Equality means offering the same level of opportunity to everyone, including those with disabilities. Yet many businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations have yet to invest in disability accommodations for customers and employees. Failing to do so isn’t just the wrong thing to do morally; it’s also bad business. If you don’t make your workplace accessible to employees with disabilities, you can’t benefit from their talents and good ideas; likewise, customers with disabilities are every bit as valuable as any other customers. It is thus essential for you to make your organization fully accessible, and that begins with:
Establishing Full Visibility
When it comes to making your workplace accessible, improving visibility is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take. Wherever there are edges, steps, or corners in your building, mark them with bright materials. This will make it easier for those with certain types of mobility issues to see these areas ahead of time, limiting risks and hazards. You should also make disability accommodations more clearly visible. If the wheelchair ramp into your building isn’t at the main entrance, put up signs there and in other key areas indicating where it is.
Setting Up Accessible Counters
Customers who have certain types of disabilities will need lowered counters to make purchases, sign forms, or otherwise interact with your organization. It is thus essential that you set up these counters in every area of your building where you make major transactions. Once they are in place, make it clear to all of your employees what they are, and instruct them to keep them clear at all times. Under no circumstances should you use these counters to display your wares, stack papers, or hold anything else besides the equipment for customer transactions. If you don’t keep them clear, not only will you be making it harder for customers with disabilities to transact, but you’ll send a message that you don’t value their business.
Embracing the Flexible Workday
Employees with certain kinds of disabilities may need to work at irregular hours, take frequent breaks, or stay home from time to time. In order to make your business convenient for people with as wide a range of disabilities as possible, you must offer employees a high degree of flexibility in when they work and where they work from. If it is possible in your industry, give employees the option of working from home. Likewise, for those who come into your office, allow them to choose when they start and end their workday, as well as the timing, length, and frequency of their breaks. The more flexibility you offer, the easier it will be for workers with a myriad of different types of disabilities to join your team.
Opening Yourself to Feedback
Every disability is different, and the individual suffering from it may need specific accommodations you haven’t anticipated. You must thus give all customers and employees the opportunity to voice concerns and request additional accommodations. Listen to this feedback to the letter, and do everything in your power to comply with it.
For more information on disability accommodations and other keys to making your workplace healthy, safe, and equal, contact F.A.S.T. today!