Information from AbilityNet and Disability Rights UK about tools, apps, techniques and in-built features that can help disabled people in work, training and education.
Working with neurodiversity: is the new normal here to stay?AbilityNet
In this FREE webinar AbilityNet and Genius Within explored how a shift to home working has brought both challenges and benefits for neurodiverse workers. We shared data on neurominorities and explored the services both organisations can offer in terms of support.
The webinar featured Peter Macdonald Hall from Vercida, Heather Smith from the National Trust and Teresa Loftus from AbilityNet. It explored the role of accessibility within the Diversity and inclusion agenda, how to create a culture of inclusion as well as practical tips on adjusting your workplace. Heather spoke about flexing across a range of different environments, for a range of needs.
Tech help for people who are Deaf or have hearing lossAbilityNet
This slide deck accompanied a FREE AbilityNet webinar on 08 September 2021. The webinar explored technology that can support people who are Deaf or have hearing loss.
The webinar featured Lloyd Bak's Rachel Vann who is a child of deaf adults (CODA), ark Applin from Signly and Microsoft showcasing its use of the Signly platform. We also heard from the RNID about different types of assistive technology and how these can support Deaf people or those with hearing loss.
HE Update and Accessibility Maturity Model for Higher and Further Education M...AbilityNet
Learn about the Accessibility Maturity Model for Higher and Further Education that AbilityNet and McNaught Consultancy developed based on Alistair McNaught's existing model.
On the webinar, Helen Wickes of AbilityNet provides an update on the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations, and Ben Watson from the University of Kent describes the very successful OPERA project at his institution, the principles of which were based on our model's approach.
Find out more about the webinar: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars/he-update-and-accessibility-maturity-model-higher-and-further-education
AbilityNet shares how it is supporting adults with learning disabilities through the DCMS Digital Lifeline project.
Plus, hear from Gary Bourlet co-founder of Learning Disability, England, and from Hft and SeeAbility
AbilityNet hears from scheme who have been handing out FREE technology to help people during the pandemic, and before. We'll find out how tech can tackle loneliness, and the impact it has on individuals' lives. We also hear from an AbilityNet volunteer about the support we provide to older, and disabled people.
Smart Home: Tech Tips for Independent LivingAbilityNet
Slide deck from our webinar on smart home tips for older and disabled people.
The webinar featured Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet, offering expert tips on using smart speakers and assistive technology in the home. Robin, who is blind, has two podcasts offering expert tips.
It also included Tech4Good finalists TL Tech a company that aims to empower people through smart technology. Finally, we heard from Kate Harrison, who is an Occupational Therapist in East Lothian. She is involved in an innovative smart home project and offered tips for OTs.
Secure a budget for digital accessibilityAbilityNet
As a digital professional, you know that investing in digital accessibility can increase your reach, reputation and deliver a Return on Investment. However, other internal stakeholders might need convincing. Our FREE slide deck on The Business Case for Accessibility is free to download and customise for your organisation.
Working with neurodiversity: is the new normal here to stay?AbilityNet
In this FREE webinar AbilityNet and Genius Within explored how a shift to home working has brought both challenges and benefits for neurodiverse workers. We shared data on neurominorities and explored the services both organisations can offer in terms of support.
The webinar featured Peter Macdonald Hall from Vercida, Heather Smith from the National Trust and Teresa Loftus from AbilityNet. It explored the role of accessibility within the Diversity and inclusion agenda, how to create a culture of inclusion as well as practical tips on adjusting your workplace. Heather spoke about flexing across a range of different environments, for a range of needs.
Tech help for people who are Deaf or have hearing lossAbilityNet
This slide deck accompanied a FREE AbilityNet webinar on 08 September 2021. The webinar explored technology that can support people who are Deaf or have hearing loss.
The webinar featured Lloyd Bak's Rachel Vann who is a child of deaf adults (CODA), ark Applin from Signly and Microsoft showcasing its use of the Signly platform. We also heard from the RNID about different types of assistive technology and how these can support Deaf people or those with hearing loss.
HE Update and Accessibility Maturity Model for Higher and Further Education M...AbilityNet
Learn about the Accessibility Maturity Model for Higher and Further Education that AbilityNet and McNaught Consultancy developed based on Alistair McNaught's existing model.
On the webinar, Helen Wickes of AbilityNet provides an update on the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations, and Ben Watson from the University of Kent describes the very successful OPERA project at his institution, the principles of which were based on our model's approach.
Find out more about the webinar: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars/he-update-and-accessibility-maturity-model-higher-and-further-education
AbilityNet shares how it is supporting adults with learning disabilities through the DCMS Digital Lifeline project.
Plus, hear from Gary Bourlet co-founder of Learning Disability, England, and from Hft and SeeAbility
AbilityNet hears from scheme who have been handing out FREE technology to help people during the pandemic, and before. We'll find out how tech can tackle loneliness, and the impact it has on individuals' lives. We also hear from an AbilityNet volunteer about the support we provide to older, and disabled people.
Smart Home: Tech Tips for Independent LivingAbilityNet
Slide deck from our webinar on smart home tips for older and disabled people.
The webinar featured Robin Christopherson from AbilityNet, offering expert tips on using smart speakers and assistive technology in the home. Robin, who is blind, has two podcasts offering expert tips.
It also included Tech4Good finalists TL Tech a company that aims to empower people through smart technology. Finally, we heard from Kate Harrison, who is an Occupational Therapist in East Lothian. She is involved in an innovative smart home project and offered tips for OTs.
Secure a budget for digital accessibilityAbilityNet
As a digital professional, you know that investing in digital accessibility can increase your reach, reputation and deliver a Return on Investment. However, other internal stakeholders might need convincing. Our FREE slide deck on The Business Case for Accessibility is free to download and customise for your organisation.
Smartphone features for people with Hearing LossAbilityNet
Slide deck from webinar broadcast 21 May 2019
Recent advances in technology have opened up communication options for people with hearing loss and deafness, particularly on smartphones.
In our free expert webinar AbilityNet and Action on Hearing Loss spoke about the latest smartphone features and adaptations that allow people with hearing loss to stay in control of their technology and achieve their goals online.
The webinar contained useful information for people with hearing loss as well as their friends, families and colleagues. The audience for this content also includes anyone with a professional interest in hearing impairments and assistive technology, such as occupational therapists and support workers.
Celebrating diverse voices during lockdownAbilityNet
Technology creates opportunities, and also barriers.
In this FREE webinar, Abilitynet explored how individuals and organisations are working to ensure that neurodivergent communities are not socially distanced because of the challenges that technology and videoconferencing platforms can create.
We heard from Saba Salman, Editor of Made Possible, from ward-winning film-maker Matthew Hellett whose story features in the book and from Grace Eyre and Creative Future about their work.
Grace Eyre has launched an online friendship group while Creative Future has been delivering online writing groups for diverse writers.
Find out about three inspiring projects designed to support people living with dementia - and those who care for them.
We heard from Tover about its interactive "Tovertafel", which projects light onto a table and encourages movement and play.
We also heard about an innovative project to capture the life stories of people living with dementia and to drive social change. Finally, we heard from Luminate, Scotland's Creative Ageing organisation about how it is using technology to encourage a creative older life - alongside its face to face activities.
How to use technology to chat with family and friends - FREE WebinarAbilityNet
This FREE webinar offers information and support on how you can stay connected with family and friends using technology during a time of social isolation - and to learn skills for when it is no longer necessary.
More details and a video of the webinar can be found at www.abilitynet.org.uk/webinars/how-use-technology-chat-family-and-friends
HE/Public Sector update: How Cardiff Metropolitan University meets accessibil...AbilityNet
In the webinar, learn from Annie Horn, Learning Support Manager at Cardiff Metropolitan University about how she worked with others to identify accessibility needs and make changes to the University's processes and procedures to meet the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) regulations deadline in September last year.
Annie will be chatting with Alistair McNaught of McNaught Consultancy, about what priorities were set to help Annie and her team focus their accessibility work, and create manageable steps to change.
AbilityNet Live! How to Spot a Scam and Avoid itAbilityNet
A panel of experts including representatives of Which?, GetSafeOnline, Take Five, Friends Against Scam and Age UK share their top tips for avoiding online scams.
HE/Public Sector Update: Winning hearts and minds for accessibility at Univer...AbilityNet
n this webinar, learn about the experiences of Katey Hugi, Digital Accessibility Coordinator. She has been working with the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, and Cambridge Judge Business School to engage staff with digital accessibility improvements, with great success. Katey will explain her approach to rolling out accessibility training programmes, techniques for encouraging accessibility best practices, and how she drives enthusiasm for ongoing digital inclusion improvements across the university. She'll share her 'Confessions of a digital accessibility coordinator', including defining what her H.I.T list is, and what on earth the 'Broccoli effect' is...
We will also provide an update on the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) and how the government is monitoring compliance so far, and also find out some top tips to remember for video accessibility.
Find out more at: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars
Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations - November 2019 UpdateAbilityNet
Slide deck from webinar broadcast 28 Nov 2019
Part of our bi-monthly series of updates on how Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations are being implemented by universities and other HE (higher education) institutions.
As well as providing regular updates to give the latest news and advice relating to the regulations, on this webinar Richard Walker of the University of York spoke about the journey to compliance at his institution.
To help mark Dyslexia Week (4 - 10 October 2021) Dafydd Henke-Reed, Head of Accessibility at AbilityNet shares his expert advice about dyslexia and technology.
Find out more about AbilityNet's free accessibility webinars: https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-resources/webinars
This slide deck accompanies a webinar on Designing for Dementia. It explores how to make your website accessible for people who have dementia. Tips for colour, structure, language and more from an AbilityNet consultant.
Don't disable me: How you can avoid creating barriers for disabled peopleAbilityNet
Learn from people with lived experience of disability as they discuss the barriers they can face day-to-day and the ways in which simple adjustments and considerations can make a world of difference.
Find out more: https://abilitynet.org.uk/dont-disable-me
Dementia and Technology: a Creative ApproachAbilityNet
Our webinar explores creative applications of technology to help people who are living with dementia. It accompanies a webinar by AbilityNet. Part of AbilityNet Live (www.abilitynet.org.uk/live).
In the webinar we heard from Tover how its magic table can help people with Dementia. Digital Voice told us how it is using technology to capture life stories of people living with Dementia. We also heard from Luminate, Scotland's creative ageing organisation.
Arriving and thriving: Student research resultsAbilityNet
Slide deck from webinar with Alistair McNaught of McNaught Consultancy, Amy Low, Adam Tweed and Helen Wickes of AbilityNet.
The webinar took place on Tuesday 27 October and provided an overview of the Higher Education Commission's 'Arriving at Thriving?' report into the experiences of disabled students, the challenges and potential solutions offered that may help your institution or organisation.
Find out more at: https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/new-research-reveals-tough-situations-many-disabled-students
Higher Education/Public Sector Update: Addressing Autism, Dyslexia, and Neuro...AbilityNet
In this webinar learn from UK university practitioners about their approach to making accessibility improvements for students and staff with neurodivergent conditions including Autism, Asperger's, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome and Synaesthesia .
Find out more on AbilityNet's website at: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars
How to recognise and promote a neurodiverse workforceAbilityNet
AbilityNet slides from our webinar. We were joined for a panel discussion by Jane Hatton, CEO of Evenbreak; Rosa Breen, Evenbreak
Jess Gosling, Co-chair of UK Civil Service Neurodiversity Network
Rina Wharton, Accessibility and Usability Consultant
Jane Hatton, CEO of Evenbreak; Rosa Breen, Evenbreak
Jess Gosling, Co-chair of UK Civil Service Neurodiversity Network
Rina Wharton, Accessibility and Usability Consultant
The diverse panel shared personal experience and professional insights.
Slides from a webinar on 'Tablets for Seniors'. It features speakers from KOMP and GrandPad and examples of people who have used tablets to keep older people connected during Covid-19
Stonham Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service is a dedicated support service aimed at providing support to carers and family members who care for individuals with mental health, and stonham information pack is fall of information about services and resources around Birmingham, working very closely with services around the city.Website:
https://bhammhcarer.homegroup.org.uk
Smartphone features for people with Hearing LossAbilityNet
Slide deck from webinar broadcast 21 May 2019
Recent advances in technology have opened up communication options for people with hearing loss and deafness, particularly on smartphones.
In our free expert webinar AbilityNet and Action on Hearing Loss spoke about the latest smartphone features and adaptations that allow people with hearing loss to stay in control of their technology and achieve their goals online.
The webinar contained useful information for people with hearing loss as well as their friends, families and colleagues. The audience for this content also includes anyone with a professional interest in hearing impairments and assistive technology, such as occupational therapists and support workers.
Celebrating diverse voices during lockdownAbilityNet
Technology creates opportunities, and also barriers.
In this FREE webinar, Abilitynet explored how individuals and organisations are working to ensure that neurodivergent communities are not socially distanced because of the challenges that technology and videoconferencing platforms can create.
We heard from Saba Salman, Editor of Made Possible, from ward-winning film-maker Matthew Hellett whose story features in the book and from Grace Eyre and Creative Future about their work.
Grace Eyre has launched an online friendship group while Creative Future has been delivering online writing groups for diverse writers.
Find out about three inspiring projects designed to support people living with dementia - and those who care for them.
We heard from Tover about its interactive "Tovertafel", which projects light onto a table and encourages movement and play.
We also heard about an innovative project to capture the life stories of people living with dementia and to drive social change. Finally, we heard from Luminate, Scotland's Creative Ageing organisation about how it is using technology to encourage a creative older life - alongside its face to face activities.
How to use technology to chat with family and friends - FREE WebinarAbilityNet
This FREE webinar offers information and support on how you can stay connected with family and friends using technology during a time of social isolation - and to learn skills for when it is no longer necessary.
More details and a video of the webinar can be found at www.abilitynet.org.uk/webinars/how-use-technology-chat-family-and-friends
HE/Public Sector update: How Cardiff Metropolitan University meets accessibil...AbilityNet
In the webinar, learn from Annie Horn, Learning Support Manager at Cardiff Metropolitan University about how she worked with others to identify accessibility needs and make changes to the University's processes and procedures to meet the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) regulations deadline in September last year.
Annie will be chatting with Alistair McNaught of McNaught Consultancy, about what priorities were set to help Annie and her team focus their accessibility work, and create manageable steps to change.
AbilityNet Live! How to Spot a Scam and Avoid itAbilityNet
A panel of experts including representatives of Which?, GetSafeOnline, Take Five, Friends Against Scam and Age UK share their top tips for avoiding online scams.
HE/Public Sector Update: Winning hearts and minds for accessibility at Univer...AbilityNet
n this webinar, learn about the experiences of Katey Hugi, Digital Accessibility Coordinator. She has been working with the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, and Cambridge Judge Business School to engage staff with digital accessibility improvements, with great success. Katey will explain her approach to rolling out accessibility training programmes, techniques for encouraging accessibility best practices, and how she drives enthusiasm for ongoing digital inclusion improvements across the university. She'll share her 'Confessions of a digital accessibility coordinator', including defining what her H.I.T list is, and what on earth the 'Broccoli effect' is...
We will also provide an update on the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR) and how the government is monitoring compliance so far, and also find out some top tips to remember for video accessibility.
Find out more at: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars
Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations - November 2019 UpdateAbilityNet
Slide deck from webinar broadcast 28 Nov 2019
Part of our bi-monthly series of updates on how Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations are being implemented by universities and other HE (higher education) institutions.
As well as providing regular updates to give the latest news and advice relating to the regulations, on this webinar Richard Walker of the University of York spoke about the journey to compliance at his institution.
To help mark Dyslexia Week (4 - 10 October 2021) Dafydd Henke-Reed, Head of Accessibility at AbilityNet shares his expert advice about dyslexia and technology.
Find out more about AbilityNet's free accessibility webinars: https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-resources/webinars
This slide deck accompanies a webinar on Designing for Dementia. It explores how to make your website accessible for people who have dementia. Tips for colour, structure, language and more from an AbilityNet consultant.
Don't disable me: How you can avoid creating barriers for disabled peopleAbilityNet
Learn from people with lived experience of disability as they discuss the barriers they can face day-to-day and the ways in which simple adjustments and considerations can make a world of difference.
Find out more: https://abilitynet.org.uk/dont-disable-me
Dementia and Technology: a Creative ApproachAbilityNet
Our webinar explores creative applications of technology to help people who are living with dementia. It accompanies a webinar by AbilityNet. Part of AbilityNet Live (www.abilitynet.org.uk/live).
In the webinar we heard from Tover how its magic table can help people with Dementia. Digital Voice told us how it is using technology to capture life stories of people living with Dementia. We also heard from Luminate, Scotland's creative ageing organisation.
Arriving and thriving: Student research resultsAbilityNet
Slide deck from webinar with Alistair McNaught of McNaught Consultancy, Amy Low, Adam Tweed and Helen Wickes of AbilityNet.
The webinar took place on Tuesday 27 October and provided an overview of the Higher Education Commission's 'Arriving at Thriving?' report into the experiences of disabled students, the challenges and potential solutions offered that may help your institution or organisation.
Find out more at: https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/new-research-reveals-tough-situations-many-disabled-students
Higher Education/Public Sector Update: Addressing Autism, Dyslexia, and Neuro...AbilityNet
In this webinar learn from UK university practitioners about their approach to making accessibility improvements for students and staff with neurodivergent conditions including Autism, Asperger's, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome and Synaesthesia .
Find out more on AbilityNet's website at: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars
How to recognise and promote a neurodiverse workforceAbilityNet
AbilityNet slides from our webinar. We were joined for a panel discussion by Jane Hatton, CEO of Evenbreak; Rosa Breen, Evenbreak
Jess Gosling, Co-chair of UK Civil Service Neurodiversity Network
Rina Wharton, Accessibility and Usability Consultant
Jane Hatton, CEO of Evenbreak; Rosa Breen, Evenbreak
Jess Gosling, Co-chair of UK Civil Service Neurodiversity Network
Rina Wharton, Accessibility and Usability Consultant
The diverse panel shared personal experience and professional insights.
Slides from a webinar on 'Tablets for Seniors'. It features speakers from KOMP and GrandPad and examples of people who have used tablets to keep older people connected during Covid-19
Stonham Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service is a dedicated support service aimed at providing support to carers and family members who care for individuals with mental health, and stonham information pack is fall of information about services and resources around Birmingham, working very closely with services around the city.Website:
https://bhammhcarer.homegroup.org.uk
Stonham Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support Service is a dedicated support service aimed at providing support to carers and family members who care for individuals with mental health, and stonham information pack is fall of information about services and resources around Birmingham, working very closely with services around the city.Website:
https://bhammhcarer.homegroup.org.uk
Transforming Care: Share and Learn Webinar – 31 August 2017NHS England
Helping people with a learning disability to give feedback
Guest Speakers: Ruth Hudson - Insight Specialist, Joe Penrose - Insight and Feedback Officer, Katie Matthews, Aaron Oxford and Thomas Chalk - Learning Disability Network Managers
NHS England’s Insight and Learning Disability Engagement teams recently published their bite-size guide to helping people with a learning disability to give feedback.
The webinar is aimed at staff who do not have much experience of involving people with a learning disability in giving feedback. It is of particular interest to staff working in Patient Experience and Communication and Engagement roles. Most of the services people with a learning disability use are the same services as everyone else, and so it is important they are included in feedback and engagement work. Join the teams on the webinar to find out more about increasing the representation of one of the most seldom heard groups of people.
Learn about how to become a member at the Melrose Senior Community Center. Learn why membership is so important, what we will do with your membership funds, and what our goals are for the future. It takes all of us to make this place GREAT!
This presentation invites the audience to consider why focus on careers matters? It considers the policy drivers impacting on practice and sets out an examples of building a careers offer for young people i.e. London Ambitions Framework. It also focuses on LMI for All and some of the big questions young people often ask when thinking about the work of work. A Careerometer widget development is also explained.
What's New in WCAG 2.2? - AbilityNet webinarAbilityNet
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 have been released. But what does that mean for you and your organisation? What’s changed and how can you make sure you’re meeting the new requirements?
Delve into the core changes and discover how to meet the new requirements with our expert accessibility and usability consultants, Alice Taylor and Claire Poste.
In this webinar, Alice and Claire will take you through the new criteria, share helpful tips on understanding them, as well as illustrating how WCAG 2.2 impacts you and your customers.
Webinar: How to avoid the 12 Scams of ChristmasAbilityNet
In the webinar you can learn how to protect yourself and elderly people often most at risk from the most common online scams that can be especially rife around the festive season.
But anyone can become a victim of digital scams. They are a growing problem in the UK and criminals are using social media, email, and messaging services to target their victims.
Worrying about falling victim to online criminals can, understandably, make some people reluctant to engage in the online world. Recent research from BT Group* highlighted that some older internet users may be less familiar with the online world than others, so this webinar aims to provide valuable tips to vulnerable groups who may not be as online savvy as others.
The benefits of getting online can really make a positive difference to everyone's lives, so stay safe by learning about the common tactics that are used to attempt to fool us all.
What you'll learn:
In this free webinar, speakers from Greater Manchester Police and AbilityNet will share their expertise to help you:
Learn about common online scams to be aware of, particularly over the festive period
Arm yourself with background knowledge about what to avoid
Find out about some of the warning signs
Find out more at: www.abilitynet.org.uk/ScamsWebinar
WCAG 2.2 - An Overview of the New Accessibility Guidelines.pptxAbilityNet
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 have been released. But what does that mean for you and your organisation? What’s changed and how can you make sure you’re meeting the new requirements?
In this webinar, our expert accessibility and usability consultants, Alice Taylor and Claire Poste will take you through the new criteria, share helpful tips on understanding, implementing and testing them, as well as illustrating how WCAG 2.2 impacts you and your customers.
Attitudes to Digital Accessibility Survey results Oct 2023 webinarAbilityNet
AbilityNet's third Annual Attitudes to Digital Accessibility Survey shows how attitudes to accessibility are changing in the C-Suites of organisations of all shapes and sizes - and it also tells us whether they are delivering on the promises they are making.
In this webinar, guest speakers from IAAP and Open Inclusion join AbilityNet to share the findings of AbilityNet's third annual global survey into Attitudes to Digital Accessibility.
How are organisations and professionals across the globe investing their time and effort in digital accessibility, and what can we learn that can help us in our own organisations?
Find out more: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars/attitudes-accessibility-are-changing-global-perspective
Tech Tools for Dyslexia at work, in education and at homeAbilityNet
In this webinar, guest speakers from AbilityNet and the British Dyslexia Association share tried and tested tools and solutions to benefit people who are dyslexic.
During the webinar:
You'll learn from people with lived experience of dyslexia their recommendations for tech that can help with everyday tasks, and in specific work and education settings.
Find out what are reasonable adjustments in the workplace for dyslexia.
Discover ways to support dyslexic employees or students.
We'll evaluate a range of 'Dyslexia Simulators' and share guidance about apps and adjustments to help people with dyslexia.
Find out more at: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars/tech-tools-dyslexia-work-education-and-home
How will artificial intelligence change accessibility testing.pptxAbilityNet
In this webinar, Dylan Barrell, Chief Technology Officer from Deque will join Robin Christopherson and Alice Taylor from AbilityNet will discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help improve accessibility testing, including:
- How to increase accessibility testing efficiency with human-centred AI
- What exactly is human-centred AI? Is it marketing hype or genuinely helpful?
- Where is AI going in the future?
Whether you are a developer, a tester, or someone passionate about inclusive technology, this webinar is a must-attend event.
Top tips for boosting your digital skills, with BT Group and Age UKAbilityNet
Guest speakers from BT Group and Age UK discuss how to ensure that senior citizens, in particular, are not left behind in the digital revolution.
In this informative and interactive webinar you'll learn how tech can benefit people of retirement age with everyday tasks.
Tools and tips shared in the webinar can also help others, including disabled people, to harness the benefits of adjusting technology to suit their needs.
In the webinar, you will:
Learn about how BT Group is helping to boost the digital skills of older people
Discover resources for step-by-step guidance about using digital devices
Understand how tech adjustments can help with sight loss, if you are deaf or hard of hearing, or with cognitive or mental health issues
Find out from Age UK about its Digital Champions Programme and online essentials for navigating the world wide web
Have an opportunity to pose your questions about using technology to the panel
How to make remote and hybrid work accessible for every employeeAbilityNet
On average, office workers based in central London are devoting 2-3 days per week to their workplace (The Guardian, 2023). Hybrid work offers many potential advantages for disabled employees, but digital barriers can be encountered in a remote and hybrid work environment.
Join us for an informative and interactive webinar on navigating hybrid working for disabled employees. This webinar will explore strategies, best practices, and practical solutions to ensure that disabled employees can thrive in a hybrid and remote work environment.
How to improve accessibility in procurement webinarAbilityNet
Panellists from Google, the University of Westminster, and Funka will discuss how accessibility professionals can connect with their procurement teams, the impact procurement has on customers and employees, and how procurement impacts the public sector.
How volunteering can benefit you or your organisation, with CapgeminiAbilityNet
In this webinar 'How volunteering can help you or your organisation, with Capgemini' taking place during Volunteers' Week 2023 (1-7 June) we explore how technology company Capgemini has embraced volunteering as a force for good, and also how you as an individual can find numerous benefits and satisfaction from becoming a volunteer for your community.
Find out more about AbilityNet webinars and volunteering: www.abilitynet.org.uk
Multiple Sclerosis: How tech can support youAbilityNet
This webinar features guest panellists from the MS Society and AbilityNet and shares information about adapting your digital devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets, to help with symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Find out more about AbilityNet free webinars: https://abilitynet.org.uk/webinars
Inclusive employee experience in the finance and insurance sectorAbilityNet
This free AbilityNet webinar took place on the 28th March 2023 and included expert employee inclusion practitioners from Lloyds Banking Group and GAIN (Group for Autism, Insurance, and Neurodiversity) who discussed their experiences of employee and colleague inclusion and accessibility in the finance and insurance sectors.
How the right tech can make the NHS accessible to all FINAL.pptxAbilityNet
Guest speakers from NHS Wales and SignHealth share how boosting digital skills will help both National Health Service (NHS) patients and staff alike.
During the webinar you will:
- Have the opportunity to pose your questions to the panel about how patients and staff can use technology within and for the NHS
- Get an update about how the Accessible Information Standard affects you and your NHS appointments
- Learn about NHS-related campaigns and how you can get involved
- Discover how tech can help disabled people communicate with NHS staff and systems
- Find out about staff digital skills development within the NHS
- Learn how AbilityNet has been working with NHS organisations to boost technical skills
Amy Low from AbilityNet, Deborah Green from UCISA, and Stephen Thompson from The University of Sheffield to discuss The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (2018), GOV.UK audits and results from AbilityNet's recent ‘Attitudes to Digital Accessibility’ survey.
Accessibility Insights with David Padmore and Matt Simpson of ITV.pptxAbilityNet
Episode four of the Accessibility Insights web broadcast series features ITV's David Padmore, Director of Accessibility and Matt Simpson, Head of Technology within the Accessibility Services team.
AbilityNet's, Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion joins them to discuss accessibility at the public broadcast television network and on its soon to be launched streaming platform, ITVX.
Top tips for how tech can help with hearing lossAbilityNet
In this webinar, learn from AbilityNet, Thoughtworks and SignHealth, to discover how tech can help d/Deaf people and those who have experienced hearing loss.
- Find out about the tech available that can help with hearing loss
- Panellists will discuss their experiences of hearing loss and deafness, and share examples of their most useful tech solutions
- Pose your questions about hearing loss to the panel
Live captions and BSL translation are provided.
Accessibility Insights with Natalie Tucker of Spotify.pptxAbilityNet
Episode three of the Accessibility Insights web broadcast series featured Natalie Tucker, Senior Accessibility Lead at Spotify. AbilityNet's, Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion discussed with Natalie all things accessibility at the music streaming platform, Spotify and to find out about her work and career.Profile images of Robin Christopherson and Natalie Tucker
The Accessibility Insights series is your chance to find out what goes on inside large and often global organisations, learn from their accessibility leaders about the developments in their companies, the impacts of the pandemic, what makes them tick and learn about their accessibility career development. Plus, you will get to find out about their top tips.
Don't disable me: how language, organisational culture and equipment enables ...AbilityNet
On Tuesday 18th of October, three experienced AbilityNet accessibility and innovation consultants shared their lived experience of disabilities:
- Adi Latif, Accessibility Consultant will share his experiences of being blind
- Ghizzi Dunlop, Digital Accessibility Consultant at AbilityNet and Learning Technologist at the University of the West of England will share her experience with hearing barriers
- Adam Tweed, Innovation Consultant for Education and Workplace, will share his experience of mental health and the ways adaptations can remove barriers.
The webinar focussed on the experience of how language, organisational culture and adaptive equipment can make a huge difference in removing the barriers in the workplace to the entire workforce, including disabled people.
Episode two of the Accessibility Insights web broadcast series joined Heather Dowdy, Director of Product Accessibility at Netflix, with Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet to discuss all things accessibility related at Netflix and to find out about Heather's work.
The Accessibility Insights series is your chance to find out what goes on inside large and often global organisations, learning from their accessibility leaders about the developments in their companies, impacts of the pandemic, what makes them tick and learn about their accessibility career development. Plus, you will get to find out about their top tips.
On Tuesday 27th of September, AbilityNet was joined by:
- Kim Durbridge, Senior Content Writer at Skyscanner
- Gryffydd Coates Software Engineer at Skyscanner
- Jack Smale, Website Manager at AXA
- Nathan Smith, SEO Manager at AXA
to help you to learn about how accessibility can boost SEO rankings (Search Engine Optimisation is the process of improving your website to increase its visibility).
This free webinar brought together experts in the field of SEO and accessibility to highlight the benefits that accessibility can bring to SEO rankings. It looked at real-life examples from both halves of the picture.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Society.pdfssuser3e63fc
Just a game Assignment 3
1. What has made Louis Vuitton's business model successful in the Japanese luxury market?
2. What are the opportunities and challenges for Louis Vuitton in Japan?
3. What are the specifics of the Japanese fashion luxury market?
4. How did Louis Vuitton enter into the Japanese market originally? What were the other entry strategies it adopted later to strengthen its presence?
5. Will Louis Vuitton have any new challenges arise due to the global financial crisis? How does it overcome the new challenges?Assignment 3
1. What has made Louis Vuitton's business model successful in the Japanese luxury market?
2. What are the opportunities and challenges for Louis Vuitton in Japan?
3. What are the specifics of the Japanese fashion luxury market?
4. How did Louis Vuitton enter into the Japanese market originally? What were the other entry strategies it adopted later to strengthen its presence?
5. Will Louis Vuitton have any new challenges arise due to the global financial crisis? How does it overcome the new challenges?Assignment 3
1. What has made Louis Vuitton's business model successful in the Japanese luxury market?
2. What are the opportunities and challenges for Louis Vuitton in Japan?
3. What are the specifics of the Japanese fashion luxury market?
4. How did Louis Vuitton enter into the Japanese market originally? What were the other entry strategies it adopted later to strengthen its presence?
5. Will Louis Vuitton have any new challenges arise due to the global financial crisis? How does it overcome the new challenges?
Want to move your career forward? Looking to build your leadership skills while helping others learn, grow, and improve their skills? Seeking someone who can guide you in achieving these goals?
You can accomplish this through a mentoring partnership. Learn more about the PMISSC Mentoring Program, where you’ll discover the incredible benefits of becoming a mentor or mentee. This program is designed to foster professional growth, enhance skills, and build a strong network within the project management community. Whether you're looking to share your expertise or seeking guidance to advance your career, the PMI Mentoring Program offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional development.
Watch this to learn:
* Overview of the PMISSC Mentoring Program: Mission, vision, and objectives.
* Benefits for Volunteer Mentors: Professional development, networking, personal satisfaction, and recognition.
* Advantages for Mentees: Career advancement, skill development, networking, and confidence building.
* Program Structure and Expectations: Mentor-mentee matching process, program phases, and time commitment.
* Success Stories and Testimonials: Inspiring examples from past participants.
* How to Get Involved: Steps to participate and resources available for support throughout the program.
Learn how you can make a difference in the project management community and take the next step in your professional journey.
About Hector Del Castillo
Hector is VP of Professional Development at the PMI Silver Spring Chapter, and CEO of Bold PM. He's a mid-market growth product executive and changemaker. He works with mid-market product-driven software executives to solve their biggest growth problems. He scales product growth, optimizes ops and builds loyal customers. He has reduced customer churn 33%, and boosted sales 47% for clients. He makes a significant impact by building and launching world-changing AI-powered products. If you're looking for an engaging and inspiring speaker to spark creativity and innovation within your organization, set up an appointment to discuss your specific needs and identify a suitable topic to inspire your audience at your next corporate conference, symposium, executive summit, or planning retreat.
About PMI Silver Spring Chapter
We are a branch of the Project Management Institute. We offer a platform for project management professionals in Silver Spring, MD, and the DC/Baltimore metro area. Monthly meetings facilitate networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development. For event details, visit pmissc.org.
Resumes, Cover Letters, and Applying OnlineBruce Bennett
This webinar showcases resume styles and the elements that go into building your resume. Every job application requires unique skills, and this session will show you how to improve your resume to match the jobs to which you are applying. Additionally, we will discuss cover letters and learn about ideas to include. Every job application requires unique skills so learn ways to give you the best chance of success when applying for a new position. Learn how to take advantage of all the features when uploading a job application to a company’s applicant tracking system.
New Explore Careers and College Majors 2024Dr. Mary Askew
Explore Careers and College Majors is a new online, interactive, self-guided career, major and college planning system.
The career system works on all devices!
For more Information, go to https://bit.ly/3SW5w8W
NIDM (National Institute Of Digital Marketing) Bangalore Is One Of The Leading & best Digital Marketing Institute In Bangalore, India And We Have Brand Value For The Quality Of Education Which We Provide.
www.nidmindia.com
Jill Pizzola's Tenure as Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at THOMSON REUTERS...dsnow9802
Jill Pizzola's tenure as Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at THOMSON REUTERS in Marlton, New Jersey, from 2018 to 2023, was marked by innovation and excellence.
Supporting disabled people in work, training and education Oct 2019 webinar
1. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Tips and tools for supporting disabled people
in work, training and education
Annie Mannion, AbilityNet (host)
Rabia Lemahieu, Disability Rights UK
Adam Tweed, AbilityNet
Thursday 17 October 2019, 1pm (BST)
2. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Welcome
• This webinar provides advice for helping disabled people find paid
employment and apprenticeships, plus useful tools and in-built features
• Live captions during the webinar – MyClearText
• Slides, a transcript and recording will be made available
• Please use the Q&A window to ask questions
• Please use the chat window for general conversation
• Feedback form to ask any follow up questions post-webinar
3. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Overview
• The benefits of employing a diverse and inclusive workforce
• Advice for helping disabled people find paid employment and apprenticeships
• Adjustments to better support people with additional needs
• Tools, apps and in-built features that can make a difference
4. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
• @Mark Poll 1.
How would you describe yourself / your reason for
attending today's webinar?
5. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Rabia Lemahieu, Disability and Skills Manager,
Disability Rights UK
Advice for helping disabled people find paid
employment and apprenticeships
6. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
About Disability Rights UK
• National charity
Strategic priorities:
• Independent living - getting a life
• Career opportunities – getting work, education
• Influencing public attitudes and behaviours
7. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Disability Rights UK
• We provide information and advice designed by and for disabled
people and people living with long term health conditions
• Factsheets and guides on our website
• Disabled Students helpline - 0330 995 0414
8. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Key Facts
• There are 13.9 million disabled people in the UK
• 16% - 19% of working age adults are disabled
• The unemployment rate for disabled people aged 16-64 is 8.0%
compared to an unemployment rate of 3.3% for non-disabled
people.
9. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Key Facts continued…
• Young disabled people aged 16–24 are more likely than other
groups to end up not in employment, education or training (NEET)
• Gaining experiences of the workplace and with employers
particularly present additional barriers for young disabled people
10. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Attitudes and barriers
• Using incorrect terminology/language
• Asking questions not permitted under the Equality law 2010
• When to offer help
• Ability to do the job
• Integration with team
• Treating someone more favourably than others
11. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Myth Busting
• An organisation or company can take positive action
• Treating a disabled person more favourably than another disabled
person when essential for the job: occupational requirement
• www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/disability-
discrimination
12. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Reasonable Adjustments
• Under the Equality Act 2010 employers and organisations have a
responsibility to make sure that disabled people can access jobs,
education and services as easily as non-disabled people
• ‘Duty to make reasonable adjustments’
13. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Changing attitudes and culture
• Disability as an asset
• Strengths
• Skills
14. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Changing attitudes and culture
Employing disabled people is good for business because:
• You will have a workforce that reflects the diverse range of
customers it serves and the community in which it is based
• It will bring additional skills to the business, such as the ability to use
British Sign Language (BSL), which could result in large savings
• Diversity drives success
15. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Adjustments
• Ask disabled person what support they want
• Role models
• Holistic approach
• Provide continuity of support
• Discuss support plans regularly
16. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Adjustments continued…
• Flexibility
• Break down of new tasks and skill
• Demonstrations
• Providing a quiet space
• Assistive technology
17. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Apprenticeship support
• Apprentices who have an Education Health and Care plan or
previously had a statement of Special Educational Needs or a
Learning Difficulty Assessment can apply for an adjustment to
English and Maths requirements to Entry Level 3 Functional Skills
• British Sign Language (BSL) can now be used as an alternative to
English Functional Skills for those who have BSL as their first
language
18. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Apprenticeship Funding
• Extra funding to support apprentices aged 16-18, or 19-24 who have
an EHC plan
• Payments of £1000 are available for both employers and training
providers
• Training providers can also claim learning support of up to £150 per
month from the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency
• New care leavers bursary of £1,000 available to all care leavers
aged 16-24 starting an apprenticeship – this is paid directly to them
19. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Access to Work
An Access to Work (AtW) grant can pay for practical support if you have
a disability, physical or mental health condition to help you:
• start working
• stay in work
• move into self-employment or start a business
20. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Access to Work continued…
• Apprenticeships
• Traineeships
• Supported internships
21. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Access to Work / Remploy
• Remploy free service supports apprentices who are feeling low,
anxious, upset and struggling to keep up with their apprenticeship.
• It is completely confidential and run by fully trained professionals
with expertise in mental health.
22. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Into Apprenticeship Guide
Into Apprenticeship Guide
www.disabilityrightsuk.org/intoapprentice
ships
23. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
The Right to Participate
The Right to Participate - animated introduction to the Equality Act, videos of campaigns, information
and template complaint letters to protect disabled people from discrimination in everyday situations
http://righttoparticipate.org/
24. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Contact Disability Rights UK
Disability Rights UK Website
www.disabilityrightsuk.org
• Email: Rabia.lemahieu@disabilityrightsuk.org
25. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Adam Tweed, Service Development Manager,
AbilityNet
Tools, apps and in-built features that can make a
difference
26. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
AbilityNet
“AbilityNet supports people of any age, living with any disability or
impairment to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work
and in education.”
27. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
AbilityNet Services
• Advice; factsheets, blogs
• Helpline – 0800 269 545
• Workplace Assessments
• Accessibility Testing
28. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Unconscious bias
Disability =
29. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
The Cost
• Average adjustments for disabled employees cost £180pp
• Schemes such as Access To Work provide additional funding for
support when ‘reasonable adjustments’ have been made
• 59% of common adjustments cost £0.00
“Inclusive environments require minimal adjustments to gain the
maximum from everyone”
30. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Why bother?
• Increased Job Loyalty
• Increased Innovation
• Improved Public Perception
31. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
• @Mark
Poll 2.
Do you work with anyone with a disability?
32. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Not all disability is…
• Physical / Visible
• Disclosed
• Recognised
• Present from birth
• Permanent
70% non-apparent
1:4 Mental Health condition / yr
1:10 - 1:7 neurodiverse
8:10 acquired during working life
33. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
…and not every disability is permanent…
34. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
What can I do?
• Disclosure levels have been demonstrated to go from
less than 5% to 65%
• Nearly 50% drop in sickness absence rates in a single
year
• 90% of adjustments required resolved directly with
employee at little to no cost
35. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
• @Mark Poll 3.
Do you check your communications and
documents for accessibility?
36. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Top Tips…
• Check Accessibility
• Use inbuilt tools
• Normalise use of assistive technology in everyday work
• Create flexible working environments
• Consider hiring practices and competencies
37. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Check Accessibility
38. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Inbuilt tools - Google Voice Typing
39. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Inbuilt tools - Microsoft
40. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Create flexible working environments
• Sit stand desk
• Ergo mice
• Compact keyboards
41. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
Embrace the tech!
42. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
• @Mark
Q&A
Please use the Q&A window (not the chat window)
You’ll be directed to a feedback form at the end of the broadcast
Slides, transcripts and a recording of this webinar will be made available
43. Tips and tools for supporting disabled people in work, training and education,
17 October 2019
• @Mark
• TechSharePro conference: 20-21 November www.techsharepro.com
• Our next webinar: Thursday 28 November, 1pm
Public Sector Digital Accessibility Regulations, University of York case study
• AbilityNet enewsletter: abilitynet.org.uk/sign-up-for-our-newsletter
Thank you
Editor's Notes
Summarise the webinar in one sentence and then detail any housekeeping for the webinar and accessibility details – see some examples below
Adam – Service Development Manager at AN – answers on postcard
AbilityNet supports people of any age, living with any disability or impairment to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education.We do this by providing specialist advice services, free information resources and by helping to build a more accessible digital world
The resources we have available
Want to start by quickly covering concept of unconscious bias: Unconscious bias is something that we all experience; we instinctively categorise people and things using criteria we can easily observe; age, gender, skin colour, disability - it saves us time and effort when it comes to processing the huge amounts of information we are bombarded with each day, but it can lead us to make assumptions and act based on those biases.
So when we think about and talk about disability in the workplace, it’s perhaps not surprising that our unconscious bias triggers around 50% of us think of people in wheelchairs; it’s disability in perhaps its most obvious form. And yet less than 8% of disabilities require the use of a wheelchair.
I mention this because I think that when it comes to employing disabled people one of the biggest barriers is the perceived scale that accommodating disability suggests and physical access seems to be where our brains reach a block. In a survey by Reed in partnership with DRUK,19% of respondents stated that the cost of modifying equipment made it expensive to employ disabled people. The truth of the matter is that this is simply not the case and the accommodations required to bring disabled people into the workplace, so-called reasonable adjustments, are far less difficult to achieve than our unconscious bias may suggest;
Purple, an organisation focussed on bringing disabled people and business together, has suggested the average cost of reasonable adjustments is around £180 per person; often this can be supplemented by schemes such as AtW which can be used to provide additional assistance when barriers remain after reasonable adjustments have been made.
However, according to the US Job Accommodation Network, 59% of common adjustments cost £0 to the employer – and as I’ll highlight later – figures from the tools we use suggest up to 90% of adjustments can be done at very little cost and can be achieved by line management intervention alone
The key point that I want to make is that if you build in inclusive practices, it no longer becomes a question of accommodating a disabled person; “inclusive environments require minimal adjustments to gain the maximum from everyone” or as our web accessibility team states “it’s not about accessibility, it’s about universality.”
But why? I mean as recruiters, HR professionals, business people and job seekers, you all know inclusion and diversity are things we should legally do, but at some point you will come across someone asking the question; “What’s in it for me?” “Why should I make this investment?” – I’ll touch on just a few points
There is a misconception, again going back to unconscious (or maybe conscious bias) that disabled people require more time off for sickness; a view held by 12% of the respondents in the Reed/DRUK survey - in fact the opposite is true and the fact that disabled workers have often had to overcome significant barriers in order to enter the workforce often means a much stronger work ethic and job loyalty
Inclusive culture also attracts people to a company with almost 50% of job applicants stating that a D&I policy is a key thing that they look for when deciding to apply for a job
“Disability drives innovation” – innovation is all about fixing the barriers we face, making things better, faster easier to use. To grossly generalise; disabled people, as a result of the barriers they face, often have to be innovative problem-solvers, they have had to find ways round problems, to think-outside-the-box, to negotiate, to be resourceful, tenacious and persistent; all qualities it would be ridiculous to ignore as a potential employer
In addition to this, a 2013 report by Deloitte found that “when employees ‘think their organisation is committed to and supportive of diversity, and they feel included’, their ability to innovate increases by 83%.”
Look at the series of scandals in Silicon Valley; examples of what happens when your decisions are made by a group of people who look, act and think the same way, come from similar backgrounds and have similar life experiences.
Being an ‘inclusive’ organisation can improve public perception. Being an inclusive employer; an employer that values a diverse workforce will benefit from this public perception and will typically lead to an increased uptake of services. The so-called ‘purple pound’ is valued at £249bn a year.
Conversely, 4.3m disabled online shoppers will click away from inaccessible websites = £11.75bn and an estimated 75% disabled people and their families have gone elsewhere due to poor accessibility or customer service – if you employ disabled people, you will find out very quickly where your barriers lie
Not every disability is physical/visible – 70% are non-apparent, these might be things like diabetes or epilepsy, but how do you know if someone is deaf for example?
Not every disability is disclosed – 1 in 4 experience a mental health issue each year – with 36% of MH conditions remaining undiagnosed.
Not every disability is recognised – 1 in 10 people are what is being recognised as neurodiverse; normal make-up of a human brain, essential in terms of our success as a species; dyslexia is around 1 in 10; dyspraxia 1 in 20; ADHD 1 in 25 and 1 in 100 is on the Autism spectrum (although employment rates for people on the Autism spectrum are very low in most industries, largely due to hiring practices and workplace attitudes and barriers)
Not all disability is present from birth 8 out of 10 of us will acquire an impairment during our working life
We also need to consider that not every disability is permanent; all of us experience some level of disability, pretty much on a daily basis – really like this graphic (pinched from Microsoft)
Designing your products, your policies, your working practices with inclusion at the core has the added benefit of assisting everyone and having adjustments in place mean that acquiring disability does not risk losing an existing skilled employee either temporarily or permanently
So we know it’s not necessarily expensive, we can see the benefits, so what is available to help you bake it into practice?
The Reed/DRUK survey I mentioned earlier highlighted that almost half (47%) of respondents said that it would help if job applicants were more willing to be open about their health conditions, as this would then allow the organisation to take appropriate measures at interview and assessment stage.
Clear Talents is an online platform for identifying barriers and making adjustments, it was also the platform on which we chose to build our My Study My Way student engagement platform for use in education.
ClearTalents in Recruitment (as its name suggests), assists with the recruitment process ensuring you find the right person for the job by eliminating the risk of unconscious bias
ClearTalents on demand is available for all, for free and will allow you to identify barriers in the workplace and offer some simple solutions and information with regards to addressing this
ClearTalents at work gives access to metrics and case management allowing you as an organisation to not only gain an insight into your overall workforce but to target the areas in which you will see greatest benefit
Companies using CT have seen disclosure rates go from 5% to 65% at the same time as seeing sickness absence drop by nearly 50% over a single year
The other key thing is that it has highlighted the fact that 90% of the adjustments required could be resolved directly with line management at little to no cost
Tech top tips – some ideas on how tech can help you build a more inclusive environment:
Make your documents accessible Use the ‘Accessibility Checker’ – consider it as no different from the way in which we used to think of the spell check. If you send things out, this single click will help you identify and fix common accessibility issues ensuring you reach the broadest audience. Your other option is of course to hire disabled people and listen to them
Although more of an investment, flexible working environments need not be seen as the exclusive domain of the adjustment for the disabled employee – as Workplace assessor sit/stand desks are an increasingly popular and affordable option. Kitting out an office as standard would be a significant expense for any business but having a bank of hotdesks available is a simple means of providing an inclusive working environment for everyone, but will accommodate people of tall or small stature, people with back injuries and wheelchair users.
Consider your hiring practices – can tasks/competencies be accomplished through different means – are you testing if someone can type or if they can create a document – is dictation software something a person would be able to use in the workplace, and if so, is this available for use at interview. Normalise the use of flexible technology options rather than needing disclosure of disability in order to access adjustments.
Are hiring practices genuinely inclusive (McDonalds eg) – take this into the future – voice-interviews via voice assistant?
Final Thought
As disabled people seeking to enter the workplace; educate yourself in the use of these tools; become the experts, champion this knowledge as a means to drive innovation and productivity for a company, not as an accommodation for you as an individual.
For employers, strive to create an environment where the disclosure of disability, of any kind, becomes an “Oh, by the way…”