It’s National Disability Day on 3rd December, and increasing awareness surrounding visible, and invisible disabilities are ever-increasing year after year in the UK.
A survey conducted in 2021 by the Family Resources Survey shows that around 14.6 million people live with a disability in the UK, equating to around 22% of the population.
With awareness of disabilities increasing, here are five tips to ensure that your business is as inclusive as possible at all times.
- Adopt the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
The use of a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard was popularised during the Covid-19 pandemic to symbolise mask exemption, but the scheme is more widely used to draw attention to a wide range of invisible disabilities like epilepsy, autism, diabetes and chronic pain.
For some situations, an individual may require a little bit of extra assistance, and use a lanyard, badge or card to indicate this request. By adopting the scheme, you can make a disabled customer feel at ease in your business, safe in the knowledge that you can assist them discreetly.
- Install a Stairlift
Stairlifts are one of the most physical ways you can assist a disabled customer. With wheelchairs or mobility scooters in tow, it can be difficult for a disabled customer to maintain their independence around stairs without a self-operational stairlift installed.
In the event of moving premises, or needing to install a new stairlift, you can call companies like We Buy Any Stairlift to professionally remove your previous model, which can then be sold on or recycled.
- Make Sure There’s Adequate Parking Nearby
Parking can be a dealbreaker for customers who are easily tired or have trouble navigating while shopping, so having an adequate number of disabled parking spaces nearby can be crucial to helping a customer navigate their way to finding what they need efficiently and independently.
You may want to ensure that disabled parking spaces are clearly labelled and signposted, and ensure they are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters being removed from cars.
- Avoid Loud Noises and Bright Lights
For those with sensory processing difficulties like Autism Spectrum Disorder, loud noises can be incredibly disruptive to a shopping experience. For those with autism, loud noises can create panic, aggression or even complete sensory meltdown, so keeping your business environment at a sensible noise level and lit well, but not overly brightly can go a long way to creating a safe environment for individuals who struggle with sensory processing.
- Be Understanding
It sounds simple, but sometimes just supplying a listening ear and empathising with the customer’s needs is the best service you can offer.
Similarly, by acting on advice and feedback on how to improve your awareness and understanding of helping customers with disabilities, this will only improve your reputation as a disability-aware business, and encourage repeat business from customers who had a pleasant and inclusive experience with your business.
Do you have any tips for making your business more inclusive to disability? Leave your answer in the comments below!
