Free online resources to help employers understand the needs of disabled employees around technology have been launched by Business Disability Forum.
The free Technology Toolkit provides practical advice and strategies for employers on how to introduce inclusive technology into their existing systems. The toolkit has been created by disabled people and accessibility experts from Business Disability Forum’s Technology Taskforce.
When used well, technology can make the workplace and everyday situations more accessible for disabled employees. Speaking about his experiences of using tech, one man said:
I’m actually registered blind which means I have no sight. So, I use a range of technologies, from screen readers, voice technology and a whole range of recognition apps which aid me in my day-to-day life both in and out of the workplace.
However, technology can also be a barrier if the needs of disabled people have not been taken into account. With 1 in 4 people in UK having a disability, Business Disability Forum is urging all employers to take an inclusive approach to technology.
Technology Taskforce Manager, Lucy Ruck, said:
Thinking about accessibility from the beginning reduces the need for retrofitting later and makes sense. But creating inclusive tech solutions is not just about disability. It is about making products and services that work better for everyone and for your organisation. This makes accessibility an essential issue for all employers.
Lucy Ruck, Technology Taskforce Manager
The Technology Toolkit includes resources on:
- Integrating assistive technology tools within existing systems.
- Using technology to provide adjustments or accommodations that empower your disabled employees.
- Understanding the role of new and emerging technologies, including AI.
- Purchasing technology that will work for everyone, including disabled people.
- Using accessibility standards and user testing to make informed decisions.
Go to the Technology Toolkit homepage to access the free toolkit.
Business Disability Forum is the leading business membership organisation in disability inclusion working with over 550 Members employing over 20% of the UK workforce and an estimated 8 million people worldwide. BDF advises, supports and encourages businesses (many of them global) to become more disability-smart.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.