Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Cognitive Accessibility • Reasonable Accommodation • Assistive Technology Assessment

Physical Accessibility

Term from Accessibility Consulting industry explained for recruiters

Physical Accessibility refers to how easily people with different physical abilities can use and move through buildings and spaces. It's about making sure everyone, including people who use wheelchairs, have vision or hearing differences, or other physical needs, can safely and independently access places like offices, stores, and public spaces. This includes things like ramps, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms, and proper signage. When someone lists this on their resume, they typically have experience making sure buildings and spaces follow accessibility laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and providing advice on how to make spaces more welcoming for everyone.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted Physical Accessibility audits for 20+ commercial buildings

Created Physical Accessibility improvement plans that increased building compliance by 40%

Led Physical Accessibility training sessions for architectural firms

Typical job title: "Accessibility Consultants"

Also try searching for:

Accessibility Specialist ADA Consultant Universal Design Consultant Access Consultant Inclusive Design Specialist Built Environment Accessibility Specialist

Where to Find Accessibility Consultants

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach a large-scale accessibility retrofit project for a corporate campus?

Expected Answer: A senior consultant should discuss conducting initial assessments, prioritizing changes based on impact and budget, developing phased implementation plans, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with multiple accessibility standards.

Q: How do you stay current with changing accessibility regulations and best practices?

Expected Answer: Should mention professional memberships, continuing education, participation in standards development, and experience implementing updates to accessibility requirements across different projects.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key elements you look for when conducting an accessibility audit?

Expected Answer: Should discuss checking entrance accessibility, doorway widths, bathroom facilities, parking spaces, signage, and emergency exits, while explaining basic measurement requirements and standards.

Q: How do you handle resistance to accessibility improvements from stakeholders?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in explaining legal requirements, showing cost-benefit analysis, and providing creative solutions that balance accessibility needs with budget constraints.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic ADA requirements for parking spaces?

Expected Answer: Should know the minimum number of accessible spaces required, dimensions for van-accessible spaces, and proper signage requirements.

Q: Explain the concept of universal design.

Expected Answer: Should explain how universal design makes spaces usable by all people without need for adaptation, giving simple examples like lever door handles versus knobs.