Technology can be a game-changer at work, especially for people with disability. Whether you’re starting a new job or building your skills for open employment, the right assistive technology (often called AT) can help you do your job more easily, comfortably, and independently.
Here, we’ll provide real examples of workplace assistive tech, how to access it, and how it can support your career journey.
💡 What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology refers to tools, software, or equipment that support people with disability to do tasks more effectively, whether it’s reading, writing, moving, communicating, or managing time.
At work, this can look like:
- Using voice typing instead of a keyboard
- Enlarging text on your screen
- Getting reminders to take a break or switch tasks
🧠 1. Cognitive and neurodiversity support tools
Whether you live with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, brain injury, or simply find focus and organisation a challenge, these tools can support memory, attention, and task management:
- Todoist, Trello or Monday: Visual task managers that help break work into manageable steps.
- Time Timer: A visual countdown timer that helps you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
- Notion: Great for organising notes, checklists, and daily plans in one place.
🗣 Bonus: Many of these apps can sync with your work calendar and phone.
🗣️ 2. Communication and speech tools
For people who experience communication challenges, whether due to speech, language, cognitive, or sensory differences, or who prefer non-verbal ways of expressing themselves:
- Proloquo4Text: A text-to-speech app that turns typed words into spoken language.
- Grammarly: Assists with spelling and grammar—great for people with dyslexia or who want help polishing emails.
- Google Voice Typing or Windows Speech Recognition: Speak instead of type—available on most devices.
💬 Pro tip: These tools also reduce fatigue if typing is difficult or tiring.
👀 3. Vision and reading support
If you are blind, have low vision, or experience visual stress, these tools can help:
- Screen readers: NVDA (free), JAWS (paid), or VoiceOver (on Apple devices) read text out loud.
- Magnification software: ZoomText enlarges everything on your screen.
- Colour filters and high contrast settings: Built into most computers and phones to make text easier to read.
- Text-to-speech apps: Natural Reader and Read&Write read websites or documents aloud.
🔍 Tip: Adjust font size, brightness, and spacing to suit your comfort.
✋ 4. Mobility and Physical Access Tools
For people who use a wheelchair, have limited hand movement, reduced dexterity, or experience physical barriers to using standard equipment, these tools can be helpful:
- Adaptive keyboards or mouse alternatives: Like trackballs, joystick mice, or head pointers.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Use them to reduce clicks and speed up work. Both Microsoft and Apple offer comprehensive lists to help you navigate more easily.
- Speech-to-text: Dictate emails or documents hands-free. As mentioned above, Google Voice Typing or Windows Speech Recognition allow you to verbally dictate, rather than type words into a document.
- Adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs: Help support posture and reduce pain.
🪑 Note: These physical supports may be available through workplace adjustments, NDIS funding, or the Employment Assistance Fund.
🧩 5. Mental health and wellbeing apps
Work and life can be overwhelming at times. These tools can support emotional wellbeing, help you check in with yourself, and build healthy coping strategies:
- Smiling Mind or Headspace: Free mindfulness and relaxation apps.
- ReachOut: A trusted Australian service with free online resources, stories, self-help tools, and peer support for young people managing mental health, work, and life challenges.
🧘 Tip: Taking short breaks is not laziness—it’s a smart way to protect your energy. Use this strategy to reduce the overwhelm of your daily work.
🧰 How do I access assistive tech?
You don’t have to pay for everything yourself. You may be able to access support through:
- NDIS: Assistive tech can sometimes be funded in your plan under “Capacity Building” or “Core Supports.” To learn more about Assistive tech and the NDIS, watch our webinar: https://fightingchance.org.au/2023/10/12/assistive-technology-webinar/
- JobAccess: An Australian government service that funds workplace modifications and equipment through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
- Your employer: Under the Disability Discrimination Act, workplaces must make reasonable adjustments to support inclusion.
Everyone’s needs are different. The best assistive technology is the one that fits your goals, pace, and preferences. Don’t be afraid to explore different options, trial them at work, and ask for what you need.
Assistive tech isn’t about “fixing” anything—it’s about removing barriers so your strengths can shine through.
About Jigsaw
Jigsaw is a social enterprise that provides an innovative pathway to mainstream employment for people with disability. By embedding a comprehensive skill-based training program within our commercial document and data management business, Jigsaw enables people with disability to achieve their employment goals at their own pace. Jigsaw’s holistic approach starts from the very basics of core work skills and supports trainees all the way through to transition to open employment with ongoing support and coaching once they have transitioned. Jigsaw is located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Canberra.