A safe and accessible environment is an integral part of a business’s success. A significant part of the population has one or more disabilities, and many experience difficulties accessing public spaces like grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, schools, and other businesses.
When these establishments are not accommodating to those with disabilities and their families, they risk losing customers who want to live independently but need assistance from time to time due to age or disability. In this article, we’ll give you some tips to make your business safe and accessible for all patrons.
Install ramps
Ramps are an essential piece of accessibility equipment for any business. They provide a safe and easy way for customers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to navigate in and out of your establishment. What’s more, ramps can also be helpful for customers who have difficulty climbing stairs.
Ramps can also help to lessen the risk of accidents for both customers and employees. They provide a safe and easy way for customers to enter and exit your establishment, which can help to prevent falls. Additionally, ramps can make it easier for employees to transport items in and out of your business.
Widen doorways
Making sure that your doorways are wide enough for customers to easily enter and exit your establishment is a key part of creating a safe and accessible space. Many people, particularly those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices, may not be able to fit through a standard doorway. This can make it difficult for them to access your business, which can be frustrating and inconvenient.
Furthermore, having overly narrow doorways can also be dangerous. It increases the chances of customers or employees bumping into each other while trying to navigate through the door and can also lead to falls. Widening your doorways is an easy way to improve safety and accessibility for all of your patrons.
Add handrails to staircases
Just like ramps, handrails are an important safety feature for any business. They provide a safe and easy way for customers to hold on to while navigating stairs, which can be helpful for those who have difficulty climbing or balancing. Handrails can also help to prevent falls, which can be dangerous for both customers and employees.
Making sure that your staircases have handrails is a simple way to improve safety for all of your patrons. It can be especially helpful for those who are elderly or have disabilities.
Train employees in assisting customers who have disabilities or are elderly
Employees are an important part of any business. They are the ones who interact directly with customers and help to create a positive customer experience. It is therefore essential that businesses provide their employees with adequate training in assisting customers who have disabilities or are elderly.
Many people who have disabilities or are elderly may require assistance in order to navigate your business. Employees who are properly trained will know how to provide this assistance, which can make a big difference for customers. They will feel welcomed and safe at your establishment, which is essential for creating a positive customer experience.
If you are a business owner, make sure to provide your employees with training in assisting customers who have disabilities or are elderly. It is a simple way to improve safety and accessibility for all of your patrons.
Designate a special area for disabled people (as well as the elderly)
There are many reasons why businesses should designate a special area for disabled and elderly people. First and foremost, it is essential for safety. Having a designated area makes it easier for employees to assist customers who have disabilities or are elderly, which can help to prevent accidents.
What’s more, having a designated area can also make customers feel more welcome and comfortable at your establishment. Disabled and elderly customers may feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable when trying to navigate through a busy business. A designated area can help to alleviate these feelings and make them feel more at ease.
For instance, having an accessible toilet for people who use wheelchairs can make a big difference. It can provide them with much-needed privacy and convenience, which is essential for ensuring that they have a positive customer experience. It’s also good to have a senior alert system in the restroom in case of a fall, so assistance can be provided quickly.
Conclusion
Businesses can make their establishments safe and accessible to all customers by implementing measures such as installing ramps, widening doorways, and adding handrails to staircases. They should also make sure that their employees are properly trained in assisting customers who may have disabilities or be elderly. By following these simple tips, businesses can ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe at their establishment!
