Tips for Making Your Workplace More Accessible

Tips for Making Your Workplace More Accessible

As many as one out of every four American adults has a disability, and many more will experience one within their lifetimes. Accidents, personal injuries, and medical errors are frequently the cause. As a personal injury and medical malpractice law firm, Pegalis Law Group, LLC often represents clients who sustain life-changing injuries and disabilities due to someone else’s negligence. Disabilities can range from physical concerns affecting mobility to sensory impairments and neurodevelopmental disorders. It’s important to note that not all disabilities are apparent to others.

December 3 is dubbed International Day of Persons With Disabilities, a time to celebrate and support those living with a disability. The theme “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Fair World” challenges us to ensure those with disabilities feel inclusive everywhere in life, including the workplace. Individuals with more recent disabilities may find it challenging to adapt to their new limitations in a work environment. Below are tips for making your workplace feel more accessible and inclusive for all, including those with visible and invisible disabilities.

Ensure Compliance With the Americans With Disabilities Act

Investing in a disability-friendly workplace is an investment in your company’s future workforce. Today’s employers must attract and retain workers with varying disabilities, including invisible ones. Ensuring compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is an excellent starting point. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations to level the playing field and make their work environment feel welcoming. You should consider designing spaces, products, and systems with a universal approach. Physical accessibility is critical, but don’t underestimate the importance of technological accessibility. Ideas to consider for your workplace include:

• Adjustable-height desks and open floorplans for workers using wheelchairs
• Braille signage or sign-language interpreters for hearing-impaired workers
• Noise-canceling headphones for workers with autism or sensory impairments
• Assistive technologies, including large keyboards, screen enlargement apps, voice recordings, or captioned video meetings

Offer Flexible & Remote Work Schedules That Are Accommodating

Whether an employee has mobility issues or ongoing flare-ups due to a chronic health condition, flexible and remote work schedules benefit their well-being and productivity. Flexible schedules allow people to juggle work responsibilities with multiple doctor’s appointments without feeling like they’re dropping the balls. Flexible schedules also allow for more flexible break times, which are essential to workers’ physical and mental health. Adopting flexible and remote work models benefits the entire workforce, helping to boost employee morale and reduce staff turnover.

Increase Disability Awareness With Companywide Training, Groups, Etc.

Investing in the tools and technology to make your workplace more inclusive is but the first step. You must also train employees on proper work etiquette by increasing disability awareness through companywide initiatives and employee resource groups. It’s vital to foster an environment in which open communication is welcomed. Many trainings are available online at low costs to employers.

Making a workplace feel more inclusive may not happen overnight. It’s an ongoing process, with many companies adjusting their policies, tools, and attitudes to adapt to their employees’ evolving needs. However, if we all work together, we can help reduce inequalities for persons with disabilities across all sectors worldwide in the true spirit of celebrating International Day of Persons With Disabilities.

Focused on Creating Proactive Patients for 50+ Years

Pegalis Law Group, LLC is a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm with 50+ years of experience. We’re committed to increasing public awareness and creating proactive patients by focusing on various healthcare-related topics. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for additional insights to be proactive about your family’s healthcare