access will allow business owners to increase their turnover by up to 20 per cent. Access Aware will award free business listings to businesses in Wagga that comply with certain accessibility standards.

These listings will be places on the Access Aware website www.accessaware.com.au and will be marketed to people with access problems.

These individuals keep their patronage for businesses that assist them.

For more information contact John Donoghue from Access Aware on 1800 029 904 or email johndonoghue@ideas.org.au.