Accessibility and inclusion are important for creating workplaces that support the diverse needs of employees.
The Property Accessibility Assessment Tool (PAAT) helps entities identify and address barriers in the workplace to make them more accessible and inclusive.
To use the PAAT effectively, it’s important to understand the definitions of accessibility and inclusion, and how they connect.
Accessibility
- It’s about the physical structure.
- Access refers to the removal of physical, sensory and cognitive barriers.
- It primarily focuses on making sure people can enter, navigate and use spaces or services efficiently.
Inclusion
- It’s about the experience and how an environment makes someone feel.
- It extends beyond the physical structure and includes policies, practices and processes.
- It fosters a sense of belonging, where people not only have access to the workspace, but feel welcomed and valued.
Using the PAAT
While the focus of the PAAT is mainly on accessibility barriers such as lighting and stairs, it also includes examples of inclusive design and practices that have a big impact on neurodivergent employees. For example, the availability of quiet or retreat spaces.
Read more about the PAAT.
