World Class Access: IKEA

On a hot pink background in white font is the title: World Class Access, accompanied by the Accessibility Partners logo on the right (two clasped hands, one pink and the other purple forming a heart shape. Underneath the title is an image of an IKEA store, viewed through what is presumably the bars on a trolley. Underneath that image, also in white font are the words: Design for Accessibility. The bottom of the image features a white banner with pink text inside that reads: “Accessibility Partners Discover Your Possibilities”

Let’s talk ‘inkludering’

Since its founding in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA has evolved into a multinational conglomerate offering ready-to-assemble furniture, household goods, and other services. With 483 stores in operation across 63 countries, here’s why we think they are a perfect fit for #WorldClassAccess:

  • Wide Aisles to help ease movement around the store: Did you know that IKEA stores are traditionally designed to follow what it calls “the long, natural way,” counter-clockwise, to encourage people to see the store in its entirety?
  • Assisted Shopping if you need support
  • Changing facilities alongside standard accessible toilets
  • Pay points feature detachable chip and PIN devices with an easy-release mechanism, making them ideal for anyone with mobility issues.
  • In 2021, IKEA established the Digital Inclusive Design, Equity & Accessibility Centre of Expertise, a team dedicated to setting direction, guidelines, and tools, as well as conducting research to continually embed accessibility across their digital strategy.

What would make #WorldClassAccess for you? 

Have you seen something or somewhere that you think is an excellent example of inclusion or accessibility? 

Let us know in the comments, and we’ll do our best to feature it.

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