IKEA Is Working on a Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and Asking for Feedback

Buyer0fBargains on 26/05/2023 - 19:56

I was really excited to see a recent email from IKEA asking for feedback from IKEA Family members. I'm not sure if it went out to everyone or if it was some kind of big-brother targeted thing. They are looking for feedback from everyone it seems, not just disabled people and their carers. The 'survey' is really brief, just 5 statements that you rate them on. But the thing I loved most was that there is an open box to leave comments in our own words. I can barely remember what I wrote but I really liked they gave me the opportunity to say what mattered to me.

For those that didn't get the email and would like to contribute, this is what it said:

What is a Disability Inclusion Action Plan?

Our Disability Inclusion Action Plan will provide the blueprint for how we'll review our current practices, plan strategically and implement change so that customers living with disabilities feel at home with IKEA Australia. That's why we're inviting you, as a valued IKEA Family member, to contribute.
https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90555756/bc7ab8c315af?utm_sour…

I know there is no reward in it for you but as a disabled person who really struggles with IKEA, I'd love to get this in front of other disabled people and their carers, or anyone who would like to be an ally for us. It's so rare companies care enough to actually ask their customers for feedback on this so I really hope it leads to some change.

If you are a disabled IKEA shopper (or carer), what was your response to them? Did you make any suggestions?

General Discussion

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Comments

  • Heaps for Cheaps on 26/05/2023 - 20:18
    +3

    Thanks for sharing this… It's very important, and with the use of technology I feel it is getting that bit easier to do normal things instead of being stuck in the house because everything seems too hard.

    I will fill in the survey.

    • Buyer0fBargains on 26/05/2023 - 20:55
      +5

      I’m glad someone else would find it important. I felt very nervous about posting this but I know I can’t expect things to change if we don’t speak up. The fact they have promoted us to contribute is exciting. Thank you for having a say too!

  • morse on 26/05/2023 - 20:38
    +1

    Thank you! I will pass on as well.

    • Buyer0fBargains on 26/05/2023 - 20:56
      +1

      Thank you! I’m not sure if it’s meant to be shared around, I tried to find any reference to it elsewhere but there was nothing saying it was an exclusive invite or not to be shared. I think the more people that fill it in the better it would be for them. Fingers crossed!

  • AustriaBargain on 26/05/2023 - 21:00

    What would you like to see changed?

    • Buyer0fBargains on 27/05/2023 - 10:44

      I can’t remember all my suggestions. Think there was like 25+ 😆
      Some of them were:
      - dedicated rest seats throughout.
      - a free option to shop with them them for those that can’t go in store.
      - interactive/digitised maps instead of printed, that gives clear instruction about where you are and where you are going (like shopping centres have now)
      - wider access paths between products (not just the main pathway)
      - low sensory period
      - wheelchair-attaching shopping carts
      - basic accessibility settings for their app,
      …. Honestly their is so many I could go all day.

  • mskeggs on 26/05/2023 - 21:06
    +6

    Thanks for the heads up. Lot’s of opportunities for more inclusivity that I think are often missed because they are not thought of.
    For example, IKEA could corner the market for accessible kitchen benches for people in wheel chairs if they offered a lower bench height.
    I’m also really interested in affordances for things like OXO good grips, that are popular here, and also helpful for people with reduced dexterity/grip strength etc.

    • AustriaBargain on 26/05/2023 - 21:16
      +6

      I'd like to see a higher bench height. For tall people having to hunch slightly down gets old fast.

      • mskeggs on 26/05/2023 - 21:19
        +3

        No reason they can’t accommodate the disabled of extreme height too ;-)

        • Buyer0fBargains on 27/05/2023 - 10:46

          They could easily combine sit-stand desk technology to the kitchen benches. They don’t need to even make it the standard option, just give it as a custom option and it would still be a huge step forward.

    • Buyer0fBargains on 27/05/2023 - 10:51
      +1

      Absolutely great suggestions. One of mine was more items, especially furniture, need the option of lockable castors. Like most mobility aid users I need to access everything from head level or lower. But as a renter I don’t get a day in what storage is built in a property and I need the ability for any extra storage I buy to be moved around easily. Little trolleys and plastic boxes aren’t sufficient for storing anything more than utensils and linens.

  • Benoffie on 26/05/2023 - 21:57
    +3

    Haven't seen it but I find Ikea a sensory nightmare. My Autismo meter pings 11 constantly 😐

    • jjjaar on 26/05/2023 - 22:17
      +4

      Yup. The sheer number of people in store is also so overwhelming. I remember back when Victoria had density limits, I actually felt like I had the mental (and physical) space to appreciate so much more rather than needing to get in and get out asap.

      • AustriaBargain on 26/05/2023 - 23:39

        Wear sunglasses and AirPods Pro with ANC turned on. You'll look cool af.

    • Buyer0fBargains on 27/05/2023 - 10:55
      +1

      I hope you’ll consider filling it out! I tried to note a bunch of my sensory issues with the place but I’m sure I forgot a lot.
      Two of my suggestions you could help reinforce are:
      - dedicated low-sensory shopping period for in-store shopping.
      - a free option to shop with them for those of us who can’t shop in-store. i.e. free shipping over a certain spend. Even if they just changed their small parcel delivery policy to be less awful that would be a great improvement

  • KenDiaMoi on 27/05/2023 - 16:00

    All IKEA has to do to include disabled shoppers is not price gouge their delivery fees, and then disabled shoppers can easily buy their stuff.

    • Buyer0fBargains on 27/05/2023 - 19:08

      That's definitely a big issue, but in my case it's far from the only thing. Their website, app and delivery policy is also not acceptable in many regards.

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