Researching how businesses can be inclusive

[CatW]

I wondered if anyone would be able to help me with some research I am doing to write an article? I am writing an article on behalf of a charity for those with disabilities, to go in a local business magazine.
The aim is to focus on businesses that are particularly inclusive of those with disabilities, and then move onto what other businesses can learn from them and how they can access training.
If you are local to Devon and could name a local business you have found particularly inclusive, stating why, I would be most grateful. If you are not local to Devon, it would still be really useful if you could share what businesses do well in terms of inclusivity. (E.g. cafes, restaurants, arts centres etc).
I have some friends/acquaintances I’ve interviewed but want to extend my research and find out as much as I can.
Many thanks in advance.

[SarahL]

Hello @CatW

Thanks for your post – it has made me think about quite a few ways that cafes and restaurants could be more inclusive:

1. better information and signs – including Easy Read where possible, and in a font that is easy to read and large enough.
2. have an accessible toilet. Changing Places are ideal but probably not an option for smaller businesses.
3. make sure the website is accessible. For example, include a photo of the front of the building on there so it is easy to recognize.
4. make sure staff are trained and are happy to approach people.
5. cater for special diets

I hope this helps.

[Maggie-home]

For me it mainly comes down to how welcoming and patient the staff are. You can do somewhere that has (on paper) all the best facilities, but if you feel uncomfortable there you won’t go back.

[amy.c]

Hi everyone,

My name is Amy and I work as the digital assistant at Mencap.

I often do work and research around accessibility and think that there are lots of useful things that business can do to be more inclusive, especially for people with a learning disability. For example, I think businesses should try to:

• Include lifts, ramps and accessible facilities (e.g. Changing Places toilets). These can be helpful for people who use walking aides or wheelchairs.

• Make sure that language is accessible. For example, staff should try not to use complicated language or jargon, as this can be confusing and difficult for some people to understand. If possible, information should also be available in easy read.

• Businesses should have all their signs and information in large, bold font, without distracting or clashing colours, as this can make things difficult to read.

• If businesses have their own websites, they should try to ensure that they are accessible, and easy for everyone to use. The website should have clear information so people can find out about what the business is about and carry out any relevant tasks (e.g. pay for or sell products).

• If it is a retail business, there should be easy to read information about where customers can find certain items and there should be clearly stated prices.

• If answering questions or taking complaints, businesses should try to listen closely and explain things clearly, whether they are dealing with customers face-to-face, over the phone or by email. They should aim to be flexible and to explain things clearly for the customer, particularly if they are having trouble understanding what is being said.

If you have any suggestions, please add them to this thread below. I look forward to seeing what other thoughts people might have around this!

Thanks,

Amy

[SarahL]