4 Ways to Promote Accessibility in Your Small Business

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law 30 years ago. It protects anyone with a physical or mental impairment. This includes more than just people that are deaf, blind, and in a wheelchair. Physical conditions like diabetes and mental conditions like bipolar disorder are also covered by the ADA.

There have been huge steps towards change in accessibility and inclusivity in businesses, but there is still more work to be done. Your business must be ADA compliant if it has 15 or more employees. If your business has fewer employees, still consider creating an accessible business structure. Here are four ways that your small business can promote accessibility.

Website

Web accessibility is typically one of the biggest issues for small businesses. If a customer cannot complete their purchase on your website because of their disability, your website is not ADA compliant. Web accessibility includes screen readers, text that is clear and easy to read, hierarchy, and keyboard navigation. This ADA compliance checklist breaks down many ways to have a compliant and accessible website.

Signage

If your business creates its signage, it must be accessible. If your business outsources signage design, double-check that they comply with ADA standards. This includes text that is big enough to read and easy to understand. The colors that are chosen need to have enough contrast for people that have low visibility or color blindness.

Business Accessibility

Provide accessible parking at your business. Make sure there is a wide ramp to get into your business if there is a step up. If there are tables or isles in your business, check to see if there is enough maneuverability space for people to get through. Businesses that have an up or downstairs need to have another way for people that are physically impaired to get around. This could be a ramp, elevator, or lift.

Employees

Ensuring that your business is accessible to your employees is just as important as your customers. The ADA covers employees with disabilities that are qualified for their position. Keep your employees’ medical information confidential. Ask employees if there are any reasonable accommodations that they will need to be successful in their position.

Accessibility in Your Small Business

Making accessibility changes in your small business might cost money and take time, but it comes with added value to your small business. PL Consulting strives for accessibility for everyone, and we encourage your small business to do the same. Do not forget to check the ADA Compliance Guide for Small Businesses for further information.

PL Consulting offers a diverse range of bookkeeping and budgeting services. We are here as your business’s go-to resource when you have questions. Our services are customized to each of our clients and their business plans.

If you have questions about managing a successful small business, call us at 410.764.3731 or book an appointment through https://calendly.com/michaelplc.