3 reasons to stop using ratings for Accessibility Ratings

What is best practice for sharing accessibility information?

When it comes to sharing accessibility information the questions we normally get asked at Sociability follow a similar pattern. Businesses often want to know what constitutes five star accessibility. They ask how they can create perfect accessibility or what they need to do to be certified as an accessible venue.

We are always glad when places want to be as inclusive as possible. However, the truth is that labels, scores, and accessibility ratings are not always the most helpful way to show visitors that you are inclusive. In fact, they can sometimes be actively unhelpful.

Scores and accessibility ratings make assumptions about what facilities a visitor actually needs instead of letting disabled customers decide for themselves. Here are three reasons to skip worrying about labels and focus on providing detailed accessibility information instead.

Why you should avoid ratings when sharing accessibility information

1. Accessibility is subjective

Ranking accessibility or providing a general label assumes that accessibility looks the same for everyone. It suggests that inclusion can be determined objectively by a third party using a simple checklist or a set of accessibility ratings.

The reality is that there is no such thing as perfect or five star accessibility because accessibility is subjective. What is accessible to a manual wheelchair user will not necessarily be the same for a d/Deaf or hard of hearing person.

Take glass walls as a primary example. Glass walls can help d/Deaf or hard of hearing people see the space around them. This supports visual communication such as sign language and lip reading. Yet, for blind or visually impaired people, glass walls can create glare that distorts vision. They are also very easy to bump into if they are not clearly marked with high contrast manifestations.

By avoiding accessibility ratings and providing detailed descriptions instead, you stop making assumptions. You allow people to decide for themselves if a space is accessible based on their specific access requirements.

2. Accessibility is contextual

Visitors use a space differently depending on why they are visiting. A generalised accessibility label misses the opportunity to let visitors decide if the space works for their specific purpose at that moment. Many accessibility ratings do not account for these different scenarios.

Our Business Engagement Lead, Jennie Berry, shared her experience as a 32 year old manual wheelchair user. She explained that if she wants to grab a quick coffee on her lunch break and knows she will only be in the cafe for 30 minutes, she probably will not need an accessible toilet.

Labelling the cafe as not wheelchair accessible because it does not have an accessible toilet on-site means she would potentially overlook an option that could work for her. It just depends on the reason she is visiting. Context matters. A venue might fail a traditional accessibility ratings test because it lacks a certain feature, yet it could still be the perfect spot for a specific user during a short visit.

3. Accessibility is personal

Disabled people know their own needs best. It is often hard to trust the judgement of a scoring system or a set of accessibility ratings created by someone who does not have the same lived experiences as you.

What might look like step-free access to a non-wheelchair user could actually be a small bump or lip that a powered wheelchair user might not feel comfortable navigating. A bathroom labelled as a wheelchair accessible bathroom might not be large enough for a larger powerchair to turn around in.

In these cases, a vague accessibility label is often useless. At Sociability, we focus on providing detailed photos of a space. Photos allow users to confirm for themselves if a space will work for their specific access needs. This level of detail provides a level of trust that accessibility ratings simply cannot match.

Want to provide detailed and trustworthy accessibility information? Set up a discovery call!

FAQ: Why Ditch Accessibility Ratings?

1. Are accessibility ratings ever useful?

They can provide a very basic at a glance idea, but they often hide the details that actually matter to the individual. A 4 star rating does not tell a user if there is a quiet space for a neurodivergent child or if the lighting is bright enough for lip reading.

2. What should I provide instead of a score?

Focus on objective data. Share door widths, the number of steps, the type of flooring, and the presence of hearing loops. Combine this with high quality photos so the user can perform their own visual audit before they arrive. This is far more helpful than generic accessibility ratings.

3. Does Sociability use a star system?

No. We believe in data over degrees. Our app and Accessibility Management System (AMS) focus on mapping specific features and providing clear photos. We want to empower the user to make their own informed choice rather than relying on accessibility ratings.

4. How do ratings affect disabled consumers?

Research shows that only 39 per cent of disabled consumers feel confident before visiting a new venue. Vague accessibility ratings contribute to this access anxiety because they are often found to be inaccurate upon arrival.

5. Can detailed data improve my business SEO?

Yes. Providing specific information about your facilities helps you show up in searches for very specific needs. For example, a search for restaurants with round tables or cafes with level access will favour detailed text over a simple star rating or basic accessibility ratings.

Creating Inclusion and Peace of Mind

Choosing a location for a date night, family reunion, or coffee catch-up can already be stressful. You have to consider the budget, the menu, and the location.

Disabled people also have to worry if a restaurant labelled “accessible” will actually meet their access needs. Only 39% of disabled consumers feel confident before visiting a new venue.

Providing detailed information instead of accessibility ratings takes away some of that stress. Clear data offers reassurance that guests will not be surprised by the facilities when they arrive. This transparency builds brand loyalty and encourages repeat visits from the disabled community.

Ready to ditch the accessibility ratings?

By sharing detailed accessibility information rather than vague labels or scores, you can empower disabled people to reclaim the decision-making process. Sociability’s Accessibility Management Systems take a different approach by:

• Providing detailed information: We cover both sensory and physical aspects of a space.

• Describing features objectively: We do not make assumptions about what is or is not accessible.

• Offering comprehensive photos: Visitors can verify the space works for their needs visually.

Join industry leaders like Arup and Toyota in setting new standards for accessibility. Book a demo to see how Sociability can help achieve your goals! 

We would love to hear your thoughts on this post. Planning a trip? Download the Sociability app to find accessible cafés, bars, and restaurants that meet your specific needs in seconds. You can also join our community and follow us on Instagram for the latest inclusive spots!

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