Inclusivity, accessibility

(continues from page 5) accessibility of your business helps to ensure that disabled persons and their friends, families or assistants are informed and able to avoid the frustration of an access issue.

Educated staff

Not only should staff be educated on the physical accessibility of the location, but management should also endeavor to educate staff on how to interact properly with disabled individuals. Consider a diversity and inclusion seminar. Employees should at minimum know proper language and behavior, know whether the building is accessible, and be aware of any barriers to accessibility such as narrow hallways, flashing lights or loud music.

Comprehensive emergency procedures

In the event of an emergency evacuation, it is imperative to ensure that disabled patrons and/or employees are able to exit safely. There should be clearly defined accessible exit routes with both visual and auditory alarms. A disabled employee may be the most knowledgeable about the best way to prevent unnecessary danger.

Service animal education

Service animals, specifically dogs and sometimes miniature horses, are animals trained to do work or perform tasks that help a person mitigate disability. Examples include a guide dog trained to assist a blind or visually impaired person with navigation, or a medical alert dog trained to detect seizures or changes in blood sugar. Don’t touch, talk to or otherwise distract them. A service dog is considered medical equipment and has access to all areas aside from specific medical exceptions, no registration required. Note that emotional support animals do not have the same rigorous training as service animals and therefore have no public access rights. There are two questions allowed by the ADA when a disability is not apparent: Is the service dog required because of disability? What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Any employee may ask these questions of any service animal handler. Adapt and accommodate Adaptation and disability go hand in hand, as the needs of a disabled person may vary in different circumstances. For example, you might have to read documents aloud to a blind or visually im- paired individual, or write notes to or interact with an American Sign Language interpreter to communicate appropriately with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing. Some people may not be able to attend inperson meetings or to work certain shifts due to chronic illness or disability-related symptoms. A phone call, Zoom conference or workfrom-home policy is a useful accommodation.

Digital accessibility

Internet, social media and marketing accessibility means making online content accessible for people with disabilities. Some examples include using alt text image descriptions and video captions, and offering written or audio transcripts. Keep in mind that many website design services offer ways to easily integrate screen-reading accessibility features. Additionally, information found online describing programs or events should also be available in print (and ideally braille and large print) for those who may not have access to a computer.

Disabled voices are the most educated on how to direct the conversation about accessibility and inclusion as these decisions affect them on a daily basis. This JDAIM, take the time to evaluate your own practices (and those of the businesses you frequent), advocate for inclusion and accessibility, ask questions, boost the content of disabled Jewish and non-Jewish creators across social media, and don’t let disability be an afterthought. After all, the future is accessible!