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How does an organisation change its attitude? Training is the first stop on the journey, a good disability inclusion, and awareness training programme delivered by disabled people is relatively low cost and will empower your staff with the confidence to interact with disabled people. There really is no secret just treat disabled people with respect and dignity and if you’re unsure of their requirements ask them. Of course, there is the etiquette regarding language, personal space, and boundaries which can all be learned through training but a friendly smile and a willingness to help go a long way.

Following on from training is the implementation of inclusive policies and procedures. Simple management adjustments can make all the difference to the experience of disabled people when accessing products, services, and employment. For example, adjustments to procurement strategy can ensure that any seating purchased is accessible with arms and backrests, and any refurbishment can ensure that the finishes selected to provide colour contrast. Simple inspection procedures can be scheduled and managed to ensure that accessible bays are regularly monitored to prevent parking abuse and that any damaged lighting or paving is reported to the responsible local authority. There are also simple procedures that can be made as adjustments for a lack of accessible facilities. If an organisation doesn’t have an accessible WC find out where the nearest one is. If an organisation cannot provide an accessible meeting room find out where there is one you can use. Over the long-term think carefully about relocating to more accessible premises when the opportunity arises.

All the actions mentioned are low or no cost. The implementation of policy and procedures requires careful management and monitoring to ensure it is successful which is achievable with motivation and diligence in any organisation. Providing training will incur some cost but it will result in benefits and skills that can then be applied to adjust policies and procedures. So, to summarise, in the short term get some Disability Awareness Training and use policies and procedures to improve access in the short, medium, and long-term at little or no cost.

Why is an access audit important? An access audit will help your organisation build on the foundation of policy and procedural improvements to deliver a more accessible and inclusive working environment.