Access Ability Australia giving access for customers of all abilities

Award-winning Mulgrave company Access Ability Australia (AAA) proudly holds the keys to open up community activities for Victorians living with a disability.

AAA, based at Monash’s Eastern Innovation Business Centre, has developed innovative Access Keys to provide helpful visitor information about public venues, events or programs across Victoria, empowering people with knowledge to make their outings much easier to navigate.

Director Maxine Parker co-founded AAA with Judy O’Connor in 2016. Both drew on their lived experiences of disability to develop a business that supports community access and inclusion for all.

“We work closely with local government organisations that operate community facilities such as libraries, sport and recreational centres, arts and cultural spaces, children and family centres and neighbourhood houses. We also work with tourism operators, service providers and major event organisers,” Maxine said.

“Access Keys help organisations provide optimal customer care and build loyalty. Customers want to feel welcomed and valued and will return to businesses where they feel supported and appreciated.”

Access Keys include photographs, supportive text, maps, sensory elements of experiences and lists of accessible and inclusive features.

There are over 60 Access Keys available to download free at Access Ability Australia.

AAA’s range also includes visual communication boards and awareness training - and they’re about to launch an app to make their services even easier to access.

Maxine said it was an honour to be recognised at the 2020 Disability Sport and Recreation Awards, where Access Keys was named Initiative of the Year.

“Winning this award is a monumental achievement that recognises community attitudes shifting toward the reduction of barriers that hinder full and effective participation,” she said.