HELP MAKE INCLUSION HAPPEN

Please help and promote the acceptance of Companion Cards to make sure everyone can fully participate and have equal access to opportunities. 

What is the ACT Companion Card Program?

The Companion Card program is a recognised national initiative designed to alleviate the financial challenges encountered by individuals with disabilities who rely on carer assistance to engage in community activities. The Companion Card allows the holder access to ticketed events and venues at no cost for their companion or carer.  

Historically, people with disabilities and needing carer support were required to pay for 2 admissions, effectively doubling their expenses. This practice was deemed discriminatory under disability anti-discrimination laws in the ACT and across Australia. The inflated costs were preventing people with disability from fully participating in all the opportunities our community has to offer.  

Eligible individuals can apply for a Companion Card if they meet the program's strict criteria and information about the program can be found on ACT Government's website at ACT Companion Card. The card itself features security measures such as a photograph of the cardholder along with their full name, and is designed to provide venues with a reliable way to identify those who genuinely require a companion carer's presence.

How can my business support the Program?

The ACT Companion Card program is free for local businesses and organisations to join.  Becoming a business affiliate of the program will showcase your business's commitment in promoting social inclusion including fulfilling legal responsibilities related to reasonable accommodations.  When a card holder purchases a ticket for an event or activity, the business affiliate agrees to charge the card holder the same admission fee as non-card holders and waive the admission fee for the support person of the Companion Card holder.  This means people who genuinely need a support person can actively engage in the services your business offers.  

Any business that charges an entry or participation fee for products and services (such as venues, events, activities and organisations) can sign up to become an affiliate of the program.  If your business does not directly issue tickets, you may still be eligible to join the program.  The ways in which your business could support the program might extend to:  

• enabling a Companion Card holder to purchase a package deal that combines admission costs with ancillary components such as accommodation and meals etc.  When booking a package deal, cardholders should be reminded to check with the venue or activity provider to know what is included in the companion ticket;

• gyms and recreational centres permitting cardholders to allow their carer or support person to attend classes or training sessions for motivation (this does not necessarily have to include the use of gym equipment);

• bowling alleys and similar establishments (such as golf courses, tennis courts, lawn bowls) could provide a complimentary game for the accompanying caregiver; 

• a venue may make it a condition of use for venue hirers to accept Companion Cards; 

• a funding body can make a condition that their venue users or funding recipients accept Companion Cards; 

• if you’re a funding body you might make it a condition that all grant recipients comply with the program.

How does my business apply to become an affiliate of the program in the ACT?

To learn about the benefits for your business and how to sign up for the program, further information can be located on ACT Government website Accept the Companion Card at your Business.  To apply, your business can either:

⇒      complete the online form Business Affiliate Online Application Form 

OR

⇒       download and fill out the Business Affiliation Form (act.gov.au) emailing it to officefordisability@act.gov.au 

After you sign up, you will receive information about extra card security features and signs to show customers your business accepts.  

Businesses who are a part of the Companion Card Program support equality, social inclusion and make Canberra a more accessible and inclusive community.

Canberra is such a wonderful City to live in and everybody has the right to enjoy the diversity and richness of our community.   

The ACT Government recognises the commitment businesses affiliates provide in promoting social inclusion and will feature your businesses details on our ACT Companion Card webpage at Using your Companion Card - ACT Government which encourages cardholders and the public to use the services your business offers. 

The ACT Companion Card is recognised nationally which means by joining the Scheme, you have the potential to broaden your customer base and increase in attendance rates.