Your workspace should be accessible. Because there is not one valid reason why it shouldn’t be. People with disabilities, whether they be physical or mental disabilities, are still people. They should feel just as welcomed as someone abled would visiting your workspace.
ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits discrimination based on disability. Under ADA requirements, all office buildings must be accessible. Since this is a civil rights law and not a building code, compliance is mandatory. Buildings new and old are required to be accessible.
How To Make Your Workspace Accessible
One of the easiest ways to make sure your workplace is accessible is to have an expert audit your building. Together, you can develop an internal document that explains the features of the building, including information like guidelines for accessible signage and facilities, an evacuation plan, management responsibilities, and how to get to and from the workplace. The National Disability Authority of Ireland refers to this document as an Access Handbook, and they provide a template to help others create and manage an accessible workplace. The ADA also provides a checklist for existing facilities. But note that neither of these documents include the requirements for nondiscriminatory policies and practices. More information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act can be found on the ADA website.
Often when people think of the accessible features of their workspace, they think of toilets, elevators, parking spaces, and automatic doors. But hallways, meeting areas, and signage shouldn’t be overlooked. Hallways should be wide enough any person to pass through, even when deliveries are being made or machinery is being replaced. Meeting areas should provide a variety of seating options, an induction loop system, and other accommodating features. All signage should be large enough to read, placed appropriately, and include Braille.
When it comes to designing the interior of your workspace, consider how light and visual contrast will play a role in accessibility. Your workspace design can be a tool in helping those who are visually impaired to find their way around.
Everyone Should Feel Like They Belong
By creating an accessible workplace, you are able to welcome people of all abilities and create a culture of care throughout your organization. A culture of care isn’t about providing excellent customer service or an employee recognition program. It is an overall ideology that in the workplace fostering one-on-one relationships and community is more important than the company’s bottom line. And as a result, creating a culture of care will positively affect a company’s bottom line. It has the potential to decrease absenteeism and increase engagement, productivity, and retention.
Overall, an accessible workplace promotes inclusivity. This can empower not only your workers, but also the communities you serve, to work together to overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions.
