The primary goal of public servants is to enhance government services, programs, and processes for the benefit of citizens. Equitable and accessible government services, programs, and processes should be a given for every member of the public. As a public sector project manager, it's my responsibility to nurture a culture of inclusivity within my project teams, ensuring that accessibility is a central tenet of team management.
Part of optimizing a project team's potential involves addressing the needs of each team member, particularly those with disabilities and their use of assistive technology.
During the earlier stages of my project management career, I wasn't fully aware of the diverse types of disabilities, especially those that aren't immediately visible. Collaborating with design strategists and content managers enlightened me about best practices in crafting programs and services for individuals with disabilities. Interestingly, it hadn't struck me that I might have worked with team members who had disabilities and were utilizing assistive technology.
My Enlightening Experience
My perspective shifted recently when I attended a diversity and equity training sponsored by my employer. A presentation on Assistive Technology during the training opened my eyes wider. However, this newfound understanding was tinged with a sense of embarrassment for not being more informed about working with people with disabilities.
This embarrassment reminded me of my upbringing with an uncle who was born deaf. Despite not knowing sign language, my family developed our own way of communicating using creative sign gestures that came naturally to us.
My uncle's story began during the 1940s under colonial rule in the Caribbean, when our society lacked the education, information, amenities, and resources necessary to support individuals with disabilities.
My Commitment to Learning About Assistive Technology
The memories of my extraordinary experiences with my deaf uncle stirred a commitment within me. As I move forward as a project manager, I am determined to educate myself further about assistive technology and gain a deeper understanding of people with disabilities.
To address this commitment, I took immediate steps:
I reached out to the presenter of the Assistive Technology session for a deeper conversation, marking my first step towards learning more about individuals with disabilities and fostering an inclusive work culture to support them.
I identified the accessibility features in the software I use daily at work, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Recognizing that captioning and transcriptions benefit not only individuals with disabilities but all users, I began valuing different forms of assistive technology.
I subscribed to an e-newsletter from our partner agency that focuses on working with people with disabilities.
Who Benefits from Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology is utilized by individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) refers to any tool or device that assists people with disabilities in performing daily activities, communicating, and participating in society. These technologies can be simple or complex, low-tech or high-tech, and encompass a wide range of devices, from wheelchairs and hearing aids to speech recognition software and screen readers. Assistive Technology is designed to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, enabling them to live more independently, work more effectively, and participate more fully in their communities.
Examples of assistive technology devices and software include:
Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers
Hearing aids and cochlear implants
Communication aids like speech-generating devices and text-to-speech software
Vision aids like magnifiers, screen readers, and braille displays
Cognitive aids such as reminder devices and software, and voice recognition software.
Assistive technology can also be customized to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Project Management and Assistive Technology
For project managers, it's imperative to ensure that projects are accessible and inclusive, catering to the diverse needs of all team members, including those with disabilities. Here are several strategies to consider:
1. Awareness of Assistive Technology
Project managers should familiarize themselves with the range of assistive technologies available and understand how they can help individuals with disabilities perform their jobs effectively. It is crucial to have a basic understanding of different types of assistive technology, accessibility requirements, and the support available to users.
2. Budgeting for Assistive Technology
Allocating a budget for assistive technology is vital to ensure that devices are accessible to all team members with disabilities. This may involve collaborating with the Human Resources or Information Technology department to determine the appropriate budget allocation and ensure the timely procurement and setup of necessary devices.
3. Ensuring Accessible Communication
Project managers should ensure that communication is accessible to all team members with disabilities. This may include providing documents in alternative formats such as large print, braille, or electronic text. Captioning and transcription should be provided for videos, and sign language interpreters should be arranged for meetings and events.
4. Fostering an Inclusive Work Culture
Creating an inclusive work culture is essential to making all team members feel welcome, valued, and respected. Project managers should ensure that the team receives training in inclusive communication and behavior, and that they are aware of any accommodations that may be required. Encouraging team members to share their feedback and suggestions for improving accessibility can also contribute to a more inclusive work culture.
5. Alt Text for Images:
Incorporate alternative text (alt text) for your images, allowing screen readers to convey the essence and context of visuals to individuals with visual impairments. Alt text should be concise yet descriptive, conveying the image's content. This ensures that those using assistive technology can comprehend the visuals described in your blog.
By implementing these best practices into my project management approach, I've made strides in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity within my project teams, thereby elevating project productivity and outcomes.
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