Embracing the Future of Workplace Accessibility: A Collaborative Journey 

Written by: Alexa Orban, Director of Marketing Communications

Moving Beyond Compliance in Accessibility

Our recent collaboration with Intel’s RISE Technology Initiative (IRTI) provided us with an opportunity to explore the value of alternative inputs in the workplace- beyond just accessibility. By connecting with employees, both with and without disabilities, and partnering with industry leaders like Intel’s Josh Newman and Darryl Adams, we’ve gained insights and invaluable testimonies from the impact of accessible technology on the workplace.

I wanted to take time to reflect on the collaboration between our team at Cephable, and the teams at Intel and Accenture. This blog will dive behind the scenes of the IRTI project.

Engaging with Real Users: Grounding Our Approach in Reality

The IRTI project was a comprehensive effort involving over 20 employees from diverse backgrounds and roles. We connected with them through onboarding sessions, where we learned about their accessibility needs, daily tech use, and where Cephable had the opportunity to add value to their work.

Our next sessions involved continuous feedback and a detailed offboarding where users could tell us more about their experience with Cephable, and how they could see this tool in the workplace at large. The conversations weren’t just technical check-ins; they were deep discussions about how assistive technology could be tailored to fit into their daily routines and make a tangible difference in their work and personal lives.

One outcome of this information we collected was that many of participants decided to replace their existing technology with Cephable, even without a formal rollout. As for other use cases, which you’ll see in the white paper, our team was thankful for the truthful feedback and opportunities that each person saw with Cephable.

Collaboration at the Core: Learning from Industry Leaders 

Throughout the project, we collaborated closely with industry leaders like Josh Newman, Vice President and General Manager at Intel, and Darryl Adams, an advocate for inclusive workplaces.  

We also worked with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and other support networks to understand the broader context of accessibility in the workplace. These groups provided us with employees that would benefit from our tech and let us hear some of their broader needs.  

Our team had the chance to visit the New York Accenture office’s Accessibility Center and sit down with Naeem Henry and his team. In the video below, you can hear some of his insights as an Accessibility Center Architect Lead, and from other members of the team that had the chance to use Cephable. 

Key Findings: The Business Case for Accessibility 

Our deep dive into the daily experiences of employees revealed several key insights that go beyond the standard narrative around accessibility. For one, the integration of assistive technology isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a business advantage. Companies that prioritize accessibility see higher productivity levels, lower turnover rates, and a more inclusive company culture. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Accessibility in the Workplace 

As we reflect on this phase of the IRTI project, it’s clear that the journey towards true workplace accessibility has a promising future. The insights we’ve gained will inform our future innovations and help us continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re committed to ongoing collaboration with industry leaders, employees, and advocates to ensure that our solutions not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow. 

A Special Thanks to Our Collaborators 

We’d like to thank all the employees who participated in this project. Your insights, feedback, and willingness to engage have been invaluable in shaping the future of workplace accessibility. 

Explore More 

If you’re interested in a deeper dive into our findings, you can download our latest whitepaper. It offers a comprehensive look at how integrating advanced accessibility features can transform your organization—boosting productivity, enhancing employee satisfaction, and setting you apart as a leader in your industry.