Handicap Accessibility in the Workplace

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Every single day, the average worker faces an array of challenges in the workplace.  These can commonly consist of commuting to work through traffic in the morning, finding a good parking spot, or working late after to work to meet a deadline.  Whether it is widely known or not, there are millions of people with disabilities that go to work just like the average worker. However, for these workers with disabilities the challenges can be far more difficult than what they seem to the average worker.  

To make certain that all workers are entitled to the same rights in the workplace, the United States government created the Americans with Disabilities Acts in 1990.  As a business in today’s society, it is important to know how to comply with this to create a positive workplace experience for all employees.  This article will discuss tips on making sure ones business is fully accessible, and will also discuss the benefits of making their workplace handicap accessible. 

Physical Accessibility

According to Title 1 of the ADA, it is an employer’s obligation, “to provide access for an individual applicant to participate in the job application process, and for an individual employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of his/her job, including access to a building, to the work site, to needed equipment, and to all facilities used by employees.  As reported by workwithoutlimits.org, areas in which accessibility needs to be noted include:

• Parking lots (handicap parking spaces
• Entrances and exits
• Fire alarms and emergency exits
• Desks and personal work space
• Hallways
• Stairwells
• Elevators
• Restrooms
• Cafeterias

Like stated previously, as an employer it is important to make sure that their business is within these parameters.  The first step could be to reach out to those with disabilities in ones workplace and assess their needs.  An employer could also seek an Ergonomics team to inspect their workplace and provide tips on how to improve accessibility.

Benefits of Handicap Accessibility Workplace
Once more referring to workwithoutlimits.org, an accessible workplace will help one’s business:

• Increase productivity among workers with disabilities
• Fully utilize the talent pool of job candidates with disabilities
• Cultivate an inclusive workplace culture
• Improve and expand its customer base to people with disabilities by eliminating barriers that may prevent or deter them from accessing the services and products offered

As clearly shown in these benefits, having an accessible workplace will maximize productivity of all workers in today’s society.  

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe (and accessible) this Monday.

Kolton Larson
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company