As a small business owner, you can make plenty of small yet impactful changes to become a more accessible business. Being more accessible means including both employees and customers with disabilities. When you prioritize accessibility, you’re not only doing the morally right thing, but your business will also benefit.
This article touches on five ways you can be more accessible, but if you want to take this further, then you can Download the Workplace Accessibility for Small Business Owners Checklist.
It Starts with Employee Training
Let’s start with a simple way to improve that doesn’t cost anything. Provide disability awareness training to your team, teaching them how to interact respectfully and effectively with customers who have disabilities. Etiquette, effective communication techniques, and assistance protocols will make a huge difference in ensuring a positive customer experience for everyone.
Consider Enhancements to Your Physical Space
No matter what type of business you’re running, if you have a physical space, you can enhance it to improve accessibility. While they’re a great target to strive for, these changes don’t have to be as significant as accessible bathrooms or wheelchair ramps initially. If you have outside seating, offering improved shade is a great place to start. Many people have issues with regulating their temperature in extreme heat. Ensure pathways around your space are clear of obstacles, helping those with vision impairments or wheelchair users to navigate freely.
Design an Accessible Website
As e-commerce continues to grow, the need for companies to consider website accessibility becomes ever more critical. Website accessibility means your website, tools, and technologies are designed to be used by people with disabilities. It encompasses everything from the font you use to images, navigation, and so much more. An accessible website has a simplified design that eliminates barriers that can block a user’s access.
Download the Website Accessibility Checklist.
Offer Flexibility in Your Services
Becoming more accessible can also mean providing different ways for your clients and customers to interact with your services. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses embraced this idea, pivoting to provide curbside pickup or delivery options to keep their customers safe. Many potential customers may have difficulty navigating your physical store, so continuing to offer these options will empower them to access your products in a manner that’s convenient for them.
Apply for the Workplace Accessibility Grant
Did you know funding is available to help you create an accessible workplace? The Workplace Accessibility Grant is a reimbursement grant of $5,000 that can be used for projects that improve workplace accessibility, while addressing and removing barriers for people with disabilities. The grant is available to BC-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Visit our dedicated Workplace Accessibility Grant information hub to learn more.
Continue your Accessibility Journey with SBBC
Small Business BC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Our Workplace Accessibility Resources page is full of tips, tools, and more to support your next stage.
