Mobile assistive technology and the job fit of blind workers
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-10-2016-0041 |
| Pages | 110-124 |
| Date | 08 May 2017 |
| Published date | 08 May 2017 |
| Author | Rakesh Babu,Donald Heath |
Mobile assistive technology and
the job fit of blind workers
Rakesh Babu
School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin, USA, and
Donald Heath
Department of Information Systems, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh,
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to explore the potential of mobileassistive technology (MAT) as a vocational
tool for blind workers (BW). Specifically, it investigates: Can MAT-enabled BW to perform better at the
workplace and will insight into MAT-enabled capabilities impact employer perception regarding BW
employability.
Design/methodology/approach –Exploratory case study which draws on theories of fit to analyze
observationaland interview data at an organization familiar with employing,training and referring BW.
Findings –MAT can increase blind workerjob fit, positively impacting their performance, self-relianceand
managerialperceptions regarding their employability.
Research limitations/implications –A conceptual framework is articulated which expands current
literatureon fit to better account for the assistive potential of mobile technologyfor differently abled workers.
Practical implications –The positive impact of MAT on managerial perceptionsof BW fit and
employability can inform the regimes of employers, job skills trainers, vocational rehabilitation specialists
and policy makers.
Social implications –Insights on the use of MAT as a vocational tool can reducethe systemic workplace
disenfranchisementof blind people.
Originality/value –This paper presentsnovel theory which accounts for the impact of MAT on the job fit
of differentlyabled workers.
Keywords Social inclusion, ICT, Fit, Blindness, Assitive technology, Workplace equity
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Approximately, 161 million people around the world are blind or severely vision impaired
(World Health Organization, 2010). Only 25 per cent of the working age members of this
group are employed (WorldBlind Union, 2010). Many employers believe blind people cannot
perform essential job tasksintheir organizations (American Foundationfor the Blind, 2014).
Yet, the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities observes that when
appropriate enabling IT is made available, blind people are able to work as effectively as
their normally sighted colleaguesin a wide range of industrial, commercial, managerial and
professional jobs (UNCRPD, 2008, Article 27 section 2.2). Governments and NGOs around
the world call for action to promote the employability of blind people, highlighting the
critical role of enabling IT in enhancing their workplace capabilities (108th USA Congress,
2004; European Blind Union,2016).
This research was supported by the UW Oshkosh Faculty Development Program.
JICES
15,2
110
Journalof Information,
Communicationand Ethics in
Society
Vol.15 No. 2,2017
pp. 110-124
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1477-996X
DOI 10.1108/JIC ES-10-2016-0041
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/1477-996X.htm
Get this document and AI-powered insights with a free trial of vLex and Vincent AI
Get Started for FreeStart Your 3-day Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your 3-day Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your 3-day Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your 3-day Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your 3-day Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting