Imagine arriving at business only to find a step you can’t climb or a restroom that doesn’t accommodate your needs. For many Australians with disabilities, that’s still a daily experience.
Making your commercial space accessible isn’t just about following rules, it’s about welcoming everyone with dignity and showing that you care. Whether you’re managing an office, a café, or a shopping centre, creating a space that works for all makes your business stronger and more inclusive.
This guide is here to walk you through it.
What You’ll Learn in This Article
Accessibility means making sure everyone, regardless of ability, can use and enjoy your space easily and safely.
A reasonable adjustment is a practical change made to remove barriers and make a space or service accessible. This could include installing a ramp, widening doorways, or providing assistive devices. It’s about ensuring that everyone has equal access to spaces and services.
Universal design is an approach where spaces are created to be usable by everyone, whether someone uses a wheelchair, pushes a pram, or has temporary injuries.
Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a reflection of respect, empathy, and a genuine commitment to the people that serve or visit your business over profit.
And let’s not forget accessible spaces aren’t just for people with disabilities. They also support older adults, injured workers, parents with prams, and people who just need a little more room or support.
When you create an environment that works for more people, you create a stronger, more inclusive community, and a more successful business.
Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Walk through your property and imagine different needs, using a wheelchair, having low vision, using crutches, or dealing with anxiety in busy spaces.
Ask yourself:
These small observations can lead to big improvements.
First impressions matter. Here’s how to make your front door more inclusive:
Inside your space, comfort and mobility should come naturally:
A truly accessible bathroom offers dignity and ease:
Not all accessibility is physical. It’s also about how we share information:
Training staff to speak kindly, listen patiently, and to never make assumptions, helps create a space where everyone feels respected, understood, and genuinely welcome. A simple “How can I help?” can change someone’s entire experience.
When someone visits with a support animal, a warm and respectful welcome can go a long way. These animals play a vital role in their handler’s daily life and safety, they’re more than companions, they’re an essential part of that person’s independence.
It may be helpful to consider how your space can comfortably accommodate both customers and their assistance animals. Providing staff with a basic understanding of how to interact in these situations can also support a more confident and respectful experience for everyone involved.
Small changes can really help make your space feel more welcoming. For instance, it might be worth considering things like placing a chair near the counter for added comfort, or making sure your EFTPOS machine is easily accessible to everyone.
You might also think about choosing door handles that are easier to grip, offering flexible seating options, or rearranging displays to create smoother pathways. These little touches can go a long way in making people feel truly welcome.
Instead of fixing things later, universal design builds accessibility into every part of your space from the start. It’s smart, simple, and better for everyone.
Think about:
Universal design doesn’t just meet needs, it creates comfort and confidence.
Creating an accessible space is more than just a legal requirement, it’s about showing respect and care for all customers and staff. Every adjustment you make, no matter how small, creates a welcoming environment that benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities.
At Eximm, we understand the importance of accessibility in all spaces. If you’re looking to make your commercial property more inclusive, our experts can help with disability access modifications that meet both legal standards and your unique needs. From building ramps to creating accessible restrooms, we’re here to help transform your space into one that’s truly welcoming for everyone.
Visit Eximm’s Home Building Modifications for people with a disability to learn more about how we can assist you with these essential modifications. Contact us today for more information. Call Eximm on: 1300 225 539
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