The City of Greater Bendigo is about to commence an Inclusive Towns Project in Heathcote. The Inclusive Towns Project aims to increase the accessibility of local businesses for people with a disability.
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Acting Manager David Williamson said people with a disability are valuable customers and as part of the program, City staff with a lived experience of disability will visit Heathcote businesses and work with them to identify changes to benefit their customers.
"Participating businesses can be recognised by the Inclusive Towns sticker in their front window," Mr Williamson said.
"It's important to note that approximately 21 per cent of Greater Bendigo residents have some form of disability or long term health condition and the Inclusive Towns Project aims to help business become more inclusive by improving their communication, physical environment and awareness of disability as well as providing information on inclusive employment.
"The focus on Heathcote follows successful Inclusive Towns Projects in Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and the Bendigo City Centre."
The project will run until the end of the year and is free to a wide range of businesses, including retailers, hospitality, accommodation providers or public services.
