Action 2.1C Optimise accessibility features on company platforms and facilitate assistive-technology use through knowledge-building and IT settings.

Guidance

To optimise accessibility across your company’s digital platforms and productivity tools, ensure that built-in accessibility features are switched on and available to all as standard, that staff in IT and disability-related support roles have a broad understanding of available assistive technology tools, and that company security settings do not block access to the use of these tools.

“I needed specific software in my job. I was told I would just have this, and it was arranged for me. But there was a security issue and some of the staff did not want to use it.”

WIDE Consultation Participant – Disabled Person

This can be achieved by:

• Enabling Mainstream Accessibility Features– Ensure IT administrators enable mainstream accessibility features by default, in line with universal design principles. Examples might include ensuring that features such as captions in Teams and Zoom, and Immersive Reader in Word are enabled and activated as standard in IT admin settings.
• Attending Training on Assistive Technologies (AT)– Provide training for IT/Accessibility Support teams on the benefits of Assistive Technologies (AT), such as screen readers, magnifiers, and text to speech and speech to text software. Understanding these tools is crucial for identifying and addressing accessibility issues.
• Ensuring Security Settings Do Not Block AT Usage – Restrictive security settings can often inadvertently block usage of AT tools which are outside of the standard productivity tools utilised within the company. It is useful to identify a range of respected and secure AT software which can be added as exceptions to restrictive IT settings to support inclusion of a diverse range of staff need and identify how requests for AT unfamiliar to the IT team are promptly evaluated for security.
• Promoting Companywide Knowledge of AT– Communicate how to utilise mainstream accessibility features such as Closed Captions and Immersive Reader, and how to access more specific assistive hardware or software for disability-related needs.

“We’ve made as many accommodations universally available as possible, so people don’t have to disclose to get them, like captions are always available, and everyone has an adjustable height desk.”

WIDE Consultation Participant – Employer

In order to provide the best platform for the success of all employees, it is important to listen to employee needs regarding assistive technologies and take a ‘can do’ approach to resolving issues arising.

“The company asked for my advice in anything they could do to help me. I was using an app on my phone that really helped me. So, I researched it, and they implemented new software throughout the entire office. I wanted to be independent, and I was allowed this”.

WIDE Consultation Participant – Disabled Person