Table 1: Practical suggestions for improving office accessibility*
Suggestion	Comments
Plan ahead	Consider accessibility when setting up a practice, renovating or moving to a new office
Know about and contact local organizations concerned with disability	These organizations may provide useful information for patients or caregivers and may help build your patient population. National organizations with provincial chapters include the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and Easter Seals/March of Dimes National Council. Also, consider contacting your local Centre for Independent Living
Know your patient population	For example, if your office is located near a centre of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, accessibility for persons with visual disabilities may be a priority
Consult an accountant or medical management consultant or both	Know how much money is available to implement the features you want
Contact a knowledgeable architect or consultant in barrier-free design or both	These professionals will ensure that you are informed of relevant current and pending legislation, help implement barrier-free design features, aid in designing structural changes to the building and direct you to other resources
Make use of specific accessibility guidelines	See the guidelines provided in this article
*Suggestions are based on expert opinion and on feedback on the recommendations contained in this article.

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