Inclusive Spaces: Advancing Accessibility in Corporate Buildings
The world is constantly changing and evolving, and accessibility is becoming increasingly important in the corporate world. Corporations and businesses are beginning to recognise the need for inclusive spaces that can accommodate everyone, regardless of their abilities.
In order to ensure equal access and opportunity within corporate buildings, corporations need to invest in accessible technologies, such as automatic door openers and ramps.
Below, then, we have taken a closer look at how some companies are making accessibility a priority.
What Is Accessibility?
The term “accessibility” refers to the design of products, services, and environments that are usable by people with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. Accessible spaces should be designed to provide an equitable experience for all users, regardless of their physical or mental abilities.
Why Is Accessibility So Important?
The importance of accessibility in the corporate world cannot be overstated. It ensures that everyone has access to buildings, services, and products, whatever their physical or cognitive abilities may be.
Accessible spaces create an environment where everyone can participate and contribute without feeling excluded. In addition, accessible spaces can reduce costs associated with retrofitting existing buildings for accessibility purposes.
How Are Companies Making Their Buildings More Accessible?
There are a few ways companies are making their buildings more accessible, and some of the most significant changes include:
- Installing Automatic Doors
Automatic door openers provide an easy way for people with mobility challenges to enter and exit corporate buildings. These doors use motion or pressure sensors to detect when someone is approaching, and they open automatically. This, in turn, eliminates the need for people to manually open the door, which can be difficult or impossible for some users.
- Installing Ramps
Installing ramps in corporate buildings allows users with mobility challenges to access all areas of the given building. Handrails should also be installed alongside ramps to provide additional support and stability when using them.
- Adding Lifts And Platforms
Adding commercial glass lifts and platforms can also be beneficial for providing people with mobility challenges access to all areas of a building. These structures provide an easy way for users to move between levels without having to climb stairs.
- Designing Tactile Signage
Tactile signage is an excellent solution for providing information in a way that can be understood by people who are blind or visually impaired. The signs should include both raised and Braille text, which can easily be read when touched. This helps reduce confusion and ensures that everyone can access the necessary information.
- Installing Voice Recognition Technology
Voice recognition technology is becoming increasingly popular in corporate buildings, as it allows users to access information and control devices without having to use their hands. This type of technology can be beneficial for people with physical limitations, as well as those who are blind or visually impaired.
- Making Smart Lighting Choices
Though often overlooked, lighting can be an important factor in creating accessible spaces. Natural light is preferable, as it provides better visibility for people with vision impairments, but smart lighting systems can be programmed to automatically adjust the brightness and colour temperature to create a comfortable environment for everyone.
- Making Sure Doorways Are Wide Enough
When designing corporate buildings, it’s important to make sure doorways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices and, as mentioned, this can be done by installing automatic doors or widening existing doorways. Additionally, ramps should be installed at entrances and exits to provide easy access for people with limited mobility.
- Considering Hearing Conditions
Hearing impairments should also be taken into consideration when designing accessible spaces. This can include providing visual cues to alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing to certain sounds, as well as ensuring that public address systems are equipped with voice amplification technology so that announcements can be heard by everyone. Closed hearing loops can also be installed to allow people with hearing aids to easily access audio information.
- Focusing On Entrances And Exits
Finally, it’s important to focus on entrances and exits when designing accessible spaces. This includes making sure the entrances are easily identifiable and wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as ensuring the exits are clearly marked and easy to access.
Your Next Steps
Creating accessible spaces in corporate buildings is an important step in advancing accessibility and ensuring everyone can easily access a given building’s amenities and services.
While each project will require its own unique solutions, some of the steps mentioned above are generally applicable to all types of corporate buildings. By taking these steps, you can help ensure your building is designed with accessibility in mind, and can make sure everyone can easily access all areas of the building.
