This morning I found a site for artists in business. It suggested that I enlarge my business by becoming involved with an interior designer or a corporate art consultant. I would love to do that. I’m just wondering how that might be possible. I really am not going to be able to pack up my massive portfolio and hop on public transportation and travel to where they are. First while I am independent, I am limited in my independence due to mobility.
Seriously, if the store is too big or the parking is too far away I have to do without. Walking is a problem for me. I have to juggle a cane and carry things. Accessibility is not just a level doorway. It is also the distance the disabled must walk from where their ride is parked.
I have heard business owners say. “ Oh we are so lucky we don’t have to have handicapped accessible entrances to our building because its grandfathered.” They lost my business because I couldn’t navigate the stairs.
I was thinking about this the other day. If more building designers and business managers knew the practical limitations of their elderly and disabled clients perhaps they could adapt their buildings to be more accessible. And they might not lose that business.
I know that some businesses are trying to cut startup costs and renovations the best they can. I wonder what the figures are, the numbers of people that cant access the building and the amount of money that the business looses, because of it. I am guessing its somewhere between 10% and 15%. That percent could make or break a small business. And for a larger business it could means millions in business that they are not realizing. Its not about what the law allows, its about what allows those who are potential clients to participate in your business.
With an aging population and even more people becoming disabled at an earlier age due to injuries on the job and just wear and tear on their bodies, I can see how this is a big drain on the economy if they cannot contribute to the economy.
When a business does not address accessibility, it disengages a portion of its potential client base.
New and creative solutions need to be found to not only allow the disabled to participate as clients but also to participate as employees.
I’ve lots of new projects coming up this month. It’s becoming very exciting.
Blessings of the Day to you.
~L
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