Setting up your workstation or building your workspace is critical to laying the foundation for the great success at work. If you have staff with disabilities, it’s even more important to make sure that your workspace meets ADA compliance and other reasonable accommodations are made so that your staff with disabilities can be comfortable and work effectively. Therefore, it’s also essential to learn the tutorial for accessibility testing. Check out the following tips for setting up your workspace according to your abilities.
Create ADA Compliant Website Program and Assistive Technology Software
It’s essential to have a huge collection of data entry programs that help people with disabilities do their jobs better and handle private matters on the computer. You should make sure that your office’s main website or software program runs the four ADA compliance principles. Aside from that, Dragon is perhaps the most well-known software for people with disabilities. The speech recognition program allows users to enter their data and control the computer with their voice. This eliminates the need to use a mouse or keyboard, making it ideal for people with vision problems or limited mobility in their arms and hands. VivoMouse follows the movements of your head, as well as the sound of your voice, to control your PC.
Install Accessible Office Desks
Since your staffs spend 8 hours a day and 5 times a week writing reports, answering phone calls, handling emails, and holding meetings, it makes sense to start making your desk as comfortable as possible. Your staff don’t have to sit at a pre-designed desk just because it’s there. If it doesn’t give you enough room to park your staffs’ wheelchairs underneath, ask for another option.
Invest in Comfy Chairs
Don’t forget to find a chair that fits your desk. Many chair options are wheelchair accessible. These include lumbar support chairs, which will give you the support you need if you have spinal difficulties. You can use high- or low-strength chairs so that the seats work with the theme of your chosen desk. Next, you can install adjustable armrests that can raise or lower based on your height. Finally, you can try to find a reclining seat to have control within the perfect angle for your body.
Set Several Accessible Laptops
Aside from the tips above, you should consider getting an ergonomic evaluation. Many companies offer this for free or cover the cost of any necessary modifications. You can also have your doctor perform the assessment and get a doctor’s note based on the assessment if your workplace needs to submit it for insurance purposes or cover costs. There are many, many computer options to choose from.
If your workplace gives you a laptop (or you use your laptop to work at home) consider getting a lightweight variant that makes it easier for you to commute. In case you use a desktop version, remember that there are unlimited options for different monitor variants. Remember that it is not worth straining your neck, not seeing well, or bending over to get your personal computer to work.
Install Lower Storage
Once your desk, chair, and assistive devices are in place, be sure to create open storage areas for your files, purse, snacks or office supplies. Many offices equip prefabricated cubicles with built-in shelving, which should generally work for everyone. If your office or workspace has built-in cabinets at an arm’s length height, ask if they are lowered. Shelving at the wrong height is not only inconvenient but can become a workplace hazard if you have to strain to reach or retrieve it, which can create a human resources or health and safety issue.