A business and service support project that aims to eliminate barriers for people with disability when shopping, using services or doing activities, Zero Barriers was developed by The Multicultural Network in 2017, marking the beginning of a new approach to disability access and inclusion.
During that first year, Zero Barriers worked with more than 40 businesses, clubs and services to educate about disability inclusion and offered them tips for low cost or no-cost solutions to become more accessible.
“To date, we have engaged with more than 1,500 businesses, and have over 400 businesses registered in our directory,” Zero Barriers Project Coordinator Rafa Zaim said.
Winning for the second year in a row, Swimz Guildford opened seven years ago and has been purpose-designed to suit to those of all abilities.
“We are smaller so there is less noise which is important for some of our participants,” Anu said.
“Our environment is designed to cater for the needs of each child and our instructors also receive specific training.”
With easy parking and access, the centre has seen many participants with special needs graduate to mainstream classes.
Anu also operates CSmart Consulting which assists women, making them job ready and then finding them placements.
“Both businesses are 100 per cent inclusive with our staff as well as our clients,” she said.
“It’s very rewarding, we try hard and are incredibly grateful for the awards.”
