3 key factors for creating a comprehensive accessibility project

Anyone who follows the content here on the blog knows that we have long been advocating for accessibility in all spaces—whether physical or virtual. An inclusive environment is one that allows all people, whether with disabilities or not, to have the autonomy to perform their daily tasks. Accessibility is a fundamental requirement for this to happen.

In this context, more and more companies are beginning to understand the need to cater to the diversity of their audience by including an accessibility project in their planning. Considering accessibility from the start is easier and cheaper to implement, potentially costing as little as 0.2% of the total expenses. But don’t worry if you couldn’t make the adaptations from the beginning; it’s never too late! The important thing at this moment is to take the first step.

But accessibility is not just about ramps, okay!? Yes, they are extremely important, but they are not everything! If you’re unsure and don’t know how to start your project, a good tip is to seek out an accessibility consultancy. They will analyze your situation and tell you what can be changed and what is most important to do. We know that many questions can arise at this stage, so we’ve put together the basic information for developing an accessibility project. Let’s get started!

Take care of he physical space

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), every building must be adapted following universal design principles, meaning that physical barriers must be removed to ensure that people who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility can move around comfortably. In this regard, the ADA has established a series of standards, such as door widths, space between tables, ramps, elevators, and more.

While walking through public places, you might have noticed some raised strips on the ground. This is tactile flooring, designed to guide blind people or those with visual disabilities through spaces. However, tactile flooring can’t be installed just any way; there are specific standards that indicate obstacles and direct blind individuals, allowing them to navigate independently and safely.

Don’t forget about communication

Placing an order in a restaurant or buying a product online may seem like simple tasks, but they can be challenging for some people due to everyday communication barriers. This happens, for example, when a deaf person who uses American Sign Language (ASL) attends a lecture without an interpreter. It also occurs when a blind person accesses a website where images lack descriptions. Therefore, when developing your project, make sure to include communication accessibility!

But how do you do that? Let us explain!

If your company has a website, for example, ensure that all images have alternative text so that screen readers can identify and describe the content to users. Websites should also be accessible in ASL. Many deaf individuals are literate in Sign Language, and may not fully understand written English, relying on ASL to communicate. For social media, whenever possible, add videos with captions and ASL translation.

Moving beyond the digital environment, there are other points to add to this checklist: provide alternative versions of important materials in Braille. This greatly assists blind individuals. If your business is a restaurant, for instance, offering menus in Braille enables blind customers to read and place their orders independently. Also, remember to include Braille signage. Imagine the embarrassment of entering the wrong restroom because the sign was unclear? Without Braille signs, people might face such situations.

Finally, be aware that these barriers may not only be present on the internet and in physical spaces but can also be within ourselves. Consider a scenario where you need to communicate with a deaf person who uses ASL, but you know nothing about the language. The communication between you will be compromised, right? Always strive to have someone on your team who knows at least the basics of ASL and promote initiatives that encourage everyone to learn.

Accessibility is a matter of attitude

But is there yet another type of accessibility? Yes, we promise this is the last one!

Attitudinal accessibility relates to the attitudes of each individual. In an organizational context, it means having an inclusive and empathetic team, creating a space where everyone can coexist and interact with peace and love. To break this barrier, organize awareness moments and structure programs with lectures and workshops, where people with disabilities can share their experiences with the entire team.

Now you know everything you need to kick-start your accessibility project. With that in mind, we’ve also put together 5 tips for investing in accessibility that will help you a lot at this stage. And if you want to learn more about the digital accessibility universe, then keep following the Hand Talk Blog!