Integration of people with disabilities in the workplace: A methodology to evaluate the accessibility degree

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology to evaluate the accessibility degree in companies, which was developed in a human centred perspective. For this purpose we considered physical, sensorial and cognitive deficiencies. A guide based on this methodology was created to turn the evaluation into an easy and helpful ergonomic tool. The guide was divided into accessibility “to the” workstation and accessibility “in the” workstation, both of them, considering the physical and informational accessibilities. They were divided into two accessibility levels, the minimal and the adequate levels, which meant the accessibility degree of the company. This methodology can also aid in ergonomic interventions for promoting an Inclusive Work Design and Safety for the workers, and for creating at the same time good working conditions, that will increase Human Performance. This tool was evaluated in a large company and implemented in Portugal through the INCLUDE program.