What is Purple Tuesday?

Purple Tuesday is an international event held annually on the second Tuesday of November to promote accessibility and improve the customer experience for disabled individuals and their families. Established in the United Kingdom in 2018, the event encourages businesses across various sectors to adopt inclusive practices, ensuring that disabled people receive equitable and positive customer experiences.

By highlighting the global spending power of disabled people and their households;estimated at $13 trillion;Purple Tuesday raises awareness about the importance of accessibility in customer service and encourages organizations to make meaningful changes.

History and Origin

Purple Tuesday was launched in 2018 by the organization Purple in the United Kingdom, aiming to address the accessibility challenges disabled customers face. Since then, it has grown into an international initiative, with over 6,500 organizations participating globally. The goal is for businesses to recognize the economic impact of disabled consumers and to understand that accessibility improvements are not only socially responsible but also beneficial for business growth.

Each year, participating organizations commit to implementing measures that improve accessibility, such as digital accessibility audits, inclusive customer service training, and physical accommodations like quiet hours. The day is now a globally recognized movement that promotes inclusivity and serves as a reminder of the value of accessible services.

Who Celebrates Purple Tuesday?

• Retail and Hospitality Businesses: Many stores, restaurants, and service providers participate by committing to accessibility improvements that enhance the customer experience for disabled individuals.
• Government and Public Sector Organizations: Government agencies join Purple Tuesday by implementing inclusive policies and raising awareness of accessibility needs within public services.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities celebrate by promoting accessibility and inclusion in their campuses and ensuring access to all students.
• Nonprofits and Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on disability rights advocate for accessibility improvements and encourage others to make similar commitments.
• Digital Platforms and Tech Companies: Businesses in the tech industry participate by focusing on digital accessibility, such as making websites and apps user-friendly for people with disabilities.

Themes and Slogans

Purple Tuesday is centered around themes of accessibility, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. Common slogans include “Accessible for All”, highlighting the goal of universal accessibility, and “Building an Inclusive World”, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that welcome everyone. Another popular slogan is “Unlocking the Purple Pound,” referring to the economic impact of disabled consumers. The overall message is to inspire businesses to take concrete steps toward inclusivity, ensuring that all customers can access their services with ease and dignity.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors

• Purple: Representing accessibility and disability rights, purple is the primary color of the event, symbolizing unity and commitment to inclusivity.
• Blue: Often associated with trust and stability, blue represents the reliability of accessible services.
• White: Symbolizing equality and openness, white is used in visuals to underscore the goal of universal access.

Symbols

• Wheelchair Icon: Representing physical accessibility, this symbol is widely used in materials promoting accessible spaces.
• Assistive Technology Icons: Icons of devices like hearing aids and screen readers symbolize the importance of digital and physical accessibility.
• Open Door: The open door symbolizes welcoming spaces that are accessible to all, reflecting the inclusivity goal of Purple Tuesday.

Patterns

• Interconnected Circles: Circles linked together represent unity, community, and the interconnectedness of inclusivity efforts.
• Wave Patterns: Waves signify change, progress, and the ongoing efforts to improve accessibility.
• Pathways and Arrows: Patterns that show pathways or directional arrows symbolize forward movement toward a more inclusive world.

How to Celebrate Purple Tuesday

Purple Tuesday can be celebrated in various ways that demonstrate commitment to accessibility and inclusivity:

• Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Organizations can assess their spaces, websites, and customer services to identify areas for improvement in accessibility.
• Host Training Sessions: Many businesses hold training sessions for employees on disability awareness and inclusive customer service.
• Make Accessibility Pledges: Companies publicly commit to accessibility improvements, sharing their plans on social media or their websites.
• Offer Sensory-Friendly Hours: Retailers can introduce quiet or sensory-friendly hours, creating a comfortable environment for customers with sensory sensitivities.
• Promote Digital Accessibility: Ensure that websites, apps, and digital content are accessible to individuals with visual, auditory, or motor disabilities.
• Engage in Social Media Campaigns: Share information about accessibility improvements using hashtags like #PurpleTuesday, showing a commitment to an inclusive community.

Why is Purple Tuesday Important?

Purple Tuesday is essential because it raises awareness about the accessibility barriers faced by disabled people and encourages organizations to make concrete improvements. By participating in Purple Tuesday, businesses recognize the significance of creating accessible spaces and inclusive customer service, which benefits both customers and the business. With the global spending power of disabled people estimated at $13 trillion, inclusivity isn’t only the right thing to do;it also represents a substantial economic opportunity.

Celebrating Purple Tuesday inspires companies to consider the needs of disabled customers, take meaningful steps toward accessibility, and create a more inclusive society.