Disability Awareness: Accessibility at Work

Accessibility, assistive technology, and authentic representation are three areas companies can focus on to help employees with disabilities find their voice and reach their full potential.

To reap the benefits of a diverse workforce, it’s essential to set up an inclusive workplace that goes above and beyond merely being “ADA compliant.” Steps toward achieving this can include making sure all company events – formal, informal, and digital – are accessible to all.

As workplaces incorporate new digital technologies and video conferences replace in-person meetings, employers should think about digital accessibility as an extension of the accommodations we have come to expect in an office environment, such as wheelchair ramps and/or designated parking spots.

Assistive technologies, such as dual headsets, should be provided quietly, so as not to call too much attention to a disabled employee’s condition, but not done in such a way that it discourages other employees from making the same request. In many cases, the cost difference between an accommodation and a traditional piece of office equipment is negligible, yet it could have a dramatic impact on an employee’s comfort and subsequent work output.

Employee resource groups can go a long way not only in terms of helping disabled employees connect with their peers and coworkers, but normalization can be taken a step further by including individuals with disabilities in recruitment, training, and promotional materials.

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