Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1514075
Get coverage for your equipment on- and off-site! More at ascpskincare.com/bpp 61 This allows you time to rearrange furniture to accommodate a wheelchair or to set up for a "chair service" so the guest may remain in their wheelchair. It also allows you to prepare your front desk staff for any additional support that may be needed. Have your intake paperwork include accessibility questions, and if you need to, call the client after reviewing the intake paperwork so you can work out any issues before their appointment. Up-front communication can make the process immediately positive or negative for a client with a disability and set the tone for the remainder of your working relationship. THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs. Businesses can unintentionally put themselves out there as adversaries by not appearing to make a business accessible, which may disenfranchise clients and create liability. Business owners should be aware of the laws in their state and county and have an accessibility plan regarding their specific business location. There is a legal difference between the following two responses: • "My business is up a small flight of stairs, and due to the age of our building, we don't have an elevator. However, I have an accommodation plan in place for customers using wheelchairs. I value your business, and I'm happy to go over your options now so I can serve you." • "We don't have an elevator. I'm sorry." The first business has an accessibility plan for people using wheelchairs that could include a video system where the customer calls the business owner from the base of the stairs. The shopping is done virtually, and the business delivers the goods to the bottom of the stairs, so the customer is happy, feels valued, and leaves that business with a positive feeling and with money spent. Adversely, the second business has lost a transaction forever, and the customer Language Matters The way you use language around your clients, in your business, and on your business's marketing materials is important. Here's what the Americans with Disabilities National Network recommends: • Say "person using a wheelchair" rather than "wheelchair-bound." • Say "person with a disability" rather than "disabled person." • Do not use terms that can be viewed as condescending, like differently abled, challenged, or handi-capable. These are just general guidelines. The best way to know what your client prefers is by asking them. For more information about the best language to use in your practice, go to adata.org/ factsheet/ADANN-writing.