How To Promote Accessibility in the Workplace

A young man in a wheelchair holds a large piece of paper while talking to three other people sitting around a wooden desk.

Creating an accessible workplace isn’t just a legal requirement. In fact, it’s an excellent way to support your employees, foster inclusivity, and expand business opportunities. As a business owner, you have the power to make a difference through simple yet thoughtful improvements to your space. Discover how to promote accessibility in the workplace to reap the benefits today.

Why Accessibility Matters

Accessibility ensures everyone, regardless of physical ability, can participate in your workplace. Your business’s first impression matters, and promoting accessibility builds trust. You’ll attract more customers, improve employee morale, and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Beyond the legal and ethical benefits, accessibility shows your customers and clients that your business values inclusivity.

Start With Your Physical Space

An accessible environment starts with the layout and design of your workplace, so follow these practical steps to create a better environment for all:

Widen pathways. Make sure hallways and workspaces are wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Ensure your restrooms are accessible. Install handrails, wider stalls, and easy-to-use locks to make them more inclusive.
Provide ergonomic furniture. Opt for easily adjustable chairs and desks for employees with various physical needs.

You may not give your doors much thought, but they play a huge role in workplace accessibility. For a person with a disability, standard doors can pose challenges. M ake your commercial door more accessible by installing automatic door openers, switching from round doorknobs to lever handles, and adjusting your doors to require less pressure to open.

Though they may seem small, these simple changes can make a significant difference for customers or employees with physical limitations or mobility issues.

Make Tools and Technologies Accessible

Not everyone can use standard tools and software, so consider implementing technology like screen readers and captioning for videos to assist team members with visual or hearing impairments. Offering alternative formats for documents and presentations also promotes fairness and inclusivity.

Next Steps for an Accessible Workplace

Promoting accessibility is about taking small, intentional steps that build over time. By taking action to promote accessibility in the workplace, you’ll create a space that benefits everyone. However, to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness, revisit your practices regularly.

To start, evaluate your current layout, and make changes one step at a time. Inclusivity is an investment in your team and your business’s future success, so start building a better future today!