How To Create An Accessible Workplace For Blind People (And Boost An Inclusive Business Culture)

I know what you're thinking.

Why should businesses care about creating accessible workplaces for blind people?

Why focus on accessibility when so many workplaces are already designed for people without disabilities?

When I started sharing insights about accessible workplaces for blind people on LinkedIn, I was blown away by the response.

People from all over the world started listening and, more importantly, taking action.

So, why should your business care about creating an accessible workplace for blind people?

Let’s find out.

Creating a smooth workplace experience is like nurturing a friendship

When your friendship gets estranged, it starts to crack and break down. Talking to each other becomes harder. And, perhaps the friendship might even die.

Ioanna Maria Gkertsou, a clinical psychologist who's also a guide dog user, recommends being a safe space for your friend.

Open the lines of communication to reduce friction, and prevent frizzle.

When designing your workplace to be accessible for blind people, you do exactly the same.

First, you create a safe space.

You eliminate barriers and replace inaccessible facilities.

And then, you provide trustworthy information for a silky smooth working experience.

Lucy Edwards, a UK based blind broadcaster says:

"Businesses have to meet certain building regulations like doors opening outwards which is helpful for me and Molly because if it opened inward I might get Molly's paws trapped and that would be awful."

I know what you're thinking:

But, what if my business doesn't have a blind employee or blind customers using our offices?

According to a recent report from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness's Vision Atlas, Western Europe has 32.4 million blind people, and by 2050 the numbers are expected to rise to a whopping 49.7 million.

That's a lot of blind people who would feel delighted to use your accessible offices.

For the record, here's a table showing the growing numbers of people with blindness in Western Europe, North America, South East Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East from 2020 to 2050.

Do you see how huge this is?

So, how can you design the faultlessly accessible offices that blind people so desperately desire?

Research and understand the needs of blind people 

As Head of Guide Dog Mobility Services at Lara Guide Dog School, these were the kind of moments that made my job so rewarding.

So, when clients would ask me for support in creating awareness in their company, I knew it meant so much more than that.

I was just here to support awesome guide dog teams navigate their workplace environment.

I was also here to help their coworkers create a workspace that was actually inclusive, not just technically accessible.

I remember stepping into Barbara's office greeted by the rhythmic tapping of her guide dog's tail as it thumped against the floor, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

Then we'd listen to the team's perspective, and I'd walk them through some changes like smarter office layouts, tactile markers, and assistive tech that could make a huge difference.

The best part?

Seeing the “aha” moments when they realised accessibility isn’t just about compliance for one disabled person, it’s about making work better for everyone.

As I headed out, Brando gave me a nuzzle, the best kind of positive feedback I could ask for.

When you create an inclusive workplace with a blind person in mind, the most amazing thing in the world happens.

You open yourself up and gain an understanding of the needs of blind people.

This is important when you're designing for accessibility, and crucial if you're looking to create a disability-inclusive business culture.

So, get to know blind people.

Ask them about their preferences, and listen to their perspectives.

For now, here are ten features to get you started on creating accessible workplaces for blind people.

1. Use Braille description (tactile labels) for visual signs like the toilet door symbol, and warning signs like the fire alarm.

2. Provide audio assistance to navigate rooms.

3. Use contrasting colors for door handles and door frames.

4. Use appropriate lighting. 

5. Use colour contrasting for walls and floors.

6. Use the correct level of contrast for surface fittings and stairs.

9. For toilets, clearly define the toilet roll dispenser and provide hand wipes for blind people to quickly clean their hands before touching their cane and finding the sink.

10. Create enough space inside or outside of rooms for guide dogs, and make sure doors open inward.

11. Provide assistive technology.

There you go.

The truth is, creating accessible workplaces doesn't have to feel like a chore that costs.

And the best part is, you'll create that delightful disability-inclusive culture your employees desire.

Make your inclusive business feel like a kind friend

It's true, as a business owner it's hard to neglect accessibility if you want to be inclusive.

And, integrating accessibility in your workplace is more than just offering accommodations.

It's about providing services, products, and an inclusive culture.

It's about creating a business that builds trust.

So go ahead, be a kind friend to blind people.

Design workplaces with blind people in mind, and show the world why you're a true, inclusive business leader.