Creating Accessible Workstations

When it comes to creating inclusive workplaces, having accessible workstations—office equipment that reflects the needs of all people—can play a huge role in increasing employee comfort and satisfaction, for disabled and nondisabled people alike. We’ve assembled a list of some of the best tools and accessories designed for comfort that can help reduce the fatigue of office work. 

Office Spaces and Home Office Setups

• Ergonomic chairs. The best ergonomic chairs are designed for comfort and sitting for long periods of time. Depending on one’s needs, there are many varieties of chairs—including standard office ones—but also balance balls and even stools. Some work better for accommodating back pain, while others are simply great at allowing users to comfortably be in one place for an extended period of time.

• Ergonomic keyboards can help those users with arthritis and wrist problems. There are even one-handed keyboards that make it easier to type for people using one hand, and which are favored by both the disabled community and gamers alike. Ergonomic mice also help keep your hands and wrists happy. 

Maltron one-handed keyboard

Adjustable desks are perhaps the most important item to have in your office for accessibility. Rather than requiring the user to adapt to a standard desk size, these desks adjust to the individual person, no matter their body type or disability. Check out this list for the best standing desks with adjustable heights. There are also “get up” or mobility tables equipped with arm straps for forearm support while the user is standing or sitting, and vision tables that can be angled for wheelchair users. 

The Ropox Vision Table

Adjustable ADA Table from Freedom Lift Systems

• Additional examples of adjustable ADA tables, designed for wheelchair users of varying heights, are available here.

• Desk mount stands enable the user to adjust their screen to move up and down or swing around to their preference. Like adjustable-height desks, these move the screen around the user, rather than forcing them to adjust their body for the screen.
• Multiple display screens or monitors are helpful for many workers, helping users magnify and view two different screens at once. A screen with a larger font can especially improve the work experience for those with low vision. These options can be extremely beneficial for those working on screens all day. 

• Dimmable lights, noise-canceling headphones, and sensory fidget toys are also great options for those who are neurodivergent. Another key to creating accessible workstations is allowing individuals the space and freedom to create their own workspace. 

Looking for more? Our friends at AmeriDisability have a full list of adaptive items that can create an accessible workspace.

Supports for Prolonged Standing At Work

So far we’ve mostly been talking about accessible workstations for those who work from a computer. But what about service workers or others who have to be constantly standing at work? For workers such as cashiers, baristas, servers, and other retail associates, being able to sit down occasionally can help reduce the strain of physical work on one’s body. 

Wearing orthopedic shoes or insoles can also be very helpful to those who are on their feet all day. It can often be beneficial to have a professional fit you for shoes and insoles so you can get a specific, custom fit for your feet. Most shoe stores and running shops will do this as a complimentary service with a purchase. Also, having opportunities for “dynamic movement” throughout the workday, such as moving your body linearly or laterally, is key. 

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found, “Interventions such as floor mats, shoe inserts, adjustable chairs, sit-stand workstations, and compression stockings have been used by employees to reduce the pain, discomfort and fatigue from prolonged standing. In reviewing the studies examining the effectiveness of interventions, we concluded that dynamic movement appeared to be the best solution for reducing risk of these health problems due to prolonged standing.”

Better Workstations, Better Workplace 

Offering some practical and simple workspace accessibility options can do wonders to improve employee morale and boost output. By allowing people space and a variety of options to create their own ideal personal work environment, you can do wonders for your workforce. You’ll be happy, they’ll be happy, and everyone wins! 

Relay Resources offers employment and business solutions for and with people with disabilities. Learn more about what Relay Resources does here, along with how you can support inclusive workplaces or find employment.