Open and Accessible

Once you hang your shingle in the door, the obvious intention is to bring business through. Along those lines, if the business is not accessible, then you're going to lose out on potential customers. In fact, there are multiple issues to consider, not the least of which is lost profit.

In order to realize your full business potential, you have to understand that the physical and web spaces of your business must be accessible to all. This means ensuring customers with disabilities like vision issues, or even those with physical disabilities are able to access your business in a way that makes them comfortable. If you’re not accessible, you’re not available.

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are mine.
It is my Universe, after all.

It’s about more than the Benjamins

Remember, you won’t only be losing out financially, you could be breaking legal guidelines, and damaging your reputation. Accessibility isn’t about convenience. It is about respect. Make it clear that you care enough to do things right and make all welcome in your space.

To help in that effort, make paying by card easier by using the contactless card reader available here. Not everybody carries cash anymore, and for those with sight or other limitations, paying with a card can be necessary. 

Make sure open and accessible to all

Doing it Right

1. The More You Know
   Get your team on board. If you have a team, regularly schedule team trainings to confirm that they all understand the value of accessibility. If you have a storefront, ensure you have a team that is welcoming, understanding, and empathetic; making ensure everyone is approachable for help or advice. That's the team you want to have working for you.
   A great idea is a course on disability confidence and awareness training for all of your staff. Online, don’t forget voice recognition options, subtitles, descriptive text for images, and clear links. If you own a store or restaurant, you should have spaces that are big enough for wheelchairs, and you should have waiters and wait staff who understand how to interact with those who need a little more time.

2. Include Braille and Hearing aid T zones
   Including Braille at points of access such as the entrance and elevators will help to guide any visually impaired clients around the business. You should also have these present in the bathrooms and on the emergency doors. Anywhere that there are sides available, Braille should be available.

3. Make space
   You have to budget for accessibility. Beyond the aforementioned (I love that word) respect, you could find yourself financially and legally liable. You need elevators where possible, lifts and ramps. Make sure that your business is also wide enough for corridors that have wheelchairs and provide all necessary items at a reasonable height so that people can get there. 

Accessibility means availability to all and profitability for you and your company. It’s also the all around right thing to do.

Open & Accessible