Access Awards

Run as part of the North Shore Times 2010 Business Achiever Awards, Willoughby City Council’s Access Award recognises and congratulates local businesses, organisations and community groups who have contributed to improving access to their service or facility for all people, including people with a disability.

Access includes:

  • Access to the building such as through the addition of a ramp or lift
  • Providing appropriate lighting and colour contrast for people with visual impairment
  • Translating information and providing clear signage and assisted hearing devices
  • Access through service such as home delivery and pick up for people who have mobility difficulties
  • Access through employment for businesses who have all inclusive workplace policies and procedures and offer education in disability issues for staff

The 2010 winner of the True Business Access Award is Willoughby Veterinary Hospital. Willoughby Veterinary Hospital was awarded the Access Award for its generous services provided to older people and people with a disability. The practice provides home calls for no extra cost, and sometimes no cost, for people with mobility and access issues. It also provides an easily accessible practice with no physical obstacles.

A special Highly Commended honour was awarded to Woolworths Crows Nest for providing staff members to assist people who are vision impaired to shop. The staff member walks through the aisles with the shopper and assists them with pricing and object recognition. The staff member places items in the trolley and helps the shopper through the check out process.