7 Accessibility Practices Businesses Should Adopt

Millions of people in the United States alone have disabilities. It’s one reason to adopt accessibility in your business. Whether you are in the food or retail industry, you must prioritize it to reach your target market. Also, the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA requires businesses to be accessible for the disabled. There are different types of disabilities, including the following:

  • Audio – people may be deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Visual – they may be completely blind or may have poor vision
  • Mobility – customers may also have difficulties moving
  • Speech – they may be mute or have problems speaking clearly

To ensure accessibility in your company, there are various things you should adopt, and this covers those that have to do with your local premise and online. Also, some of them are easy to follow. They require minor adjustments or small changes, but they can create a huge impact.

 

Have parking spots for people with disability

Many businesses have spots in their parking spaces dedicated to disabled individuals. They are often close to the office or store entrance, so it will be easier to reach. If your company offers free parking to your customers, adopt this one too. Have spots secured for those with disabilities.

Make your content accessible

Content in your website or online must be accessible to everyone. For example, media professionals who provide the latest news, documentaries, or interviews, may use transcription services to make their content accessible. Since the timeliness of the content is also important, a quick turnaround media transcription service is the one to choose. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can read the captions, thus allowing them to understand the information better.

Remove any obstructions on the way

People who have mobility or visual disability may have trouble seeing obstructions or avoiding them. It may cause accidents or inconvenience. Ensure to keep the way clear for them to safely and conveniently access or move around your office or shop.

Provide easy access to your premise

Make the doors wide enough for customers to pass through easily, including those in a wheelchair. Have a wheelchair ramp, too, for more convenient access.

Give ample time to finish forms or login

If you have a form on the website or require clients to log in, ensure that you give them ample time to finish completing the form or logging in with their accounts. Include accessibility features, too, like zoom to help them see properly.

Adopt accessibility at point of sale

The advancement of technology made a way for the creation of various applications, tools, and machines that allow accessibility, including at apoint of sale. An excellent addition is a keypad that supports Braille when paying with a credit card or a hearing loop to strengthen the hearing aid signal.

Ensure proper lighting and visible signage

Those who have poor eyesight will benefit from good lighting. Also, keep signs visible, like hazards, to prevent accidents or unwanted scenarios.

Besides adopting these accessibility practices, ensure that your employees are well-trained to assist clients with disabilities.