At I Can!, we’ve spoken a lot about how important diversity and inclusion is in the workplace, and how a diverse workforce that embraces people with disabilities leads to better business results. The good news is that many technological advancements are significantly enhancing workplace accessibility for workers with disabilities. These innovations not only support workers with disabilities but allow employers to tap into a large market of skilled and engaged employees to combat the skills crisis many sectors are currently facing.
Assistive technologies like screen readers, voice recognition software, and AI-powered tools enhance workplace accessibility for individuals with disabilities, aiding tasks from reading text aloud to controlling computers by voice. These innovations, alongside remote work technologies, offer flexible arrangements and customisable settings that improve productivity and engagement for diverse workforce needs.
So, how can your business leverage technological tools to support employees with disabilities in various ways, creating a more inclusive and productive work environment? Here are some practical examples:
Implementing assistive technologies: Companies can equip workstations with assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and voice recognition software. For instance, providing screen readers like JAWS (Job Access With Speech) for visually impaired employees enables them to read and interact with digital content. Voice recognition software can assist employees with mobility impairments by allowing them to control their computers and dictate text through voice commands.
Utilising AI-powered tools: AI-powered transcription services, like Otter.ai or Microsoft’s real-time captioning in Teams, can be used during meetings and conferences to convert spoken language into text, supporting employees who are deaf or hard of hearing. Additionally, businesses can adopt AI-enhanced predictive text and autocorrect features in their communication platforms to assist employees with cognitive disabilities, making it easier for them to write and communicate effectively.
Remote work technologies: By embracing remote work technologies, businesses can provide flexible work arrangements that accommodate various disabilities. Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack facilitate remote communication and collaboration. These platforms often come with accessibility features, such as adjustable font sizes, high-contrast modes, and keyboard shortcuts, which can be customised to meet individual needs. Remote work can particularly benefit employees with mobility impairments or chronic illnesses by reducing the need for commuting and providing a comfortable home workspace.
Adopting universal design principles: Businesses can incorporate universal design principles in their software and hardware procurement processes. For example, selecting software that includes built-in accessibility features, such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and voice control, ensures that all employees, regardless of their abilities, can use the technology effectively. Hardware choices, such as ergonomic keyboards and adjustable desks, also support a diverse workforce.
Providing training and support: Offering training sessions on how to use assistive technologies and accessibility features ensures that employees are aware of the available tools and know how to utilise them. Additionally, creating a support system, such as an IT helpdesk specialised in accessibility issues, can help employees troubleshoot problems and customise their tools to suit their needs.
Creating accessible content: Ensuring that all digital content, including websites, documents, and presentations, is accessible is crucial. This can be achieved by using accessible templates, adding alt text to images, providing transcripts for audio content, and using clear and simple language. Tools like Microsoft’s Accessibility Checker can help identify and fix accessibility issues in documents and presentations.
Embrace people with disabilities
By leveraging these technological tools and strategies, businesses can create a more inclusive workplace that supports the diverse needs of employees with disabilities. I Can! has built a sustainable business model that assists as many persons with a disability as possible, by addressing development and employment opportunities within the South African mainstream business environment. Inspired by the reality that South African businesses need unique expertise to achieve the government’s targets concerning persons with a disability, we believe that our solutions create opportunities for persons with a disability to access education, decent work and economic independence. These solutions also assist companies to ensure they achieve their BBBEE objectives whilst ensuring that the most cost-effective and greatest return on investment is made.
