Harnessing Technology When You Have a Disability
Published: 1 December 2023
Harnessing the Power of Technology for Career Advancement When You Have a Disability
It is important to note that throughout this article, we refer to people with disabilities as an encompassing term. Readers may prefer to substitute that term for diverse abilities or a similar description.
For people with disabilities, The Valuable 500 highlights how the power of technology can make all the difference when advancing their careers. Access to new assistive technologies, degree programs, virtual networking, job boards, career websites, professional associations, and video conferencing tools that can all open up doors for people with disabilities. to advance their careers, courtesy of Enable_All.
Invest in Assistive Technology
Assistive technologies are designed specifically to make life easier and more efficient for those living with disabilities. These technologies may include speech-to-text software, hearing aids and other types of adaptive listening devices. Physical aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, computer access hardware and software also allow users to interact with technology more easily. Investing in these types of capabilities can help those living with disabilities work more efficiently and effectively.
Xerox is working especially hard to make all its existing technologies accessible to all users. Xerox is working closely with its’ internal developers and external partners to ensure all new products and services seamlessly support modern working for people with disabilities.
Xerox is proud to work with ecosystem partners to ensure its’ products and services are fully compliant with the latest regulations to improve the working lives of users, regardless of the work environment.
Xerox encourages all of our employees that may require support with assistive technologies for their own use, to reach out to their manager to request the relevant technologies are made available to them.
Use Your Neurodiversity within a business environment
Leveraging your neurodiversity within a business environment can be a powerful tool for innovation and problem-solving. Neurodiverse individuals often have unique perspectives and abilities that enable them to think outside the box, which can lead to the creation of novel ideas and solutions. This can be particularly beneficial in the entrepreneurial fields, where differentiation and innovation are keys to success. Embracing neurodiversity also fosters an inclusive work culture, attracting diverse talents for a more dynamic and creative business environment which is becoming increasingly competitive.
Leverage Virtual Networking
Virtual networking is revolutionizing the way people with disabilities enter and excel in the modern workforce. Online platforms make it possible for anyone to join a vast pool of professionals, regardless of their physical ability or capacity. In this way, online platforms enable such persons to promote their unique qualities without ever having to leave home due to medical concerns. By creating detailed profiles that showcase accomplishments and experiences, individuals with disabilities can confidently pursue potential new opportunities within their existing workplace via colleagues around the world who value their unique strengths and recognize the benefits they bring to the workplace and organization as a whole.
Xerox is proud to be able to provide hybrid working for the vast majority of our staff. While we fully appreciate that working remotely is a key pillar to supporting persons with disabilities, it also provides a means to achieving work-life balance for all staff. We also recognize that returning to the office provides companionship and face to face interactions that breed innovation. These factors contribute to our success while also providing an opportunity to network and socialize which cannot be duplicated through remote-only working.
Tap Into Online Professional Associations
AbilityLab demonstrates that online professional associations provide valuable information and support networks which are especially beneficial for those living with disabilities. Such persons cannot always attend physical meetings due to medical conditions. These associations often provide advice on job strategies as well as provide opportunities such as internships which may not be readily available (or accessible) through traditional means. Additionally, scholarships may also be offered which can further reduce financial barriers when persons with disabilities are pursuing higher education programs associated with career advancement opportunities to expand their horizons.
Xerox is keen to assist all our employees to enhance their learning and provides opportunities for career advancement through our own Learning and Development platform which are available to all, through internal education sources.
Utilize Job Boards and Career Websites
Job boards and career websites are also excellent resources for people living with disabilities who may be seeking new employment opportunities or opportunities for advancement within their current roles. These websites often feature opportunities specifically tailored for people living with disabilities, so it’s important search multiple platforms to maximize your chances of finding the right opportunity for you. Additionally, many companies and institutions continually post job openings on these sites, so be sure to check them regularly.
It is also important for Xerox employees to review open opportunities via GEMS (internal career development tool). Additionally, all Enable_All members receive job postings that are shared internally with our ERGs to further help advance your career.
It is important to take the time to update your resume/CV to make sure it has a professional appearance, as much as possible. Luckily, there are plenty of tools you can use to develop high impact resumes/CVs. Once your resume/CV is complete, it is important to dedicate time to prepare for potential interviews by anticipating questions you may be asked and practicing insightful answers. Again, it is important to ensure your profile in GEMS is up-to-date by listing your achievements and successes within Xerox as well as identifying the benefits you bring to the company.
Go Back to School
Another great way to give yourself an edge in today’s competitive job market is to go back to school, perhaps for a degree in business. This will help you prepare for job opportunities, particularly once you tailor educational experiences and acquired knowledge to any new opportunities you are seeking. Today’s online learning programs are flexible, so you can work toward a degree from the comfort of your home without having to take too much time away from other obligations.
Its also important to consider what extra-curricula learning you can do to enhance your job prospects, both within and outside of Xerox. These may include enrolling in programmes such as Six Sigma and obtaining professional qualifications, such as PMP certificates. Don’t forget, that much of the learning material for such courses are available through Xerox Learning and Development which permits self-guided learning you can undertake before registering for formal exams (a very cost-effective method of learning). Additionally, Xerox is keen to support employee learning that is part of achieving your annual goals (may qualify for reimbursement of courses/examinations). People with disabilities are encouraged to have self-development discussions with their manager to identify appropriate learning opportunities and gain support for talent building courses.
Use Video Conferencing
Video conferencing tools offer more than just convenient face-to-face communications, they also provide a lifeline to those persons with physical limitations or medical issues. Video conferencing removes the need to travel long distances which permits those individuals with mobility or travel issues to make meaningful connections right from their living rooms. Smart home cameras and related technologies help make such accessibility possible. Whether it be for business or personal matters, these high-tech solutions give employers and employees alike, the opportunity to meet each other virtually to lower barriers to engaging in new relationships going forward. These technologies can also play a key role in establishing relationships with customers, as many organizations continue to work remotely.
In Summary
Technology offers many advantages for advancing careers for persons with disabilities. The same applies to taking advantage of remote learning to start your own business. However, it’s important not to forget traditional methods, too, such as networking events and applying directly via career websites and job boards. By utilizing both traditional and modern approaches, you can maximize your chances of success and fulfillment in fulfilling your professional and career aspirations.