Maximising Accessibility and Inclusion in the Workforce

The Disability Market

Approximately 20% of the Australian population, or one in five people, have a disability. However, these individuals may not always be visible in society or in the workforce due to the physical and non-physical barriers created by the industry. When thinking about accessibility, we often only consider physical infrastructure (e.g. ramps, or tactile indicators), but accessibility is an experience. This market presents a significant business opportunity for the tourism industry, with an estimated $1.8 billion in untapped potential in Queensland alone.

Accessible Experiences

Universal Design

The National Construction Code establishes a set of guidelines that all building, renovation, and refurbishment projects must adhere to, which are the minimum compliance standards.

However, accessibility goes beyond minimal compliance by considering the design of spaces to be more flexible. This may include graded walkways, signage, kitchenettes, landscapes and other elements that a building surveyor often does not talk about.

However, what we should aim for is universal design, which aims to create spaces that are easily accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities. The goal is to set high standards and benchmarks for accessibility to ensure that everyone can access and use any building. Universal design is key to reaching where we need to get to in the tourism industry.

Facilities, information and accessibility accommodations

To ensure a seamless experience for all, accessibility must be a key consideration at every stage. Before a visitor arrives at your venue, they need access to information about amenities like toilets, food options, emergency exits and more to make an informed decision. While many operators have accessibility accommodations, few display this information on their websites. It's crucial to be transparent about available accessibility accommodations and any limitations to help visitors make informed decisions.

Service

To create an excellent product and service, you should get input from visitors to understand their needs and how they interact with your experiences. Accessibility should be a fundamental aspect of a business plan, and businesses should strive to constantly introduce new accessibility-inclusive activities. Small incremental steps can lead to significant improvements. With a little effort, we can make our experiences inclusive for all.

Hiring People with a Disability

We often talk about the untapped market for customers with disabilities. It's the same side of the coin when we discuss the employment of people with a disability and creating inclusion in the workplace. In the working-age population, the disability unemployment rate is double that of people who do not have a disability. Unfortunately, this number hasn't changed in 28 years. Australia's workforce shortage can be filled by people with a disability.

Creating inclusion in the workplace, and an inclusive hiring process is simple. It's important to recognise that perhaps barriers are being created during the interview process. During the application process, encourage people to apply by including language in the listing that states, “we are committed to a workplace that's diverse and inclusive, where contractors and employees are embraced for their unique qualities and valued for their contributions”. Before the interview, send everyone an email with questions like: "What can we do in this interview to allow you to perform to the best of your ability? What can we do to make this a better experience for you?" This kind of approach will make the difference between someone applying and someone who doesn't.

Workplace modifications are not as expensive as you may think. Between 80 and 90% of all workplace modifications to employ someone with a disability cost less than $700. By including more people with disabilities and creating a diverse workforce, businesses will benefit from a diverse way of thinking for better problem-solving.

Enhancing inclusion in the workplace involves implementing universal design and ensuring accessibility accommodations are integrated. Vital to this is actively hiring people with a disability, fostering an environment where everyone can contribute their best.