Toronto, Ontario – Body shop owners, ever wondered how to make your shop welcoming to people with disabilities? Marco Pasqua, an accessibility consultant delivered during his presentation at Skills Canada’s Level Up Virtual seminar yesterday.
Inclusive Recruitment
- Beyond your legal obligation to maintain a fair application process to everyone who is qualified, you may wish to write an ‘inclusive job posting.’ In Pasqua’s words, focus on capabilities and job requirements, not just qualifications.
- A statement about your organization’s commitment to inclusion and diversity may be helpful.
Communication
- When helping a customer with a disability, try to speak directly with them first. Speaking with their attendant or interpreter first (if they brought one) can be seen as demeaning.
- Avoid unflattering labels for people: think “suffering from, crazy, insane, handicapped, challenged.” Similarly, avoid using words related to mental health, such as saying you’re ‘depressed’ when you’re having a bad day, or referring to medication ‘happy pills.’
- Do not touch or push someone’s mobility device without permission, but do ask what they would prefer if you believe the situation calls for it.
Workplace Barriers
- When distancing parking spaces for social distancing, minimize the reduction of accessibility stalls and parking lots.
- Ensure that drop-off areas are accessible – think ramps and tactile surfaces.
Hygiene
- If you have plexiglass barriers in your customer service areas, one accommodation for people who are hard of hearing might be a dual-way mic. Alternatively, a pad of paper and markers would do.
- Have multiple options for bathroom hygiene. Not everyone can reach foot pumps for soap or squeeze bottles on a countertop.
