Tech Companies, Lend Your Skills to Those With Disabilities!

You’re browsing online and seeing another flashy ad or article about the latest tech gadget that will solve your problems and make life easier. ?While tech has come a long way and provided us with many incredible benefits, it hasn't helped everyone.

There's still a huge gap when it comes to supporting people with disabilities. Just look around your neighborhood. How accessible is it really? Tech companies have the skills and resources to make a difference for everyone. ?Sadly, most act like people with disabilities don't even exist. Isn't it time for this to change?

There are many practical ways tech companies can use their knowledge to empower those with developmental disabilities and help create a more inclusive world. Given the opportunity and awareness, they can and will make a greater impact on folks of all abilities.

The Technology Gap for People with Disabilities

Many people with disabilities face difficulties accessing technology that could greatly improve their lives. While companies have made progress in developing innovative tools, devices, and software, those with developmental disabilities are often left out. ?I believe this is primarily due to a lack of understanding and awareness.

Technology companies may lack awareness about the challenges people with certain disabilities face and how their products could help address them. They don't realize the huge impact seemingly small adaptations could make. Things as simple as adjustable font sizes, text-to-speech options, ride-hailing services, voice controls, and new chatbot tools open up the potential to bring the benefits of the latest technology to everyone.

Enlightened self-interest: Missed business opportunities

Companies are also missing out on potential customers and revenue. The disability market represents more than 1 billion people globally and over $1 trillion in disposable income. Customers with disabilities are also usually very loyal to brands and products that meet their needs.

Take action now

Technology companies should prioritize inclusiveness for people of all abilities. They can start by consulting with disability organizations, such as AbilityPath, to better understand key issues and opportunities. They should evaluate how current and future products could be made more accessible and design those features from the start. This may require an initial investment but will pay off in new customers and goodwill.

Technology companies can transform lives by lending their skills and expertise to help those with disabilities. By making their products and services accessible to as many people as possible, companies create a win-win situation for all. The opportunity is there; they need to act on it.

How Tech Companies Can Use Their Skills to Help Close the Gap

Tech companies have a unique opportunity to apply their skills and resources to help those with developmental disabilities. ?For example, by providing accessible interfaces using their expertise in user experience design and accessibility, tech companies can develop intuitive interfaces for devices and software tailored to different cognitive and physical abilities.

Developing Helpful Apps

There are many possibilities for apps that assist with daily tasks, learning, communication, and more. Tech companies can work with organizations that serve the disability community to develop useful and affordable apps for people of all abilities. Some examples include scheduling apps, educational tools, therapy apps, health apps, and transportation apps.

Offering Job Opportunities

Tech companies have talked a lot about hiring individuals with developmental disabilities, and progress is being made, but so much more can be done.? AbilityPath’s Silicon Valley employment program supports over 200 individuals working for over 125 employers.? ?We are grateful for the many outstanding employment partners fostering inclusive employment environments.? An indication of how beneficial an inclusive work setting is for everyone is that we have never had an employer cancel their inclusive hiring practices; nearly all expand their neurodiverse workforce.? Why?? It is because the neurodiverse individuals they hire are fantastic employees! ?With the right accommodations and a welcoming work environment, individuals with developmental disabilities thrive and make great employees.

Providing Funding and Resources

Large tech companies have significant resources that they can direct to many worthy causes. The tech industry is uniquely positioned to enact meaningful and impactful change. By leveraging their knowledge, skills, and resources, tech companies can help close the gap for those with developmental disabilities so they can achieve more independence and access to more opportunities. The possibilities for impact are endless.? We need more companies to make the effort. Even small contributions can go a long way.

Making Technologies More Accessible and Inclusive

For those with disabilities, technology can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, innovations like voice assistants, captioning, and audiobooks have made information more accessible than ever before. However, many technologies are still designed without accessibility in mind, creating barriers for those with disabilities.

Build In Accessibility from The Start

Tech companies should build accessibility features into products from the earliest design and development stages. It’s much harder to retrofit accessibility later. For example, if you design an app assuming all users can see and touch a screen, you immediately exclude visually and mobility-impaired users. However, by considering how an individual without sight might navigate the interface early on, you can incorporate accessible features like screen reader compatibility and augmented keyboard navigation.

Consult The Community

While this is painfully obvious, the best way to make technology inclusive is to consult the communities who will use it. ?Reach out to individuals with disabilities and get their input on your product’s design and features. They can provide valuable insights into their daily challenges and needs. With their guidance, you’ll build tools that truly empower more people.

Continuously Improve

Even with the best intentions, there will always be more work to make technology accessible. Companies should establish ongoing relationships with disability advocacy groups to get feedback on how their products work in the real world and where there’s still room for improvement. An openness to critiques and a willingness to make changes will result in platforms and devices that serve more people more fully.

Conclusion

With some extra effort and collaboration, tech companies can make a huge difference in the lives of those with developmental disabilities. By building in accessibility from the start and continuously improving to meet community needs, innovations can break down barriers instead of creating new ones. When technology works for everyone, it benefits everyone.? Don’t leave those with developmental disabilities in a technology desert.