There is an ongoing debate on how digital technology can pose a threat against humanity by causing functions, currently performed by humans, be technology-assisted only. Following the latest rise of AI, this anxiety continues to rise, with minimal emphasis being put on the benefits of AI powered technology for disability groups, namely assistive technology, that are manifold.

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What Is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology is a rapidly evolving field aimed at helping individuals faced with impairments, disabilities and handicaps, perform basic activities that pertain to the body and mind. There are various assistive technologies, developed to address different needs based on the kind of a disability. Spanning from sensory functions, such as speaking, seeing and hearing, all the way to everything that falls under the umbrella of cognition and mobility, such as typing, writing, pointing and learning, technology has taken a leap forward, reaching a level of advancement that can ensure that disability groups can be effectively assisted to perform day-to-day activities, but also feel empowered to be productive members of society and the workplace.

 

How Can Assistive Technology Contribute to DEI?

Assistive technology can provide new ways and tools to tackle with sensory and cognitive disabilities. The spectrum of assistive technology includes assistive products as well as their related systems and services. In this capacity, assistive technology can help facilitate any physical and/or mental incapacity, giving disability groups access to perform daily tasks, both domestically and in the workplace, independently, comfortably and with greater ease, ensuring this way, their inclusion and active participation. 

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Examples Of Assistive Technology

Technology companies are using AI-powered tools to design and develop assistive technology that can either enable or improve a person's functioning. Within the realm of assistive technology, AI is a fundamental cornerstone that is actively contributing to numerous functional tasks that are part of the production process.

Let's take a look at some devices and applications developed to address some of the most common disabilities: 

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• Brain-controlled Exoskeleton Suit - with the use of a semi-invasive wireless brain-computer system, commanded and controlled by brain signals, all four limbs were activated, enabling the movement of a tetraplegic man paralyzed from the shoulders down. To learn more see: Brain-controlled exoskeleton helps paralyzed man walk again | Source: WEF). 

• Voice-feature Via Smartphone Or Computer - with the use of the voice feature that can scan and read, available via a smartphone or computer, a blind woman was able to ‘read’ printed documents, use transportation to go to work, manage bank transactions and generally, perform daily activities and acquire knowledge independently. To learn more see: The girl who ‘sees’ with technology, | Source: UNDP). 

• AAC-supported Spoken Language (PODD (Pragmatic Organized Dynamic Display)) - with the use of a book that includes a vast repository of thousands of pictures and prompts, a blind girl was able to communicate and point to pictures. To learn more see: Technology gives non-verbal girl ability to communicate, find her voice | Source: ABC15 Arizona (YouTube)).

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Assistive Technology Is Only Part Of A Multifaceted Effort 

It is not just technology companies that are committed to take action to contribute to DEI, and it is not solely via the use of AI tools that DEI is feasible. Assistive technology plays an integral part in companies' effort to lead the societal and corporate landscape towards a more inclusive mentality, however, this alone will not suffice. In this frame of mind, companies in various industries are making a consorted effort to create a diverse workplace by establishing initiatives for professionals with disabilities with the goal to advance opportunities for all. In the spirit of inclusion, companies are focused on removing any employment obstacles for professionals with disabilities, by addressing factors that prevent accessibility to physical environments. In this effort, companies are starting to introduce effective ways of dealing with stereotypes aimed at changing the perception on this topic while they also focused on creating services, systems, and policies that hinder the involvement of disability groups in all activities in the workplace.

 

Examples Of Companies That Have Introduced Initiatives And Programs For Professionals With Disabilities

Companies across the world are actively working to empower talent amongst disability groups and achieve inclusion, diversity and equality. Some of the companies that have established programs for talented professionals with disabilities are: 

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• Accenture - by establishing multiple initiatives for professionals with disabilities, Accenture is committed to create an accessible, inclusive workplace where employees can feel a true sense of belonging that can help them reach their full potential. To learn more see, Disability Inclusion, What you should know about workplace accessibility and Autism at Accenture | Source: Accenture (Newsroom). 

• Boston Scientific - through LEAD, Boston Scientific is focusing on leadership, education, and allies for disabilities. Their agenda of goals includes, people empowerment, raising awareness for issues specific to disability groups in the workplace and creating a community of allies to help foster learning, teaching and sharing resources for individuals, customers and allies. To learn more see, Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities | Source: Boston Scientific). 

• Google - is not solely focused on hiring and investing in people with disabilities to ensure inclusion and diversity internally, but is also targeting on making an impact on society as a whole through accessible design created with and for the disability community. To learn more see, Our commitment to hiring people with disabilities and Designing for everyone | Source: Google). 

• Salesforce - per the company's motto, the goal is to create a workplace that looks like society, advancing representation by the year 2030. In an effort to support underrepresented communities (LGBTQ+, Veterans etc.), the company has made a commitment to hire people with disabilities, leading a very transparent effort on progress made, by publishing their latest equality data in the company website. To learn more see, Let's build a more inclusive workplace and world | Source: Salesforce). 

• United Airlines - the airline carrier is committed to accommodate all customers' abilities and needs and for this purpose it introduced a series of policies to help make travel accessible. The portfolio of services and policies is available in the company website in the form of designated sections where each one is dedicated to a different facet of travel, either related to options while onboard or upon arrival at the airport. To learn more see, Accessible Travel | Source: ​United Airlines). 

• Microsoft - in an effort to perform inclusive hiring, the company is hosting hiring events, inclusive interviews and accommodations, while they provide teams with training and education around disability etiquette with the purpose to increase diversity amongst teams, and make an impact on the company's culture. In the spirit of DEI, the company has introduced the Microsoft Disability Scholarship, an initiative that serves as an avenue to empower students with disabilities to gain increased access to education and land a career in the technology space. To learn more see, Global Inclusion and Diversity and Microsoft Disability Scholarship | Source: ​Microsoft). 

• Walgreens - through REDI, the retail pharmacy innovator is actively embracing diversity in all of its dimensions, providing an inclusive workplace in which people with disabilities can work collaboratively and effectively.  The company is working closely with community organizations, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and state and local social services agencies, to identify and screen REDI program candidates. REDI is a 3- to 4-week, in-store retail and customer service skills training program, based on which store managers train registered community agency job coaches who, in turn, train REDI externs on-site using Walgreens REDI curriculum that includes career skills that give candidates the tools to be successful in any retail environment. To learn more see, Disability Inclusion and REDI: Retail Employees with Disabilities Program Guide | Source: Walgreens). 

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Key Goals That Can Be Achieved Through A Combination of Assistive Technology And DEI Initiatives and Programs In The Workplace

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• Mental Health Improvement - assistive technology can help address or eliminate physical limitations that hinder disability groups’ ability to succeed and be competitive in the workplace. By providing these groups with the necessary tools, companies can help boost disability groups’ confidence and create a sense of worthiness and by extension, create an environment for achievement to happen.   

• Professional Advancement – the workplace is a form of community, so the provision of the right resources that help perform tasks effectively, can make disability groups feel empowered to take on more challenging tasks, achieve greater visibility for themselves and the group they represent, pursue career development opportunities that are equal to those of their fellow peers, and finally, make a valuable contribution to the organization.

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Nowadays, technology can be implemented to improve all facets of an individual’s life and work. Specifically for work, knowing the degree to which professionals use technology to facilitate certain aspects of their role without its need be absolutely essential but only optional, can cause one to fathom the importance that AI-powered tools and aids present for individuals faced with some kind of physical or cognitive limitation.

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The conversation regarding technological evolution should not be focused on the ways innovation could pose a potential threat against humankind as with every new technological breakthrough, comes a need to create a regulatory framework aimed at ensuring safety and proper use. With that in mind, our focus should be on the evolution of the human species and ways in which innovation can help support a better quality of life and work for all people, giving access to true equality. What we need to reflect on is the relationship between technology and an inclusive mindset as yet not from a philosophical or individualistic stand point only, but from a broader angle that will allow us to delve into the tangible benefits of this relationship in the service of those who have special needs and abilities compared to the majority of the population. This way, and this way only, companies can create an equitable and diversified workplace for everyone.