The Benefits of Assistive Technology Devices for Organizations

January 8, 2021

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology can be categorized as any device that facilitates a disabled person overcome whatever physical limitation they may be suffering from to accomplish a task. Like the different components of the computer system i.e. keyboard, a mouse that helps navigate and execute commands providing us better access to information and tools that would help get the job done. Much like the different supporting components of a computer, there are several modified or alternative keyboards, text to speech software, and screen magnifying software that provide greater access to the disabled or visually impaired.

It won’t be an understatement that assistive technologies can appear complex or complicated, but in fact, with the guidance and support, it is a revolutionary technology that provides a wide array of features like the use of synthetic speech, switch-controlled interfaces as well as environmental-control systems.

Many leading tech companies are using innovative concepts to further improve the use of assistive technologies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google. Microsoft Office 365 and Windows 10 include versions for corporations that offer various apps that can be customized and accessibility tools such as the Narrator and Magnifier. Google introduced the ChromeVox screen reader and adjustable magnification/ contrast aid, to the world providing greater accessibility and a user-friendly experience for individuals with vision impairment. Apple’s smartphone accessibility features such as switch control, and live listen are present in all apple devices, providing these customization to even the general masses.

The advancement in technological innovation has created a modern job market that caters to a global workforce. People with a steady internet connection and laptop are availing employment opportunities from different parts of the world capitalizing on the digital space created in recent times. In these exceptional times when the global economy is taking a major shift, it is time to adopt an inclusive approach that also takes into account the vision impaired and legally blind segment of the population. From constructing an accessible workplace environment to benefiting from assistive technology and tools like low vision glasses and

The scope of work determines the nature of the job being provided but using the above can help the visually impaired in choosing the right fit from the various employment options like office work to outdoor jobs. A skilled workforce through the use of low vision devices can perform non-digital jobs that include gardening, farming, cooking, etc.

Working at an office is mostly associated with engaging with computers and other digital components connected with it e.g. printers, scanners, projectors, etc.

Types of Assistive Technology Devices for the Vision Impaired

Organizations Outperform by Hiring Disabled Persons

There is no doubt that digital accessibility as well as assistive technologies can be beneficial for both employers and employers both. From a business standpoint, the total disposable income for working-age disabled people is $490 billion as reported by American Institutes for Research in 2018.

The amount of value disabled workers bring to any organization far exceeds the monetary benefits. The problem-solving skills and critical thinking are two of the main strengths of the disabled or visually impaired workforce, acquired through overcoming daily obstacles to pursue their day-to-day activities. Their creative, unique ideas and perspectives help set a diverse company environment that is inclusive in nature. The loyally and commitment inspires innovation amongst other employees in a work setting.

Several studies such as the 2018 Accenture report on Disability Inclusion Advantage in partnership with the American Association of People with Disabilities indicate a clear rise in performance of businesses that employed people with disabilities. The businesses recorded:

28% higher revenues
A two-fold increase in net income
30% increase in profit margins

Similarly, a report by the Department of Labor indicated a 90% increase in employee retention for employers who embraced disability. There are also several tax incentives provided by the IRS US Federal Government for small businesses that employ disabled individuals. Here are 3 tax incentives:

As a small business, you may be eligible for three federal tax incentives if you hire workers who are disabled:

Disabled Access Credit. Referred to as a non-refundable tax credit, developed to incentivize small businesses ($1 million or less in gross receipts with less than 30 employees) to employ disabled individuals. The credit facilitates concerning the costs associated with improving access in your workplace by removing physical barriers, and provision of other relevant support.

The second type is called the Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction. An incentive provided to any such business that removes all architectural and transportation barriers to the mobility of disabled persons. Businesses can qualify for a $15,000-per-year tax deduction.

Lastly the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, available to employers who hire people from a certain segment of targeted groups that also include veterans, ex-felons, and more. The potential tax credit can range from $1,200 to $9,600, determined on basis of the length of employment and other factors.

Certain factors increase the likely hood for the disabled to be hired. A study concerning youth who participated in a VR program indicates that 91% of participants who used technological aids attained a job whereas only 25 percent of graduates who did not use them found jobs (Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness 2013)

Notable Visually Impaired Personalities

Susan Townsend

An English novelist and playwright, best known as the author of the Adrian Mole books. She was registered blind in 2001 due to diabetes. The Leicester City Council announced that Townsend will be given the Honorary Freedom of Leicester in 2009.

Richard H. Bernstein

An American lawyer by profession, and served on the Wayne State University Board of Governors for one eight-year term, including two years as vice chair and two more as chair. Bernstein has been declared legally blind since birth, as a result of an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. Richard Bernstein has been a passionate advocate for disability rights.

David Alexander Paterson

An American politician and the former Governor of New York. He is the second legally blind governor of any U.S. state after Bob C. Riley (Governor of Arkansas). At the age of three months, Paterson lost sight in his left eye while limiting vision in his right eye due to an ear infection that damaged his optic nerve.

Marla Runyan

Is a legally blind marathon runner. She is a three-time national champion in the women’s 5,000 meters and has also won 1,500-meter race in 1999 at the Pan American Games. Having participated at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, made Runyan the first legally blind athlete to not just compete but also finish highest by an American woman.

Dr. Abraham Nemeth

An American mathematician, inventor and a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Nemeth also developed the rules of MathSpeak, a system for orally communicating mathematical text. Dr. Nemeth has been an active member of the National Federation of the Blind.

Stevie Wonder

An American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. Blind from infancy, Wonder is a prominent figure in popular music during the latter half of the 20th century, having recorded over thirty top ten hits in the US, securing twenty-two Grammy Awards (the most ever won by a solo artist) as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters halls of fame.