Accessibility for Small Businesses

Benefits:

  • Improve customer experience for everyone

    • Features like clear signage, organized layouts, and good lighting help all customers, not just those with disabilities

  • Enhance word-of-mouth reputation

    • Families and friend groups often make decisions based on whether everyone in their group can be accommodated

  • Create loyalty

    • Customers who find your business accessible often become dedicated, repeat patrons

  • Reduce legal risk

    • Basic accessibility measures help meet ADA requirements

  • Support aging in place

    • As our local population ages, accessibility becomes increasingly important for longtime customers

  • Demonstrate community values

    • Accessible businesses reflect Philipstown's commitment to being a place where everyone belongs

  • Support caregivers

    • Accessible businesses make it easier for caregivers to participate in community life

Getting Started:

Begin with changes that make the biggest impact for your specific business and community, and build from there.

  • Physical Space

    • Conduct a simple assessment

      • Look at your business through the lens of different abilities—can someone using a mobility device navigate your space?

    • Make low-cost/no-cost improvements

      • Clear pathways, rearrange displays for better navigation, create a quieter area for sensory sensitivity

    • Address one barrier at a time

      • Start with your entrance, then bathroom access, then service counter height

  • Customer Service

    • Train staff on inclusive service

      • Simple techniques like speaking directly to customers with disabilities rather than their companions

    • Offer multiple ways to order or pay

      • Options like online ordering or curbside pickup benefit many customers

    • Ask before helping

      • Respect autonomy by asking "How can I assist?" rather than assuming

  • Communication

    • Use clear language on your website, signage, and marketing materials, with high contrast, readable fonts and good color contrast 

    • Add alt-text to images on social media and websites