Level the Playing Field with Technology
Technology is already being used every day to increase productivity of employees with and without disabilities. In addition to the commonly known technology that has helped all of us get our work done with ease, assistive technology options for people with disabilities are more available than ever before.1 Assistive technology is specially designed or modified software or hardware to create accessibility for people with mobility, cognitive, visual, hearing or mental disabilities.
With determination, and a little creativity, technology is currently being applied in various work situations to bolster productivity of employees with and without disabilities. Here are just a few examples provided by the Job Accommodation Network.
- Instant messaging and email software allow an employee who is deaf or hard of hearing to communicate effectively with coworkers (PDF).2
- Screen Reading Software allows people who can’t see the computer screen to have information read to them with a speech synthesizer. They can navigate through computer programs using keystrokes and hearing prompts.
- Voice Recognition Software allows people to speak to the computer rather than type and use the mouse. Versions of the software are included in Microsoft Windows XP and Vista.
- Telecommuting is a viable option for more and more workers. With improvements in Internet security, servers and computer processing speeds, in addition to the availability of PDAs and the opening of remote work centers, being unable to get to the office doesn’t stop someone from getting their work done.
CAP Aids Federal Agencies with Accommodations
The Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) is a centrally funded reasonable accommodations program that provides free assistive technology, devices and services to employees in the Department of Defense and CAP’s 65 federal partnering agencies.
Here are just two examples of managers pleased with the outcomes of employees accommodated through CAP:
From the supervisor of an employee who received screen magnification software from CAP to accommodate her low vision disability:
Thank you! I can't tell you what a difference CAP has made in Brenda's life! The CAP program is as close as we can get to an earthly miracle. Brenda is using the ZoomText software you sent and it's already making her feel more comfortable with being at work and being able to perform her job the way she used to (before her vision loss). I look forward to working with you in [the] future and rest assured; I'll do all I can to spread the word of what a great asset CAP is and what superior performers are running it.
From a supervisor who visited the CAP Technology Evaluation Center (CAPTEC) for a needs assessment with an employee with paraplegia who needed to telework as a form of reasonable accommodation:
The assessment services provided by CAP were extensive. For virtually every piece of equipment needed by the disabled employee, CAP offered immediate responses to her needs. Mr. Michael Young, the CAPTEC Manager, provided the employee with a full array of equipment that can meet her needs, not only to work at home but also equipment to allow the employee to make presentations (a significant part of her job) and voice recognition software for the office and home. We both came away from the assessment with the feeling that all of her prayers concerning her wants and needs had been answered. The Flexiplace situation is truly a dream come true and it would never have been possible without the wonderful people at CAP and the services they provide.
TARGET Center Accommodates USDA Employees
The TARGET Center is the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) disability resource center. TARGET enables thousands of USDA employees across the country to maximize their talents and fully contribute to the mission of the Department. By providing assistive technology assessments, demonstrating assistive technology and loaning equipment on a trial basis, TARGET helps employees determine the best accommodations for their individual needs. TARGET helps provide equal access to USDA information through alternative format production and Section 508 guidance. TARGET helps employees work safely and avoid further injury through a comprehensive ergonomics program. In addition, TARGET provides technology demonstrations, trainings, and events to USDA employees, federal partners, and the general public. TARGET aims to provide outstanding service that works for each and every customer.
Here, federal manager Jeff Harden, District Director, Farm Service Agency, United States Department of Agriculture, talks of his experience with the TARGET Center in obtaining equipment for an employee who began losing his vision.
First, I would like to say how impressed I was at the response on getting the equipment to Roger. Once they found out his need, he had the scanner the next day to try. It has been very good and basically a job saver for Roger to receive the equipment and training Roger has been provided. It has helped him keep a positive attitude toward being able to function at his job and keep pace with a fast moving environment.
Other Accommodation Resources
The Federal Relay Service (FRS) is for federal employees and the general public to conduct official federal government duties and business when direct communication by phone is not possible due to disabilities. FRS provides trained communication assistants to relay communication when one party is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf/blind, or has significant speech disabilities. For example, a federal employee who is deaf may call FRS using a text telephone (TTY). The communication assistant would then call the hearing person’s telephone and relay communication between text and speech between the callers. FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. and its territories. All calls are strictly confidential.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal agencies to ensure that all electronic and information technology they develop, procure, use or maintain is accessible to federal employees with disabilities. Besides leveling the playing field for all federal workers, Section 508 also prompts change in the private sector, encouraging companies to produce more accessible products.
For more examples of how technology is successfully being utilized by employees with disabilities, the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) provides a series of success stories that demonstrate how individuals with mild to significant disabilities perform job tasks with innovative technology solutions.
1 Job Accommodation Network, “Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact” (PDF).
2 Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN), “Law Firm Enriches Workplace with Employees with Disabilities” (PDF) September 2004.
