Labor force participation: How auxiliary aids can help make the workday easier

Special tools, accessible software or a modified work environment – there are many ways to create a more accessible workplace for people with disabilities. Options range from conventional analog tools to digital solutions. But how can disability inclusion in the workplace be ensured – today and in the future?

Whether it’s multiple sclerosis, diabetes or visual impairment – as a project of the German Economic Institute in Cologne, the REHADAT "knowledge series" maintains, updates and expands a useful online information system that supports the labor force integration of people with disabilities and those suffering from chronic illnesses. The brochures are complemented by practical examples, contact points, references and further reading. The REHADAT knowledge series and its publications target employers, affected employees and experts who promote labor force participation of people with disabilities or chronic illness.

Employees with rheumatoid arthritis frequently depend on changes that make their work environment more in tune with their unique needs. At times, it’s simple measures like a flexible work schedule that can help sufferers to immediately address stiffness in the joints in the morning by allowing a later start time to their workday. Ergonomic and accessible remodeling is another measure that promotes labor force participation. For the past ten years, the German Society for Rheumatology e.V. has rewarded outstanding successful solutions in the field with its RheumaPreis initiative.

Ergonomics also play a key role for people who use wheelchairs – both when it comes to their free time and work. However, ergonomic and dynamic seating positions are often not a real option in this setting. With the WorkHopper, the Dutch O4 Wheelchairs Company has created a wheelchair that features a back and sitting angle adjustment function that ensures the user’s unique needs are met with ease. The costs of the custom wheelchair for the workplace is covered by the applicable funding agency and service provider if there is ample justification that the wheelchair is necessary as a job accommodation. Find out more about the advantages of changing between active and passive sitting thanks to the WorkHopper in our article "WorkHopper: where sitting is a pleasure".

Whether it is a workplace accommodation or special, digital resources – an accessible workplace is essentially an option no matter where you are. Hardware and software developer Microsoft has been known for years for its commitment to inclusion and diversity. The company offers different types of assistive technology tools and solutions to promote and facilitate full participation and especially labor force participation of people with disabilities.

Digitization has permeated many parts of our lives and also affects the participation of people with disability in the workplace and labor market. In collaboration with the Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences and other project partners, REHACARE exhibitor HASOMED GmbH is presently involved in a research project titled "Smart Inclusion": The project aims to foster labor force participation of people with congenital and acquired brain injuries with the help of a mobile device, while promoting a high degree of independence during occupational rehabilitation. The app is designed for smartphones, smartwatches or smart glasses and accurately navigates users through work sequences in a comprehensible and discreet fashion and supports spatial orientation. The research project will run until August 2021 and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the European Social Fund of the European Union.

The Dräger & Lienert GbR shows that the right software can benefit blind, visually impaired and sighted employees. Thanks to its diverse inclusive software portfolio for a variety of applications, the Marburg-based company has managed to succeed in international markets. In Canada, the company distributes its products via U-R-Able. At this point, blind computer scientists in Canada, as well as blind lawyers in Australia, the U.S. and Canada successfully use products made by Dräger & Lienert in their place of work.

In Germany, Hansjörg Lienert and his team are also committed to motivating software developers to design software that is accessible to people with disabilities. "Accessible software breaks down barriers. You can add-on Braille components and a screen reader, enabling a blind person to work with it," says Lienert.

If a municipality acquires software, Lienert recommends setting up a contractual obligation to secure an accessible system that is stringently tested by users and experts. "That’s when some software companies point out that this is more expensive. While that’s true, it also gives them a greater chance to win tenders," explains Lienert. "After all, companies that don’t design accessible software will be pushed out of the market in the long term. It’s all about sustainability: How forward-thinking are you? This puts pressure on the competition – but it’s positive pressure in my book." Find out how Hansjörg Lienert creates an accessible workstation and read about the benefits of inclusive software in the workplace – even for colleagues without disabilities – in our REHACARE.com interview.

The fact of the matter is that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes labor force participation as an integral part of disability inclusion – and therefore a human right. Special resources or workplace accommodations can offer effective support. Ultimately, it’s a win-win situation where everyone benefits: Employees revel in self-determination and accessibility in the workplace, while companies keep or attract qualified, high-skilled and motivated professionals.