The BVI Workforce Innovation Center has developed a guide comprised of a sampling of accessible technologies we have used that have real, meaningful value for people who experience vision loss.

The following list covers many of the office basics that companies need to create an inclusive and accessible work environment for individuals with low vision.

Business technology resources

Screen readers and print magnifiers

These tools are must-haves for any business to become more inclusive for individuals of all abilities. Here is a short list of screen readers and magnifying tools on the market today:

Training for screen readers and print magnifiers

Interested in learning more about screen readers and magnifiers? Here are free training opportunities to get you up to speed on how to best utilize these tools:

Visual Assistance and Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

When tools aren’t enough, volunteers step in. There are several companies that have sighted volunteers on standby to help people who are blind or experience low vision with a tap of a finger. They include:

Note taking

Take notes with ease—with a physical device or a simple digital recorder app.

Phone systems

One accessory you always have at your desk: a phone. Ensure employees who have low vision are equipped with phone systems liked the ones listed below that either have audio output or accessible elements integrated into their systems.

Printers and copiers

Give your printers and copiers an accessibility upgrade and gain your very own personal printing assistant.

HP Accessibility Assistant - Works with Enterprise printers

Human resources software

Do you need a talent acquisition, payroll, and talent management system that does it all? We have the solution—and it’s an accessible one.

Contact management software

If you have a workforce that includes people who are blind or visually impaired who are focused on customer relationship management, you’ll need a system that’s both intuitive and accessible.

Salesforce

Contact center software

One of the largest initiatives of the BVI Workforce Innovation Center is to create professional job opportunities for people who are blind or low vision. Any business with a diverse workforce would benefit from these call center software platforms:

Elevators

Building a new facility? Accessibility considerations made in advance ensures ADA compliance and builds an inclusive culture at your business—from the ground, up. Here are a few elevator companies that can get you started:

Accessible technology for at-home use

Mobile phone and related hardware accessories

Using your phone shouldn’t be a feat. Both iPhone and Android have accessibility features built into their phones to ensure that users with low vision have the ability to use their phones to their full potential. Learn more about the accessibility systems here.

General audio tools

Sometimes, having some audio reminders laying around the house can be helpful. Pre-record reminders, instructions and more to replay later.

USB Sound button with record/play ability by The Monocle Breakers

Headphones

Headphones aren’t what they used to be. With new technology, headphones are getting more stylish, less inhibitive, and produce more distinct sound. Here are some new headphones options that don’t cover the ears.

Transportation and Navigation apps

One of the biggest issues facing individuals who are blind and visually impaired is mobility. Several navigational and transportation-focused apps are easy to use.

Environmental and thermostat controls

Whether you need to cool off or turn up the heat, we’ve got all that and more. Here’s a list of thermostat brands that are accessible with enhanced audio or visual controls:

Talking Thermostats VIP 3000 series
SmartWay Talking Thermostat Model VT 1007
Mitsubishi, Kumo Cloud - Works with Google Home Mini
Cox Homelife Automation
Nest Thermostat (various models) – Is partially accessible except for the ‘Schedule’ component; works well with Google Home & Amazon Echo
Google Home

Kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances are getting smarter. Appliance companies are creating models of their products with accessibility in mind. Check out the list below for appliances that work well for the blind and low vision community:

Samsung, accessibility, 972 761-7123 Double oven, NV51K7770D - Works with Smart Home and Smart Things apps
Amazon Basics Microwave, Small, 0.7 Cu. Ft, 700W - Works with Alexa
Whirlpool 30 in W 1.9 cu. ft. Smart Over the Range Convection Microwave
Magic Chef Microwave Oven
Amazon Echo Wall Clock - Works with Alexa
Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine
Gourmia GCM4750 Coffee Maker
Bosch ADA Compliant Dishwasher

Video doorbells

Not only do video doorbells provide an added sense of security, they also provide opportunities to answer your door virtually and speak to visitors without even opening the door. Here are a few systems that work well for individuals who are blind or visually impaired:

Restrooms

Use an audio button to describe the lay-out.

Fitness equipment

Living a fit and healthy lifestyle is getting more accessible. Various fitness equipment companies are now adding more accessible features into their accompanying apps so users who are differently abled can utilize their machines with ease.

Concept 2 rowing machine - Works with Concept 2 app
Fitbit – Works with Fitbit app

Healthcare

Emergencies happen. When they do, people of all abilities should be able to make a call or jump on live chat with a medical professional to receive treatment as soon as possible.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas - Provides video chat for emergency care. Read more about the service here.

Voice Assistants

Who wouldn’t love a personal assistant? From texts to music to note taking, simply talk to these virtual assistants to complete more tasks on your schedule.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but the team at the BVI Workforce Innovation Center has used these tools first-hand and can vouch for their accessibility-friendly features. As we encounter more and more accessible technologies, we expect this list to continue to build.

Do you have suggestions of technologies that should be included on this list?

Send your feedback to info@workforceforall.com.

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