Assistive Technology - Benefits for the Individual and the Organisation
Benefits of Assistive Technology to an Individual
In terms of the individual, having access to appropriate support for their needs can be hugely significant in affecting the outcomes of their work. It can help people to manage the challenges specific to their neurodifference and to produce work more reflective of their underlying ability.
Using the available tools can allow an individual to boost their productivity, manage obstacles and reduce blockers to their goals, to gain the recognition they deserve for their hard work, and reduce the mental load they experience in their day-to-day work – effectively, leaning on the software and tools to take on some of that load can help individuals to utilise their time and energy more efficiently rather than relying on skill set that may be affected by their neurodifference.
Benefits of Assistive Technology to an Organisation
The advantage of pairing neurodivergent staff with the appropriate assistive technology to an organisation can be far-reaching. Not only can it support productivity as companies work towards their financial goals by making day-to-day tasks more efficient, it also stands to foster a sense of belonging within the organisation.
Taking the time to understand the needs of staff and investing in them clearly demonstrates that they are valued in the company. Equipping staff with the tools they need to succeed will also allow you to benefit from the strengths of these individuals, and the varied and creative ways of thinking that they can bring to the table.
Assistive Technology Training: Testimonial
A neurodivergent individual did a ‘free writing’ exercise as part of their Assistive Technology training session on Dragon software. The following is their own testimonial that they wrote using the software after the training they received with Lexxic:
Hi, I have been put in contact with Lexxic through Occupational Health due to symptoms of ADHD.
Lexxic have provided me with an ADHD screening assessment. The outcome of the assessment was that I am showing symptoms of ADHD and the recommendation is to get a formal diagnosis from a psychologist. This is been really important to me as it is explained a lot about my behaviour and difficulties that I have been having in work. The screening assessment has put a lot of clarity around my situation and I feel like I can move forward learning more about myself and how to improve my career.
Lexxic have provided me with coaching sessions beginning with training of the Dragon software. Caleb, [a Senior Neurodiversity Specialist and AT Coach at Lexxic], has been doing a great job teaching me how to use the software and I’ve been learning a lot and learning new skills and I can see where the application of the software can help me with my work. This has been really useful because I already feel like my oratory skills are improving and that it is teaching me to slow down my thoughts so that I do not forget what I am due to say.
In conclusion, I am looking forward to what further coaching sessions will bring and how I can further learn about ADHD and how I can cope with this. I am looking forward to putting everything I learn into practice and to getting a formal diagnosis from a psychologist.
If you want to know more about how Assistive Technology and coaching can help you please get in touch and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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About Caleb Cuddihy
In my career, I have been lucky enough to support neurodiverse individuals in education and the workplace. It has allowed me to meet, teach, and train people from all walks of life. I’ve seen first-hand the transformative power of providing people with the support that will allow them to manage and meet the challenges associated with their neurodiversity.
Seeing people developing relevant, practical skills over the course of their training is extremely rewarding. The knowledge that the acquisition of these skills can benefit them long after the training has concluded by boosting their confidence and supporting them in achieving their goals is part of the job that I enjoy the most.