A local disability advocate has called on some businesses in Naracoorte to fix access to their shops for people with mobility disabilities.
Julie Brodie of the Naracoorte Counselling Association says the area of contention for people with mobility disabilities is by far the lack of access to certain shops in Naracoorte.
“Laws have been in place since 1992 and updated in 2010 to define public access in this country—your business is legally obliged to ensure ease of access for people of all abilities,” she said, quoting the SA Disability Discrimination Access laws.
Ms Brodie said there shouldn’t be any excuse for any business that opened its doors in the past 30 years or so to not adhere to these laws.
“But who enforces this?” she asked.
“Small businesses are forced to spend a fortune on fire safety, and they should, but people get locked inside shops in this town, and no one wants to address that.
“We have one business in this town where I have to go to the back door, ring a bell, and wait to be let in, then, once inside, I’m locked in there.
“I then need to be “let out” when I’m ready to leave, and my thoughts just go to, what if a fire breaks out or a fight?”
“I’m literally locked in here, and the car park is on a slope with an uneven surface, in no way does this meet codes. I don’t understand how anyone anywhere thinks that’s ok.”
She said businesses that claim it costs too much money to be inclusive for people with disabilities could apply for grants to upgrade their infrastructure.
“I am sure that would help, and people only need to look at Kalv & Co, the Reject Shop, or the Sports Store that has auto doors to see how to make a shop and shop front accessible.
“The building per se for the Reject Shop has been accessible for many years, but the previous business had aisles so close that it wasn’t uncommon to catch my hand on shelving due to a lack of spacing in the aisles.
“In most cases, I feel it’s about educating people in these areas. If you don’t know anyone with mobility issues, it’s not something one automatically thinks about, but as a business owner, it’s kind of your responsibility to research these areas.”
Ms Brodie also commended the council for the work they have done since the 2019 rollout of the Disability Inclusion Plan in council areas.
“We have seen raised car parks, which greatly assist those in wheelchairs, with walking frames, etc, the Town Hall upgrade to include access is outstanding, the footpaths are an ongoing plan to have at least one side of each street sealed for better access, toilet amenities have been upgraded or are in the plan to be upgraded.
“Access to the Soundshell when we have public events is now in place. There’s a lot that has been brought up to code in recent times, and more should be coming.
“I feel like this is a conversation that needs to be an ongoing piece of the puzzle because things happen all the time that need addressing.
“From my end of town, for example – to get to OTR at the moment is a struggle, easy fix, but I haven’t yet talked to council about it.”
She said if people are struggling on council properties, they should contact the council and hold realistic conversations.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
