Top Four Assistive Technologies for Your Workplace

Discover the top four assistive technologies that can enhance accessibility and inclusivity in your workplace, empowering all employees to thrive.

Workplace

Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Non-Visual Desktop Access
2. OrCam Devices
3. GoTalk Now
4. Dragon ProAccess Individual v15
Conclusion

Top Four Assistive Technologies for Your Workplace

Introduction

In recent times, it has been witnessed that due to a lack of technological infrastructure at the workplace, physically challenged people are struggling to find work because their needs aren’t being met by current workplace conditions. Therefore, to empower and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, businesses across industries are leaning towards assistive technology.
The assistive technology aids employees with disabilities in completing their tasks easily, with the help of the right tools and software; this includes something as simple as a voice-activated computer for physically challenged users or even complex equipment such as AR headsets aiding vision impairment users.
In today’s exclusive HRTech Cube article, we will provide you with a clear overview of the different types of assistive technology tools and software that can improve the workplace and create an inclusive environment for every employee.

1. Non-Visual Desktop Access
The first assistive technology software on our list is NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA), which is an open-source screen reader exclusively designed for employees with visual impairments to navigate computer systems and execute various tasks unassisted. The software announces texts, which also include menus, dialog boxes, documents, web pages, and more. NVDA also provides keyword navigation and supports braille displays that allow users to interact with computers effectively.

2. OrCam Devices
9OrCam devices have built-in AI for people with low vision and developmental or intellectual disabilities. The gadgets are activated using voice commands that trigger control and enable a smart camera. This smart camera has the potential to convert any text into audio, allowing users to listen through a connected Bluetooth device or its built-in speaker. It works by pointing the red lights onto a text the user wants to read.

3. GoTalk Now
GoTalk Now is an augmentative and alternative communication application that is designed for individuals with speech and language disabilities. This application provides users with a platform to communicate verbally to express themselves using symbols, pictures, and text. GoTalk Now allows users to personalize the keyboard or grid according to the user’s specific needs and preferences. Users can be guided through the grids and assign symbols or pictures to form sentences or phrases, which are then conveyed aloud by the app.

4. Dragon ProAccess Individual v15
The last assistive technology on our list is Dragon Professional Individual, a smart next-gen speech recognition solution that empowers employees with hearing impairments. This software enables fast, accurate dictation and transcription with the right level of customization that aids users in browsing the internet and creating documents.

Conclusion
While accessing computers can be a challenging task for employees with disabilities, with the above assistive technologies, tools, and software, they have the power to invert the situation. Through these applications, employees with disabilities can maximize their productivity and contribute most efficiently to their teams and their organization.

Explore HRtech News for the latest Tech Trends in Human Resources Technology.