Providing Access To Salon & Spa Services For Clients With Disabilities

In this blog, I’ll explain the definition of “disability” and offer some advice on how you can make your space a more accessible one for people who are differently abled, helping you to make your business a more inclusive and accepting place for all of your clients.

While this blog will explore general guidelines, it’s important to understand that creating a safe and open space where clients feel comfortable telling you what they need, and you being able to provide this, is vital. As a business owner, listening to your client’s needs and wants is crucial. It’s important not to undermine or patronise individuals by telling them how you will accommodate them. Let them tell you what they need, and provide this accordingly.  

*In this article, we will be using identity-first language as recommended by global disability rights charity, Sightsavers.

Disability Definitions & Legal Facts

The term “disability” encompasses a broad range of conditions, including physical and sensory impairments, cognitive impairments, chronic health conditions, and mental health challenges. According to recent data, 15% of the global population live with a disability, and many report encountering huge barriers when attempting to access everyday services – including those offered by salons, spas, and clinics. This shows a pressing need for businesses to prioritise accessibility as a standard part of their services.

In Ireland, businesses are legally guided by the Disability Act 2005, which states that all goods and services available to the public should be accessible to people with disabilities – unless doing so would cause excessive hardship. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 serves a similar purpose.

The United States also enforces similar laws, with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), setting clear requirements for public access. Together, these laws emphasise that accessibility isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal obligation. But there’s more to this than just legal obligation, and making your services accessible isn’t just about compliance. It also reflects a commitment to inclusivity, empowering your salon, clinic, or spa to engage with all clients, many of whom will value and remember the extra efforts that you go to, to make your business one that’s safe, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.

Making Your Salon & Spa Services Accessible to Everyone

Creating an accessible environment in your salon, spa, or clinic is about practical changes and fostering an inclusive culture that welcomes everyone. Simple acts of kindness, such as helping a client to their car or providing a comfortable, accessible waiting area, can significantly enhance the customer experience and encourage loyalty.

Consider how a small gesture – a staff member asking clients whether they’d rather have a chatty or silent service, for example – can create a lasting impression. Such thoughtful actions showcase your commitment to inclusive service and make clients feel valued. Research shows that customers are more likely to return and recommend businesses that prioritise accessibility. In fact, in a survey of 2,200 people, 84% of respondents had a more favourable impression of companies that are inclusive of people with disabilities. 

An Accessibility Checklist for Salon Owners

1. Physical Access: Is the entrance wide and step-free? Is the salon well-lit, with high-contrast, readable signs?
2. Customer Interactions: Are staff trained to communicate respectfully with people who may need extra time or clarity? Have you discussed using plain language and visual aids if required?
3. Sensory Accommodations: Do you offer a quieter space, silent services, or sensory-friendly materials to cater to clients with sensory sensitivities?
4. Flexible Scheduling: Could a client who experiences anxiety benefit from a longer appointment or additional booking notes? 
5. Personalised Services: Have you considered training staff on adaptive techniques, such as using adaptive seating for clients with mobility aids or providing calming sensory elements like lavender scents?

Pssst: Wondering how you can ask clients if they require special accommodations? Use Phorest’s Digital Consultation Forms to ask in a private, delicate manner that your clients will appreciate.

When inclusivity is embedded in your salon culture, it benefits everyone – clients and staff alike. A welcoming environment encourages open communication, fosters community, and creates positive experiences that clients will remember and share. By investing in accessibility, you aren’t simply meeting legal requirements; you’re building a reputation as a caring, forward-thinking salon, spa, or clinic that values every client.

Your Salon as a Safe and Inclusive Space

As aforementioned, one of the most important aspects of accessibility is making your salon, clinic, or spa a safe space where clients feel empowered to share their needs – without hesitation. One way to facilitate this is by proactively offering options that clients can review and select before their visit.

Imagine your website featuring a section titled, “Accessibility and Support Options”, where you list the special accommodations your business provides so that clients can know what to expect before visiting.

Go a step further by listing these facilities in your client consultation forms, allowing guests to choose specific accommodations during their service. This approach puts the client in control, allowing them to communicate their preferences comfortably, and without pressure.

Examples of accessible options might include:

• Step-free entry
• Alternative seating accommodations, such as ergonomic chairs or additional cushioning.
• Assistance with entry and exit to make arrival and departure smoother.
• Sensory adjustments, such as lower lighting or quieter music, to create a calming atmosphere.

Providing these options upfront helps your clients feel seen and valued while removing any awkward conversations or uncertainties. It’s a subtle but powerful way to say, “We see you, we respect your needs, and we’re here to make your experience as comfortable as possible.”

Phorest Tip: If you add these options to your Digital Consultation Forms, they will link automatically to each client’s profile, so you can access them at the click of a button and prepare accordingly for their return visits!

General Guidelines on Salon, Clinic & Spa Inclusivity

Creating an inclusive environment for clients with disabilities requires a genuine commitment to respect and understanding. The Disability Unit offers essential guidelines to ensure all clients feel valued and comfortable in your salon, clinic, or spa.

1. Treat Clients with Dignity: Always treat clients with disabilities as you would any other client. Engage with them directly, rather than speaking through companions or caregivers. This fosters respect and empowers them to communicate their needs.
2. Schedule External Accessibility Reviews: Partner with organisations such as Inclusive Employers to conduct environmental audits, or accessibility reviews of your salon, clinic, or spa. These evaluations provide professional insights into how well your space accommodates clients with diverse needs, helping identify practical improvements.
3. Understand Communication Preferences: Take the time to understand each client’s unique communication needs. If a client uses assistive devices or alternative communication methods, inquire about the best way to interact. This approach demonstrates your willingness to accommodate their preferences.
4. Ask Before Assisting: Always ask if a client needs help before offering assistance. While many clients may appreciate the gesture, others may prefer to maintain their independence. Respecting their wishes is crucial for building trust.
5. Respect Personal Boundaries: Be mindful of personal boundaries and individual preferences. Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to interaction, so it’s important to encourage staff to communicate openly about how to best support each client.
6. Provide Comprehensive Staff Training: Ensure that all staff members are trained in formal disability awareness and etiquette. This training ensures that your team are empowered to provide a five-star service to everyone who visits, while also creating a supportive, enjoyable environment for clients.
7. Seek Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Encourage clients to provide feedback on their experiences. Actively listening to their insights can help you identify areas for improvement. Consider implementing regular check-ins to assess the effectiveness of your accessibility practices, setting up your Phorest Online Reputation Manager to ensure a constant feedback loop that you can stay on top of.
8. Promote Awareness in Your Community: Share your commitment to accessibility within your broader community. Use social media or local events to highlight your inclusive practices, and use this PR to attract a diverse clientele.

For More Information on Salon, Clinic & Spa Accessibility

As you work to enhance accessibility in your salon, spa, or clinic, numerous resources are available to guide you. Below are some reputable organisations and materials that provide valuable insights and practical tools.

• National Disability Authority: A comprehensive guide detailing best practices for making public spaces accessible. This resource includes checklists and case studies to help you implement effective changes in your business.
• World Health Organization: Offers guidelines and resources on disability-inclusive practices, emphasising the importance of accessibility in service delivery. Their insights can help with understanding the broader context of inclusivity in health and wellness sectors.
• Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance: This guide provides essential information for service providers regarding legal requirements and best practices for accommodating clients with disabilities. It offers practical advice for creating an inclusive environment.

Prioritising accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a vital step toward fostering a more inclusive world. Every salon, regardless of size, can make meaningful changes to significantly impact the customer experience. By utilising these resources, you can confidently take action to ensure your services are welcoming to all clients.

If you have any questions relating to workplace accessiblity, workplace environmental audits, or anything related, please reach out to Lauren at lauren@esa.ie.