Keeping One Eye on the Future
State Disability and Developmental Program Directors are focused on several challenges and priorities as we wind up 2024. Aging technology systems, workflow improvements, data capture and analysis, and compliance with the new federal rules are all top-of-mind issues. As the state directors develop strategies to implement solutions to these critical initiatives in the short term, several trends facing the states should also be evaluated for longer-term planning. These trends will shape the future of disability and developmental programs and their participants.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Our phones, computers, watches, and houses are becoming smarter daily. These improvements benefit society and contribute significantly, making the lives of people with disabilities easier. Companies like Microsoft and Apple have been leading the way in assistive technology to make the world more accessible for people with disabilities. This trend will continue as companies realize that accessible products and services benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. We are only scratching the surface of the uses and benefits of AI. But we know it can enhance disability accessibility by providing capabilities such as captions, subtitles in a variety of languages, sign language interpretation for videos and online events, and apps to help people who are blind or visually impaired navigate indoor and outdoor spaces. AI has even shown that it can enhance medical diagnosis and monitor the health conditions of its users.
Customized Accommodations
Reasonable accommodation and workplace adjustments are getting an upgrade for workers with disabilities by finetuning their accommodation policies and processes. Organizations recognize that a one-size-fits-all model is not working, and providing accommodations for appearance purposes is not beneficial. Companies must be honest about helping individuals with disabilities capitalize on this growing workforce and improve employee productivity.
Mental Health Resources and Training
For states, organizations, and families, workers' mental and emotional health remains a priority. Many workers experience stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, and trauma as the work and personal environments continue to change rapidly, and the amount of new information and data increases exponentially. These changes, coupled with more employees disclosing mental health concerns and conditions, increase organizations' responsibility to prioritize mental health resources for their workforce. Providing more support, resources, and flexibility for employees, as well as increased training for managers, human resource staff, and team leaders will be essential.
Workplace Experience and Employee Engagement
Employee retention is an essential priority for every organization as the pool of available employees continues to shrink. Organizations focusing on this issue and specializing in individuals with disabilities are increasing in popularity. Employees with disabilities are currently 18% of the total workforce and growing. Focusing on diversity efforts to include people with disabilities, creating policies, programs, and procedures to support them, and getting employee feedback on the effectiveness of these efforts is a significant improvement in understanding the benefits and impact on all employees.
Increasing Flexibility for Remote Workers
The remote workers are here to stay. Regardless of the return-to-office policy some companies promote, up to thirty percent of the workforce is projected to remain remote.
While workers with disabilities are some of the loudest voices supporting remote work, other diverse employees also want the benefits and flexibility it provides. The debate will undoubtedly continue, but employees with disabilities have demanded more flexibility for decades, and now, there is little chance of turning back completely. People with disabilities have joined the workforce at a record pace over the past few years, and that’s a trend we should all support.
Conclusion
The future of work is a constant balance for states and employers to recognize and identify the short and long-term initiatives and trends. The dynamic and evolving professional and personal environments impact us all and place an increasing recognition of the value and contribution of individuals with disabilities. Organizations and individuals who embrace these changes will position themselves for greater success.
