Debunking the Myth: 'No One with a Disability Visits My Business' – Why Accessibility Matters for Australian Developers and Owners
As specialists in disability access consulting, we at Sydney Access Consultants work closely with architects, builders, developers, and tenants across New South Wales and Western Australia to create inclusive spaces that comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and boost business potential. We've heard the common refrain from building owners, developers, and tenants: "Nobody with a disability ever enters my business." This statement, while perhaps well-intentioned, overlooks critical realities and opportunities. In truth, the absence of customers with disabilities often stems from barriers that prevent comfortable entry and participation, not a lack of interest or need. With over 4.4 million Australians—about 1 in 5 people—living with a disability, ignoring accessibility means missing out on a substantial market segment. This is especially relevant in Sydney's dynamic urban developments and Perth's emerging industrial and commercial sectors, where thoughtful design can drive organic growth and community goodwill.
In this article, we'll counter this myth with evidence-based reasons why people with disabilities may avoid inaccessible businesses, drawing on Australian statistics, human rights insights, and practical examples. By addressing these issues early in your projects, you not only meet legal obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) but also enhance property value, tenant satisfaction, and revenue streams. Whether you're in Sydney's high-density hubs or Perth's resource-driven markets, partnering with experienced consultants like us ensures your buildings are welcoming to all—respecting local sensitivities in Western Australia while expanding your reach.
1. Barriers to Entry: The Primary Reason for Absence
The most straightforward counterargument is that people with disabilities often can't or won't enter due to physical, digital, or environmental obstacles. If a business lacks ramps, wide doorways, or compliant elevators, wheelchair users or those with mobility aids are physically barred from entry. In retail settings, narrow aisles cluttered with displays or turnstiles at entrances create insurmountable hurdles, as highlighted in complaints to the Australian Human Rights Commission. Even accessible toilets that are locked or poorly designed deter visits, forcing individuals to seek alternatives elsewhere.
In child care centres or offices—common in Sydney's family-oriented suburbs or Perth's growing commercial precincts—these barriers extend to staff and visitors. For instance, inadequate ramps or non-compliant door widths mean a parent with a mobility impairment might skip a drop-off, or an educator with a disability could face daily frustrations. The result? Potential customers turn away before you even notice, perpetuating the myth of "no visitors."
2. Invisible Disabilities: Out of Sight, But Not Out of Mind
Many disabilities aren't visible, leading owners to underestimate their prevalence. Conditions like chronic pain, neurodivergence, or sensory impairments affect millions, yet these individuals may avoid businesses where accommodations are lacking. For example, a person with low vision might struggle with poor lighting or lack of tactile indicators, while someone neurodiverse could find noisy, overcrowded spaces overwhelming. In Australia, where 1 in 6 people live with a disability, these "invisible" challenges mean many simply choose accessible competitors without drawing attention to the issue.
This is a key consideration for Perth's practical-minded business community, where subtle enhancements like luminance contrast or quiet zones can make a space more inviting without major overhauls. In Sydney, with its diverse population, overlooking these leads to lost opportunities in high-traffic areas.
3. Attitudinal and Social Barriers: Discrimination and Stigma
Beyond physical access, negative attitudes or stereotypes can discourage entry. People with disabilities report facing judgment, inadequate staff training, or policies that inadvertently discriminate—such as events charging full prices for carers or failing to provide accessibility information upfront. In workplaces or retail, this manifests as inaccessible complaint processes or information in non-inclusive formats, further alienating users.
Australian research shows that social barriers limit participation, leading to inequalities in economic and community involvement. For developers in Western Australia, where community values emphasize fairness, addressing these through staff training and inclusive policies avoids perceptions of insensitivity and builds loyalty.
4. The Ripple Effect: Impact on Families, Friends, and Networks
People with disabilities don't visit alone—they come with families, friends, and colleagues who also avoid inaccessible venues. If a business isn't welcoming to one, it loses the entire group. With people with disabilities spending $8 billion annually on tourism alone, this untapped market extends to everyday services like cafes, offices, and shops. In family-focused Perth developments or Sydney's mixed-use precincts, inaccessible child care or retail spaces mean missing out on broader patronage.
5. Digital and Informational Barriers: The Modern Hurdle
In today's online-first world, inaccessible websites or apps prevent engagement before physical visits. Screen reader incompatibility or lack of alt text for images means potential customers with vision impairments can't browse menus, book services, or check accessibility details. This digital divide affects 20% of Australians, turning them toward competitors who prioritize WCAG standards.
6. Economic and Legal Risks: The Cost of Inaction
Claiming "no visitors" ignores DDA liabilities, with the Australian Human Rights Commission receiving hundreds of complaints annually on access to goods and services. Non-compliance can lead to costly retrofits, fines, or reputational damage. Conversely, accessible businesses grow sales 2.9 times faster and profits 4.1 times faster, tapping into a loyal customer base. For Sydney's competitive market and Perth's growth-oriented sectors, this means higher tenancy rates and property values.
7. Health, Cost, and Systemic Barriers
Additional deterrents include high costs for accessible transport or assistive devices, making visits to non-central or poorly connected businesses prohibitive. Health concerns, like avoiding spaces without proper sanitation or evacuation plans, further compound avoidance.
Why Accessibility is a Smart Investment for Your Next Project
This myth persists because barriers are often invisible to those without disabilities, but the data is clear: inclusivity drives business success. In Western Australia, where straightforward, efficient designs are valued, subtle upgrades respect local preferences without excess. In New South Wales, they align with vibrant, diverse communities.
At Sydney Access Consultants, we offer expert audits, certifications, and NCC-compliant advice to make your buildings accessible from the start. Serving Sydney and expanding into Perth, we help developers like you unlock this market while enhancing SEO for terms like "disability access consultants Perth." Visit sydneyaccessconsultants.com.au to discuss how we can transform your project into an inclusive, profitable asset.