A well-designed office is one that accounts for the needs of every employee that works in it. In today’s workforce, there are many people who suffer from disabilities that make it harder for them to complete certain tasks. Despite this, there are many offices that fail to properly accommodate the needs of these people.
People with disabilities can still put in a hard day’s work, but they will be unable to do so if they don’t have the proper work conditions. Take a look and see how modern offices are designed and be mindful of people with disabilities.
Invest in the Right Equipment
One of the biggest issues disabled workers face is that the equipment in the office was not made with them in mind. It’s important to invest in more accessible items that disabled workers can handle easier. With the right equipment, disabled workers will have an easier time working, and they be much happier as a result.
One such example is to design workspaces with easy-to-reach sockets, because someone who is in a wheelchair will probably have trouble reaching a socket near the floor. You should also invest in chairs and desks that have easily adjustable heights. Finally, cable storage can help keep wires organized, so they don’t cause problems.
Utilize Assistive Technology
Different forms of technology have been invented over the years to help disabled people. Known as assistive technology, these programs and devices were designed to help people in a variety of ways.
For example, color-coded keyboards are useful for people who have trouble finding or seeing the letters of specific keys. If you plan to display a video to your workers, consider adding in closed captioning to accommodate anyone who is deaf. You can also invest in voice recognition software that allows people to operate computers with their voices.
It’s important to train workers on how to use these programs and devices, so they can utilize them effectively.
Make the Building More Accessible
Navigation can be a serious issue for people with disabilities. Whether they have issues with sight or movement, disabled employees can have a difficult time getting around if the office was not designed with them in mind. A few simple adjustments can be made to accommodate these workers.
If someone is visually impaired, place braille writing on the elevator so this person can easily find the right floor. Placing ramps for use outside the office building is also helpful for anyone who needs to use a wheelchair. You should also consider installing doors that automatically open with a button, to make it easier to open and access the door.
Finally, make sure there is enough room for movement, so you can accommodate for people who need more space to move around.
Create a Support Group
An option to accommodate people with disabilities is to give them a platform to discuss any issues they have. Consider creating a support group for these employees that gives them the chance to voice their concerns. By hearing from them directly, you can make specific changes to accommodate them. Having a place where everyone can discuss this topic is key to creating an inclusive office environment.
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