Disability Access in Australia

 Disability Access in Australia is not something you think about unless you need to. Thankfully, that is changing for the better when you are looking for a home or place to visit when travelling or just going to a theatre or bar for a show and a drink n feed; it can be a pain in the backside for folks with more mobility or sensory concerns than most run-of-the-mill muppets like myself. 

 I am your above-average 6 foot 3 male electrician and support worker, so I can overcome life's inconvenient and most nagging issues like finding a place to pee or walking through a door with some steps to get into the cafe/bar or entertainment venue of choice, so when it comes to me helping assist someone does the same I now light up and give a big thank you to the universe and thoughtful owner/operator of places that are set up to allow folks with wheelchairs and the like to enjoy life as well.

I have become accustomed to seeing where and even if there is a toilet that is ambulant with decent rails and room to move when you are assisting someone, and when it comes to finding accommodation, that is a whole other kettle of fish as to what gets advertised as being suitable for a wheelchair a lot of the time is not that great. 

Here are a few resources for travelling I have found very useful for an Australian and worldwide location map of accessible toilets and washrooms. Go to this site: National Public Toilet Map, or search for the place you want to visit and look at the visitor website. The town maps usually show something or go to the visitor centre being state, federal or local government. They typically have something you can use if they are open. 

If you are looking for travel and accommodation that suits your family or a client, please have a look at Accessible Accommodation. Kerry and her team are achieving huge goals and helping out a lot of folks. I first had contact with Kerry a few years back in 2021 when I was looking for some hotel accommodation in Melbourne; Kerry was accommodating.

Accessible Accommodation. For Holiday, Respite & Short-Term Stays or Https://accessibleaccomadation.com 

NDIS short-term accommodation (STA) Australia I Search Now (habitability.com.au)

There are quite a few when you search for your area of interest. Just make sure to ring the place and ask for photos and confirmation. The images are a big help as you may not have the same idea as to what is accessible as the receptionist on the other end of the phone.