Building a More Accessible Camden Haven
Accessibility is about more than compliance. It’s about creating a community where people of all abilities can live, work, and visit with confidence and dignity.
The Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting practical, real-world improvements that make our region more accessible and welcoming. This work is guided by listening to people with lived experience and focusing on changes that are achievable, effective, and locally relevant.
Our accessability critera.
Following community consultation and a successful accessibility workshop hosted by the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, we developed five practical criteria that help define what it means for a business to be considered accessible.
This initiative is not government mandated. It has been created and led by the Chamber in collaboration with accessibility advocates who generously shared their knowledge and lived experience to help develop a practical, achievable and meaningful framework for businesses across our region.
We also recognise that accessibility is not absolute. Not every business can be 100% accessible to 100% of people, 100% of the time. Building design, heritage considerations, location and the nature of individual businesses can all influence what improvements are possible.
Rather than expecting perfection, this initiative encourages businesses to make reasonable adjustments where they can and to clearly communicate the accessibility features they already offer.
Each participating business is assessed against the five criteria below. Using the accessibility legend provided, visitors can quickly identify which features are available and make informed decisions about whether a business is likely to meet their individual needs before visiting.
1. Accessible Entry
An accessible business provides a practical way for customers with mobility challenges to enter the premises.
This may include:
- A level entrance; or
- A portable access ramp where a step exists; or
- A reasonable alternative accessible entrance.
Where staff assistance is required, the business provides clear signage, a doorbell or another simple way for customers to notify staff that they require assistance entering the premises.
2. Accessible Layout
Customers who use wheelchairs, mobility aids, walking frames or prams are able to move comfortably through the majority of the business.
While not every aisle or display must be fully accessible, customers should be able to navigate the main shopping or service areas, browse products or access services without unnecessary barriers.
3. Accessible Counter & EFTPOS
The business provides a payment or service counter that can be comfortably accessed by customers using mobility aids.
This includes:
- An EFTPOS terminal that can be easily reached or handed to the customer.
- A counter height that allows practical interaction.
- Staff being able to clearly see and acknowledge customers approaching the counter.
4. Welcoming & Inclusive Customer Service
Accessibility is about people as much as premises.
Staff create a welcoming environment by acknowledging customers as they enter and offering assistance where appropriate.
This includes advising customers that products located on higher shelves or displays can be retrieved upon request, ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to access the business’s goods and services.
5. Accessibility Information Available Online
Participating businesses promote their accessibility features online so customers can plan their visit with confidence.
This may include information on:
- The business website.
- Social media pages.
- Online business listings.
- The Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce Business Directory.
Providing this information helps people understand what to expect before they arrive and demonstrates the business’s commitment to creating an inclusive community.
Accessibility Guide
The following abbreviations identify the accessibility features available at participating businesses. As every person’s needs are different, we encourage you to review each business listing to determine whether it best suits your individual requirements.
- MW – Manual Wheelchair Accessible
- PW – Powered Wheelchair Accessible
- SF – Step-Free Entry
- RA – Ramp Available (Permanent or Portable)
- PA – Pram Friendly
- AT – Accessible Toilet Available
- AP – Accessible Parking Available
- AC – Accessible Counter & EFTPOS
- SA – Staff Assistance Available
- DB – Doorbell or Call Assistance Available
- AI – Accessibility Information Available Online
Please note that accessibility features may vary between businesses. While participating businesses have met the Chamber’s accessibility criteria, the features listed above are intended to help visitors identify which businesses are best suited to their individual needs before visiting.
Get involved
Accessibility is strongest when shaped by the community.
If you have feedback, ideas, or lived experience you would like to share — or if you are interested in being part of future discussions — we welcome you to get in touch.