Accessibility can be a real problem for people with physical limitations, and it is estimated that nearly 61 million Americans do. According to a 2021 study, the number of people with disabilities who are active in the workforce is growing. So, how can you make your workplace more accessible?  When it comes to issues of accessibility, here is what you can do:

Recognize Accessibility Barriers

The first thing that you need to do is to recognize when something is a barrier to access. You will need to trouble-shoot your surroundings, which may require the expertise of a trained eye.

You might also first spring clean and de-clutter your workspace, which may reveal issues related to accessibility. Remove physical barriers and accommodate those with mobility issues by using reserved parking, easy entry, and plenty of space in public areas for wheelchairs, scooters, and other aids.

Use Assistive Technology

Accommodate anyone with visual or hearing impairments by using assistive technology. Some devices related to this include speech recognition software, color-coded keyboards, braille displays, screen-reading software, and devices that assist in listening, too.  

Make It More Accessible

Now is when you need to accommodate access throughout the workspace, including accessible restrooms, wider doorways, ramps for stairs and thresholds- whatever is necessary. Consider adjustable desks and chairs for all your staff, too. Consulting with an expert in workplace construction and ergonomics will be able to make suggestions and recommendations- but more on that later.

Offer Remote Work

If your workplace is simply not accessible, consider whether your team could opt for remote work. Make sure that you offer all your team the same opportunity to work from home, both current and prospective employees. There are many advantages of allowing staff to work remotely, both for the employees and employer.

Prioritize your Efforts

This may be a big undertaking, depending on the accessibility issues that your workplace has. The best way to begin is to prioritize accessibility efforts, and make the most relevant changes first. That is, follow the guidelines set forth by The Americans With Disabilities Act, which requires reasonable accommodations for all who apply for or are employed by your company. Begin with these modifications to ensure improvement in accessibility.

Enlist an Expert

There is a lot to consider when modifying an existing business or building for accessibility. You need an expert opinion on the changes that you need to make to make your workplace more accessible. Talk to a construction professional that has expertise and experience in executing these changes and projects to learn more.

Talk to the team at Carolina Services Inc, CSI, in Charleston SC, to learn more about making your workplace accessible. CSI is Charleston’s premier commercial space planning, improvement, and construction company.  Call or visit to learn more.