Tips To Make Your Business More Accessible And How It Could Lead To Improved User Satisfaction
Making your business accessible not only benefits customers with disabilities but can also attract more customers and increase your revenue. In fact, a study by the American Institutes for Research found that households with a person with a disability have a spending power of $490 billion. By making your business accessible, you can tap into this market and create a welcoming environment for everyone. Here are some tips to make your business accessible and get more customers.
Create Wide Aisles and Clear Walkways
Creating wide aisles and clear walkways is another important aspect of making your business more accessible. Customers with wheelchairs or mobility aids need enough space to maneuver around your store, so make sure your aisles are wide enough to accommodate them. You should also make sure your walkways are clear of clutter and obstacles. Products such as the twin and triple belted retractable belt barriers assist the visually impaired using a cane to negotiate the queue as well as restricting customers from ducking under the belts. For more information about making your queue ADA compliant view our blog post about making your queue ADA compliant.
Install Ramps and Lifts
One of the most important things you can do to make your business accessible is to provide ramps and lifts for customers who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues. Ramps should be installed at the entrance of your business, and lifts should be installed wherever there are stairs. This will allow customers to easily enter and move around your business without any barriers.
Provide Accessible Restrooms
Restrooms are another important aspect of accessibility. Make sure your restrooms are accessible by installing grab bars, providing enough space for a wheelchair, and ensuring that the door can be easily opened and closed. You should also make sure your restroom is clean and well-maintained.
Use Visual Cues and Signage
Visual cues can be a great way to make your business more accessible to customers with visual impairments. Use signs with clear and easy-to-read fonts and provide braille signage for important information such as restroom locations. You should also use color contrast to make it easier for customers with color blindness to navigate your store.
Train Your Staff
Training your staff on how to interact with customers with disabilities is crucial to making your business more accessible. Train them on how to use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids, and how to communicate with customers who have speech or hearing impairments. Your staff should also be aware of accessibility features in your store, such as ramps and lifts, and how to use them.
Offer Assistive Technology
Offering assistive technology can also make your business more accessible. This can include things like screen readers for customers with visual impairments, or hearing loops for customers with hearing impairments. By offering assistive technology, you can make your business more inclusive and welcoming to all customers.
Make Online Information Accessible
In today’s digital age, it’s also important to make sure your online information is accessible to all customers. This includes your website, social media, and any other online platforms you use. Make sure your website is easy to navigate with clear headings, and provide alternative text for images and videos. Information about your queue or store being ADA-compliant can also help users feel more comfortable knowing that their needs would be accommodated at your retail store.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making your business more accessible is not only the right thing to do, but it can also attract more customers and increase your revenue. By installing ramps and lifts, creating wide aisles and clear walkways, providing accessible restrooms, using visual cues and signage, training your staff, offering assistive technology, and making online information accessible, you can create a welcoming environment for everyone.
