The concept of diversity is not a new one, although many companies are just beginning to show interest in ensuring that it exists in their organization. Part of the challenge is ensuring that these organizations understand that diversity, while essential and beneficial to businesses, does not stop at race, religion, nationality or gender. When establishing strategic goals to ensure that a diverse workforce is a fundamental component of the company’s foundation, it is critical that these goals be inclusive of the disabled or physically-challenged applicant pool as well. Creating an inclusive work environment for everyone is a positive step; however, specifically for the disabled employees, management must also be ready and willing to make sure that the company is entirely accessible.

Here’s are a few things to consider when preparing to make any necessary changes:

Invest In Adjusted Office Furniture

Most disabled workers, especially those who rely on the use of a wheelchair, might not be able to use a standard office desk. So, it’s worth investing in furniture that has been adjusted for disabled use. You might also want to buy small cabinets with casters and wheels attached so that they can be moved around the office easily.

Add Disabled Spaces To The Park Areas

It’s also a nice idea to add some accessible parking spaces to your office parking areas, also known as a car park if there aren’t any already. These should be placed as close to the building’s main entrance as possible. They should also be wider than other spaces so that the car doors can be opened as wide as possible to allow easier access to and from the car. Make sure that these are clearly marked as disabled parking spaces so that only those who need them use them.

Invest In Sensitivity Training For Employees

It’s always good to train your employees to make them aware of and sensitive to the disabilities that some of their co-workers might be living with. By doing so, you are helping build an understanding in the office so that everyone is aware of the tasks and jobs that anyone with a disability might need help with. By increasing awareness and offering regular training on the subject, you are ensuring that your company is as disabled-friendly as possible. It is necessary that the focus on the sensitivity to the disabilities does not overshadow the contributions that these individuals make to the organization.

Clear All Aisles And Walkways

Employees who use wheelchairs or crutches to get around the office will need as much space as possible. So, if at all possible, you should try and make all the aisles and walkways in the workspace as wide as possible. They should also be completely free from clutter at all times. Everyone in the office should work together to keep the space clean and tidy so that no one with any mobility issues ever has trouble getting to where they need to be.

Adapting your office to make it more accessible to disabled workers is not a difficult thing to do as it is now commonplace and required by law in many states. Diversity includes the disabled so plan accordingly and be prepared to create a work environment that is conducive to productivity for everyone and accessible by all in need.

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