Don't Make These Accessibility Mistakes in Your Small Business

As a small business owner, overlooking accessibility can have serious consequences. In the RBC webinar “Accessibility Ideas for Your Business”, Matthew Shaw, technical lead for The Rick Hansen Foundation’s (RHF) accessibility certification program, emphasized the importance of making inclusive changes. Avoid these common accessibility mistakes to ensure your business is accessible and welcoming to all customers.

1. Ignoring Wheelchair Accessible Parking

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not providing designated wheelchair accessible parking spaces with an access aisle. These spaces must be wide enough to accommodate wheelchair vans and include clear signage. According to the ADA standards:

Photo courtesy: Seton Canada

• The minimum accessible space width for both car and van spaces is 96 inches.

• The access aisle for a van accessible space should be at least 96 inches wide.

• The access aisle for an accessible car space should be at least 60 inches wide.

• Both types of spaces must extend the full length of the parking stall.

Failing to provide accessible parking can deter customers who rely on these features from visiting your business, leading to lost revenue and potential legal issues.

2. Not Installing Electronic Push Buttons for Doors

Neglecting to install electronic push buttons at your business’s entrances and exits is a critical error. These buttons make it easier for people with mobility impairments to open doors. Without them, customers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids may struggle to access your premises, resulting in a poor customer experience and loss of business.

3. Overlooking Wheelchair Accessible Washrooms

Photo courtesy: Specification Online

Do not make the mistake of ignoring the need for fully accessible washrooms. Your business must have at least one accessible washroom with adequate space for maneuvering, grab bars, and appropriate fixtures. A 5-meter turning radius is essential to accommodate wheelchair users comfortably. Inaccessible washrooms can lead to customer dissatisfaction and negative reviews, damaging your business’s reputation.

4. Failing to Offer Accessible Customer Service Training

A common oversight is not training your staff to effectively communicate and assist customers with disabilities. Your team must know how to interact with individuals who have hearing, vision, or cognitive disabilities and operate any assistive technology your business provides. Poor customer service can drive customers away and harm your business.

5. Neglecting Digital Accessibility

Don’t ignore the importance of digital accessibility. Your website must meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, ensuring all online content is available in multiple formats (such as text, audio, and video), and provide options for accessible online customer service. An inaccessible website can exclude a significant portion of your potential customer base, reducing your business’s reach and profitability.

6. Overlooking Inclusive Hiring Practices

Failing to develop inclusive hiring practices is a mistake that can impact your business’s internal culture and external reputation. Support and welcome employees with disabilities by offering accommodations and fostering an inclusive workplace. A diverse workforce helps in understanding and addressing accessibility issues from within and sets a positive example for your customers.

7. Skipping Assistive Technology

Photo courtesy: Elequip

Don’t miss out on the benefits of integrating assistive technologies to aid customers with various disabilities. Screen readers, voice recognition software, and hearing loop systems are essential tools. Neglecting these technologies can make your business less accessible and inclusive, leading to lost opportunities and revenue.

8. Avoiding Collaboration with Accessibility Consultants

One of the biggest mistakes is not partnering with accessibility consultants or organizations to continuously improve your business’s accessibility. These experts provide ongoing assessments and recommendations, helping you stay updated with the latest accessibility standards and innovations. Regular consultations ensure that your business remains accessible and welcoming to all customers.

If you need assistance in making your business more accessible, reach out to accessibility consultants like myself. With professional guidance, you can identify and implement the necessary changes to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Contact me today to avoid these costly mistakes and start your journey towards better accessibility.

Conclusion

Making your small business more accessible is not only the right thing to do but also a crucial business strategy. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a more inclusive environment that attracts and retains a diverse customer base. Don’t let these oversights harm your business—start making necessary changes today to ensure all customers feel welcome and valued.

The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) is a registered Canadian charity working to eliminate physical and attitudinal barriers for persons with disabilities. The relationship between RHF and RBC goes back to 1985 when RBC sponsored Hansen’s “Man in Motion World Tour,” a 26-month, 34-country, 40,000-kilometre wheelchair trip that raised $26 million. The RBC Foundation recently committed a $1.25 million donation to RHF to help create more equitable prosperity in communities.