IMAGINE never enjoying a meal out with friends and family.
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It’s a simple experience, often taken for granted but an experience from which too many Australians are excluded.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Australians has a disability.
Dining out is a significant aspect of community life and engagement but it is an area where people with disability are often excluded.
The issue is now being explored by University of Wollongong researchers as part of InCuisine: An Inclusive Dining Experience.
Over the next 12 months the researchers, in partnership with Shoalhaven Business Chamber and FOCAS Shoalhaven, will conduct a survey of Nowra CBD restaurants and cafes to identify potential barriers to people with a disability.
UOW dietetics and nutrition researchers Karly Rugolo and Jacob McGuinnes hit the streets of Nowra on Thursday to speak to people about the issue.
“We are thinking the major barriers are going to be wheelchair access but there will probably be other issues such as transport, parking and even menus,” Mr McGuinnes said.
Miss Rugolo said dining out was an experience most people took for granted.
“Our goal is to make the Shoalhaven the inclusive dining capital of Australia,” she said.
Project leader Shawn Burns said Incuisine was an important project for people with disability as well as Shoalhaven business.
“By identifying barriers to dining out, we can continue to build an inclusive society, bolster local business, and help make the Shoalhaven Australia’s most inclusive city,” Mr Burns said.
The group is asking people to take part in a survey and focus groups. To register to take part phone Mr Burns on 4221 5995.