Assistive Technology For Inclusive Employment

Embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity is essential for any forward-thinking employer. From better decision-making to enhanced company culture, fostering an inclusive work environment has significant benefits for organisations. One way to support employees with disabilities is to leverage assistive technologies. These tools break down barriers and create a fair and empowering workplace. 

Our guide on assistive technology for inclusive employment covers everything employers need to know, including:

• What are assistive technologies?
• Workplace examples and use cases
• Best practices on how to effectively leverage them for inclusive employment

What Is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is any equipment, software, or system that aids people with disabilities to perform tasks, be more efficient, and enhance their quality of life. This type of technology was designed to support people with disabilities in every aspect of their lives, including work, mobility, and communication.

In a nutshell, it’s any technology that promotes independence, inclusion, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities, so they can live a full life and overcome common obstacles.

Assistive Technology Examples

Assistive technologies come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the person’s needs. Here are some common examples of assistive technology often seen in the workplace.

• Mobility aids: These include wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and any other equipment that assists people with mobility impairments.
• Communication devices: This is specialist software that helps people with speech or communication difficulties to communicate effectively. Examples include speech-generating equipment and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. 
• Screen readers: These software applications convert on-screen text into speech or Braille output so people with visual impairments can access digital content like emails, documents, and websites.
• Magnification software: Enlarges on-screen text and images so people with impaired vision can access and navigate digital content. 
• Voice recognition software: Allows people with mobility issues or trouble typing to manage their computers and dictate text with their voice.
• Environmental control systems: These systems provide a way to control the work environment (lighting, temperature, appliances, etc.) with voice commands or by other accessible means. 
• Closed captioning and subtitling: Tools to add closed captions and subtitles ensure all workplace content is accessible to people with hearing impairments. This is particularly essential for employee training videos.
• Alternative input devices: Customisable equipment, such as alternative keyboards, head pointers, or switches, allows people with mobility issues to use computers in a way that’s comfortable for them. 

5 Reasons Why Employers Should Use Assistive Technologies

With so many benefits for both employers and staff, utilising assistive technology for inclusive employment should be the norm in every business. But, unfortunately, that’s not the case. A lack of knowledge, budget restraints, and space issues are just some of the reasons why not all employers have embraced these technologies yet. 

Despite these challenges, businesses across the globe must prioritise creating a more accessible and inclusive work environment.

We’ve rounded up five reasons why your organisation should implement assistive technologies. 

1. Foster an inclusive workplace

Assistive technology breaks down common barriers, creating equal opportunities for employees living with a disability. As such, they can participate fully in the workplace and be more productive, engaged, and motivated employees.

2. Comply with UK accessibility laws

Like most countries, the UK has strict laws and regulations that oblige employers to offer reasonable adjustments and accommodations for employees with disabilities. By using assistive technologies, your company can meet those legal obligations, comply with accessibility standards, and become a disability-confident employer.

3. Boost productivity

Implementing assistive technologies can improve workplace productivity by helping employees carry out their tasks more efficiently. By removing those barriers, staff can concentrate on their work.

4. Retain top talent

Providing employees with the necessary tools and support fosters a deeper connection and sense of belonging. As a result, they are more likely to stay in the company, reducing staff turnover costs and ensuring key company knowledge remains in the business.

5. Tap into a wider talent pool

Employers that embrace assistive technology are better equipped to tap into a wider talent pool with more diverse skill sets and life experiences. This leads to a more diverse, innovative, and inclusive workforce. And the benefits of diversity in the workplace are ample.

5 Ways Employers Can Leverage Assistive Technology For Inclusive Employment

Now that we’ve seen the advantages, let’s explore some ways employers can incorporate assistive technology for inclusive employment.

1. Run an audit to see how you can enhance accessibility

Before you invest in new technologies, figure out what you currently have in place and pinpoint what’s missing or needs updates. It’s common for able-bodied people to make assumptions about these things, but the best way to support colleagues with disabilities is by asking them to take the lead (if they’re comfortable doing so).

Of course, some people are living with non-visible disabilities, so begin by running an anonymous survey to get an idea of what employees are dealing with and how you can help.

If nobody in your workforce currently lives with a disability, ask yourself why that is. How can you make your workplace more inclusive and disability friendly? Do you need to implement more inclusive hiring practices?

A good place to start is to invest in accessible technologies. These include screen readers, speech recognition software, alternative input devices, and communication support devices. Then, ensure all of your digital platforms are designed with accessibility in mind by including captions and optimising site navigation for people using screen readers.

2. Incorporate job-Specific tools

Every industry and job role requires different assistive technology tools, so stay abreast of your staff’s needs. For instance, some employees in your company may benefit from Braille displays, while others could use alternative mouse displays. You should start by asking employees directly to identify common pain points or barriers, then do your research to find the best solution.

3. Provide ongoing training and support

The best assistive technology is only helpful if your employees know how to use it effectively. That’s where regular training comes in. Add routine workshops and tutorials to your L&D strategy and ensure your onboarding programme offers an in-depth overview of what technologies your organisation provides. 

In addition, ensure that employees have access to ongoing technical support to get the most out of the assistive technology solutions in place.

4. Conduct regular assessments 

New assistive technology systems hit the market regularly, so employers need to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. You can achieve this by conducting regular assessments to analyse how effective your current solutions are, where updates or improvements are needed, and what new technologies could benefit your staff.

Of course, gathering employee feedback is a major part of this process, so listen to what they have to say and take action.

5. Introduce adaptive workstations

Adaptive workstations are a must. Whether you want to improve the conditions for existing staff or attract diverse talent to your organisation.

Investing in ergonomic equipment, such as adjustable desks, specialist keyboards, and ergonomic chairs, ensures the safety and comfort of all employees, no matter their physical condition. 

6. Install assistive listening systems

Participating in meetings or conversations in public areas can be challenging for those with hearing impairments. Fortunately, employers can remove this obstacle by installing an assistive listening system. These systems remove background noise or amplify sound to create a more inclusive and stress-free environment. 

A Final Word On Assistive Technology

Employers can leverage assistive technology for inclusive employment in many ways, whether to accommodate existing staff or attract new talent. These solutions increase productivity and staff engagement and ensure your business complies with UK laws and regulations. Most importantly, they give employees an equal opportunity to excel at work.

Are you an employer looking to become more inclusive and disability confident? Our resource hub is packed with support and guidance on everything from supporting employees to job ad inclusivity screening.

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