Worldwide Business with kathy ireland®
March 12, 2021
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The COVID-19 pandemic changed how businesses operate, from requiring masks to limiting in-person services. While these restrictions were designed to keep communities safe, they created additional barriers for individuals with disabilities. To stay inclusive, businesses must prioritize ADA accessibility even in times of heightened safety protocols.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 requires businesses to provide equal access to goods, services, and communication. During pandemic restrictions, many standard practices—such as mask mandates and remote interactions—made communication harder for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or living with mobility challenges to fully participate. Ensuring ADA accessibility is not only a legal responsibility, but also a commitment to customer equity.
Traditional masks can block lipreading and muffle speech. Offering transparent Communicator™ clear window masks helps improve communication and supports ADA accessibility for customers who rely on facial cues.
Offer curbside pickup, delivery, and online ordering for customers who may face challenges entering your business. Flexible service models ensure access for people with mobility limitations, health concerns, or new parents who have little ones strapped in the cars.
Captioning tools for virtual meetings, speech-to-text apps in customer interactions, and screen-reader–friendly websites all strengthen ADA accessibility in digital and in-person spaces.
Staff should understand how pandemic-related changes affect customers with disabilities. Simple awareness—such as facing the customer while speaking, writing key ideas, notes, or instructions down, or offering interpreters—can improve accessibility.
Evaluate how safety measures like mask mandates, social distancing, or capacity limits may unintentionally create barriers. Adjust policies to balance safety with ADA accessibility requirements.
Pandemic restrictions do not excuse businesses from meeting ADA standards. By prioritizing ADA accessibility in both policies and daily operations, businesses can create safer, more inclusive environments for all customers, and widen their marketability and profitability. Accessibility is not just compliance- accessibility is good business practice.
