2.7.1: Accessibility Checklist for Employers
Is your workplace welcoming and enabling for employees and customers with physical disabilities? While most employers aim to create inclusive environments, accessibility barriers can sometimes hide in plain sight. This tool will equip you with a practical checklist to assess your space and prioritize improvements.
Why Conduct a Walk-Through?
An accessibility walk-through allows you to experience your workplace from the perspective of someone with a mobility, flexibility or dexterity disability. By systematically reviewing key areas, you can identify barriers that make it difficult for people with physical disabilities to access, navigate and use the space.This checklist is a great starting point to highlight significant issues. Think of it as pinpointing opportunities for quick wins and shaping your longer-term accessibility plan.
Involving Employees with Disabilities
To get the most out of your accessibility walk-through, invite employees with disabilities to participate. Their firsthand insights on how they currently navigate the space and suggestions for improvements are invaluable. If you don’t have team members with apparent disabilities, remember that many physical disabilities are invisible. Consider sending an open call for volunteers to assist with the assessment.Conducting the Walk-Through
Block off a few hours to thoroughly review your inside and out space. Bring a copy of the checklist, a camera to document barriers, and a notebook to capture observations. Try to look at every area through an accessibility lens. Ask yourself, would someone using a mobility aid or with limited hand function be able to quickly and safely access this space?Key Areas to Assess Include:
- Parking lots and passenger loading zones
- Travel paths (sidewalks, hallways, ramps, etc.)
- Entrances and exits
- Reception and waiting areas
- Workspaces and meeting rooms
- Break rooms and cafeterias
- Washrooms
- Elevators and lifts
Wherever possible, physically navigate the space as someone with a disability would. For example, use a wheelchair or walker to move along travel paths and attempt to open doors. Ask a colleague to observe and take notes on any difficulties. You could also have an accessibility professional come into your space and do disability simulation training with your staff.
*Note: Not all accessibility professionals provide this service, so checking their services before proceeding is essential.
The Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate key accessibility features in each area of your workplace. The items are organized from “must haves” to “nice to haves”. Remember, the specific requirements for your workplace may vary based on your facility’s age, layout and resources. The following measurements are taken from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) B651-23: Accessible design for the built environment1 manual, which is considered best practice.Must-Haves
- Accessible parking spaces located on the shortest possible route to an accessible entrance.
- Curb cuts or level access from the parking lot to sidewalks and entrances.
- Clearly marked, unobstructed travel paths (exterior and interior) at least 36 inches (915 mm) wide. Entrances with either zero threshold or bevelled thresholds of ½ inch (13 mm) high or less.
- Power doors or lever-style handles that are easy to grasp and operate at entrances.
- Desks and service counters at a height that can be used from a seated position (28-34 inches or 710-865 mm).
- Clear space of at least 30 by 48 inches (760 by 1220 mm) in front of desks, equipment, and appliances to allow a front or parallel approach.
- Elevators or lifts to access all public levels.
- Door openings with a minimum clear width of 32 inches (815 mm).
- Washrooms with accessible stalls, sinks, and grab bars.
- Visual fire alarms and emergency evacuation procedures.
Nice-to-Haves
- Sheltered, accessible drop-off area near the entrance.
- Automatic door openers at all entrances.
- Coat hooks and shelves at varying heights (48 inches or 1220 mm max).
- Flexible workstations with adjustable height desks and chairs.
- Accessible kitchenettes and break rooms with lowered counters and sinks.
- Accessible lockers and storage options.
- Designated sensory-friendly areas for rest and recharging.
As you complete the walk-through, you’ll likely identify a mix of quick fixes and longer-term projects. Prioritize addressing any high-risk safety concerns, like obstructed emergency exits or unsecured floor mats. Seemingly small hazards can have serious consequences.
Implementation and Future Planning
Next, implement easy, low-cost solutions that will significantly improve access. Things like reorganizing furniture to clear travel paths, lowering a coat rod, or adding lever handles to sinks. Make note of bigger ticket items, like installing an elevator or renovating washrooms for capital planning.Finally, create a concrete action plan with timelines and budget to address remaining barriers. Consider phasing renovations to spread out costs. Communicate your plan to employees and customers, highlighting your commitment to an inclusive space.
Maintaining Accessibility
Accessibility is an ongoing effort. Regularly reassess your space to ensure barriers haven’t crept back in. Pay special attention to maintaining clear paths of travel. Avoid storing items in hallways, keep pathways well lit, and secure carpets and cables. Make accessibility a key consideration during remodels and updates.An Extra Step: Assess Workplace Events and Meetings
It’s also essential to ensure any off-site events or meetings your organization hosts are physically accessible. Before booking a venue, inquire about accessibility features and conduct a similar walk-through. A space may claim to be accessible but still present significant barriers.Things to consider when booking off-site events or meetings:
- Accessible parking and drop-off areas.
- Ramp or level access to the main entrance and event space.
- Accessible washrooms near the event space.
- Elevators if the event is not on the main floor.
- Ability to reserve accessible seating.
- Accessible stage or speaking area with a ramp or lift.
- Option to provide live captioning or sign language interpretation.
- If food is being provided, allergies and other accessibility needs have been considered (i.e. ability to request low tables, with legroom underneath the table).
Please see the guide for Creating Accessible Meetings and Presentations2 by Meaningful Access Consulting for additional tips.
By thoughtfully reviewing spaces with this checklist, you are taking essential steps to identify and remove barriers for employees and customers with physical disabilities. This creates a more welcoming and inclusive workplace culture and expands your potential talent and customer base. Embrace the process as a learning experience and opportunity to tangibly demonstrate your organization’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
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Disclaimer:
Hire for Talent has made every effort to use the most respectful words possible while writing these materials. We realize, however, that the most appropriate terminology may change over time. We developed these materials with the intent to respect the dignity and inherent rights of all individual.
Hire for Talent has made every effort to use the most respectful words possible while writing these materials. We realize, however, that the most appropriate terminology may change over time. We developed these materials with the intent to respect the dignity and inherent rights of all individual.
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