By making your business more accessible you'll be reaching out to a market estimated at $25 billion. Perhaps the most compelling argument is that reaching out to and embracing fellow citizens who face physical or cognitive disabilities is the right thing to do.
Study after study proves that diverse and accessible businesses are more successful. Many companies invest in marketing campaigns to spread the word about their diversity. When your company is fully accessible to persons with disabilities and a wide spectrum of people with diverse backgrounds, you'll enjoy improved customer and employee loyalty and a broader market for your services. Accessibility is a differentiator that will allow you to retain staff and become more successful. I know firsthand this because it has worked for Stafflink.
Training your staff is essential to getting on board. Some training options you could explore:
- Marni Johnson, President - Workplace Communication& Diversity Inc. http://www.trainingfordiversity.com/
- Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario http://www.cpaont.org/service/information-services
- Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) is planning to offer a webinar http://www.hrpa.ca/GovernmentRelations/Pages/LegislativeUpdate.aspx
http://www.hrpa.ca/ProfessionalDevelopment/Pages/HRPA2009DiversityConference.aspx
George Brown College is an example of a firm that thrives by embracing diversity and improving accessibility to their programs. Their acclaimed assistant chef program has a nearly 100% placement rate and is regarded as one of the best in North America.
Do you have success story about making your business more accessible and embracing diversity? Please share it.
For more information about the legislation:
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/
Tim Collins
Stafflink.ca
timc@stafflink.ca
www.twitter.com/stafflinks
www.linkedin.com/in/timrcollins
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