Access Award nominations open

BUSINESS: Nominations are open to recognise local businesses, community groups or residents within the community who strive to improve access to services or facilities.

In 2013 IGA Supermarket and Yass Valley Dental were publicly acknowledged for their dedication to improving access to their services and facilities for Yass Valley residents.

IGA Supermarket had partnered with Valmar’s Community Access Program to introduce their Home Delivery Program, which assisted elderly or disabled residents with the home delivery of groceries.

Yass Valley Dental was acknowledged for the provision of disabled access into their business, as well as their friendly and inclusive service.

“The staff at IGA Yass saw a real need in our community to provide a home delivery service for residents who are less mobile or require additional assistance when it comes to their grocery shopping,” said store manager Bec Quinn.

“Partnering with Valmar’s Disability Service for our Home Delivery Program has enabled us to make a small difference to someone’s life and to help our community.”

Yass Valley Dental practice manager Janine Jol said, “Yass Valley Dental understood the importance of providing easy access to our business for clients who are disabled, elderly or less mobile.

“We were, and still are, honoured to receive an Access Award. To know that members of the community had nominated us and recognised the inclusive and friendly environment we have worked hard to create at our clinic was really special.”

The 2015 Access Award program aims to acknowledge local businesses, community groups, organisations or individuals that improve Yass Valley resident’s access to services or facilities.

The type of activities deserving of an Access Award include, but are not limited to:

• Improved access to buildings, including lifts, lighting, ramps, automatic doors and signage
• Home delivery and pick up for those that cannot leave their home
• Improving access to information (large print, and braille)
• Inclusive workplace policies and procedures
• Inclusive participation in an event or activity for people with special needs
• Employment of a person with special needs

Nominees must be a business, community group or organisation that are located within the Yass Valley Local Government Area, or a local resident, that provides services or activities for residents that live in Yass Valley. Self-nominations will be accepted.

Nomination forms are available from Yass Valley Council’s website or from Council’s Office at 209 Comur Street, Yass.

2015 Access Award Nominations close at 5pm, Friday November 20.