With careful planning, measures such as ramps, railings, convenient parking, lower reception and service counters, accessible placement of merchandise, wider entrances and exits, and larger and more easily readable signs and advertising need not involve great expense. Without such improvements, though, people with disabilities are prevented from accessing your services in the same manner as other clients. Understandably, it is more cost-effective to incorporate accessible features at the design stage than it is to retrofit or renovate later on. Federal, provincial and municipal legislation is continually changing to respond to the needs and demands of various sectors of the population. Standard 651 sets technical standards for facilities used by persons with disabilities.
Many municipalities now have by-laws relating to accessible parking spaces and washrooms.
Keeping the same type of barrier free environments consistent throughout the interior of your office also, will promote the ease of movement and navigation inside your place of work as well. Accessible parking should be clearly marked and contain space large enough accomodate the loading and unloading of a wheelchair. You are here signs and a map at principal corners or intersections are a helpful addition. Signs should be glare free and contrast with the background. Overhead or protruding obstacles might not be detected by people who use mobility canes.