![]() The decision to disclose a disability in the workplace can be a very difficult one. Statistics bear this out, as well: according to the World Bank, “ Persons with disabilities are more likely to experience adverse socioeconomic outcomes such as less education, poorer health outcomes, lower levels of employment, and higher poverty rates.” To disclose or not disclose? “If I didn’t have access to the technology that enabled me to complete my degree,” continued Offerman, I would still be working a physically and emotionally demanding job earning under the poverty line- which, sadly, is not a unique experience.” Finding an organization that supported users with Apple devices was a requirement for me when I was looking to switch careers.” A major reason I hesitated to join a corporate environment was because I didn’t know if I would have access to some of my required technology. “Personally,” said Offerman, “I can understand this. “For example,” said Offerman, “using text-to-speech and speech-to-text,” which is what she uses on an iPad to complete her work.Īccenture’s report on the high percentage of disabled people out of work doesn’t surprise Offerman. In fact, just a 1% increase in the number of people with disabilities in the workforce would boost GDP by $25 billion.Īccommodations or workflow adjustments can benefit economies, companies and individuals. The financial power of accommodationsĪccenture’s study also found an untapped talent pool of 10.7 million people that could strengthen U.S. ![]() Some can be attributed to organizations that are worried about how to accommodate disabled workers. Some of these statistics can be attributed to plain old disablist assumptions about the capability of disabled people in general. This isn’t simply because disabilities leave people unable to work. ![]() However, a 2018 study by Accenture found that only around 29% of working-age people with disabilities have work, and the unemployment rate for this group is more than twice as high as for people without disabilities. ![]() “Folks can be born with a disability, acquire it over time or in many cases can be temporary,” said Offerman, “like breaking a leg or injuring your hand.” In these cases, a person might need a wheelchair or crutches, or an injured hand might require temporary use of speech-to-text for emails, etc.” The word ‘disability’ covers a great deal of territory. Nearly 15 percent of the world’s population – one billion people – experience some form of disability. It's an ongoing process toward making things accessible for everyone.” The impacts of disability “This effort does involve collaboration and at least taking steps toward an inclusive environment. “What we are sharing here are ideas of what's possible,” she continued. “Mistakes can happen along the way,” she said, “but it's better to explore what is possible and to be transparent when we fail.” We know it takes work to provide an inclusive environment, and changing our thinking from ‘hindrance’ to ‘asset’ can go a long way.” “Through our personal experiences and the stories we hear, we know can be challenging. “We want to acknowledge something here,” she continued. It's about tapping into individual strengths, as we all have different perspectives.” “This resonates, said Offerman, “because even though we are here to talk about accessibility in technology, we do not want people to think of accessibility as a hindrance. “I wish for a world that views disability, mental or physical, not as a hindrance but as unique attributes that can be seen as powerful assets if given the right opportunities.” The team started out with a quote from the late, great neurologist and author Oliver Sacks. ”I use Apple technologies daily to help with my deafness,” said Mueller. ”I rely on Apple’s Accessibility features to help me adapt.” Hector Ibarraran mentioned a limb difference in his left arm, and Don Mueller spoke about his severe-to-profound hearing loss. Kelly Offerman introduced herself as a person with learning differences. Each person described themselves visually for those in attendance with visual impairments. Sales engineers Hector Ibarraran and Don Mueller joined Kelly Offerman, Senior Business Development Executive, Healthcare, to discuss Apple accessibility features and implementation workflows in Jamf Pro - from a professional and personal point of view.
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