There are approximately 4.2 million Australians with disability, which accounts for almost 20 per cent of Australia’s population, and around 1 billion people with disability worldwide, or 15 per cent of the world’s population.

People with disability face a range of barriers in accessing infrastructure, services and products, hindering their participation in social and economic activities. These barriers can be physical, e.g. door width and steps limit accessibility for wheelchair users, or intellectual and sensory, e.g. signs or information are not easily read or interpreted.

Similar barriers are faced by other population groups, including older people and young families. These population groups often have specific access needs, such as ramps or large font pamphlets and menus. Addressing barriers faced by people with disability will have a flow-on effect and reduce barriers for these other population groups.

This report is part of a project being implemented by the University of Technology Sydney Institute for Public Policy and Governance and Local Government NSW to enable local governments and tourism operators in regional New South Wales to improve access to their infrastructure, services and products. The project is funded by the NSW Department of Industry and NSW Department of Family and Community Services.