In an increasingly diverse and inclusive work environment, the IT and tech industries are gradually opening doors to a wide range of talent. Among these is the sizable population of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals.
According to data from the National Deaf Center cited in a Harvard Business Review article, only about 53% of deaf people were employed in 2017, stressing the need for more inclusive hiring practices. Furthermore, roughly 11.5% of the US population has hearing loss, a figure that is projected to rise globally to one in four people, or approximately 2.5 billion individuals, by 2050.
Despite these significant numbers, DHH individuals often face barriers to employment, particularly in specialized fields like tech and IT. However, with the right support and opportunities, DHH people can not only enter but also thrive in tech and IT careers. Here’s how.
Legal protections for DHH employees
Various laws and regulations have been established to protect DHH individuals from employment discrimination. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a crucial piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs. Under ADA Title I, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to perform their job duties.
Per Healthy Hearing, these accommodations might include providing a sign language interpreter for conferences or other meetings. It may also include providing assistive listening devices like captioned phones, computer software, or strobe light emergency alerting systems. Despite these protections, challenges persist. The ADA, while powerful, needs to be fully embraced by employers to create truly inclusive environments.
Companies leading the way
Several organizations are making strides in supporting DHH individuals in their career aspirations, particularly within the tech industry. The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at Rochester Institute of Technology is a prime example. NTID’s Center on Employment works diligently to connect DHH students with potential employers. Their efforts help DHH individuals find jobs through training that reflects real-life situations. At the same time, the organization educates prospective employers about the benefits of hiring from this talent pool and how to create a supportive environment.
Additionally, tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft have launched initiatives to recruit and support DHH employees. In 2019, Amazon became the first major tech company to hire full-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for deaf employees. According to Forbes, since the launch of the ASL Interpreter Program, more DHH people have been seeking employment at Amazon, and more of them are finding placement at the company.
Tools enhancing DHH inclusion in tech
Advancements in technology are playing a crucial role in leveling the playing field for DHH individuals in the tech industry. Various tools and programs are being developed that have the potential to aid DHH tech workers, making it easier for them to succeed in their roles. One such innovation is Nuance’s hearing glasses, designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. These glasses use beamforming technology positioned on the front of the frames to isolate audio in front of the listener while also reducing background noise. This effectively amplifies sounds in the wearer’s line of sight to make communication easier, enabling hard-of-hearing users to participate in meetings and collaborative work environments.
Another groundbreaking tool is the AI-powered app developed by Lenovo in partnership with Brazil’s Recife Center for Advanced Studies and Systems (CESAR). This app translates sign language into spoken language, bridging the communication gap between DHH individuals and their hearing colleagues. The app uses advanced AI algorithms to recognize and translate sign language gestures in real time, making interactions seamless and more inclusive. At the moment, the app is only available in Latin America, but Lenovo has plans to extend the system’s use to other sign languages worldwide by 2025.
DHH individuals have immense potential to thrive in IT and tech careers, provided that the right accommodations and opportunities are in place. Employers who actively engage with and support the DHH community stand to benefit from a diverse pool of talent who bring unique perspectives and skills to the table.
To stay updated on the latest IT and cybersecurity news, visit the Latest Hacking News website.
