How governments can use technology to promote employment of people with disabilities

Abstract

The increasing use of technology in workplaces all over the world has resulted in unprecedented opportunities for people with disabilities to remain in, or enter the work force. Technology can be the key that levels the playing field for individuals with disabilities if their needs are met through the proper assistive or adaptive accommodations. Governments are in a unique position to harness this prospect and promote the increased employment of people with disabilities. This employment promotion can be achieved through a number of policies, programs and strategies that are both overt and subtle. Governments can develop various policies and initiatives to impact their own hiring, retention and promotion of individuals with disabilities. Governments can also use their purchasing power to influence the private sector to do more to hire and retain workers with disabilities. This paper explores how governments can use technology to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. © Springer-Verlag 2004.