How Can Remote Working Help People With Disabilities?

In this guest post, Janice Rogers discusses how remote working can be a great solution for those with disabilities and reveals how to make the most of it.

The new age of remote work has opened up exciting opportunities for those who previously may not have been able to commit to a typical office job. From single parents to those with disabilities, the ability to work from the comfort of their own home means they can fit work around their individual needs rather than being stuck at a desk 9-5.

Statistics show that those with disabilities are 28% less likely to be employed, leading to a lack of representation within the workforce. However, many of the existing remote opportunities can be catered to individual needs. Whether those needs are related to challenges with mobility or communication, there are ways to help combat these with technology. Here are the benefits that remote working can bring to those with disabilities and how employers can make working more accessible.

Flexible Working Hours

Remote working typically allows for more flexibility across the board, and working hours are no different. Without the restrictions of office opening hours and a fixed location, the necessity to work 9-5 is often removed.

An increasing number of companies are now allowing employees to work when it suits them, provided they continue to meet deadlines and remain productive. This allows for the workday to be broken into smaller chunks, meaning rest breaks can be taken without worry. Furthermore, it enables those who need to take regular medication to see to their medical needs without being rushed.

Flexible hours can also be helpful for those who struggle to focus during certain times of the day. Perhaps they find they’re able to be more focused during the tranquility of the night or prefer to start in the early hours of the morning. Depending on the employer, the flexibility of remote work can mean they’re able to work when they’re the most productive, keeping everyone happy.

Remote Working Removes the Need to Commute

The need to travel is a barrier for many differently-abled people. Something like driving or hopping on public transport may seem simple to some. But for those with disabilities, these tasks can be much more stressful.

Those with mobility issues may require walking aids, such as wheelchairs or mobility scooters. These can be tricky to maneuver, particularly without any assistance, causing physical and mental stress before the day even begins. Not only that, but many buses have limited space for wheelchair users. This means they may not be able to get onto the one that they need if the spot has already been taken.

For neurodivergent people, public transportation can also be a struggle. The multiple different factors that could go wrong, combined with the loud environment, can cause feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to them feeling burnt out and overwhelmed before they even arrive at the workplace.

It Allows for the Use of Their Own Tools and Aids

Working from home allows for a completely custom work environment. It allows workers to have a setup that is perfect for them rather than generic to the office. It also means that surroundings won’t need to be catered to others. So things like the temperature, lighting, and noise level can all be controlled.

It can also be intimidating to use accessibility aids in an office environment. Those with disabilities may feel like it draws attention to them. This could even lead to them refraining from using the tools they need to work optimally.

As for seating, it may be uncomfortable for those with disabilities to sit at a standard desk. They might find it challenging to sit in a fixed position, and the equipment may not be suitable. If they already have the necessary tools at home in order to work effectively, traveling to a place where they feel uncomfortable can add additional stress to their lives.

Reduced Distractions

For some differently-abled people, noisy environments and frequent social interactions can be overstimulating. Everyone’s brains work differently, and some find it difficult to tune out nearby conversations, which can, in turn, be distracting.

If the noise level gets too high, some neurodivergent people may feel overwhelmed and panicked and could experience sensory overload. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy to control within an office environment. So for those that are severely affected, it may not have been a realistic option. Fortunately, with remote work, individuals can control their own surroundings and noise levels without affecting anyone else.

Varied Forms of Communication

Face-to-face interactions can be a cause of anxiety for those with disabilities. Neurodivergent people may struggle to understand social cues, which could lead to misunderstandings. When working from home, businesses rely on online communication platforms instead, which can be highly beneficial.

Having time to read and reflect on a message can make it easier to understand. In addition, the elimination of body language signals can be a welcome relief. Furthermore, those with physical disabilities such as speech impediments may feel stressed when trying to communicate verbally. The ability to type out what they want to say instead can reduce any pressure and allow them to communicate easily.

Similarly, the ability to communicate via text can also make the world of work more accessible to those that are non-verbal or deaf. Instead of worrying about how they can communicate with colleagues, they can easily type out messages.

Making Employment More Accessible

Remote working can provide opportunities to disabled people that they may not previously have thought possible. It’s common for those that aren’t able to work to feel down and without a sense of direction. But with remote work, there is a role and a place for everyone, if they want it.

It doesn’t mean that those with disabilities should all immediately start full-time jobs. It’s about thinking realistically and finding something that works for them. Particularly for those who have been out of work for a while, it can be stressful shifting back into working life, so it’s vital that it’s done gradually.

Many companies now are keen to employ a diverse workforce and are willing to cater to individual needs. After all, it’s worth speaking to a recruiter about the opportunities available. It could be that they initially start part-time and try to work their way up to full-time, allowing for a gradual transition period. However, even though remote work is becoming more accessible, not everyone will be able to work a full-time job. It’s important to pay attention to individual circumstances and find a way that works for everyone. And remote work now makes that possible.

Author Bio

Janice Rogers is a writer on behalf of s1jobs and a recruiter that specializes in hiring diverse candidates. Having grown up with a disabled sister, she’s now an advocate for disabled people’s rights and looks to encourage accessibility in the workforce. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and volunteering at special needs support charities.