How Assistive Technologies Are Transforming The Workplace
Adding to that focus is the range of programs and incentives designed to help recipients of Social ... More Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) reenter the workforce. The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Ticket to Work Program, along with SSA-authorized Employment Networks (EN) and state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, provides support; empowering individuals to return to work while protecting their benefits.
The number of people with disabilities returning to the workplace has been steadily increasing over the last 10 years. This has brought greater focus to both job seeking and maintaining employment, with great strides made in both areas.
Adding to that focus is the range of programs and incentives designed to help recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) reenter the workforce. The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Ticket to Work Program, along with SSA-authorized Employment Networks (EN) and state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, provides support; empowering individuals to return to work while protecting their benefits.
This increase has also brought greater focus to assistive technology. As demand has grown, a wider range of equipment and software has become available to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. Advancements in technology have changed what is possible, supporting individuals as they reestablish themselves, thrive in the workplace, participate more fully in the economy and work toward greater financial stability.
Increasing Potential By Meeting Needs
Beyond mobility assistance, assistive technology has evolved to address sensory, cognitive and neurodiverse needs. A wider range of purpose-built tools is now available for individuals with visual and hearing impairments, such as screen magnifiers, screen readers or real-time captioning. Additionally, applications designed for dyslexia or reading/writing disabilities help bridge the gaps in expression, communication and interacting with information.
These technologies offer alternative ways for individuals to engage with tasks and environments that might otherwise present barriers. By minimizing barriers related to traditional productivity standards, assistive tools can empower people to perform at their full potential.
More Tools For More Tasks
Assistive technology has expanded significantly into the software space, with many systems designed specifically for users with disabilities, such as speech-to-text programs, screen readers and accessible apps. Even mainstream technologies are being adapted for assistive use; for example, noise-canceling headphones can help individuals with sensory sensitivities improve focus, and adjustable lighting can reduce sensory overload.
Ergonomics have grown in popularity, with an increased focus on meeting physical needs evident in the rise of ergonomic desks, chairs and workstation accessories. The availability and variety of adaptive keyboards, trackballs, joystick mice and touchpads have increased significantly compared to a decade ago.
Growth That Benefits Everyone
The benefits of assistive technology used to be understood as solely realized by the individual using them. In fact, their value extends to businesses, consumers and the greater workforce.
The benefits for businesses are substantial when investment is made in assistive technology. Productivity rises when focused attention on business needs replaces distraction, limitations and reduced participation. Additionally, assistive technology can lead to lower absenteeism and higher employee retention, both major points of cost for most companies.
Workplace culture benefits as well. People with disabilities are generally regarded to be more productive, possess higher creativity and problem solving skills (tied to meeting the challenges of living with a disability) and have less turnover. Adding more of these traits into the work environment increases their representation, raising standards throughout the working population. Co-workers benefit directly from that influence, elevating their own performance while businesses realize stronger, more dynamic teams.
The growth of assistive technology has contributed to creating more inclusive and user-friendly workspaces for everyone, not just people with disabilities. There are workplaces that view assistive technology not just as a tool for people with disabilities, but as a resource that can benefit anyone seeking to improve their work performance.
Engaging With More Opportunity
The rise of assistive technology has widened the playing field, creating more ways for people to engage, participate, contribute – and grow. Combined with programs like Ticket to Work and the support of ENs and VR agencies, individuals with disabilities have more opportunities than ever, and the economy at large continues to realize gains across the board.
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