5 Simple Ways to Make Your Business More Physically Accessible

Why Physical Accessibility Matters for Your Business

Creating a physically accessible business environment is a fundamental aspect of inclusivity, customer service, and smart growth. It's about ensuring that people with disabilities—a significant and diverse demographic—can enter, navigate, and use your facilities with dignity and ease. Beyond being a legal requirement under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility is a powerful statement about your company's values. It directly impacts your potential customer base, improves employee satisfaction, and strengthens your community standing. The good news? You don't need a complete overhaul to make meaningful progress. Here are five simple, effective ways to start making your business more accessible today.

1. Audit and Improve Your Entrance and Pathways

The journey begins at the door. A welcoming entrance sets the tone for the entire customer experience.

• Check Your Entrance: Ensure at least one primary entrance is level or equipped with a permanent ramp (with a slope no steeper than 1:12). Temporary ramps are often insufficient and can be unsafe.
• Clear the Path: Keep all walkways, hallways, and aisles clear of clutter, merchandise, and signage. Maintain a minimum clear width of 36 inches to allow for wheelchair passage.
• Ensure Safe Surfaces: Flooring should be firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Secure any loose rugs or mats, as they pose tripping hazards and can impede wheelchair wheels.
• Doorway Dynamics: Doors should be easy to open. If the force required exceeds 5 pounds, consider installing an automatic door opener or, at minimum, ensuring door handles are lever-style for easier gripping.

2. Rethink Your Interior Layout and Furniture

How you arrange your space internally is just as crucial as the entrance.

• Create Maneuvering Space: In key areas like service counters, fitting rooms, and restrooms, provide a 60-inch diameter circle or a T-shaped space for a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn.
• Adjust Your Counters: Ensure at least a portion of your service counter or checkout is no higher than 36 inches. Provide a clear space underneath that is at least 27 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 19 inches deep to accommodate a seated person.
• Offer Accessible Seating: In waiting or dining areas, provide tables with extended legroom and firm, stable chairs with armrests. Don't cluster all accessible seating in one area; integrate it throughout the space.

3. Prioritize Accessible Restrooms

Accessible restrooms are non-negotiable. If your business has public restrooms, at least one must be fully accessible.

• Clear Signage: Use the International Symbol of Accessibility on the door and ensure the door opens easily.
• Proper Dimensions: The stall must be at least 60 inches wide and 56-59 inches deep (for a wall-hung toilet) to allow for side transfer. Include grab bars behind and on the side wall nearest the toilet.
• Reach and Height: The toilet seat should be 17-19 inches from the floor. Sinks should have knee clearance (27 inches high, 30 inches wide, 11-25 inches deep) and lever or automatic faucets. The mirror should be mounted with the bottom edge no higher than 40 inches from the floor.

4. Enhance Communication and Wayfinding

Accessibility isn't just physical; it's about clear communication for people with visual or hearing impairments.

• Use High-Contrast Signage: All signs, especially for room names, exits, and elevators, should have high color contrast between text and background. Use large, simple, sans-serif fonts.
• Offer Multiple Formats: Have key information—like menus, brochures, or service lists—available in large print. Consider offering digital versions that can be read by screen readers.
• Train Your Staff: Ensure employees know the location of accessible features and are prepared to offer assistance respectfully. Basic training on interacting with customers who have disabilities is invaluable.
• Assistive Listening: For businesses that host meetings, tours, or events, portable assistive listening systems can be a game-changer for customers with hearing loss.

5. Leverage Technology and Online Information

Your digital presence should accurately reflect your physical space.

• Be Transparent Online: Clearly describe your accessibility features on your website. Include photos of your entrance, ramp, accessible restroom, and spacious layouts. This allows people to plan their visit with confidence.
• Website Accessibility: Ensure your own website follows basic Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), like providing alt text for images and ensuring keyboard navigability. This is part of the holistic accessibility experience.
• Virtual Alternatives: Where possible, offer virtual consultations, online ordering with curbside pickup, or telehealth options. These services benefit everyone and are essential for those who cannot physically visit.

Conclusion: An Ongoing Commitment

Improving physical accessibility is not a one-time checklist but an ongoing commitment to inclusion. Start with these five actionable areas: entrances, interiors, restrooms, communication, and digital transparency. Even small changes can have a profound impact. Consider consulting with a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) for a professional assessment. By taking deliberate steps to remove barriers, you're not just avoiding potential liabilities—you're actively building a more welcoming, successful, and respected business that truly serves your entire community. The investment you make in accessibility today pays dividends in customer loyalty, positive word-of-mouth, and the profound satisfaction of knowing your doors are open to all.