How remote work promotes an inclusive work environment for people with disabilities

In today's fast-paced world, remote work has become increasingly popular for a multitude of reasons. Among these reasons, one significant advantage of remote work is its ability to promote an inclusive work environment. As companies continue to adopt various remote work policies, it's essential to recognize the numerous benefits and opportunities it presents for individuals with various abilities.

People with disabilities can tailor their work environments through work-from-home setups to better meet their requirements. They can customize their workstation with assistive technology, ergonomic furniture, and adapted supplies that are suited to their individual needs. Such practices are highly essential to establish an inclusive work environment.

Remote work means that talented professionals, irrespective of their disabilities, can apply for positions in organizations located across continents or countries, thus ensuring that doors are opened for those with different abilities who have previously been unable to pursue their desired career paths.

When traveling to a physical office, people with disabilities or mobility issues frequently encounter difficulties. By eliminating the need to commute, remote employment lowers logistical and physical constraints, which in turn helps establish an inclusive work environment.

Remote work also offers the added benefit of eliminating certain prejudices and biases that often exist within the workplace. By reducing physical interactions and creating a more level playing field, remote work refocuses attention on an individual's skills, qualifications, and contributions – rather than physical disability or appearance.

Digital tools and software, which may be quickly adapted for accessibility, are frequently needed for remote work. Screen readers, voice recognition, and keyboard shortcuts are just a few of the capabilities many digital platforms and communication tools provide to help people with vision, hearing, or mobility impairments engage and cooperate efficiently.

Individuals with disabilities can arrange medical visits, therapy sessions, or other personal requirements without feeling pressured by a strict work schedule due to the flexible work hours that remote work frequently offers.

A better work-life balance is vital for everyone, but it's crucial for those with disabilities who may need more time for self-care, medical treatments, or rest. This is how remote work helps to promote an inclusive environment.

Indeed the benefits of developing an inclusive work environment are numerous, but do you want to know how to improve accessibility for disabled employees in the workplace? Let's find out!

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Also read: Let's clarify the difference between remote-first, remote-friendly, and onsite companies

How to improve accessibility for disabled employees in the workplace

1. Adaptive technology

The answer to how to improve accessibility for disabled employees in the workplace is adaptive technologies. These tools are designed to make computers and other devices accessible and functional for people with disabilities. They range from switch-based inputs to voice recognition and eye-tracking technology. For example;

To build an inclusive work environment, provide employees with disabilities with an option of custom keyboards as they allow them to perform tasks using larger keypads,

Software that reads text aloud, and

Specialized software for those with cognitive disabilities.

2. Screen readers

How to improve accessibility for disabled employees in the workplace? Well, one way is to use screen readers wherever possible. Software tools called screen readers can output braille or synthesized speech from on-screen text, thereby creating an inclusive work environment. They make it possible for people who are visually impaired to access and use digital material, including websites, documents, and applications.

Screen readers give people with visual impairments the ability to navigate websites and applications more quickly and efficiently. With a screen reader, an employee with a disability can easily find the relevant items they need, quickly jump to different sections, and learn when something changes on the page.

The voice output of a screen reader can make it easier for those with cognitive disabilities or learning difficulties to understand the content they are accessing, as it allows them to listen to the information as they browse.

A few well-known screen readers include VoiceOver, NVDA, and JAWS.

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Also read: Top 14 reasons why startups should hire remote workers

3. Voice recognition software

Thanks to voice recognition software, people with mobility issues can use spoken commands to operate computers and other electronic devices. They may use it to do chores like email composition and online browsing without using their hands.

Voice recognition software can significantly speed up tedious and time-consuming data entry tasks. Not manually typing out information can free up invaluable time and resources to concentrate on more pressing tasks.

Employing voice recognition software can help automate specific processes, thereby making them more efficient and cost-effective. Such software is a massive contributor to boosting an inclusive work environment.

Google's Voice Typing and Dragon NaturallySpeaking are two examples.

4. Closed captioning and subtitling

Closed captioning and subtitling can be great tools in the workplace to help people with disabilities to communicate effectively and be more productive. Closed captioning and subtitling services enable people with hearing disabilities to understand and follow conversations and multimedia content, so they can contribute information and make decisions without missing a beat. By providing such services to employees with hearing loss, organizations can promote inclusivity in the work environment and significantly increase their accessibility to the workplace and make it more welcoming for all employees.

It allows employees with hearing disabilities to participate more fully in meetings and presentations since the audio content is accessible.

It also ensures that everyone in the room can hear and understand the same information.

Additionally, closed captioning and subtitling can make multimedia content accessible to people with hearing disabilities, removing the barrier of accessing video or audio content without assistance.

5. Braille displays and embossers

More methods now than ever exist to create a workplace inclusive of people with disabilities. Employees with disabilities who work can benefit from assistive technology equipment like embossers and braille displays. Braille displays convert digital text into braille characters, enabling employees with visual impairments to read and review documents. Braille embossers can produce printed braille materials.

Braille displays, and embossers can help them gain access to digital information, including material they may not typically have access to.

This access can make them more effective in their job and enable them to work as independently as possible. Additionally, these technologies may increase their confidence and reduce the risk of feeling isolated from their peers.

6. Accessible communication platforms

How to improve accessibility for disabled employees in the workplace? Simple, just implement accessible communication platforms. Use communication tools that offer closed captioning, sign language interpretation, and real-time transcription to ensure employees can actively engage in meetings and discussions.

Cloud-based communication solutions offer real-time text captioning for virtual meetings. This allows people with hearing impairments to read what is said as people talk instead of waiting for transcription after the meeting.

Furthermore, cloud-based video conferencing solutions offer adjustable visual settings for people with visual impairments to better view the video stream.

Moreover, features like doc reader for people with dyslexia, or tools that enable users to type with speech recognition software, are now widely available.

Such accessible communication platforms help to reduce the physical and psychological barriers to communication between colleagues.

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Also read: 11 ways to boost your remote employee’s career growth

7. Assistive listening systems

More and more workplaces are recognizing the importance of leveraging assistive listening systems to accommodate employees with disabilities. For instance, standard audio systems may not be loud enough for those with hearing loss, which can lead to a decline in productivity. Assistive listening systems are designed to provide a more precise audio signal to those who need it.

One of the most significant advantages of assistive learning systems is increased communication. People with the issue of hearing loss can benefit from the increased clarity provided by assistive listening systems, allowing them to fully participate in group collaborations and meetings.

For those with disabilities, assistive listening technologies can boost comfort and convenience in addition to improving communication. For instance, many of these systems are made to reduce background noise or get rid of echo, which makes it simpler for those who have hearing loss to understand what is being said.

Furthermore, these systems often come with remote hearing aid compatibility, allowing workers to adjust the volume levels based on their preferences.

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8. Video relay services

Video Relay Services (VRS) provide communication channels for people with hearing and/or speech disabilities and speaking non-native languages. To bridge the communication gap, video relay interpreters facilitate conversation between two people via a video conferencing platform. It helps to ensure that communication remains fluid, enables greater accessibility in the workplace, and allows people with disabilities to fulfill their job responsibilities.

VRS helps to create an inclusive work environment. By providing employees with disabilities access to professional interpreters during conversations, it builds trust among colleagues and supervisors.

VRS enhances the professional development of individuals with a disability. By providing easy access to learning new skills, VRS helps employees with disabilities stay abreast of new technologies and methods and keeps them competitive.

9. Adaptive keyboard and mouse

Adaptive keyboard and mouse are assistive devices made to meet the unique requirements of people with disabilities, especially those who have mobility issues that impair their motor skills. These tools make it easier for people to engage with computers and other digital devices, which is pivotal to developing an inclusive work environment.

Adaptive keyboards to build an inclusive culture

Large print Keyboards: Their larger, more pronounced key labels make it simpler for those with limited vision or visual impairments to recognize and hit the right keys.

Keyguards: Keyguards are overlays that physically fit over ordinary keyboards, blocking the space between keys to stop unintentional key presses. They enable users with restricted dexterity or erratic motions to type more precisely.

Mini keyboards: Users who need a simpler layout or have limited finger movement may find mini keyboards useful because they feature fewer keys.

On-screen keyboards: On-screen keyboards display a virtual keyboard on the computer screen, allowing users to type by selecting keys using a mouse, touch screen, or other input method. This is particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty using physical keyboards.

Adaptive mouse to build an inclusive culture

Trackball mice: Users using trackball mice may move a stationary ball to move the pointer on the screen. They are appropriate for people with restricted hand mobility since they need less wrist and arm movement.

Joystick mice: Joystick mice use a joystick-like controller to move the cursor, providing an alternative for users who have difficulty using traditional mice.

Switch-activated mice: These mice are operated using switches or buttons that can be activated with various body parts, such as fingers, thumbs, or even the mouth. They are useful for individuals with severe motor impairments.

Touch and gesture mice: Some adaptive mice allow users to control the cursor through touch or gestures, similar to touchpad gestures on laptops or mobile devices.

Foot pedals: These can be used to emulate mouse clicks or other functions, offering an alternative input method for individuals with limited hand dexterity.

10. Ergonomic furniture and workstations

Employers who are looking to create an inclusive work environment for all employees should look to providing ergonomic furniture and home workstations for people with disability to ensure their comfort and productivity.

Having the right ergonomic furniture and home workstations can help employees with disabilities maintain the comfort and stability they need while working from home. This can make it much easier for them to complete their tasks efficiently and productively, with minimal discomfort or stress.

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Also read: What is an open door policy and how to create one for your remote team

11. Web accessibility tools

Web accessibility tools for people with disability at home can be of great help when it comes to providing an inclusive work environment for those with disabilities. These tools allow people with disabilities to access the internet, control their environment, and communicate with others. Following are some of the most commonly used web accessibility tools for people with disabilities.

Universal design online toolkit: This toolkit provides information about product and design specifications that make websites usable by people with disabilities. It includes detailed instructions regarding how to adjust the design of a website to suit the needs of those with disabilities.

Accessible virtual environment (AVE): AVE is a web browser-based accessibility tool that can be used to create accessible web content. It allows the user to control and interact with websites intuitively and easily, which is vital while building an inclusive work environment.

12. Promote awareness and sensitivity to build an inclusive work environment

Conduct training or awareness sessions to inform staff on the various impairments, difficulties, and inclusion.

Encourage open communication and understanding by fostering an environment of respect and empathy.

Create mentoring programs or support groups that bring together workers with disabilities to exchange stories, suggestions, and thoughts.

Encourage workers to ask their peers for advice and assistance.

13. Flexible work policies

One of the best ways to improve accessibility for disabled employees in the workplace is by providing flexibility. Any successful business begins with a strong foundation in sound company culture. It is no surprise, then, that flexible work policies play an indispensable role in the success and productivity of any business. But a flexible work policy can also be beneficial for people with disabilities who are looking to remain independent and be able to work from home.

Flexible work policies that accommodate disabled employees' health and individual needs provide them with a sense of security and peace of mind, two essential pillars of an inclusive work environment. With these policies in place, disabled employees can rest assured that their employer recognizes their unique needs and understands their daily challenges.

14. Wearable technology

To develop an inclusive work environment, companies should provide their employees with disabilities with some wearable technologies. These tools include smart glasses, exoskeleton suits, and motion controller systems. Examples include a gesture-based suit that helps those with difficulty moving their limbs to control wheelchairs or access computers. Wearable technology can also help monitor symptoms and physical states by transferring data to medical teams.