How Can Differently-Abled Employees Use Technology for their Advancement
In today’s world, a disability can no longer prevent you from achieving your professional goals. Read the blog to know how differently-able employees can use technology for their advancement.
With the advancement of technology and the internet, differently-abled people can now search and find employment opportunities that are accessible to them. The workplaces of today are inclusive and diverse. People with disabilities can now launch successful home-based businesses by themselves. They can learn new things and can develop and improve their skills and knowledge. Here is how differently-abled employees can use technology for their advancement and to their advantage.
Accessible Employment
For jobseekers with disabilities or impairments, it becomes difficult to land a job that is accessible for them. It can be the lack of respect from their co-workers or pain and discomfort that is preventing them from performing their jobs well. Many of them find it difficult to request reasonable accommodations at work.
However, employees can now look for inclusive workplaces through the internet. Job boards like disABLEDperson.Inc and abilityJOBS, has helped workers with disabilities in searching and landing jobs that are accessible for them. Job seekers can also look out for remote job opportunities on websites like Virtual Vocations and FlexJobs. A few of the best home-based jobs are blogging, freelance writing, proofreading, online coaching, graphic designing, etc.
Entrepreneurship
People with disabilities can start and run businesses at home in their comfort. Through such home-based businesses, they can save money on transportation and other operating costs like renting an office or a retail space. They can set their working hours and can create an accessible workspace that meets their individual needs. They can use technological tools like Trello, Slack, Zoom to communicate and collaborate with others. Other tech tools like text magnifiers, braille displays, adapted keyboards, and foot-operated mouses can also be helpful.
Remote Learning
Developing and improving one’s skills and abilities is necessary to keep up in today’s competitive job market. One must keep working on mastering their skills and enriching their knowledge. Workers with disabilities may find it difficult to go to institutions and learn. An excellent alternative is remote learning or online learning. Many online programs are flexible, affordable, and can give disabled people the opportunity to learn from home and at their own pace. They can also apply for financial aid and scholarships. He/she can join courses on Personal Finance, Corporate Finance, Digital Photography, Wealth Management, Graphic Design, Mobile Development, etc.
Assistive technology
Assistive computer technology can help an individual with mobility, hearing, and visual aids. They can be used by wearing hearing aids, using prosthetic limbs, and employing speech-to-text software, and various other tools. Braille techniques can also help visually impaired individuals in their day-to-day life. Many such technologies can reduce the obstacles that differently-abled people encounter in their daily life. It can help reduce inequalities as well as inabilities.
Internet of Things
Due to technological advancement, it has become easier for anyone to go about with their day-to-day activities. With so many new applications, people can communicate and collaborate in a better way. They can now easily pay the bills, do their banking work, etc. There are now customized smartphones that cater to individual and specific needs.
Networking Online
Networking is key to getting a job or moving up in your field. But all networking events may not be accessible for a disabled person. Online networking is a solution to this problem. From the comfort of one’s home, one can connect with professionals from any part of the world. The simplest way to get started is to create a LinkedIn profile. You can let recruiters and hiring managers know that you are looking for a job.
Conclusion
Thanks to home-based business opportunities, remote learning programs, remote and inclusive job boards, assistive technologies, differently-abled workers can now pursue their dream jobs. What may seem impossible in the past is no more in the present. A computer or a laptop, stable internet connection, and hard work and determination can help is all you need. Having a disability will not prevent anyone from achieving their professional and personal goals.
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