Creating Physical Access for Disabled People
By: Zoey Schvan
Hello there, wonderful Whimble readers, I’m back today with a new blog post!
With all the wonderful work being done at Whimble to create accessible events, I thought I could share some tips about how to make a space accessible.
There are many ways to do this, but I will be sharing some of the more common ones. Let’s take this from the beginning of entering a store to the very end, when you pay and leave.
Ramps:
Even though one step to get into a store might not look like a "big deal", it could be the difference between being able to enter a business or not. If someone is a wheelchair user, for example, one step is not doable for many of them. Lifting a walker over this step could be dangerous or impossible as well. A ramp could even help those with strollers or suitcases, for example! Getting a ramp from an organization like StopGap can be quick and easy!
Automatic Entrances:
An automatic entrance can be provided in two different ways: one as a motion-activated door, and the other as a button to press for the door to open. The motion-activated option is easier for those with fine motor disabilities, for example, but if that’s not possible, the button can also make a world of difference...
Elevators:
Stairs are not accessible to so many people for so many different reasons, some of which are not even disability-related. One of the most important parts of providing an elevator in your business is making it easy to find. So many shopping malls make you walk around and around just to find their elevator, which is both frustrating and tiring for someone with a disability. Be proud of your accessibility features, show them off, and have clear signs pointing toward them; this makes our visit so much easier!
Counter Height:
This is one that I think gets overlooked sometimes. Imagine you are a wheelchair user, and you want to pay for your items at a store, but the cash counter is too high off the ground. You can’t reach it. Now, imagine the counter is short enough for you to comfortably reach and pay; this can make such a difference! One more helpful tip here is to have a debit machine that can be moved and handed to the customer.
Wide Aisles / Areas:
Wheelchairs are wide, so to be able to comfortably navigate a business, aisles should be spacious. It can be very awkward when we accidentally knock over your merchandise because we have a hard time maneuvering between aisles. These wide spaces can help us all avoid these situations. Another benefit of these wide areas is the easier access they create for people with service pets.
Large-Print Signs:
Signs can be so helpful for people to find their way around a store and can save a lot of time as well. To make the best, most accessible signage, providing large print text on the signs is a great way to go. The contrast between background colour and print colour also makes them easier to see. So many people have low vision, meaning this feature can open up your business to a huge number of customers.
Accessible Washrooms:
While not every store has a washroom, this section is for those that do. Imagine a family washroom in a shopping mall. These types of features are what would make the perfect accessible restroom. Some examples of these features would include a spacious area for a wheelchair and caregiver if needed, hand and bar rails, and a changing table for those who may need it.
A Few Extras:
There are three more examples I will share here that are great additions to what has been listed above. Firstly, providing an accessible parking lot with disabled parking spots close to your location is very useful for those who drive. Secondly, making sure your space is not too loud can be helpful for those who are hard of hearing. This means no loud music and monitoring any disruptive customers in your space. Lastly, ensuring a scent-free environment can allow those with sensitivities and/or allergies to enjoy a safer and more comfortable visit.
To Sum Up:
Creating accessible spaces is a process that we can all work together to accomplish. Despite popular belief, most of these tips are not that expensive! Not knowing where to start or exactly how to do these things is totally okay; this is not about shaming and pointing fingers! This could actually be an opportunity to consult those with lived experience. Teamwork will make this access dream work :)
I hope you found this post helpful! Please feel free to share these tips with any of your friends who might own businesses; you never know who it might help one day.
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Header image (various accessibility symbols displayed on a blue and white background) via renma / pixabay
Hi! My name is Zoey Schvan, I’m a 33-year-old disabled entrepreneurship coach based in Ottawa. I have a super rare condition called familial dysautonomia (FD), which is a progressive disorder that affects my nervous system. I’ve had this my whole life, and am very proud to be able to share my journey with my fellow disabled entrepreneurs, in the hopes that it may help them in any way. I work with my clients at whatever part of their entrepreneurial journey they may be.
Apart from this, I also offer content writing services and do advocacy work for the disabled community.
Instagram / Twitter : @zoeyschvan
