Supporting all Abilities

Barbara Braithwaite • October 23, 2023

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has celebrated its 33rd anniversary this year. Inclusive environments have come a long way over the last three decades but there is always more work to do. They are working to break persistent barriers for people with disabilities to help everyone feel like they belong.


Many department stores support the flexibility to choose where, when and how they shop by creating inclusive shopping experiences. 

 

Businesses have a unique opportunity to help customers with disabilities access products and services designed with their needs in mind.

 

Some of these include:

  • Over the counter hearing aids and sound amplifiers so customers can find the best fit to enhance their listening experience.
  • Backpacks in fun patterns with straps that allow for the backpack to easily slide on and off a wheelchair handle.
  • Adaptive utensils to assist in an independent dining experience.

 

Inclusion is becoming a welcome company-wide mindset supporting associates with disabilities, launching workstreams to design inclusive shopping experiences and making accessible products easily available.

 

Many businesses, including my local coffee shop, have started a ‘sensory friendly hour’ to create a quieter environment that’s more enjoyable for customers who live with sensory disabilities.

 

We look forward to the future with new ways to bring inclusive solutions to life, so more businesses, customers and communities feel and know that they belong.

Enjoying Every Sip and Mouthful

By Barbara Braithwaite • December 12, 2023
As the festive season approaches, regardless of our background and culture, many of us take the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

No ‘one size fits all’: is technology enough to address loneliness?

By Barbara Braithwaite • November 30, 2023
There are limitless benefits to the rapidly increasing use of technology across all ages. Research into high usage suggests social isolation can be an unwanted ‘side effect’.

Reducing Risk in Aged Care

By Barbara Braithwaite • November 23, 2023
I read an interesting article a short while ago by Nick Burnett MD Team Teach Australia & New Zealand about minimising restrictive practices and reducing risk for all in aged care, but of course this can be implemented more widely.
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