• 1 in 5 adults in the US have disabilities, which requires businesses to make their services accessible.
• Doing an accessible business can benefit your bottom line and increase revenue by 2%.
• Creating job opportunities for people with disabilities build trust within the community.
• Accessibility can be improved by making websites keyboard-navigable, installing stairlifts, and providing assistive devices when needed.
• Marketing tactics should be tailored to include disabled customers, and customer service should consist of accessible communication, adaptive equipment, and an inclusive environment.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 in 5 adults in the United States has a disability. That’s nearly 61 million of the overall population! As a business owner, it’s vital to ensure your business is accessible to everyone—including those with disabilities. Making your business accessible doesn’t just benefit your customers but also can boost your bottom line. Studies have shown that businesses that are accessible to people with disabilities earn 2% more revenue than those that are not.
What These Numbers Mean to Businesses
There are various reasons why you need to know these numbers. Here are four ways it can affect your business:
Accessibility
Those with a disability often struggle to access businesses and services due to physical or digital barriers. To ensure your business complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), you must make changes to become more accessible. Here are ways to do that:
Website Access
The first step is ensuring your website is accessible to those with disabilities. This means providing text alternatives for audio and visuals, ensuring the page is keyboard-navigable, notifying users of changes in web pages, and more.
Stairlifts
Lifts can make a huge difference if you have a second floor. Installing stairlifts might be a great option. These lifts are designed to make climbing stairs easier for those with a disability. You can contact your local dealer to learn more about the different types of stairlifts available.
Disability Awareness Events
Hosting events to increase awareness and understanding of disabilities can help create an inclusive environment for all customers. This can further improve accessibility and build trust within your community.
Technology Solutions
You can also use technology solutions such as voice recognition software and screen readers to improve accessibility. Additionally, you should consider installing ramps and elevators if necessary to ensure physical access.
Employment Opportunities
Creating job opportunities for people with disabilities is an excellent way to show that your business values inclusion. Here are ways to attract disabled people to your business:
Job Descriptions
Avoid using language that might be seen as discriminatory. For example, remove any unnecessary physical requirements from job descriptions and ensure they’re written in a way accessible to people with disabilities.
Adaptations or Assistive Devices
Provide adaptations or assistive devices if needed for an employee with a disability. This could include providing software, devices, or furniture to help employees do their jobs more effectively.
Training
Ensure all staff knows the services available for disabled employees and the importance of inclusion in your workplace. Additionally, provide training on interacting with co-workers and customers with disabilities.
Marketing Tactics
Knowing these numbers can also help you tailor your marketing and advertising tactics. For example, you can target people with disabilities through various channels such as email, print, and television ads. Additionally, you could create content focused on accessibility or offer webinars or seminars on how businesses can become more accessible. Other marketing tactics include hosting disability-focused events and workshops.
Customer Service
Ensuring that people with disabilities have the same level of service as those without disabilities is vital. Make sure to train your employees on how to interact with customers who may have a disability and how they can best accommodate them in your business. Here are some ways you can improve your customer service for your business:
Accessible Communication
Provide accessible communication options such as email, phone, or online chat for customers with disabilities. Additionally, you should include text alternatives for audio and visuals on your website to ensure it is accessible to those with a disability.
Adaptive Equipment
Provide adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs and hearing aids as needed. You can also offer services like interpreters or sign language instruction if necessary.
Inclusive Environment
Creating an inclusive environment welcoming to people of all abilities is vital in providing excellent customer service. Ensure employees have the knowledge and training they need to interact with people who respectfully have disabilities.
Creating an inclusive workplace accessible to people with disabilities is essential today. With the right strategies, you can ensure your business is more welcoming and accommodating to all customers. By doing this, you can boost your bottom line and positively impact your community.
