At Equal Accessibility, our mission is to empower businesses to create inclusive spaces and experiences. One of our proudest collaborations is with United Access, the second-largest mobility dealer in the nation, committed to providing mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities. By working closely with their team, we were able to help them enhance their accessibility accommodations and reinforce their dedication to inclusivity, ultimately helping to create the Gold Standard of Accessibility.
Defining the Gold Standard of Accessibility
At Equal Accessibility, we believe the gold standard of accessibility is about more than compliance—it’s about creating spaces that set a benchmark for inclusivity. With United Access, it was their visionary idea to define and implement this standard by addressing every aspect of their facilities. This involved focusing on areas like bathrooms, kitchens, meeting spaces, and customer service areas to ensure every detail reflected true accessibility. By designing solutions that go above and beyond the minimum requirements, we’ve helped United Access become a model for other businesses aiming to achieve excellence in inclusivity.
Understanding United Access’ Needs
When United Access approached us, they were already a leader in mobility solutions. However, they recognized the need to go beyond simply selling accessible vehicles—they wanted their facilities and services to reflect the same level of accessibility as their products and together we decided what needed to be included in the gold standard of accessibility. They sought our expertise to:
- Create the Gold Standard of Accessibility: Develop solutions that not only meet compliance but set a benchmark for inclusivity across the industry.
- Evaluate Their Locations: Conduct comprehensive accessibility audits for all their retail and service centers.
- Improve Customer Experience: Identify ways to make their spaces more welcoming and functional for individuals with diverse needs.
We appreciated United Access’ proactive approach. Rather than waiting for issues to arise, they were committed to anticipating the needs of their customers and addressing barriers before they could impact anyone’s experience.
Our Approach
We began by conducting detailed accessibility evaluations of their facilities, examining every aspect—from parking lots and entryways to waiting areas and service bays. Our findings highlighted several opportunities for improvement, such as:
- Enhanced Parking Accessibility: Installing additional wheelchair-accessible parking spaces with better signage.
- Optimized Entryways: Upgrading ramps and doors to ensure seamless entry for customers with mobility challenges.
- Comfortable Waiting Areas: Redesigning seating arrangements and adding more accessible features like low-height counters and charging stations for powered wheelchairs.
Next, we focused on improving specific areas within United Access facilities to better serve individuals with disabilities. Our efforts included:
- Bathroom Accessibility: Upgrading restrooms with features such as wider stalls, grab bars, touchless fixtures, and accessible sinks at appropriate heights.
- Kitchen Spaces: Enhancing breakrooms and employee kitchen areas to include lower countertops, accessible appliances, and clear pathways for wheelchair users.
- Meeting Spaces: Redesigning conference rooms to ensure ample maneuverability, adjustable tables, and accessible technology solutions for inclusive participation.
- Recognize and address accessibility barriers.
- Advocate for inclusivity in their daily operations.
We directed our efforts toward developing tangible accessibility solutions in high-impact areas. This included designing detailed implementation plans for bathrooms, kitchens, and meeting spaces to create environments that meet the diverse needs of customers and employees alike.
The Results
Our collaboration with United Access led to measurable improvements across their business:
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Feedback from customers with disabilities revealed increased comfort and confidence in visiting United Access locations. Many customers noted the ease of navigating the facilities and the attentiveness of the staff.
- Improved Accessibility Ratings: Their facilities now meet and exceed ADA standards, positioning them as a leader in accessibility. The changes have been recognized by both customers and industry peers.
- Employee Empowerment: Staff reported greater understanding and pride in serving customers with diverse needs. They felt better equipped to handle accessibility-related questions and more confident in providing exceptional service.
Additionally, the improvements had a ripple effect on the overall customer experience. Family members and caregivers of individuals with disabilities also praised the changes, highlighting how inclusive environments benefit everyone involved.
The Broader Impact of Accessibility
Our partnership with United Access illustrates the broader benefits of prioritizing accessibility. Beyond legal compliance, businesses that invest in inclusivity can:
- Build Stronger Communities: Accessible spaces foster connections and inclusivity, creating environments where everyone feels valued.
- Enhance Brand Reputation: Companies that lead in accessibility set themselves apart, earning trust and loyalty from customers and stakeholders.
- Drive Innovation: Addressing accessibility challenges often leads to creative solutions that improve overall design and functionality.
United Access’ commitment to accessibility demonstrates the positive impact businesses can have when they prioritize inclusivity. Their journey serves as a model for other organizations looking to make meaningful changes.
A Shared Commitment to Accessibility
Our work with United Access demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. By addressing barriers and fostering a culture of inclusivity, businesses can make a lasting impact on the lives of their customers. At Equal Accessibility, we’re proud to partner with companies like United Access, who share our vision for a more inclusive world.
If you’re ready to take your business’s accessibility to the next level, contact us today. Together, we can create spaces and experiences that truly welcome everyone.
