Accessibility Checklist

As you become more attuned to creating an inclusive space, having a place to refer to for common accessibility considerations can be helpful. While not exhaustive, here is a list of good places to start when considering whether your space, products, digital assets, and even culture are accessible.

Physical Accessibility

Are there ramps or elevators that allow people to get into the building?

Are there ramps or elevators that allow people to get to the bathrooms?

Is the accessible entrance at the back of the building or far away?

Would it be fatiguing for someone to get to the accessible entrance if they were on crutches or had a mobility aide?

Are there curb cuts nearby?

Are there accessible parking spots near the accessible entrance?

Is there accessible public transportation nearby?

Does public transportation have a working elevator or lift?

Can you get to the restrooms in a wheelchair?

Do they have a stall wide enough for a wheelchair (~60in)

Do they have grab bars in the stall?

Can you access the sink with a chair?

Could the water, soap, and dryers be accessed with one hand?

Are the doorways wide enough for a wheelchair (Minimum width - 32in)

Is the space quiet enough that someone with a hearing impairment could fully contribute?

Is the space bright enough that someone with a visual impairment would be able to navigate without issue? (Low light is challenging)

Is there braille signage?

Are the table heights accessible by a wheelchair?

Digital Accessibility

Is your website accessible to people who use a screen reader?

Do all the images on your site and in your marketing have ALT text?

Does your website have good contrast between the text and background? Web Content Accessibility Guidelines stipulate a contrast of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Do you have captions turned on for all your digital meetings?

Do you ask for accessibility requirements for webinars and events?

Do you have ACCURATE captions for your videos on your website or on social media?

Do you use accessible language that is not full of jargon or acronyms on your website, in emails or in presentations?

Do employees have the option to work in a quiet space?

Management & Workplace Practices

Does your workplace have consistent routines and expectations?

Are the standards by which you judge good work equitable and fair? (Or do they rely more heavily on metrics such as attendance and face-time)

Are there flexible work policies that allow people to work remotely or allow them to take time away during the day to go to doctor's appointments? 

If yes, does management equally view the contributions of those who take advantage of the flexible work as it does those who do not require these accommodations?

Are people with disabilities getting promoted?

Do you provide adequate compensation and health insurance that would be appropriate for someone who may have higher health needs and, therefore a much larger yearly expense for health-related expenses?

Do you consistently ask how you could make the workplace more inclusive?

Do you welcome the feedback and make changes where you can?

Do you ask for accommodation requests when conducting interviews?

Safety

Do you have an evacuation plan for your disabled workers?

Do your fire alarms also have visual cues such as flashing lights?

If your team members who are deaf or hard of hearing are staying in hotels, do they have an alerting device that will vibrate if they are asleep and an alarm goes off?