What are the most effective strategies for making facilities accessible to all users?

1 Understand the user needs

The first step in making facilities accessible is to understand the user needs and expectations. This involves conducting user research, surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations to identify the different types of users, their abilities, challenges, goals, and preferences. User needs may vary depending on the context, purpose, and frequency of use of the facility. For example, a user may need different levels of accessibility for a hotel, a hospital, or a museum. User needs may also change over time due to aging, injury, or illness.

2 Apply universal design principles

The second step in making facilities accessible is to apply universal design principles. Universal design is an approach that considers the needs of all people, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability. This includes equitable use of the facility, flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, and size and space for approach and use. These principles should be implemented in order to ensure that everyone can access and use the facility with ease.

3 Implement accessibility standards and guidelines

The third step in making facilities accessible is to implement accessibility standards and guidelines. These are sets of rules and recommendations that specify the minimum requirements for accessibility in different types of facilities, such as buildings, transportation, communication, and information technology. Such standards are based on best practices, research, and user feedback, and are often enforced by laws and regulations. For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design apply to public and private facilities in the United States; the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are international standards that cover four principles of accessibility; and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards for Accessibility are voluntary standards that apply to various aspects of accessibility.

4 Evaluate and improve accessibility performance

Evaluating and improving accessibility performance for a facility is the fourth step. This requires measuring and monitoring the extent to which the facility meets user needs and expectations, as well as accessibility standards and guidelines. Evaluation and improvement methods can include accessibility audits, which are systematic assessments conducted by experts or trained staff; accessibility testing, which are practical tests conducted by actual or potential users; and accessibility feedback, which are inputs from users, stakeholders, and experts gathered through surveys, interviews, reviews, complaints, or suggestions. Additionally, accessibility improvement involves taking actions to address gaps and issues identified by the evaluation methods such as modifying, upgrading, or replacing the facility's features, functions, or services.

5 Promote accessibility awareness and culture

The fifth step in making facilities accessible is to promote accessibility awareness and culture. This involves raising the knowledge and understanding of the importance, benefits, and challenges of accessibility among the facility's owners, managers, staff, and users. To do this, accessibility training can be used to provide information and skills on accessibility concepts, principles, standards, guidelines, and best practices. Additionally, communication strategies such as signage, brochures, websites, social media, and events can be used to convey the accessibility features, benefits, and values of the facility. Finally, recognition schemes like awards, certificates or badges can be used to reward and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the facility and its staff in advancing accessibility.

6 Collaborate with accessibility partners and networks

The sixth step in making facilities accessible is to collaborate with accessibility partners and networks. These are groups and organizations that share the same vision, mission, and goals of accessibility, and can provide invaluable support, resources, and opportunities for the facility. Collaboration methods may include accessibility consultation with experts or consultants who can provide professional advice on accessibility issues, solutions, or opportunities. Additionally, there may be cooperation with peers or allies who can exchange or learn about accessibility practices. Lastly, there could be advocacy with policymakers or influencers to create favorable conditions for accessibility policies, regulations, or standards.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?