Empowering workplaces: Creating an accessible and inclusive digital future
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, integrating artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and assistive robotics is reshaping the workplace. These advancements revolutionize how we work and offer unprecedented opportunities to overcome barriers that have long hindered accessibility and inclusivity in many workplaces. Virtual and augmented reality technologies and assistive robotics empower individuals with disabilities, creating a more inclusive and diverse work environment.
Virtual and augmented reality technologies immerse users in simulated environments, offering alternative forms of interaction and engagement. This opens new doors for employees with physical and social limitations, enabling them to participate, collaborate and socialize in ways previously unattainable. Similarly, assistive robotics, such as telepresence robots, allow individuals with physical disabilities to be actively present and participate in the workplace.
While these technologies are not yet commonplace, their potential to transform workplace inclusivity is undeniable. As these innovations become more mainstream, the cost of implementation is expected to decrease, making them more accessible and feasible for employers. Some countries are leading the way in embracing inclusive AI and advanced technologies, setting the stage for a more inclusive and diverse future workplace.
Virtual and augmented reality technologies open new doors for employees with physical and social limitations, enabling them to participate, collaborate and socialize in ways previously unattainable.
As employers consider integrating these technologies, it is crucial to adopt policies and procedures to ensure the continued promotion of a diverse and inclusive workplace. Embracing inclusive technology can transform your organizations into an environment where people and technologies like AI seamlessly collaborate, fostering a workplace that truly values diversity and inclusion.
The key to any such effort is defining the right approach to meeting your needs — whether it’s a standalone project or a comprehensive program to embed accessibility into your operations.
How to enable accessibility and inclusion
Working with a partner to perform a maturity assessment for accessibility and inclusion can help you define the essential requirements and align them with your organizational priorities, whether you're just starting your accessibility journey or seeking to enhance existing initiatives. A thorough approach to accessibility testing will ensure that your websites, services and applications adhere to industry standards like EN301 549, Section 508, and WCAG 2.2, guaranteeing broad user accessibility.
However, accessibility is much more than conforming to web standards. Accessibility governance not only allows the monitoring and measurement of accessibility implementation and maintenance within an organization; it also ensures that the right assistive technologies are delivered quickly enough to meet user needs. This is only possible by efficiently managing a comprehensive catalog of assistive technology software and hardware products that are easy to deploy, fit for purpose, properly costed, and assured to work in an enterprise environment.
Furthermore, it is critical to make sure the catalogue proactively adapts as the organization evolves, instead of consistently remaining behind the curve. Any successful enterprise-wide accessibility program depends on adapting culture, processes and technology to promote accessibility and digital inclusion. If you’re looking to go beyond traditional accessibility services, the right partner can offer end-to-end accessibility ecosystem management.
Getting your initiative started
Learn how Atos can reshape accessibility and ensure that your digital initiatives serve everyone, everywhere. As leaders in accessibility and digital transformation, we seamlessly integrate our expertise, technical knowledge and expansive partner network to deliver a proactive approach that significantly enhances compatibility, interoperability and compliance to foster a more inclusive and productive workplace environment.
Posted on: May 3, 2024
Ricardo García Bahamonde
Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion – Atos SpainMember, Atos Research Community
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