In a bustling office, a dedicated team member shows up every day, ready to give his best. But he faces a quiet struggle. Due to his neurological condition, the standard-issue computer setup feels like a daily obstacle course where every click, every keystroke, is a challenge. His workarounds are clunky and slow. Frustration builds, not from lack of skill or will, but from tools that simply weren’t made with him in mind.
His manager notices. She sees the effort, the delays, the quiet sighs. She wants to help—desperately—but she’s not sure where to start. She wonders: Is there a better way? Are there tools that could empower rather than hinder?
The right adaptive technology, sourced with expert guidance, could transform not just his workday, but also his confidence, his productivity, and his sense of belonging
Given that it’s currently National AccessAbility Week, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how your organization can support employees with diverse needs through practical, well-informed action.
Below, we’ll break down some of the options available and explain why working with an IT procurement team can streamline the process of obtaining new tools, save money, and—most importantly—help you invest in solutions that solve the problem effectively.
The Importance of Physical Adaptive Technology in Your Workplace
Offering physical adaptive technology in the workplace is more than a thoughtful gesture or “nice-to-have.” This critical measure helps you create an inclusive and productive environment that will benefit your organization in several ways, beyond demonstrating a commitment to equity in the workplace:
- Improved Performance: When you remove barriers to participation, you enable users to work more independently and efficiently and contribute to their full potential. Even small adjustments to the physical work environment can lead to major improvements in productivity and morale.
- Regulatory Compliance: The Alberta Human Rights Act includes a Duty to Accommodate, requiring employers to ensure employees with disabilities can fully participate in the workplace, unless doing so would result in undue hardship. For federally regulated employers—like banks, telecom companies, and transportation providers—the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) adds further responsibility to develop proactive accessibility plans.
- Proactive, Strategic Operations: Integrating accessible technology into your IT infrastructure is also a smart way to futureproofing your IT. As demographics shift and expectations around inclusion grow, accessible design is becoming a standard business practice. Investing in adaptive tools now positions your organization to be more resilient and responsive in the future.
Remember, no strategy will be as effective as one that includes the voices of those it aims to support. Before you start procuring new adaptive technology, consult with your employees, particularly those with disabilities. When you understand their needs and experiences, you’ll be able to make meaningful, practical changes that will benefit your entire organization.
Key Physical Adaptive Tools Your Organization May Want to Consider
When building a more inclusive and accessible workplace, choosing the right physical adaptive tools—ideally with IT procurement support—can make a powerful difference. Of course, you’ll need to ask people what would address their physical needs, but we thought it would be helpful to outline some of the options available.
Furniture
- Adjustable-height desks and extending keyboard trays allow employees to customize their workstations to suit their mobility or comfort needs.
- Ergonomic seating options help reduce fatigue and support posture, which can be especially helpful for individuals who experience chronic pain or limited mobility.
Devices
- Ergonomic keyboards and one-handed keyboards can reduce strain and accommodate those with limited dexterity
- Alternative pointing devices like trackballs or joystick mice provide greater precision and comfort than traditional options
- Screen magnifiers can help users with low vision navigate their computers more easily
Smart Technology
- Smartpens help users take handwritten notes that sync with digital devices and can even record audio
- IoT devices—such as voice-activated lights or digitally controlled thermostats—can also reduce physical strain and give users greater control over their environment.
By considering and integrating these tools into your workplace, you signal that accessibility is a priority and make it possible for every team member to contribute confidently and comfortably.
A Closer Look at Microsoft’s Adaptive Accessories
Given that many businesses operate using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and Windows devices, it’s worth highlighting the company’s adaptive accessories that can integrate with your existing IT infrastructure.
The Microsoft Adaptive Hub is a customizable accessibility device designed to help users with limited mobility that connects wirelessly to your endpoints. It’s like a universal remote control for people who have trouble using a regular keyboard or mouse. It helps them use computers, tablets, or phones in a way that works best for them.
Microsoft offers various accessories to go with the Hub:
- Adaptive buttons: You can choose from D-Pad, dual or joystick buttons, depending on what feels most comfortable for you and how you want to control your device.
- Adaptive mouse: You can supplement it with an adaptive mouse tail and thumb support sold separately, depending on your needs.
- 3D-printable accessories: You can download 3D designs to customize a range of Microsoft tools—and have them printed through any third-party 3D printing service you prefer—all at no additional cost. The designs work with the adaptive buttons and mouse and other technologies such as the Surface Pen, Microsoft Classroom Pen 2, and Microsoft Business Pen.
Want to learn about other options for inclusive IT procurement? Read our guide on Microsoft’s accessibility features in its applications and the Windows operating system.
How To Integrate These Tools in Your IT Systems
To smoothly integrate adaptive tools into your workplace without technical glitches, the process needs to start with assessing compatibility. If they don’t integrate with the operating systems and software your organization already uses, you may need to determine whether additional new elements must be procured.
It’s also about compatibility with your people – do these new tools fit the unique needs of your employees?
An IT procurement specialist can bring deep expertise, offloading the task of evaluating your infrastructure and recommending adaptive tools that support a secure setup where everyone works comfortably and productively. They will also typically have people on their team who are available to help maintain your technology, so it stays effective and reliable over the long-term.
PC Corp Is Your Partner for Smarter IT Procurement
Adding new solutions to your technological infrastructure can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not sure which tools are right or how to integrate them into your current systems. But you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At PC Corp, we help organizations like yours take the guesswork out of IT procurement. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way. From assessing your infrastructure to recommending tools that support comfort, productivity, and security, we’ll make sure your tech works for everyone on your team. And our managed IT services team will be ready to implement proactive measures that keep your tools working smoothly.
You want a workplace where every employee can thrive—and we can help you build it! Contact us to start a conversation today.
