News Stories

Since its inception, the program has been embraced by our local communities across the Blue Mountains and Nepean regions, with over 115 business/services joining since our full launch 5 months ago. A wide range of industries have been involved, including retail, transport, health, sport & fitness, hospitality, community services and more. Participating businesses and services note that the training is valuable in building their understanding of communicating and attending to customers with invisible disabilities and have found value in the promotion of their inclusiveness.

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"We have always strived to be inclusive of people with disabilities at Hope Tree, however, we felt that becoming a part of the Are You Inclusive program would better help us serve the individual needs of our existing and potential clients"
Neil Haigh, Director, Hope Tree Framing & Art, our 100th business to sign up.

“It reminded me to listen more carefully and be more patient. It made me realise that it's not just people with physical disabilities that need help. I notice now that some people just need a bit of extra time.”
Kaye Allen, Honey Gem Nursery, Springwood

“Everyone can see at a glance that we include everybody.”
Karin Pearson, Heart & Soul Fitness

Locals with disability have noted how much the Are You Inclusive program benefits them. Many have commented on how excited they are that their needs are important to the business community and that they have enjoyed improvements to their customer service experiences. This includes trying new businesses and services that they haven’t tried before.

“It has made shopping better.”
Ryan Burns-Thornley, local

“I like the sticker and I like to find shops with the sticker.”
Vanessa Tuke, local

The Are You Inclusive project is provided free of charge by DARE Disability Support, with funding from an NDIS Information Linkages and Capacity-Building grant, in partnership with the Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise, with support from the Blue Mountains City Council. If you would like to find out more about the training or see our online list of inclusive places that have done our training, visit our website, or contact Dr Annie Brennan on 0414 835 831