Inclusivity & accessibility

For businesses in East Devon, a region celebrated for its vibrant communities and natural beauty, becoming more inclusive is a vital step toward fostering growth and connection in the local area.

Here are actionable ways for businesses in East Devon to embrace inclusivity and create a welcoming environment for everyone.

1. Understand Your Community’s Needs

East Devon is home to a diverse population, including residents of varying ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. Conduct surveys or host community forums to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by people in your area. Listening to your customers and employees will help you tailor your inclusivity strategies effectively.

2. Make Your Business Accessible

Accessibility is key to inclusion. Start by ensuring your premises are welcoming to everyone:

  • Install ramps and elevators to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
  • Provide clear signage in large, legible fonts.
  • Ensure your website is accessible, with features like text-to-speech options and compatibility with screen readers.

Small changes can make a significant difference in creating a space where everyone feels comfortable.

3. Celebrate Local Diversity

East Devon is rich in cultural and historical heritage. Incorporate local traditions, events, and celebrations into your business operations. For example:

  • Partner with community groups to celebrate cultural holidays.
  • Stock products or offer services that cater to different cultural or dietary needs.
  • Use inclusive imagery and language in your marketing materials.

By embracing the local community’s diversity, your business will resonate more deeply with your customers.

Here are some practices that your business could employ to enhance inclusivity and accessibility:

  • Welcome Everyone – make welcoming everyone, regardless of need, part of your business ethos.  
  • Think Space — create sufficient space to facilitate mobility and convenience for individuals using wheelchairs.
  • Build Partnerships — collaborate with local mobility service providers to offer hiring options for equipment such as walking frames, toilet frames, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters. 
  • Fun for Everyone — include accessible alternatives in your list of local attractions and offer help in arranging visits where possible.  If you welcome visitors for experiences, think about offering guides in plain English and using British Sign Language. 
  • Be Prepared — provide training for staff where you feel there may be a skills gap.
  • Learn More — expand your understanding of accessibility and watch your customer satisfaction and loyalty grow! Partner with organisations that can help you achieve this.
  • Hire Fairly — embrace diversity in your recruitment process and guarantee that every candidate has access to the necessary accommodations and support they require.
  • Access for All — give preference to accessible parking spots, entry and exit points, and introduce level ground access, ramps lifts, and spacious doorways where necessary. Make sure that toilets are accommodating for everyone.
  • Be Considerate — maintain mindfulness regarding lighting and background music to cater to the needs of neurodiverse customers.  Think about providing quiet, reflective spaces. 
  • Visual — ensure that signage is visible and clear for all.