The accessibility movement has produced an increasing number of apps to support the overall success, job satisfaction, and belonging at work for a person with a disability. These advancements in technology also enable employers to tap into the talent and skills neurodiverse individuals bring to a company. 

Here are five apps we think you should know about: 

1. CoughDrop

Disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome can make it difficult for many individuals to communicate on their own. But according to CoughDrop, powerful software called Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can fill the gaps and make every voice heard.

CoughDrop works to help bring out the voices of those with complex communication needs through powerful open-source technology that easily adapts to the individual and supports everyone around them trying to help them succeed.

How it can be used for work: Individuals who might otherwise have a difficult time communicating with co-workers and clients can use the app to make verbal conversation more accessible and possible. 

2. Be My Eyes

This powerful app pairs a person with visual impairment with a non-visually impaired member of the app’s community so that they can ask a question and solve tasks. The two individuals are able to communicate through an audio-video connection. 

How it can be used for work: If someone with a visual impairment is working remotely, or is at work but there’s no one available to ask for help, they can ask their question to a person via the app. 

3. Big Keys

The Big Keys app enables individuals to customize the size of keys on their mobile device’s virtual keyboard. Additionally, big emojis and a larger numeric keypad can be used, and the color of the keys can be adjusted to improve visibility. 

How it can be used for work: For those with jobs where they are expected to communicate at times with a cell phone, the Big Keys app can make it easier to text and use their cell phone. 

4. WheelMate

WheelMate enables individuals to find user-rated restrooms and parking, wherever they are. According to WheelMate, the app is free and provides a dynamic overview of the nearest public conveniences to help individuals plan their day. WheelMate currently maps more than 35,000 locations across 45 countries.

How it can be used for work: When coworkers are going out together for lunch or getting together after work, WheelMate can be used to help an individual locate accessible parking. Afterall, being able to connect with your team can help build community and be just as important as performing the tasks of the job. 

5. Life Sherpa

This assistive technology platform allows for remote support on the job and is an app that catalogs customized supports and routines. It helps employers to manage the status and productivity of its staff while also providing employees with reminders and self help tools in real-time. 

How it can be used for work: This app supports executive functioning and enables the individual to create customized supports that help them to organize their work routine and complete daily tasks through task analysis. It also allows for remote job coaching and a check-in feature, so the individual can receive coaching when necessary. There are also reporting features that help the individual to manage their time and measure their success. 

Technology can be used as a natural support on the job, in the community, and at home. And the above apps can help make many jobs more accessible for those with disabilities. From performing tasks to connecting with coworkers, these accessibility apps can improve not only job performance but also job satisfaction and fulfillment. 

Enabling Technology with SimplyHome

SimplyHome designs and installs innovative and affordable technology solutions that transform how we care for individuals with disabilities, aging adults, and veterans. Our technology empowers individuals to live their own self-determined lifestyle while addressing the concerns of caregivers.

Our sensor-based systems can adapt over time to alleviate concerns about cooking safety, medication adherence, and the risk of wandering or falls. We work with service providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and families to mitigate challenges. Caregivers are notified only when they are needed, promoting the highest level of independence possible for the individual.

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