I understand this is a longer blog then most of you have time for, however, it is worth reading, if limited on time, jump down to key findings.

For people with disabilities, employment is the best route to independence. I strongly feel that Assistive technology (AT) is often crucial in removing barriers to employment, and in enabling clients with disabilities to work more productively.

In a research study “Assistive technology and employment: Experiences of Californians with disabilities” by Yeager, Patricia, Kaye, H. Stephen, Reed, Myisha, and Doe, Tanis M. the following was found.

“A participatory action research project… surveyed people with disabilities using Independent Living Centers… in part to identify barriers to employment and study use of job-related AT to overcome such barriers.

Across disability groups, disability itself was cited as the primary barrier to employment, with potential loss of benefits and lack of education cited as secondary barriers.

A majority of working respondents reported using assistive technology (such as adapted telephones, wheelchairs, magnifiers, and adapted computer equipment) or services to perform job functions. The vast majority of those using job-related AT reported substantial benefits to their productivity and self-esteem. Employees’ requests for AT as a workplace accommodation were granted more often than not, but many other employees had to pay for their own workplace AT” (Yeager, Kaye, Reed, and Doe).