BACKGROUND: It is well known that the Information and Communication
Technologies (ICT) are important to assist people with disability in the
workplace.
OBJECTIVE: In this context, this paper sheds light on
the state of ICT accessibility for Italian employees with disabilities in
private sector companies by mapping and critically analyzing the assistive
role of ICT.
METHODS: To do this, empirical evidence was drawn from
a multi-methods research with middle and top managers from 97 medium and
large Italian companies. Quantitative data was collected using a survey was
directed at personnel identified as Human Resource (HR) and Information
System (IS) managers, followed by a qualitative study with selected firms
whose aim was to understand the inner workings of assistive technology and
the decision making process related to assistive technology acquisition and
use.
RESULTS: The main results show the role and the integration
level of people with disabilities, and the presence and effectiveness of
specific assistive technologies.
DISCUSSION: Ways to improve the
inclusion of people with disability in the workplace, as well as the use of
assistive technologies are discussed.
CONCLUSION: ICT could be more
disseminated within companies and best used with modifications to improve
usability.
