The Technology Improving Accessibility In The Workplace

Roughly 40,000 people with disabilities are unemployed in New Zealand, while 184,000 aren't seeking work, a 2017 report by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research reveals. The employment gap between individuals with and without disabilities is largely a result of the lack of accessible workplaces. However, hiring employees with disabilities has proven to be good for business: 90% of people with disabilities meet or exceed productivity requirements. It's therefore in a company's best interests to adopt accessible workspaces and hire employees with disabilities. Fortunately, advances in technology are making it easier than ever for HR departments to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Accessible technology

Numerous businesses are using accessible technology to improve the workflow of employees with disabilities. In 2018, TD Bank Group rolled out Microsoft Office 365 and Windows 10 across all offices to create an inclusive workplace culture. This technology comes complete with built-in accessibility features, such as, Narrator and Magnifier. Additionally, Google has launched a centralised accessibility team to improve the accessibility of its products. Google's ChromeVox, for example, features a keyboard guide, screen reader, adjustable magnification, and contrast aid to help employees with vision, hearing, dexterity, and cognitive impairments.

Voice assistants

Voice assistants can be life-changing in the workplace for employees with disabilities. These includes devices, such as, Amazon Echo, Amazon Alexa, Samsung Bixby, and Google Assistant. Technology giants are also currently developing voice assistants designed specifically for the workplace. By syncing up voice assistants with workplace tools and applications, they can be used to create an accessible workplace. They can schedule meetings, make calls, and switch electric devices like lights and thermostats on or off. Employees with vision impairments no longer need to rely as much on screen readers and accessible websites. Ultimately, voice assistants can accomplish time-consuming tasks in seconds, and boost workplace efficiency.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

AI is making the workplace increasingly accessible and inclusive. Early AI technology started out as predictive text, facial recognition, and speech-to-text transcription, but is now advancing in order to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For example, Microsoft's Seeing AI app is used to give a voice to smartphone cameras: it functions as the user's eyes by telling them where they're going and providing descriptions of the people and objects they come across. Alternatively, IntelliGaze is a communication tool that allows people with mobility impairments to operate their computer using eye control, and Windows Hello enables users to access devices with fingerprint, iris scan, or facial recognition. Employees with physical disabilities therefore don't need to use passwords, making it easier for them to access their accounts while remaining secure.

From accessible technology to AI advancements and voice assistants, developments in technology are creating new opportunities for both employees with disabilities and employers. AI also makes it easier for HR departments to accomplish their legal responsibilities with minimal difficulty and expense. Ultimately, using new technology to improve accessibility will create a much-needed, more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Author: Jane Sandwood