First published: June 1, 2022 @ 6:00 pm
We all know that technological advancement is transforming how we live and work. Internet, computers, and mobile phones have created a new generation of information and communication technology (ICT) users.
However, we still leave many people out of this growing community of tech-savvy individuals.
Many people are adept at using the internet to their advantage. But unfortunately, there are still groups of people with limited access to tools that can help them complete their everyday tasks more efficiently.
This article aims to summarize assistive technologies in business and how they can help increase access to services and information for individuals with disabilities.
An Overview of Assistive Technologies:
Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash.
Companies can provide assistive technologies to help a person with a disability or an individual with a condition that makes it difficult to communicate, navigate, or use technology.
Assistive technologies can help individuals communicate in writing, improve literacy skills, and simplify navigating the web. The primary type of assistive technology is screen readers. Screen readers are used to reading the contents of websites out loud.
Magnifiers allow users to see the text on a computer screen more clearly to read the information on websites better or read books they would otherwise find difficult or impossible to do without one. They can also be used by people who have low vision to read the printed text in a book.
Speech recognition software can help people with hearing impairments to hear speech or use sign language to communicate through computers.
Some assistive technologies such as touch screens and video games are designed for people with mobility impairments.
For example, touch screens allow users to access different menus and options using a fingertip instead of clicking with a mouse or touching the screen with a stylus.
In addition, video games such as Nintendo Wii allow users to control movement by pointing at different screen parts rather than using buttons or game controllers.
For many people with disabilities, these assistive technologies help them make life more convenient. It allows them to communicate with others without relying on an intermediary, such as a family member or friend.
Why Are Assistive Technologies Important for Businesses?
Companies today are constantly looking for ways to increase access to services and information for their customers with disabilities.
By using assistive technologies, businesses can increase the accessibility of their services and increase the level of satisfaction that their customers have.
Many businesses are using assistive technologies in their daily operations. For example, they use computer software to help individuals with visual impairments type faster and access websites more efficiently on a computer screen.
In addition, when companies offer assistive technologies in their business operations, they also show that they care about their customers with disabilities. It helps people access the products and services they provide for customers.
How to Make Your Business More Friendly to People with Disabilities
Businesses must learn how to help their customers with disabilities and what they can do to help the disabled themselves.
When people think of accessibility, they usually think of physical barriers that they must remove. While this is an essential aspect of accessibility, there are many other things that a business can do to make its business more accessible.
People with disabilities face challenges in the workplace and beyond, making it essential for businesses to accommodate their needs as much as possible. Here are some ways that companies can help:
Remove Physical Barriers
Removing physical barriers includes steps at entryways, changing rooms, and restrooms.
For example, if a customer uses a wheelchair or scooter and cannot easily access your business’s elevator or stairs, install ramps or an elevator where you would typically install stairs or a ramp.
You could also provide small carts placed near restrooms so that people who use wheelchairs can bring in toiletries and other personal items instead of carrying them on their laps when going into the toilet.
Photo by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash.
Remove Visual Barriers
Visual barriers include signs, graphics, artwork, and other features that can be a barrier to people with disabilities.
For example, you could change the pictures on your storefront sign to be larger and more easily readable by people with low vision.
You could also create an accessible website so that all customers have equal access to information about your business.
You could also make sure that you provide a high-contrast version of your printed materials so that they are easier to read by people with low vision.
Replace Special Equipment
When providing service, businesses need to ensure that their employees know how to operate equipment such as cash registers and telephones properly.
For example, if you have an employee who uses a wheelchair, provide training on operating equipment such as cash registers and telephones to help customers with disabilities.
You could also offer an accessible computer or software so that customers with disabilities can perform transactions online.
If you use special equipment such as carts, tables, or chairs for your employees to operate, also provide them to customers with disabilities.
Provide Real-Time Communication
If you have a lot of customers with disabilities, consider providing a service that allows customers to communicate with their employees. For example, install a button or text message center for customers to tell you if they need immediate help.
Providing this kind of service can be especially helpful for customers who cannot verbally communicate because of their disability.
Train Employees
You should train employees to work around the needs of people with disabilities.
When giving an employee training on how to help customers with disabilities, make sure that you also include how to help customers in other situations such as lifting heavy objects, opening heavy doors, and operating machinery (e.g., computers).
In addition, make sure that you adequately train your employees in working around allergies and any other special needs of your customers (e.g., low vision).
Make Your Business Workflow More Efficient
In conclusion, businesses need to provide their employees and customers with assistive technologies for them to perform their daily tasks more efficiently.
Companies can provide computer software, assistive devices, mobile devices, adaptive equipment, adaptive technology, and adaptive programs.
They can also provide training for employees who have close interaction with customers with disabilities.
Our blog, WorkDeputy, focuses on providing information on the benefits of using assistive technologies to maximize your productivity. For more updates on business and technology, check out WorkDeputy.
