Accessible ramp for people with disabilities

Disability in the Workplace: Making Your Office More Accessible

When someone with a disability—especially a mobility impairment—enters your office, what is their experience like? It doesn’t matter if they work there or if they are just visiting. Your business should be accessible for everyone. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) federal standards require commercial and residential structures to comply with various codes, such as adding ramps, buttons that open doors, elevators, doors of a certain width, and accessible parking spaces. Your building most likely already meets these requirements, though some older buildings are exempt. 

Here are some things to consider when taking steps to make your office more accessible:

  • Do I have accessible parking?
  • Are there stairs to my office or building?
    • If yes, is there an elevator or a ramp?
  • Is there a button that opens the door to my office or building?
    • If yes, is it low enough for a wheelchair user to reach?
  • Is the front desk higher than 36 inches?
    • If yes, do I have a way for someone who can’t reach the front desk to check in?

Why It Matters

The number of people with diagnosable disabilities in the U.S. is increasing every year: as of July 2024, the CDC reported that 28.7 percent of adults live with some type of disability. 

Here are some other facts: 

The reality is that we are all only one heartbeat away from possibly becoming disabled. Accidents happen, and people get injured; those injuries sometimes cause chronic issues. People also age, and their bodies don’t work or heal as well as they used to. It’s important to be mindful of this when interacting with someone with a disability. 

Do’s and Don’ts: Disability in the Workplace

The world of disability is complex and diverse. No two disabled individuals are the same, so they may not handle certain situations the same.

Many people don’t live with disabilities, so these considerations may not be on their minds. However, there are some “best practices” we should all adhere to regarding disability in the workplace. Here are some tips to help you navigate. 

Do: Ask how you can help. 

If someone using a mobility device looks like they are struggling to complete a task—like opening a door, getting out of their vehicle, etc.—it’s perfectly fine to ask how you can help. But first, you should ask them if they need/want help in the first place. If they say no, don’t take it personally. 

Don’t: Ask why someone needs accommodations. 

It’s never acceptable to ask someone what their disability is or why they may need certain devices. For example, if someone brings a certified service dog into your business, you are legally barred from asking them specific questions about their disability. All you need to know is that a medical professional has determined a medical device (in this case, a service dog) is necessary for that person’s health and safety — even if their disability doesn’t immediately appear to be physical in nature.

Do: Create a clear path. 

It’s always possible that someone with a mobility impairment might enter your business. If and when they do, ensure they can get around your office safely and easily, whether they are using a wheelchair, a scooter, a walker, or other mobility aid. 

Don’t: Assume someone with a disability can’t complete tasks. 

Just because someone has a disability, especially one that requires them to use a mobility aid, doesn’t mean they are incapable of working, running errands, having families, etc. 

Do: Educate yourself on proper terminology. 

The discourse around disability has advanced a lot over the last decade or so. However, there are still people who use outdated terminology to refer to certain disabilities. Updating your language isn’t “politically correct”—it’s just respectful. 

Don’t: Overcomplicate it. 

People with disabilities aren’t all that different from those without disabilities. They, like you, only want to be treated with respect and common human decency. They are just trying to live their lives and do the best they can, just like anyone else. 

Final Thoughts

One in four Americans live with a disability, and many of those disabilities make daily life more challenging for them. You can ease their burden of trying to get around by ensuring your business is accessible and safe for them to enter.

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