Newtown Café Tokyo Lamington Hosts Accessibility-Focused Event

Newtown café Tokyo Lamington opened its doors to the community on Saturday for an accessibility-focused event, highlighting how small hospitality businesses can become more inclusive for people who are blind or have low vision.

The initiative was part of the Access Means Business campaign, run by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, which offers free online training to Sydney hospitality venues aimed at improving accessibility.

The event aimed to break down barriers in hospitality by demonstrating how simple adjustments can make venues more accessible for people with low vision or blindness. It’s part of a broader push by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to promote inclusion through free training and community engagement across Sydney’s food and beverage sector.

Tokyo Lamington welcomes other local businesses 

Staff at Tokyo Lamington who had completed the accessibility training shared insights with attendees, sparking conversations about how everyday barriers can exclude people with low vision. Many community members expressed shock at the level of discrimination individuals often face in hospitality spaces.

Local police officers also attended the event, showing support for the broader push to make Newtown and the wider Sydney area more inclusive.

Tokyo Lamington co-founder Min Chai said the café had no hesitation in welcoming other businesses into the space to spread awareness, even though it’s not standard practice. 

“Accessibility can make a huge difference to the way people with low vision and blindness experience your venue,” Chai said. “This can be as easy as ensuring staff know how to react if someone walks in the door with a guide dog, and taking out hazards and visual clutter that make the space harder to navigate.”

Dale Cleaver, CEO of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, said venues like Tokyo Lamington are setting an example.

 “It’s fantastic to see the local community come together to improve accessibility,” Cleaver said. “Dining out is about more than having a meal, it’s a way to connect, celebrate, and belong.”

Hospitality businesses can sign up for the free online platform and learn more at nsw.guidedogs.com.au.