Small Business Toolkit: Promote Physical and Technological Accessibility

Fully accessible workplaces help small businesses increase productivity, diversify their talent pool, retain employees, and build a loyal customer base.

Physical accessibility is vital to ensuring that people with disabilities can engage with your business. Simple, no- and low-cost ways to make your workplace physically accessible include removing furniture and other obstacles from hallways and providing adjustable lighting and quiet workspaces. Full access to your workplace, equipment, and other building features and facilities lets candidates with disabilities participate in the job application process and employees with disabilities perform the essential functions of their roles. Reducing physical barriers also means that disabled workers can participate in work-sponsored events and activities, including career fairs and hiring events, meetings and conferences, and staff trainings.

Visit the ADA National Network for various resources to promote and adopt physical accessibility features at your small business.

Technological accessibility, or digital accessibility, is also a vital component of disability inclusion. For small businesses, technology is one of the central drivers of productivity and success for all workers. When software, apps, online documents, and other technological platforms are inaccessible, employees may not be able to do their jobs. 

Visit the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) for guidance and information on accessible technology. 

You can also contact your regional ADA Center for information, guidance, and training on physical and digital accessibility.