Workplace Accessibility Checklist

Creating an accessible workplace benefits everyone. It ensures that employees with disabilities can fully participate and navigate the environment without barriers. This checklist helps you identify what accessibility should look like at work, what to expect, and how to request accommodations if needed.

If you face barriers, you can ask for adjustments to ensure you can work comfortably and safely. Your employer should support accessibility in four key areas:

1. Physical
2. Social
3. Digital
4. Communication Accessibility

1. Physical

A workplace should be easy for everyone to move around and use.

• Make sure entrances, hallways, and work areas are easy to access.
• Provide accessible parking spaces close to the entrance.
• Install ramps and elevators so people can move between floors.
• Keep doorways and hallways wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
• Ensure restrooms have grab bars and enough space for wheelchairs. If not, employees can request for accommodations.
• Offer desks and workstations that can be adjusted for different needs.
• Keep service counters and workstations at a height that wheelchair users can reach.
• Provide seating in waiting areas and shared spaces.
• Ensure emergency exits and safety plans include accessible routes for people with disabilities.

Note: If any of these are not met, employees can request for accommodation, and employers should work to remove these barriers. Speak with HR, manager, or an accessibility officer about adjustments like physical modifications, assistive devices, or flexible work arrangements.

2. Social and Attitudinal Accessibility

An accessible workplace goes beyond physical space; it’s about attitudes and policies that support inclusion. 

• Train staff to understand disability needs and how to communicate inclusively.
• Create a workplace culture where everyone feels welcome and valued.
• Ensure company policies support employees with disabilities.
• Allow employees to request accommodations to do their jobs comfortably.
• Provide flexible options for employees with conditions that may change over time.
• Make sure meetings and events are accessible. For example, spaces with ramps, sign language interpreters, or captioning. 
• Encourage open discussions about accessibility instead of making assumptions.

3. Digital Accessibility

Technology should be usable by everyone.

• Employers should make sure websites, workplace tools, and digital systems follow the accessibility standards.
• Add image descriptions (alternative text) and provide documents in accessible formats such as PDFs with readable text.
• Make sure software and workplace tools work with screen readers and assistive technology.
• Include captions and transcripts for all videos and audio content.
• Provide different ways to navigate digital tools, for example keyboard shortcuts and voice commands.
• Offer assistive technology such as screen readers, speech-to-text tools, or alternative input devices.
• If workplace technology is not accessible, employees should request alternative formats or tools, and employers should provide solutions.

4. Communication and Information Accessibility

People should be able to access and understand workplace communication in different ways.

• Use clear and plain language in emails, policies, and workplace documents.
• Make sure texts are easy to read with large text, good contrast, and braille where needed.
• Offer documents in different formats like braille, large print, or easy-read versions.
• Provide different ways to communicate, such as written, spoken, or digital options.
• Make sure workplace announcements are available in text form, such as emails or digital boards.
• Ensure employees with hearing disabilities can access information through visual alerts or captions.

An accessible workplace is everyone’s responsibility. Employers should remove barriers, and employees should feel comfortable asking for accommodations.