• Install ramps and provide accessible seating to make physical spaces more accessible for those using wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility aids.
• Reduce noise levels with acoustic wall panels, sound diffusers, and carpeting to improve comfort for people with sensory sensitivities.
• Make technological solutions user-friendly by providing products with large buttons or voice-activated controls and ensuring websites are designed inclusively.
• Hire a sign language interpreter if you have customers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Everyone wants business establishments to be welcoming and accessible for everyone. But what does it mean to make your business accessible? It means providing thoughtful, inclusive solutions that accommodate visitors with physical disabilities and the elderly. Here are a few ways to make your business more accessible.
Physical Accessibility
Many people rely on wheelchairs or other mobility aids to get around. Ensuring your establishment is physically accessible is essential for accommodating these individuals. This means ensuring no steps leading up to the entrance and enough space inside for wheelchairs to move freely. Here are ways to make your space physically accessible:
Install Ramps
Install a ramp if your business has any steps leading up to the entrance. This will enable individuals with wheelchairs or walkers to access the building. Install ramps in a way that is wide enough for wheelchairs to move freely, and make sure they are equipped with non-slip surfaces. There are also mobile ramps available for businesses that need a temporary solution.
Provide Accessible Seating
For restaurants, providing accessible seating is essential to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities. This means ensuring enough space between the tables for wheelchairs to maneuver and providing an appropriate height for wheelchair users. Have removable seating that can be adjusted to accommodate visitors with mobility devices.
Wheelchair-friendly Entrance and Exits
It is also important to ensure the entrances and exits of your business are wheelchair-friendly. This means ensuring no obstacles are blocking the way and providing enough space for individuals with wheelchairs or walkers to safely enter or exit the premises. A low-energy door operator by Norton helps ensure your door opens and closes without anyone needing to manually open or close it. This is a great help for someone entering or exiting with a wheelchair or walker.
Provide Accessible Parking Space
These spots should be clearly marked and have enough space to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. In addition, make sure the path from these spaces to your business is slip-resistant and wheelchair-friendly.
Noise Reduction
Some people may be sensitive to loud noises, such as those with autism or hearing impairments. So, it is important to ensure your business has noise reduction solutions. This may involve doing the following:
Installing Acoustic Wall Panels
These panels are made of specialized materials that absorb sound, such as foam and fiberglass. They are effective in reducing the noise from people talking or music playing. Especially if you have a busy space, such as a store or restaurant, acoustic wall panels can help make the atmosphere more comfortable for everyone.
Installing Sound Diffusers
Sound diffusers are designed to disperse noise. They can be used in large areas or spaces with uneven surfaces that tend to magnify sound. If you have customers with hearing impairments, these diffusers can help make the environment more comfortable and welcoming.
Installing Carpeting
Carpeting is great for absorbing sound and can help make your business more comfortable for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Carpets help eliminate noise caused by footsteps and can also reduce echoing.
Accessible Technology
In today’s digital world, technology is essential to running any successful business. But not all technologies are built equally. Some may be difficult for people with physical disabilities or visual impairments to use. To ensure accessibility for all customers, look into the following:
- Purchasing devices with large buttons or voice-activated controls so that everyone can easily interact with them without adding strain on their bodies or senses.
- Make sure any websites related to your business are designed inclusively. This includes having alternative text descriptions for images and videos and using simple language when writing content, so it’s easier for everyone to understand and navigate through the website.
- Providing access to braille keyboards and other assistive devices so individuals with physical disabilities can easily interact with your services.
- Hire a sign language interpreter if you have customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. This will enable your deaf customers to communicate with your staff and understand your services.
Making your business more accessible is a great way to show you care about all of your customers. By following the tips above, you can make sure your business is a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. With these changes, you will be able to create an atmosphere that allows everyone to feel safe, respected, and valued.
