5 Home Office Tips for People With Disabilities | Disabled Person
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5 Home Office Tips for People With Disabilities
Did you know that 87 percent of people who have the option to work remotely take the opportunity? Remote work is here to stay, and many people are benefiting from the shift in work culture.
For people with disabilities, a dedicated home office space might be the difference between being able to work from home and not being able to work at all. It can give them the opportunity to make their own hours, free up time for other things they enjoy doing in their free time, and provide a healthy environment for them to work in.
If you're looking to set up a home office for online work, you've come to the right place. Read on for five tips on putting together the best office for people with disabilities.
1. Your Home Office Location Matters
Working from home is a great way to save money on commuting costs and wear and tear on your car. It is also a great way to reduce stress and increase your productivity.
There are many different factors to consider when deciding where to set up your home office. You should take into account what the disability is, the type of work you will be doing, and the accessibility of the space.
Where your home office is located will have a huge impact on your productivity and remote work enjoyment. An office where you have to go up and down stairs or work in a depressing dark room is not ideal.
Accessibility is the first thing to consider when setting up your home office. Make sure you have room for your wheelchair if you use one, as well as a ramp or elevator if needed. You should also make sure that the room has enough space for your desk, chair, and any other furniture you may need.
Try picking a location with natural lighting so it doesn't feel too dark or claustrophobic at work all day long.
Make sure that your office location is not too far away from things you will need. If you need frequent drinks or restroom breaks, make sure that you are near the kitchen and restroom.
2. Consider Your Tech
People with disabilities often have to face the challenges of having a home office. They often have to deal with things such as lack of space, physical limitations, and being unable to find the right equipment.
There are many assistive devices that can help people with disabilities work in their own home offices. Text-to-speech software is one example of an assistive device that enables users to hear what they type on their computer screen.
This is especially useful for people who are blind or visually impaired. Another common device is a braille display which allows users to read what's on the screen by running their fingers over raised dots that form words and sentences.
Other examples of assistive devices include blue light filters, specialized keyboards, and even using headphones to block out distractions. Consider your disability and how technology can help you work from home.
3. Comfort is Key
One of the biggest benefits of remote work is being in a more comfortable environment. Every person has different things that make them comfortable, but we have a few great recommendations for things to consider.
The first thing you should do is find an ergonomic desk and chair that are suitable for your needs. The main features of an ergonomic desk include adjustable height, an adjustable keyboard tray, and a monitor stand that can be moved up and down.
If you prefer to stand and walk around while you work, a standing desk might be perfect for your needs. Some desks can even go from a sitting to a standing position!
An ergonomic office chair should have a backrest that can be adjusted to fit the user's body, armrests at the right height, seat depth adjustment, and a headrest.
Along with basic office furniture, consider creature comforts. Things like miniature refrigerators, space heaters and fans, and low-lighting lamps can all enhance your enjoyment of your home office.
4. Making Room For Your Mental Health
It is important to create a space that will help those with disabilities be more productive and feel better. This can be done by creating an office that is comfortable and welcoming.
One idea for prioritizing mental health is to create a space in the home office that is dedicated to yoga, meditation, or just stepping away from work for a while. Working from home generally lowers stress, but that doesn't mean you won't need a break.
Plants can also be a great stress reliever. If you are up to taking care of some plants, consider adding some to your space to brighten things up and help keep the air clean.
If you like sensory toys, be sure to have a good assortment of them throughout their office. Keep some on the desk as well as in other areas, in case you want to walk around during a phone call or meeting.
Finally, make sure to take plenty of breaks throughout the day. Even the most comfortable and accessible home office can become boring and depressing after a while.
5. Don't Mix Work and Pleasure
A home office is a great way to increase productivity and free time. A dedicated space for work can help you stay focused and productive while working from home. It also helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Some people might be hesitant to give up their living room or bedroom as their office space, but there are plenty of other options that can make your home office feel like a second living room or bedroom without the clutter and mess.
Wherever you locate your home office, try to avoid using a room where you sleep or relax. A spare bedroom, office room, or even a converted mud room can make great home offices.
The Future Of the Home Office
Setting up your perfect accessible home office does not have to take up a lot of space or money. Be sure when designing your office to take your disability and specific needs into account, and don't go overboard on the office design. With a little thought and effort, you can increase your productivity and comfort in a single afternoon.
If you're a person with a disability looking for a job, we have a great suite of resources for you. Be sure to check out our resume builder and job search. If you have any questions or comments, contact us online today!