Additional resources
Books
The Inclusion Imperative:
How Real Inclusion Creates Better Business and Builds Better Societies
Frost 2014
Summary
"The Inclusion Imperative: How Real Inclusion Creates Better Business and Builds Better Societies" by Stephen Frost is a tome that puts forward a fresh perspective on diversity and inclusion (D&I) within companies and institutions. Drawing from his tenure as head of the Diversity and Inclusion team for the 2012 London Olympics, the author champions the integration of diversity and inclusion into business strategies rather than shoehorning them in as a separate organisational process.
Neurodiversity at work:
Drive Innovation, Performance and Productivity with a Neurodiverse Workforce
Kirkby & Smith 2021
Summary
The book highlights the challenges that neurodiverse individuals often face during job interviews due to the ritualised nature of these processes, which typically favour a specific kind of performance. It emphasises the value of neurodiverse minds, their unique perspectives, and the insight they can bring to the table, making a case for creating workplaces where diverse individuals can thrive.
Belonging:
The Key to Transforming and Maintaining Diversity, Inclusion and Equality at Work
Unerman, Jacob & Edwards 2022
Summary
The book argues that diversity and inclusion are not just "nice to have" but essential for organisations to thrive in the 21st century. The authors define belonging as "the feeling of being accepted, valued, and respected for who you are." They argue that a sense of belonging is essential for employee engagement, innovation, and productivity. The book provides a framework for creating a more inclusive workplace. The framework includes four pillars:
- Belief: Leaders must believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion.
- Awareness: Everyone in the organisation must be aware of their own biases and how they impact others.
- Action: Organisations must take concrete steps to create a more inclusive workplace.
- Measurement: Organisations must track their progress and make adjustments as needed.The book also provides a number of practical tips for creating a more inclusive workplace. These tips include Challenge your assumptions, Celebrate diversity and be open to feedback.
The Neurodiverse Workplace:
An Employer’s Guide to Managing and Working with Neurodivergent Employees, Clients and Customers
Cook, Polgar & Encarnaçã 2020
Summary
This book by Victoria Honeybourne provides comprehensive guidance for employers to better understand, support, and empower neurodivergent employees, clients, and customers. The book explores the concept of neurodiversity, acknowledging the wide range of neurological differences like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, among others, as natural variations of the human brain. Honeybourne suggests practical strategies and insights for fostering an inclusive work environment that values neurodivergent individuals' unique strengths and abilities. The book emphasises training, accommodations, and effective communication methods to eliminate misconceptions and stigma associated with neurodivergence, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and well-being of the workplace.
Assistive Technologies:
Principles & Practice
Cook, Polgar & Encarnaçã 2020
Summary
The book serves as a comprehensive guide on the subject of assistive technologies. This book dives into the theoretical principles underlying assistive technologies while illustrating the application of these principles in practical contexts. The authors delve into the design and use of assistive technologies, discussing their role in enhancing the lives of disabled people. The book covers a broad spectrum of technologies, ranging from those aiding mobility, communication, and cognition to those supporting independent living. It emphasises an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from healthcare, engineering, and social sciences to provide a holistic understanding of assistive technologies' roles and potentials. The guide also includes case studies, design considerations, and ethical discussions to prepare students, clinicians, and researchers for informed and compassionate practice in the field of assistive technologies.
Disability and Technology:
An Interdisciplinary and International Approach
Roulstone 2016
Summary
"Disability and Technology" by Alan Roulstone, offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection of disability studies and technology, from both international and interdisciplinary perspectives. This book delves into the complex relationship between technology, society, and disability, analysing how assistive and mainstream technologies can influence disabled people's identities, empowerment, and participation in society. Roulstone illuminates the potential of technology in facilitating independence and enhancing quality of life for disabled people, while also critically examining the barriers and issues related to access, use, design, policy, and societal attitudes. Drawing from various disciplines and featuring global perspectives, the book aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the role of technology in disability, pushing for inclusive design and equitable access in a digitally evolving world.
Academic Journals
Disability & Society
Work, Employment and Society
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Outcomes & Benefit
Journal Articles
Beyond Brainstorming: Mind Mapping is more than a note taking or brainstorming strategy
The article discusses the concept of mind mapping as a tool for creative thinking, critical thinking, decision-making, and studying. It cites studies that suggest mind mapping produces comparable or superior results to traditional note-taking strategies.
Consumer-Centered Process for Technology Acquisition and Use
This article explores the challenges faced by AT users and service providers in the process of selecting and using technology. It discusses the process from a consumer-centered perspective and provides an overview of the steps involved in technology acquisition and use.
How speech technologies can help people with disabilities
The paper covers different types of disabilities such as visual, hearing, and speech, as well as physical disabilities. The article explains how text-to-speech (TTS) technology can be used as an aid for visually impaired computer users, allowing them to access and manipulate text on their devices
Technology for people, not disabilities: ensuring access and inclusion
Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs
The authors propose alternative ways of thinking about inclusive and accessible technology and provide practical ways that accessible technologies can promote greater access and flexibility for disabled students and adults.
Seeking information about assistive technology: Exploring current practices, challenges, and the need for smarter systems
This research paper on the topic of assistive technology (AT) and its accessibility. It discusses the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing AT, including information barriers and the need for individualised approaches.
An evaluation framework to measure usability of Assistive Technology at workplace: A demonstration study
The framework explores employee's vocational context and range of work-related tasks, and comprehensively accounts for AT tools that address tasks. The study found that employees were generally successful in using AT devices, but barriers related to technical knowledge and training, AT reliability and accessibility limitations.
Web Resources
Aventido blog
Disability Rights UK
Business Disability Forum
Scope: A managers guide to Access to Work
ReadSpeaker: The Top 10 Benefits of Text to Speech for Businesses
House of Lords Library: Assistive technology in education and employment
Reports and Case Studies
