Welcome to the Victorian Companion Card

Companion Card promotes the right of people with a disability, who require a companion, to fair ticketing at Victorian events and venues.

Where you can use your Companion Card
Already, many organisations, both big and small, have formally affiliated to accept the Companion Card. Find out where you can use your card.

COMPANION CARD CARDHOLDER SURVEY 2006

Background
With over 15,000 Companion Cards issued and acceptance at over 1,200 businesses, the program asked cardholders about their experience of using the card.

400 cardholders were sent a surcey. Over 180 were completed and returned. In addition, telephone surveys were conducted with 40 cardholder/companions.

The feedback recived will be used to inform future directions of the program, including marketing, communications and community awareness.

The Companion Card team would like to sincerely thank all those who participated in the surveys. If you have any queries or would like to provide feedback to the program at any stage, please telephone the Companion Card Information Line on 1800 650 611.

Results of the survey:

Companion Card Information:

• Most people (90%) were happy with the information and supports offered by the Companion Card project.
• Cardholders often found out about the Companion Card from caseworkers or other service providers.
• Not many people use the Companion Card website or telephone information line.

Socialising:

• A large proportion of cardholders ( about 75%) said that now they have a Companion Card, they often go out to new places.
• Since having the card, cardholders had more than doubled the number of times they go out from an average of 16 outings per year to 37 outings per year.
• Half of cardholders interviewed said the card had improved their social networks.
• About 70% of cardholders said that having the card maens that more people are willing to accompany them to venues.
• 78% of cardholders said their life had changed since receiving the card. This included increased feelings of social inclusion, confidence, and dignity.

Venues & Events:

• Some people weren't sure of which venues are affiliated with the Companion Card, and wanted a list of affiliated venues provided for them.
• Not many people check the affiliate list on the Companion Card website.
• Most people find out if a venue accepts the card by asking in person, or phoning the venue.
• Cardholders were generally well received by venues.
• Most people surveyed (85%) were happy with the selection of venues that accepted the card.
• People commented that there are limited opportunities to use their card at venues in rural areas.