Accessibility considerations for businesses

Defining accessibility is complex and it needs to be broad to include a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

Our Accessibility Strategy PDF file (3 MB) defines accessibility as being able to reach, understand, contribute to and use the places, information, and services in our city.

Meeting the needs of our growing population of older adults, who are also more likely to experience different types of disability, highlights the importance of Vancouver becoming an accessible and age-friendly city.

Because of this, there is a greater need for accessibility in businesses. Some key considerations include:

• Does your parking include a well-marked accessible parking stall?
• Does your building have automatic doors for entering or leaving?
• Are your aisles wide enough for people to move around with ease?
• Does your business have chairs for people to sit down and rest, if needed?
• Does your business play background music? Is this music low enough so that it is not distracting or intrusive? 
• Does your business provide a scent free environment to accommodate for those with sensitivities?
• Does your building have an accessible washroom?
• When snow needs to be removed, does it end up being shovelled into the accessible parking stall?
• Does your staff receive training on the spectrum of disabilities?
• Have you conducted an accessibility audit on your business?
• Do you have a way for the disability community share feedback on accessibility barriers they may encounter?

• Accessible Employers External website, opens in new tab
  Accessible Employers guides and supports BC businesses in becoming inclusive, diverse, and equitable employers.
• Small Business BC External website, opens in new tab
  Small Business BC is an independent non-profit organization that exists to elevate every BC business. Small Business BC is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that empowers entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to thrive and succeed.
• Untapped Accessibility External website, opens in new tab
  Untapped Accessibility helps organizations deliver on accessibility. They work with organizations to deliver accessibility that reaches beyond compliance to create truly inclusive organizations for all. 
• Rick Hansen Foundation External website, opens in new tab 
  The Rick Hansen Foundation is working towards breaking down one of the most fundamental barriers that people with disabilities still face: physical barriers in the places where we live, work, learn and play.
• Renew your business license within Vancouver