Human Resources Management Professionals Familiarity and Comfort of Assistive Technology and Workplace Accommodations

Background There has been a rising push to mainstream disability concerns in human resources research to enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce. Objective The study evaluated the familiarity and comfort of assistive technology and workplace accommodations (AT-WAs) of human resources professionals of small organizations and companies. Methods A cross-section survey was used for the study. Participants were members of one of two chapters of the Michigan Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (MISHRM), a human resources professional organization. Results The study revealed the necessity of training human resources workers in AT-WAs. In particular, most questions about AT-WAs showed high levels of comfort and familiarity overall. However, service sector professionals stated they needed to feel more at ease with their understanding of ADA compliance and reasonable accommodations. Additionally, the manufacturing sector reports feeling extremely uncomfortable or uneasy about altering recruiting videos to ensure accessibility. Conclusions The knowledge and training of HR professionals in organizations about AT-WA is limited. Yet, it is crucial for good employment outcomes for persons with disabilities who need access to appropriate workplace interventions and systems.