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Breaking Down Barriers

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With around 9.3% of workers in the construction industry declaring a disability, the fast-paced, high-pressured nature of the job can prove challenging. This is where AT (assistive technology) can increasingly play a role in transforming professional development and supporting a broader, more diverse workforce to thrive. Jade Hegarty of BATA (British Assistive Technology Association) explains how AT is rebuilding the construction industry for disabled workers.

The construction sector is rigorous and ever-evolving, with a requirement on workers to ensure they stay up-to-date with technical concepts, safety standards, and compliance regulations. Inclusion in the workplace goes beyond simply hiring diverse candidates; it requires creating an environment where all individuals can learn, grow, and contribute fully.

Accessible tools not only open doors for disabled workers but also enhance job satisfaction and retention. With AT, construction companies are moving closer to building an industry where more workers have an equal opportunity to succeed.

For Emily Worthington of ReadSpeaker, using AT to help level the learning and development playing field for construction industry employees is a no-brainer. "When we remove obstacles and provide materials that everyone can use, we create a space where all employees can participate, and highlight their skills, while companies retain their best talent," she said. "It's a win-win situation!"

ReadSpeaker has been supporting Constructiv, a provider of construction training in Europe, through their education partner platform, assessmentQ, which enables construction workers to hear exam questions through text-to-speech technology. This allows them to focus on demonstrating their technical knowledge rather than struggling with the format of the questions, and has empowered workers to complete assessments more confidently and accurately, reducing anxiety and boosting performance.

A substantial impact

This approach illustrates how a simple adaptation – audio options for reading text – can have a substantial impact on learning outcomes. Workers who may previously have felt marginalised or disadvantaged in training scenarios are now better positioned to advance in their careers.

The benefits of assistive technology are not only relevant to training rooms, they also extend to day-to-day operations on worksites.

Mitali Kamat is a lead researcher on assistive technologies specifically for blind and low vision users in the workplace. She contributed her expertise to a report by The Institute for Human Centered Design, which highlights several technologies making architecture workflows more accessible.

The report explains that anyone with sight or cognitive disabilities can struggle with complex visuals, plans, and blueprints, but assistive technologies that provide digital, customisable blueprints and visual aids are beginning to make architecture more accessible. For example, augmented reality (AR) applications can project digital overlays onto physical spaces, helping workers visualise design plans in real-time and better understand spatial relationships without relying solely on traditional blueprints.

Customise displays

"Such technologies can also assist workers who experience visual processing delays or struggle with interpreting 2D plans," explained Mitali. "Workers can engage with 3D models that allow them to manipulate and explore the design from multiple angles, making the information more comprehensible. Digital blueprints with adjustable zoom, contrast, and colour filters can support workers with visual impairments by allowing them to customise displays to suit their needs.

"This functionality enables workers who may previously have felt sidelined by standard visual formats to engage fully in project design and implementation."

Voice-activated tools are also particularly useful for workers with mobility limitations, allowing them to operate machinery, record measurements, or make notes hands-free.

An inclusive workplace culture

Similarly, speech-to-text applications enable workers to document their observations verbally, converting them into written notes that can be shared and archived. This is invaluable for those who struggle with traditional, text-based documentation or workers with disabilities affecting fine motor skills. By simply speaking into their devices, workers can capture detailed, accurate notes on site, enhancing both safety and workflow efficiency.

"This functionality also provides an additional layer of safety, as workers can focus on their tasks without needing to break concentration to write down information manually," Mitali added.

By integrating assistive technology, the construction industry can benefit from a more inclusive workplace culture. When employers provide AT for improved accessibility, they not only support disabled workers but create a work environment where all employees feel empowered to participate. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages more diverse and skilled talent to enter and remain in the industry.

A strategic advantage

Inclusivity is not just an ethical imperative; it's a strategic advantage. Construction and architecture companies that embrace accessibility through assistive technology are better equipped to attract and retain talented workers from a variety of backgrounds. As these technologies continue to evolve, the potential for a more inclusive and effective workforce grows. Companies that prioritise accessibility signal to employees that they are valued, regardless of their individual challenges.

The construction and architecture industries are just at the beginning of a transformative journey toward inclusivity. By adopting assistive technology across both training and daily operations, these sectors are taking steps to ensure that all workers have the tools to succeed. This is in line with the broader inclusive design movement, which emphasises the importance of creating environments that work for everyone.

We're only beginning to unlock the potential of assistive technology in the construction industry, but the foundation for a more inclusive future is firmly in place.

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