INCLUSION BEGINS WITH US

Hospitality Checklist

Thank you for taking the time to explore our Hospitality Checklist to improve the inclusivity of your hospitality venue. Please read the tips below covering the following categories: Physical accessibility, Communication & Sensory.

Hospitality Checklist

Physical Accessibility

  • Ensure venue access without steps/bumps.
    • If venue entry incorporates steps, install handrails and have a moveable ramp available.
  • Ensure your spaces are wheelchair accessible:
    • Check table height and width for wheelchair accessibility.
    • Ensure adequate spacing between tables, and high-traffic areas (such as to toilets).
    • HINT: when planning layout, have a wheelchair user visit your space to trial.
  • Provide a fully accessible toilet, suitable for wheelchair use.
  • Offer a portable Eftpos machine for payment at the table.
  • Be aware that some disabilities affect a person’s ability to cut food in to consumable pieces. Train staff to offer the option of having a dish sliced in the kitchen.

Communication

  • Speak directly and give personal assistance to the customer, not their support person.
  • Demonstrate focus and patience towards customers with a disability, who may require extra time to order their meal, or require special assistance throughout the process.
  • Consider having a photo/pictorial menu version for non-verbal customers, so they may still independently select their choice by pointing. A digital tablet with photos would be ideal, as this can be regularly updated.
  • Offer a ‘’tap & go’ payment option for ease of use.

Sensory

  • Offer a sensory space/spot (in the quiet and convenient part of the venue) with a comfortable chair or sofa nearby to a table, which can be booked together.
  • Train staff to lower music significantly if they notice a person in the venue struggling with sound. The stereo can easily be turned-up again when appropriate.
  • Ensure there are no flickering or flashing lights.
  • Consider offering a regular ‘sensory hour’ where people and families with sensory disorders may dine in a low-light, music-free environment, and children and adults with sensory issues are offered priority service.
  • Have a small ‘sensory play pack’ available to loan to customers.
Is your business dedicated to becoming inclusive, or are you already involved in ensuring everyone is welcome? Showcase your actions via your social platform of choice and tag #InclusiveLaunceston #YoureWelcomeLaunnie

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

The van Diemen Project
Great Regional City Challenge