Accessibility and inclusion

Inclusive businesses reach more customers, foster innovation, and build stronger, more resilient teams. Accessibility isn’t just compliance—it’s opportunity.

Accessibility and inclusion quick links

What is accessibility and inclusion?

Accessibility
Accessibility means making sure all people can access and use your business’s spaces, services, products and information regardless of ability or circumstance. It involves removing physical, digital and procedural barriers so all customers and employees can participate equally.

Inclusion
Inclusion means creating a workplace culture where staff and customers of all backgrounds and abilities feel respected, valued, and able to contribute fully. It goes beyond diversity by ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to be involved and succeed.

Universal design
Universal design is the practice of creating products, services, and environments that are accessible, understandable, and usable by everyone—regardless of age, ability, or background. Its goal is to remove barriers so all people, including those with disabilities or temporary limitations, can have safe, intuitive, and equitable access. Centre for Universal Design Australia Home Page

How can I make my business more accessible and inclusive?

Making your business more accessible means making it easier for everyone to use and enjoy what you offer. Whether it’s improving your website, store layout, or customer support, small changes can make a big difference for people with different needs.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire has created fact sheets to help local businesses understand why accessibility matters and to share free or low-cost ways to make their spaces more inclusive. No matter how big or small your business is, you can improve access for everyone.

Get support to make your business more accessible

Learn how you and your staff can understand accessibility.
Discover why being digitally accessible makes good business sense.
Explore ways to be more inclusive for customers who are blind or have low vision.
Learn about training, resources and consulting through Scope Business Solutions.

Show your support

Showing your support for people with disabilities helps build a more welcoming community. Simple actions like displaying access symbols or joining inclusion programs can make a big difference.

Show that your business welcomes people with disabilities by displaying access symbols. Learn more about Universal Access Symbols.
Support customers with hidden disabilities by joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
Make your business more inclusive by joining the Companion Card Program.
Find out where guide dogs are permitted through the Guide Dogs website.

Understanding discrimination and equal opportunity

In Victoria, employers must meet legal obligations under laws such as the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, the Disability Act 2006, and the federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992. These require workplaces and services to be inclusive, accessible, and free from discrimination based on factors like disability, age, gender, race, or religion.

Employers should take proactive steps to remove barriers, make reasonable adjustments, and promote equal participation for staff and customers. This includes creating respectful policies, providing diversity training, and ensuring fair recruitment, workplace access, and service delivery for everyone.

These resources will help you understand your requirements:

Key dates for diversity and inclusion

Each year, the Diversity Council of Australia publishes a calendar of important diversity and inclusion days of celebration, solidarity, commemoration and awareness. While the list of dates is not exhaustive, it can help you to plan initiatives in your workplace. See a list of dates for 2026 here.