Welcome to the Accessible Business Toolkit

This guide is intended to aid businesses in making the transition to becoming accessible.We invite all businesses and service providers to use the guide to find information on

• Providing disability friendly service
• Removing barriers to accessing your business
• Accessibility guidelines
• Online resources

Accessible Business Q&A

Why should businesses become accessible?

Making your business accessible to people with disabilities actually makes good business sense. Not only will it make your business safer and easier to navigate for staff and customers, but removing barriers to access can result in an increase in customers.

Who are these potential customers and do they have money to spend?

One in eight Canadians, or 3.6 million people, has a disability.

Canada's population is aging and there is a higher rate of disability among seniors.This means that many more Canadians can expect to be touched by disability,either by having a disability or through caring for a relative or loved one with a disability.

The Royal Bank reported in 2001 that the combined disposable income for people withdisabilities was approximately $25 billion.

People with disabilities are often accompanied by friends and/or family when theyshop, travel and eat out.

Making your business accessible to people who have a disability makes it easier forEVERYONE to visit your premises including older people and parents with strollers.

Will making my business accessible involve expensive renovations?

What is required to make your business accessible will vary depending on the barriers that currently exist. Remember that many businesses can go a long way to attracting customers with disabilities by implementing small changes today, often with just a small investment. Focusing on improving your entrance and providing appropriate training to your staff, for example, will help make people with disabilities feel like you welcome their business.

Once I've made my business accessible, how can I make it easy for people with disabilities to find it?

Advertising your accessibility is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to increase your customer base. Let people with disabilities know that you welcome their business by promoting your wheelchair access with a sign and making your entrance easy to see. Adding a listing to Access Guide Canada will also give your business exposure as a disability-friendly business.