Council accessibility tour conducted throughout Narrabri Shire businesses

An accessibility tour of Narrabri Shire that encouraged business owners to use a wheelchair to navigate their shop was well-received by the community.

Participants said it opened their eyes to the needs of others, and they were able to view their premises from a different perspective.

Some found it difficult to manoeuvre and acknowledged assistance requirements and said they would use the information gained on the tour to inform layouts and displays.

The tour, organised by Narrabri Shire Council with the assistance of health staff and business owners, led to participants saying they had developed more respect and awareness as a result.

Narrabri Shire manager tourism and cultural services Scott Pollock said the group visited various businesses in Narrabri, Wee Waa and Boggabri to consider accessibility and how well-participating businesses are equipped to accommodate those living with disability, including wheelchair users.

“Business owners will have the opportunity to determine whether their business is accessible to the community and if any adjustments need to be made by actually using a wheelchair to navigate their premises,” Mr Pollock said prior to the start of the accessibility tours.

“Our intention is not to assess business infrastructure but to help raise awareness and empower our community.

“Accessibility is when the needs of people with disabilities are specifically considered, and products, services and facilities are built or modified so that they can be used by people of all abilities.”

Mr Pollock said council’s 2022/2026 Disability Inclusion Action Plan aims to reduce barriers in the community and ensure that Narrabri Shire is a safe, inclusive place to live and visit. Narrabri Shire Council was also one of the participating businesses.

“This tour is an important aspect of understanding what needs to exist and how they can be met in our retail sector across the shire,” Mr Pollock said.