For this reason, the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) and Mid Coast Communities Incorporated is offering free training sessions for local business owners next week.

The two-hour "Good Customer Service: It's Everyone's Business" training sessions delivered by the Australian Network on Disability will focus on how to provide better customer service to people with a disability.

"People with disability have spending power and are just like any other customer, so businesses that are welcoming to them are building a loyal customer base and increasing customer satisfaction, which boosts sales," Mid Coast Communities' executive officer Ruth Thompson said.

The six training sessions will be held in Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton on December 9, 10 and 11 to coincide with the state government's Don't DIS my ABILITY campaign.

Now in its eleventh year, Don't DIS my ABILITY is a month-long celebration in recognition of the diversity, ability and contribution of people with disability.

The highlight of the campaign is International Day of People with Disability today.

FACS' Mid-North Coast district director Sue West said the focus of this year's campaign is to raise awareness of the fact that "all of us make daily choices that either include or exclude people with a disability".

"Inclusion brings us together and builds stronger communities.

"Getting involved in training and becoming better aware of how to interact with people with disability doesn't just make good economic sense, it reinforces the important role of businesses as community leaders in our towns and regional centres," she said.

With training sessions filling up fast, registrations should be made as soon as possible by phoning Mid Coast Communities on 6516 1920 or registering online at midcoastcommunities.org.au