With diversity, inclusion and accessibility a hot topic through businesses since the pandemic, you can’t afford to not have an accessibility policy in your business. The pandemic taught people that they could work from home and work in more comfortable ways than ever before. If you want your business to be reflective of this movement into being more accessible and more accommodating to people from all walks of life, and your business needs to get with the program and understand the accessibility will make a difference to the people working in your company.

It’s not just about your business reputation – though this is very important. Accessibility accommodates the growing population of parents with strollers and seniors in wheelchairs. It has a far-reaching effect and it shows your community that you are committed to treating every customer fairly no matter what. From hiring a lift company to make your business more accessible to putting your team through training, you can change the status quo. Here is how you can make your business a more accessible place to be.

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• Staff training. If you ensure that your employees are aware of the accessibility and assistance responsibilities then you will make your business a more accommodating place for people to shop. You don’t have to own an office building to be able to be accessible – even a retail space or a physical desk space can be accessible. Training your team is important because they are the brand ambassadors and they work hard to inspire others to shop with your company. You can provide a much better and more seamless customer service when your business is accessible.
• Develop an accessibility plan. You should have diversity and inclusion policies in your business already, but you also need an accessibility plan. This can help you to create the plan for your business and depends on its size. When you create this policy, consult the disabled community and ensure that their perspective is taken into consideration. What do they want from your business? How can you give that to them? By doing this, you are showing that you care.
• Perform an audit of your physical space. If you audit your establishment you can identify the areas where you can make the right improvements. Adding ramps and ensuring that you have wider and clearer aisles or hallways will help those with disabilities or accessibility aids to move freely. This can help them to shop independently and ensures that your displays are intact.
• Make your online stores accessible. It’s not just physical accessibility that you have to consider here. You need to make sure that your website has been made more accessible and easier to access. The customer experience is one of the most important things that you have to think about, and if people can’t move effectively around your website then they will go elsewhere. Take your time and audit the website as you with your physical space and you will be able to provide the best option for your customers.