BREAKING BARRIERS: HOW THE WORKPLACE ACCESSIBILITY GROUP EMPOWERS BUSINESSES TO CREATE INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS
In the United States, the employment disparity between deaf and hearing individuals highlights a significant accessibility gap. According to the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC), only 48%ofdeaf individuals aged 25-64 are employed, compared to 72% of hearing individuals in the same age group. This stark difference underscores the critical need for initiatives that address employment challenges and promote inclusivity. PBSC students and faculty gather around the newly commissioned sculpture of a Panther, the college’s mascot, on the Lake Worth campus.
Enter the Workplace Accessibility Group (WAG), a West Palm Beach-based organization specializing in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and advocacy. Established in 2014, WAG has been a steadfast advocate for inclusivity, empowering businesses to remove barriers and embrace accessibility as a pathway to growth and innovation.
WHAT WAG OFFERS
WAG provides a robust suite of services designed to foster equitable access to products, services, employment, and social engagements for all individuals. Central to their mission are:
Interactive Training Programs and Workshops: WAG offers hands-on training, lunch & learns, and practical workshops to help businesses understand their responsibilities under the ADA. These sessions equip participants with actionable strategies to create accessible environments while fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse needs of their communities.
ADA Compliance Expertise: With over a decade of experience, WAG’s team guides businesses through the intricacies of ADA requirements, ensuring compliance and cultivating inclusive workplaces.
ASL Interpreting and Conference Coordination: To bridge communication gaps, WAG coordinates American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services, empowering companies to communicate effectively with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Tailored Accessibility Consulting: From audits to strategic planning, WAG collaborates with organizations to identify challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
CHAMPIONING ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
WAG’s mission transcends compliance, advocating for cultural shifts that embrace the spirit of the ADA. By equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools to address accessibility proactively, WAG transforms challenges into opportunities. Their workshops emphasize the human aspect of accessibility, fostering empathy and understanding among participants.
THREE WAYS TECH ORGANIZATIONS CAN IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY PRACTICES
As accessibility becomes a cornerstone of inclusive business practices, tech organization scan take proactive steps to create more accessible products and workplaces. Here are three strategies every organization should consider:
- Invest in Accessibility Training and Resources
- Provide mandatory training for developers, designers, and product managers on accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and laws like the ADA.
- Leverage resources from organizations like the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and Deque University, which offer courses on creating accessible digital products.
- Equip teams with tools and knowledge to prioritize accessibility at every stage of development.
2. Engage with the Disability Community
- Collaborate with people with disabilities to gain firsthand insights into their experiences using technology. This can include user testing, focus groups, or consultations during the design and development phases.
- Partner with organizations like the National Federation of the Blind (NFB),National Association of the Deaf (NAD), or AbilityNet to access expert guidance and diverse perspectives.
- Host internal events like Accessibility Awareness Days, where employees can learn directly from assistive technology users.
3. Conduct Regular Accessibility Audits
- Perform regular audits of digital platforms, apps, and tools to identify and address barriers. Tools like axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse can assist in evaluating accessibility.
- Establish an internal Accessibility Task Force to review policies, products, and workflows, ensuring accessibility is prioritized throughout the product lifecycle.
- Integrate accessibility testing into the development process using assistive technologies like screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA) or speech recognition software.
