Defining your workplace or establishing your workspace is essential to create great success in the workplace. If you have a physical disability, it may be even more important to ensure that your workplace is suitable for your needs. Some other reasonable precautions are taken to ensure that you are comfortable and can work effectively. Basically, you need to build your work area that is handicapped-accessible as ADA Standards direct it. It would help if you had your work office has a CASp report and approved by ADA. You can learn more about What is a CASp report. However, here I will tell you some tips to create a handicapped-accessible work area.
An Accessible Office Desk
The simplest of all office furniture, your desk, is where you’ll spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week writing reports, taking calls, answering emails and holding meetings, so it makes sense to get started just by making your desk as comfortable as possible.
Note that you don’t need to sit at a predefined desk just because it is there. If it does not offer enough space to park your wheelchair under it, ask for another option.
A Comfy Chair
Remember to find a chair that works with your desk. For example, there are many seating options for the disabled: lumbar support chairs, which provide the necessary support for back problems. Non-adjustable or low-level chairs so that your chair will work with the desk support of your choice. Flexible arms can be raised or lowered depending on height. Problem-free or roll-free seats, depending on whether you’re getting in or out of a wheelchair, or if you want a safe or sturdy seat that doesn’t protrude underneath.
Ergonomic Laptop or Desktop
Your desk is at a comfortable level, you need your office equipment and tools to work as much as possible on their own. You still need to repair your laptop or computer, mouse and keyboard and apply assistive technologies.
Consider an ergonomic evaluation for your laptop or computer. Many companies provide it for free or cover the cost of the necessary modifications. You can also ask your doctor to have someone do the assessment and request a medical certificate based on the assessment. Your workplace must provide for insurance purposes or cover expenses. There are many, many computer options to choose from. If your workplace provides you with a laptop (or if you use your laptop to work at home), you should consider a lightweight option that can make it easier to get around.
If you use a desktop version, remember that there are endless possibilities for different types of monitors. Remember that it’s not worth turning your neck, not seeing well or having to bend down to turn your personal computer for you. You need flexible shapes in height, removable arm screens that can be wall-mounted instead of sitting at your desk.
Joystick Mouse and Accessible Keyboards
Now you also need technical equipment. There are mice and keyboards in almost every shape and layout imaginable to meet every need, from carpal tunnel to accepted people, suitable for people with limited mobility of hands and fingers. You can incorporate optical trackball mice with a ball for easier navigation, which requires less dexterity, or joystick mice that improve navigation for people with limited hand and finger mobility. It can also include Braille labels that can be purchased and installed on computer keyboards for the visually impaired.
Assistive Program Software
There is a huge collection of input selection programs designed to help people with disabilities do their job better and manage private companies on their computers. Dragon is perhaps the best-known software for people with disabilities. The voice recognition program allows users to input their data and control the computer with their voice. This eliminates the need to use the computer’s mouse or keyboard, making it ideal for people with visual disabilities or limited mobility of arms and hands.