Over the last decade, work and career-related technologies have progressed significantly for those who live with disabilities. In fact, in the last several years, these advancements have become more widely available, easier to afford, and have improved in quality. To further enhance inclusion and accessibility, companies can now incorporate some of these technologies into their everyday processes to make the employee experience an even better one.
We are happy to present three specific types of technology that are revolutionizing the careers of those with disabilities.
3 Ways Technology Is Revolutionizing The Careers Of Those With Disabilities
Advanced degree remote learning
A little over a decade ago, remote learning for advanced degrees was almost nonexistent. While there were some distance learning programs with for-profit colleges, there were few options outside of this. Universities had started to offer select courses online, but you could not complete an undergraduate or graduate degree program fully online.
Fast forward to 2021, and more colleges and universities than ever before offer 100 percent remote learning degree programs. From marketing to MBA courses, you can now earn almost any kind of degree that you desire.
For those with disabilities, this shift has been a game-changer for career advancement. Individuals who struggled to physically attend class can now do so from home. Additionally, those facing other disabilities (such as mental health conditions) can work their course schedule around their challenges. Allowing people to learn at their own pace, and according to their own abilities, has made the undergraduate and graduate experience far more accessible.
Increased opportunity to launch a home-based business
Several decades ago, launching a business was far more challenging than it is today. Oftentimes, you needed to have the funding to open a brick-and-mortar location. Additionally, many of the business-related online tools that we’ve come to rely on did not exist.
Now, in one afternoon, you can launch your own home-based business with little initial investment. Easy website builders and safe online payment processing have enabled millions to sell products and services of all kinds. You can also fill out the necessary paperwork for important certifications and licenses without leaving home. Thanks to these advancements, people with disabilities can now run a home-based business as an alternative to a traditional job. By embracing entrepreneurship, and the many accessible technologies available, those facing disabilities of all kinds can make business ownership a reality.
It is also easier than ever before to find professionals to help you run your home-based business. You can effortlessly find a qualified professional online. Online job boards allow you to read reviews, compare costs, and hire professionals for anything you need assistance with.
If you decide to purchase a house to accommodate your new home-based business, make sure you pay careful attention to market trends. If there’s currently a seller’s market, you may want to hold off on buying until housing trends shift. More people discovered the freedom of working from home during the pandemic, so it’s important to keep an eye on inventory and prices in the areas that pique your interest.
Enhanced hiring and employment technologies
For those working in an office, retail, or another traditional work setting, various hiring and employment technologies help employees with disabilities in a number of incredible ways.
On top of the many tools that staff members with disabilities can use to perform their job with greater ease, certain tools are even working to be more inclusive during the hiring process. Some, for example, help organizations prioritize diversity and inclusion by providing insight into the perceptions around a company’s hiring process. This allows HR departments to learn where they can improve, and to make meaningful changes for the future.
While it is important to celebrate the many advancements that have been made for those with disabilities, it is crucial to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Instead of becoming complacent, companies should use these technologies as inspiration for what could be achievable in the next five years, 10 years, and beyond.
TEK Utah Services
TEK Utah is happy to help business owners with all of their technical needs. Whether your business is just starting out, or you’re realizing you’ve neglected your technology along the way, we have services available to help you.