Accessibility Policy Template

About Accessibility

What is Accessibility?

Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities. The goal of accessibility is to enable people with disabilities to participate in the same activities and have access to the same information and resources as people without disabilities.

Examples of Internal Accessibility

A small business can be accessible for employees by providing accommodations such as assistive technology, flexible work arrangements, and training on accessibility issues.

For example, a business can provide software that can read text aloud for employees who are visually impaired, or provide ergonomic equipment to employees who have mobility impairments.

Examples of External Accessibility

A small business can be accessible for customers by providing accessible facilities and services, such as wheelchair ramps and automatic doors. Additionally, a business can make their website and other digital platforms accessible to people with disabilities by adding alternative text to images and providing captions for videos.

Working With Peers Who Have Disabilities

Barriers to those with disabilities can take many forms, including physical barriers (such as stairs without ramps) or digital barriers (such as websites that are not designed to be accessible to users who are visually impaired).

It’s important to make sure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities, rights, and access to goods and services as people without disabilities. Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone is valued, respected, and able to fully participate.

When interacting with colleagues with disabilities, it is important to remember to treat them with respect and dignity. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Avoid making assumptions: Don't assume that a person with a disability is unable to perform certain tasks or requires help. Ask them what they need and how you can assist them.
2. Be patient: Some people with disabilities may require more time to complete tasks or may communicate differently.
3. Use appropriate language: Use person-first language (e.g., "person with a disability" instead of "disabled person") and avoid using derogatory terms.
4. Respect privacy: Do not ask personal questions about someone's disability or medical condition without their permission.
5. Be aware of physical barriers: Physical barriers may make it difficult for a colleague with a disability to access certain areas or participate in certain activities.

We strive to create an inclusive culture for our employees, including those with disabilities. We ask that you comply with all accessibility guidelines and have mutual respect with your peers who have disabilities.

By following these guidelines and creating an inclusive environment, you can ensure that all employees, including those with disabilities, have equal access to the resources and opportunities provided by our company.

About Our Accessibility Policy

Our accessibility policy outlines our commitment to accessibility and the steps we are taking to ensure that our company is accessible to all.

1. We will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the company.
2. We will provide appropriate training and support to our employees to ensure that they are knowledgeable about and sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
3. We will ensure that our facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including making any necessary renovations or modifications.
4. We will provide accessible products and services, such as offering accessible website design and providing materials in alternative formats upon request.
5. We will regularly review and update our policies and practices to ensure that they are in compliance with applicable accessibility laws and standards.
6. We will encourage feedback from individuals with disabilities and will take their suggestions and concerns into account when making decisions about accessibility.

We are committed to being an accessible and inclusive company, and we will continue to work towards ensuring that our facilities, products, and services are accessible to all.

Internal Accessibility

Our Commitment to Internal Accessibility

At [Company Name], we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all of our employees. Having an internal accessibility policy can help us ensure that all employees, including those with disabilities, have equal access to our resources and opportunities.

This policy can also help prevent discrimination and create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, which has been known to have positive effects on employee morale and productivity. Overall, having an internal accessibility policy can help us operate more effectively and ethically.

Our Internal Accessibility Steps

Here are some steps we’ve made to become more inclusive to our employees with disabilities:

1. Conduct annual accessibility audits: We assess our current facilities, equipment, and practices to identify any barriers that may prevent disabled employees from fully participating in the workplace.
2. Provide reasonable accommodations: Make changes to the physical environment, work schedule, or job duties to ensure that all employees can perform their job duties.
3. Make use of assistive technology: We provide equipment and software that can assist employees with disabilities, such as screen readers for those who are visually impaired, or ergonomic equipment for employees with mobility issues. If you need assistive technology, please contact your direct manager.
4. Communicate effectively: We ensure that all communication, including written and verbal, is clear and accessible to all employees, including those with disabilities.
5. Make sure our policies are inclusive: We review and update our policies and procedures to ensure they are inclusive and non-discriminatory. If you have concerns about a piece of training content, please reach out to the content owner directly with your feedback.
6. Encourage and support employee involvement: We encourage and support all of our employees to participate in the development and implementation of accessibility policies and practices.

External Accessibility

Our Commitment to External Accessibility

At [Company Name], we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all of our customers. We strive to ensure that our facilities, products, and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, and we are dedicated to providing equal access and opportunities to all.

Our External Accessibility Steps

Here are some steps we’ve made to ensure our business is accessible to our customers with various disabilities:

1. We have made our physical storefront accessible to customers with disabilities by installing ramps and automatic doors, and ensuring that all areas of our store are fully accessible.
2. We have made our website and online platforms fully accessible to customers with disabilities, including adding alternative text to images and providing captions for videos.
3. We have trained our customer service staff on how to effectively communicate with and assist customers with disabilities.
4. We have made our products and services accessible to customers with disabilities, including offering alternative formats.
5. We have taken steps to ensure that our customer service phone lines are accessible to customers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
6. We have implemented a policy of providing appropriate accommodations to customers with disabilities upon request.
7. We have made sure that our staff is aware of the laws and regulations related to accessibility — such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — to ensure compliance.
8. We have made sure that our employees are aware of the importance of inclusion, and are equipped to handle any situation that may arise with customers with disabilities.

By e-signing, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the guidelines outlined in this policy.