
Belonging in Business: How Accessible Creates’ Digital Presence Makes the Workplace for Everyone
After experiencing firsthand the inaccessibility and exclusivity of Human Resources in the companies and businesses they had participated in, Sydney Elaine Butler decided it was time to do something about it. Based in Brampton, Ontario, Butler is an HR professional, a passionate speaker, and a champion for accessibility in the workplace. Butler was acutely aware of the disparity in comprehension of neurodiversity, disability, and accessibility across several businesses, which is why they chose to establish Accessible Creates.
“I founded Accessible Creates after seeing how non-accessible and non-inclusive companies and businesses were to people with disabilities in their day-to-day business operations with a focus on Human Resources.”
Butler identified major gaps in accessibility and inclusivity in the recruitment process of various workplaces as well. The problem was persistent at every stage of the process – and continued even after hiring was complete.
“There is even less work being done once people are in the workplace and how to support us (Disabled People) in the workplace.”
Based in Brampton and looking for a way to reach businesses in their area and beyond, Butler established the first iteration of their website. Feeling like there was still more to be done to elevate their online presence, Butler joined the ShopHERE powered by Google program with the goal of improving the design of their website, and highlighting the services they offer for businesses.
Through the ShopHERE program, Butler was able to access personalized support from their e-Commerce Coordinator. The duo not only set up their new website together, but Butler benefitted from additional learning such as the importance of return policies, marketing to reach a wider audience, and how to manage challenges along the way. The process went at Butler’s pace and met them where they were.
“[The E-commerce Coordinator] was very patient and kind with me.”
Additionally, Butler was able to consider bigger questions such as how to retain long-term clients, how to categorize their services, and how to advertise them. Accessing this assistance and training for free was a huge bonus for Butler and one of the major reasons why they think other small businesses should consider the ShopHERE program.
“[The ShopHERE powered by Google program] …is a great resource for small business owners.”
As a result of their work with the ShopHERE program, prospective businesses are able to get clear, direct information about the different services offered by Accessible Creates, as well as book quickly and conveniently.
To connect with Accessible Creates, please visit their website here. To learn more about the ShopHERE powered by Google program, please visit here.
Digital Main Street was created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) with direct support from the City of Toronto. DMS is also supported by a group of strategic business partners, including Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Meta, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, Lightspeed, Ebay and Canada Post.
Continued investment from the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) has allowed the ongoing expansion the Digital Main Street Platform in order to support more businesses going digital across Ontario.