37th Annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference Has Concluded

Visual Interpreting & Workplace Inclusion

Date & Time

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 - 4:20 PM PST

Location

Grand GHJK

Description

We often use the term inclusion to describe the accommodations made in the employment space to take advantage of the talent within the disability community. What does inclusion mean? Is it leveraging autonomy? Is it forming interdependent bonds among employees on an equal footing? What are the tools someone uses to be included? Key components in the accessibility toolkit for blind and low vision people involve access to visual information. Although screen reading and enlarging software and AI apps offer a great deal, there is much more to inclusion than reading a computer screen. Typically, employers procure on-site human assistance from coworkers to obtain visual information. This practice often takes away autonomy and individual efficiency and sets up an imbalance between team members. This assistance also does not typically extend to other activities during the workday, such as break time, team building, and social activities. Aira is the leading provider of professional visual interpreting. This relatively new field involves remotely supplying requested visual information objectively to accomplish tasks. Working closely with each employer and their employees' unique needs, we deliver this information to enhance inclusion. This presentation spotlights use cases, featuring tasks and holistic company practices of our Access Network partners, Starbucks, Amazon, Google, and Target. Employees work in various jobs from the busy fulfillment center floor to retail locations. They create and test new technology. They may also serve coffee. Many of these jobs are outside the scope of what blind and low vision people imagined as employment prospects. This presentation will teach what visual interpreting is and the types of information our professional agents convey in the workplace. We will also discuss cyber security and our agents' training to maintain that security. Aira has modified our service to meet employer needs for physical situations such as fulfillment centers and retail work. Learn what tools work best in which situations to provide the needed information for inclusion.

Audience

Information & Communications Technology
Disability Specific
Employment & Human Resources
Retail & Wholesale
Administration & Business Support

Audience Level

Intermediate

Session Summary (Abstract)

Access to information in the workplace for blind and low vision people does not end with a screen reader or magnifier. Through our partners in some of the world’s largest businesses, we’ll look at how visual interpreting leads to productivity and inclusion.

Session Type

General Track

Topics