Everyday Accessibility: 5 low-cost changes to make offices more accessible

Many companies worry that improving accessibility will be expensive, but in reality, most changes cost little or nothing. In fact, almost half of accessibility accommodations cost nothing, according to the US Department of Labor. Recent research from Accenture backs up this idea: the company found that 59% of accessibility improvements were free, and those that did cost money typically averaged around $500 per employee. 

Small changes can make a big difference in making sure everyone feels welcome and capable of thriving.

Here are five low-cost changes your office can make to improve accessibility.

Noise-cancelling headphones: $120

Keeping a few pairs of noise-cancelling headphones at the office helps employees control noise levels around their workspace. For many people, office environments, especially open plan offices, can be full of distracting noises; noise-cancelling headphones help people focus by blocking out background noise. They can be especially useful for neurodivergent employees or anyone with sensory sensitivities or hearing impairments, all of whom may experience heightened sensitivity to sound.

By helping employees concentrate more effectively, noise-cancelling headphones help anyone working on complex tasks, managing stress or simply seeking greater comfort and focus at work. They are particularly useful during tasks requiring deeper concentration, like writing and research, mathematical work or detailed data analysis. They also make it easier to take calls and participate comfortably in virtual meetings—an increasingly common requirement as hybrid work has become more widespread.

Good-quality office headphones average around $120 each—a practical mid-range option balancing comfort, quality, and effective noise reduction based on widely recommended office models (e.g., Sony WH-CH720N).

Storage lockers at varying heights: $250

By providing lockers at varying heights, companies make it easier for everyone at the office to store and access their belongings.

Having some storage options within easy reach of a seated position is particularly useful for people who use wheelchairs or mobility aids. It also supports individuals of smaller stature who may otherwise struggle with standard-height storage. 

Easy-to-access lockers likewise assist pregnant employees, who often have reduced reach and flexibility, allowing them to retrieve belongings safely without uncomfortable stretching or the risk of losing their balance. Anyone recovering from an injury or experiencing temporary mobility restrictions also gains greater comfort and independence from these accessible options.

More broadly, storage placed at different heights benefits any employee carrying bulky bags or cumbersome equipment for commuting or exercise, preventing the strain that can occur when lifting heavy objects overhead.

At the current market rate, buying and installing accessible lockers costs roughly $250 per locker. This covers the lockers themselves, delivery, installation labour and accessories.

Accessible waste disposal station: $675 

Providing easy-to-use bins helps ensure everyone at the office can comfortably and independently participate in recycling and waste disposal.

While bins operated solely by foot pedals can be impossible for wheelchair users and difficult for people experiencing balance issues, other easy-to-use designs make throwing away rubbish easy, hygienic and comfortable for all users. Bins featuring open tops, slots, push doors or swing lids without heavy springs can easily be operated with one hand, making them accessible for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility, reduced upper-body strength or dexterity challenges, as well as anyone multitasking or carrying multiple items.

Having clearly visible, distinctive symbols on bins helps people easily distinguish between recycling and waste. These visual cues also help employees quickly identify how to correctly sort waste, which is especially useful as recycling and disposal guidelines often vary by region.

Clear signage is particularly helpful for neurodivergent individuals and people with visual impairments, but it also enables busy employees and visitors to quickly and accurately sort waste, making everyday routines easier for everyone. 

A clearly marked, open-top recycling and waste station suitable for office kitchens or common areas typically costs between $450–900, depending on size and materials.

Door adjustment: $150

Many office doors rely on automatic closers or heavy spring hinges designed to ensure they shut properly—but these mechanisms can unintentionally make doors challenging to open. For someone with limited upper-body strength, arthritis or reduced mobility, heavy doors can significantly restrict independence and comfort. 

Making adjustments to door-closing mechanisms can make doors feel lighter, smoother and easier to open. Accessibility guidelines often specify how easily doors should open, with exceptions typically reserved for safety-related doors like fire doors.

Easy-to-open manual doors improve everyday accessibility for wheelchair users, older adults and people who experience muscle weakness, joint pain or dexterity challenges. Adjusting door resistance likewise helps anyone recovering from injury as well as pregnant women, whose more flexible ligaments and joints make them more susceptible to strain and injury. Lighter doors also make it easier to carry trays, parcels or heavy bags. Small adjustments to door tension can make entering, exiting and navigating the workplace simpler, safer and more comfortable for everyone.

Based on average handyman labour rates, a manual door adjustment typically costs between $50 and $150 per door, depending on the door's location. 

Colour-contrasting strip for stair edges: $50

Adding high-contrast, anti-slip strips along the edge (nosing) of each step makes it much easier to see where each stair ends, reducing the risk of trips and falls. Clear contrasting nosings noticeably improve safety and confidence when navigating stairs, and these strips are especially helpful in areas with low lighting, such as emergency exits. 

For people with low vision, these colour-contrasting strips provide a strong visual cue that highlights each step’s edge, helping them to safely judge depth and move confidently up and down stairs.

These simple additions also provide peace of mind for older adults or anyone with concerns about balance or stability, boosting confidence and reducing hesitation. Workers carrying materials or navigating with trays also find stairways easier to tackle when each step is defined. 

A colour-contrasting anti-slip strip made from rubber or aluminum costs about $40, plus $10 for installation, making the total cost per stair $50 and the estimated cost for a flight of 10 stairs about $500.

Creating a workplace that’s open for everyone: priceless

True accessibility costs less than you think but delivers more than you imagine.