Accessibility is often built through everyday choices. Small changes in how information is shared, meetings are run, and technology is selected can make a big difference for employees with disabilities. Here are five practical places to start.
- Make documents usable. Use clear headings, readable fonts, meaningful link text, sufficient contrast, and alt text for important images. Avoid sending information only as a picture of text. Accessible documents help people who use screen readers, magnification, text-to-speech, and other tools.
- Share materials before meetings when possible. Advance access gives employees time to review information in the format or with the technology that works best for them. It can also help people prepare questions and participate more fully in the discussion.
- Do not guess what someone needs. If an employee identifies an access barrier, ask what would help. Accommodations are individualized, and the solution that works for one person may not work for another person with the same disability.
- Check technology before it becomes a barrier. A new website, scheduling platform, training portal, or software system may be difficult or impossible to use with assistive technology. Accessibility should be considered when choosing and updating workplace technology – not only after a problem is reported. Use the TNTechConnect tab on Pathfinder’s website to explore assistive technology that may be useful.
- Focus on the job, not assumptions. A mobility aid, communication difference, disability-related schedule, or assistive technology does not tell you what a person can contribute. Evaluate employees based on the essential work, their skills, and their performance.
Need help exploring a workplace accommodation? The Job Accommodation Network provides free, expert, confidential guidance for employers and individuals. Tennessee’s assistive-technology programs can also help people explore tools that may support work and independence.