How inclusive technology can drive impactful change company-wide
Discover how Read&Write for Work can transform your company, promote a neuro-inclusive environment and unlock potential in your team.
But first... Why do strategies for neuro-inclusion matter?
In today’s rapidly-evolving work landscape, fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity for organizational success. In this short video, Rita Isaac, Disability and Neurodiversity Co-lead at the CIPD and Carole Mendonca, National Leader of Accessibility of Deloitte Canada, share their insights on the importance of creating a neuro-inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Neuro-inclusion can strengthen your business by:
- Widening the talent pool and attracting diverse candidates.
- Boosting retention with inclusion and a sense of belonging.
- Improving performance, productivity, and business outcomes.
- Providing equal opportunities to unlock individual potential and growth.
- Enhancing teamwork and collaboration across different teams.
- Increasing employee engagement, confidence and trust.
Organizations can promote a neuro-inclusive environment by:
- Implementing inclusive hiring practices that focus on diverse talents and abilities.
- Providing ongoing training and education on neurodiversity awareness for all employees.
- Creating flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse cognitive styles and needs.
- Encouraging open communication and fostering a supportive workplace culture.
- Investing in inclusive technologies that assist individuals with different neurodivergences.
- Making sure that all digital tools and platforms are accessible to everyone, regardless of their cognitive abilities or disabilities.
How technology can help create an inclusive and flexible work environment
As working lives become more digitally reliant, employers can use technology to empower their workforce.
Kim Whippy, Enablement Manager at PwC UK, sheds light on the transformative impact of technology, offering support not only at an organizational level but also catering to individual needs. She emphasizes the invaluable role of assistive technology in empowering diverse groups within the company. From enhancing work outcomes to facilitating seamless participation in training sessions, events, and beyond.
Read&Write for Work: A small change with a big impact
A versatile solution that not only enhances productivity but promotes inclusion, accessibility and unlocks the potential of all employees.
Here are just some of the incredible benefits:
- Enhanced productivity: Read&Write's comprehensive suite of features empowers all employees to communicate and work efficiently. From Text-to-Speech to Word Prediction and beyond, there is a feature for every learning style.
- Brand empowerment: By embracing Read&Write, organizations demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, strengthening their brand image as one that values diversity and supports all employees in reaching their full potential.
- Support for neurodiversity: With a range of features, it caters to the diverse needs of neurodivergent individuals. By offering tools like Screen Masking and Text-to-speech, employees can work to their unique strengths.
- Improved communication for global teams: Read&Write improves communication and collaboration among multilingual and global teams by providing tools like Check It and Autocorrect to improve grammar and reduce errors.
- Compatibility with existing systems: Read&Write seamlessly integrates with your organization's existing systems and workflows, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption.
Some feature favorites of Read&Write include:
- Highlight Tool: Improves organization and research as users can collect digital content and colour-code key information from multiple sources.
- Text-to-Speech: Enhances understanding and focus by empowering users to listen to on-screen text, aiding comprehension and productivity.
- Word Prediction: Streamlines input and workflow by intuitively suggesting words as users type, reducing keystrokes and maintaining efficiency.
- Screen Masking: Reduces visual stress and distractions with a reading pane, enhancing focus and concentration, especially when reading a large body of text.
The impact of Read&Write for both organizational and individual success
As a professional with Dyslexia and ADHD, Rita knows firsthand the impact of Read&Write for neurodivergent employees.
She highlights the struggles these individuals can face daily and reveals how key features such as Text-to-Speech and Screen Masking, can help overcome barriers to success and streamline tasks.
Both Rita and Carole emphasize how not only neurodivergent employees benefit from Read&Write, but the entire organization. Its adoption enhances productivity, encourages team collaboration, and positions your business as an employer that cares, allowing you to attract and retain diverse talent.
Why Read&Write should be made available to all employees
Kim highlights the "curb cut effect," and how accommodations for one group can have tremendous benefits for the wider team.
She emphasizes how normalizing tools like Read&Write and making them standard in everyday work culture, ensures a broader range of individuals will benefit from the support - not only those who recognise they may need specialized accommodations.
PwC leads by example. They made the decision to adopt Read&Write to all employees after observing a significant increase in usage among those who had access to it. This move resulted in a remarkable 600% increase in usage, demonstrating the value of making such tools universally available.
The Return of Investment (ROI) for inclusive technology
Rita further describes the multifaceted benefits and value inclusive technology add to an organization, both short and long term.
She emphasizes how seeking suppliers who share similar ethos can lead to a better value for money. By exercising corporate responsibility and negotiating product licenses, organizations can effectively manage their budgets and procure inclusive technologies more efficiently.
Moreover, Rita highlights the productivity gain for all employees, both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals when utilizing these tools. This, combined with the cost-efficiency of procurement strategies, makes a compelling case for Return of Investment (ROI).
Why partner with Texthelp on your inclusion journey
We're more than just an assistive technology provider, we're here to help you every step of the way to building a neuro-inclusive culture.
From implementing inclusive technologies and supporting software rollouts to offering additional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) resources through our Texthelp Academy.
When partnering with Texthelp, you will gain:
- A trusted inclusive technology leader with Read&Write having positively impacted the lives of over 50 million users
- An inclusion ally on your Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey
- Valuable resources and training materials for a supportive rollout
- Read&Write Free for Families when you adopt an enterprise license
Are you ready to find out more about how Read&Write can support your people and your business?
Read&Write supports over 50 million people worldwide at companies like CIPD, Deloitte, PwC and many more. We’re ready to support millions more and partner with you on your inclusion journey.
Book a chat with us to find out how Read&Write can unlock the power of your people and business. Complete this form to ask us questions, receive a demo, or to discuss licensing options.
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