Why the Accessibility Information Standard Matters: A Guide for Businesses

Why the Accessibility Information Standard Matters: A Guide for Businesses

In today’s digital era, accessibility is not just an option, it’s a necessity. Businesses need to make sure that their products and services are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. That’s where the Accessibility Information Standard comes in.

Introduced in 2016, the Accessibility Information Standard is a legal requirement for all NHS-funded services in England. It states that health and social care providers must provide information in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities. This standard covers communication formats such as British Sign Language, easy read, and braille.

But why does the Accessibility Information Standard matter to businesses outside the healthcare industry? Simply put, accessibility is good for business. By making your products and services accessible, you can reach a wider customer base, increase customer satisfaction, and improve brand reputation.

How the Accessibility Information Standard Can Benefit Businesses

There are many potential benefits that businesses can enjoy by adhering to the Accessibility Information Standard. For one, it can help to increase sales and profits by reaching out to a wider customer base. In the UK alone, there are around 14 million people with disabilities, and they control a spending power of over £250 billion per year.

In addition, by making your products and services accessible, you can improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. When people with disabilities find it easy to access your products and services, they are more likely to return as loyal customers.

Another benefit of accessibility is that it can improve your brand reputation. A business that is seen as inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities is likely to be viewed positively by the wider community.

Key Considerations for Businesses

So, what should businesses consider when it comes to the Accessibility Information Standard? Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. Start by assessing your current practices. Determine how accessible your products and services are, and identify areas where improvements are needed.

2. Make sure that your staff are trained in how to communicate with people with disabilities. This includes using appropriate language and understanding different communication formats.

3. Take a proactive approach to accessibility. Don’t wait until a customer with a disability requests an accommodation – be proactive in making your products and services accessible from the outset.

4. Keep up to date with the latest trends and best practices in accessibility. The world of accessibility is constantly evolving, and businesses need to stay ahead of the curve to ensure that they are meeting the needs of all customers.

Real-World Examples of Accessibility Done Right

To get a better idea of how the Accessibility Information Standard can work in practice, let’s look at some real-world examples:

1. Starbucks: This global coffee chain ensures that all of its stores are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes providing accessible seating, audio formats of menus, and tactile signage.

2. Virgin Atlantic: This airline offers a range of services designed to make travel easier for people with disabilities. This includes onboard wheelchair storage, wheelchair-accessible lavatories, and assistance dogs for visually-impaired passengers.

3. Barclays Bank: This UK bank offers a range of accessibility features, including talking ATMs, large print statements, and video sign language services.

Conclusion

The Accessibility Information Standard is an important legal requirement that all healthcare providers in England must adhere to. However, it’s not just relevant to the healthcare industry – businesses in all sectors can benefit from making their products and services accessible to people with disabilities.

By increasing accessibility, businesses can reach a wider customer base, improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, and boost brand reputation. To achieve these benefits, businesses should assess their current practices, train their staff, take a proactive approach to accessibility, and stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices.

Real-world examples of accessibility done right, such as those provided by Starbucks, Virgin Atlantic, and Barclays Bank, can help to inspire businesses to implement accessible practices themselves. Ultimately, by prioritising accessibility, businesses can create a more inclusive and welcoming society for all.

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