When business owners think about growth, they often look at marketing budgets or product expansion. But there is a massive, usually overlooked avenue for growth sitting right in front of them: accessibility.
Enhancing accessibility in your business isn’t just about compliance or ticking boxes on a legal checklist. It is about opening your doors—both physical and digital—to the 1.3 billion people globally who live with significant disability.
Ignoring accessibility can effectively shut out an entire market to your business, not to mention their friends and family who often decide where to shop or eat based on accessibility needs.
What Does Accessibility Mean?
Accessibility means designing your products, services, and environments so that people with disabilities can use them. This goes beyond installing a ramp at your front door (though that is important). It encompasses how people interact with your website, read your marketing emails, and navigate your physical store or office.
True accessibility is about removing barriers. It ensures that a person with a visual impairment can order from your menu, a person with a hearing impairment can watch your promotional videos, and a person with mobility issues can move freely through your aisles.
Improving Physical Accessibility
If you have a brick-and-mortar location, the physical layout is the first impression a customer gets. Small adjustments can make a world of difference.
Clear the Path
Ensure that aisles and pathways are wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers. Keep these areas free of clutter, merchandise displays, or temporary signage that could block access or create tripping hazards.
Improve Signage and Lighting
Clear, high-contrast signage helps everyone navigate your space, particularly those with low vision. Use large fonts and consider adding Braille to permanent signs, such as restrooms and exits. Good lighting is equally crucial; dim lighting can make navigation dangerous and difficult for many customers.
Maintain ADA Standards
Adhering to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards ensures your store is accessible to all customers. Features like automatic doors and accessible restrooms make it easier for individuals with disabilities to browse and shop comfortably. One advantage of sliding doors is that anyone can enter easily, regardless of physical ability to open a door.
These adjustments both comply with legal requirements and foster inclusivity, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Train Your Staff
Your employees are your frontline. Train them to interact respectfully and helpfully with customers with disabilities. This includes knowing how to speak to someone who is deaf, understanding service animal laws, and knowing where accessible facilities are located.
Why Accessibility is a Smart Business Move
Investing in accessibility yields tangible returns. The “Purple Pound”—the spending power of disabled households—is estimated to be worth billions. When you make your business accessible, you tap into this market.
Moreover, accessible design often improves the experience for everyone. Ramps help delivery drivers and parents with strollers; clear websites help older users. Designing your space for disabled individuals allows everyone to benefit from the accessibility accommodations.
Start Your Inclusive Journey
Enhancing accessibility in your business is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Start by auditing your current setup. Ask customers for feedback. Consult with accessibility experts. Every step you take toward inclusivity is a step toward a stronger, more resilient, and more welcoming business.