It is estimated that over 11 million people in the UK have some form of disability, which means that businesses and venues that provide facilities and access for disabled people are tapping into a huge market that is not being sufficiently catered to. Being proactive rather than reactive when it comes to offering disabled access can make all the difference to your business when you are forward thinking about people’s needs. Here are some of the best ways in which you can provide disabled access and open up not only the number of people in the population you reach with your services, but also improve the amount of opportunities people with disabilities have on the whole when it comes to getting out and about.
Induction loop facilities
Facilities that do not cater for hearing aid users by offering induction loop facilities can easily hire some at a small cost. Excessive sounds can be very painful for those who are using assistive hearing aids, so it is important that this is taken into consideration.
Mobility scooter assistance
Mobility scooters offer the elderly and people with disabilities the chance to gain back independence and improve their ability to get out and about more often. One way in which you can encourage mobility scooter users to interact with your business or venue is by offering something as simple as parking spaces large enough to accommodate a scooter. Alongside this, you can also provide additional services like facilities for people to charge their mobility scooter batteries or offering assistance transporting goods and providing secure storage areas for scooters if people want to sit down or wander around the venue.
Reserved seating
A small yet very powerful gesture when it comes to assisting those who have disabilities is having an area of reserved seating set up. This area can be used by those who are vison impaired, short statured, sign interpreters, wheelchair users, people accompanied by service dogs and others.
Alternative sources of information
With little additional effort you could really make a difference in your establishment when you are able to offer alternative sources of assistance and information. This can take the form of video streaming presentations, large print or braille leaflets/ handouts and other tools.
Signage
Signs are one of the most important things that you can use to help people with disabilities navigate around your venue. By keeping signs clear and easily legible, you will not only help your everyday activities run smoothly, but will also ensure that those with disabilities will be well informed about where the lifts, ramps and disabled toilets are situated.
Engage with your customers
One of the most straightforward and easiest ways that you can make your customers feel valued is by taking the time to hear their thoughts on things that you can do to improve disability access. Whether it is through asking them directly to fill out a questionnaire or asking for their views on social media, hearing people out will help to ensure you are properly able to target the problems that are most important in your local community.