Why Is Providing Accessibility So Important For Businesses?

It is essential that nobody in society feels disadvantaged, no matter their age, gender or health, which is why all businesses need to ensure their buildings are as accessible as possible for everyone who visits. 

This includes putting in a wheelchair platform lift if there is more than one floor, adding ramps to entrances, installing wider doorways, having disabled toilets, and providing assistance technology. 

Having well-lit paths of travel, accessible parking spaces, and grab bars are also very helpful for those who are not fully able-bodied. 

The figures relating to disabled people in the UK show that more need accessibility help than many realise. Indeed, a third of households in England have at least one disabled person living in them. 

There are 16 million disabled people in the UK, which amounts to a quarter of the population, and 23 per cent of working age adults are disabled. This increases to nearly half (45 per cent) of those who have reached pension age.

It is important to remember that many disabilities might not be obvious, with two million people in Britain living with sight loss, 1.5 million having a learning disability, and 12 million having significant hearing loss. 

Other non-visible disabilities include autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, dyslexia, mental health issues, diabetes, chronic pain, respiratory problems, incontinence, and cognitive impairment.

Even if they do not have mobility challenges, anyone with a disability may need more help accessing parts of a building, whether they find escalators or stairs difficult to deal with, they struggle to read signs or directions, or they find crowds challenging. 

That is why it is essential businesses make adjustments to their buildings so they are accessible for everyone.