5 Steps to a more inclusive workplace
1 Use technology. People with disabilities may need reasonable accommodations to do their jobs. Technology offers reasonably priced accommodations for a number of disabilities, such as speech-to-text software for a visually impaired employee or captioning screens for people who are hearing impaired.
2 Partner with a job-training agency. Find the non-profit agencies in your community that are providing job coaching training for people with disabilities and partner with them to bring the supports that employees may need right to the job.
3 Include disability awareness through your company. Inclusion happens when everyone in your company understands the value of hiring a diverse workforce. Include regular trainings focusing on disability awareness and inclusion.
4 Create an accessible environment. Make sure that your office or facility includes restrooms, hallways and storage space that are accessible for people of all heights and mobility.
5 Ensure online accessibility. Inclusion extends to your online presence. You can make your website more accessible with simple steps like using alt tags that translate visual images and captioning on videos.
Source: The Ruderman Family Foundation
Addicted to your phone?
According to a study published in Computers in Human Behavior, excessive use of your smartphone could be a sign of anxiety. Researchers found that people might play with apps and other entertainment features as a way of shutting out reality to escape certain feelings or experiences, making our smartphones into modern day “security blankets” that offer reassurance and comfort in unpleasant situations. They do stress, though, that simply owning a cellphone is not the cause of anxiety. Rather, it’s a person’s underlying emotions that determine whether this kind of behaviour develops.
Source: The Huffington Post Canada
First sign language messaging app
An 18-year-old entrepreneur from Poland has developed the first ever sign language messaging app for people with hearing restrictions or difficulties. CEO Mateusz Mach initially created Five as a way for friends to send each other custom hand signs, but since it’s raised about $150,000 in funding, Mach is releasing a new and improved version this summer. The app includes 8 native hand signs with the ability to create your own custom sign, so the possibilities of communication are endless.
Source: Business Insider
Hot hunks and precious pups
Australian firefighters are laying down the gauntlet for our Canadian first responders with their 2017 calendar featuring shirtless firefighters holding adorable rescue puppies. Fundraising proceeds for this calendar will go toward Mates 4 Mates, a group that supports wounded veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force, and two children’s hospital burn units. Can we one-up them and raise more?
Source: Firefighters Calendar Australia
