How to Make Your Business More Accessible in 2023

 

Making your business more accessible in 2023 involves creating an inclusive environment that accommodates people with disabilities, diverse backgrounds, and varying needs. Here are some key steps to consider:

Conduct an Accessibility Audit: 

Begin by assessing your business premises, website, and other touchpoints to identify potential barriers. Engage with experts, disability advocacy organizations, or accessibility consultants to conduct a thorough audit.

Create an Accessibility Plan: 

 Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines your commitment to accessibility. Set specific goals and establish a timeline for implementing necessary changes. This plan should address physical accessibility, digital accessibility, and staff training.

Physical Accessibility:

                   Entrance and Facilities: 

                  Ensure that your entrance is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, handrails, and automatic                     doors where possible. Make sure restrooms, elevators, and other facilities are accessible and                     clearly marked.

Parking:

 Designate accessible parking spaces close to the entrance and provide sufficient signage.

Signage: 

Use clear signage with large fonts, high contrast, and Braille translations where applicable.

Pathways:

 Ensure pathways are wide, clear of obstacles, and have slip-resistant surfaces. Install ramps or lifts where there are steps or level changes.

       Digital Accessibility:

Website Accessibility: 

Ensure your website is designed with accessibility in mind. Follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 or later to make your website perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

Alternative Text: 

Provide alternative text for images, transcripts for audio/video content, and captions for videos to accommodate individuals with visual or hearing impairments.

Keyboard Accessibility: 

Ensure that your website and digital applications can be navigated using a keyboard alone, as some individuals may not be able to use a mouse.

Staff Training

Sensitization and Awareness: 

Train your employees to understand and appreciate the needs and challenges of individuals with disabilities. Foster an inclusive and respectful workplace culture.

Assistance and Communication: 

Educate staff on appropriate communication techniques when interacting with customers or clients who have disabilities. Provide training on using assistive technologies, if necessary.

Customer Support:

Accessibility Policies: 

Develop clear accessibility policies and communicate them to customers through your website, social media, and other channels.

Alternate Communication Channels:

 Offer various ways for customers to reach out, such as phone, email, live chat, or text messaging, to accommodate different communication preferences.

  Feedback and Improvement:

Establish channels for customers to provide feedback on accessibility concerns. Actively listen to feedback and take necessary steps to address issues promptly.

Continual Improvement: 

Make accessibility an ongoing priority by regularly reviewing and updating your practices. Stay informed about emerging accessibility standards and technologies.