What is Inclusive Technology?

Author: Dr. Richard Purcell

Inclusive Technology describes a range of hardware, software, tools, and equipment that anyone can use. People don’t need a disability or have limited accessibility to use Inclusive Technology. In most cases, Inclusive Technology enables everyone to overcome their challenges and engage in work or study. To help you understand more about the topic, let’s get into some benefits and examples in this post.

What is Inclusive Technology?

Inclusive Technology is an umbrella term that describes equipment, tools, devices, or software designed for everyone. This category includes Accessible Technology, Accessible Educational Materials, and Assistive Technology when modified for everyone to use. And, since it’s inclusive and accessible to all, users of this technology don’t need to have a disability, neurodivergence, or any particular accessibility needs.

Predictions suggest over 3 billion people will need a form of Assistive Technology by 2050. And, while most Assistive Technology falls under the Inclusive Technology term, it is only deemed Inclusive Technology when everyone can use it.

To illustrate this point, a machine learning component in Automated Speech Recognition software mistranscribed words twice as often when black people used it. This particular ASR software exposed an inherent racial bias that likely emerged through its development. So, while this software supports people with disabilities and neurodivergence, it also inadvertently excludes a certain protected characteristic. And, to be inclusive, this form of tech must accommodate all protected characteristics:

Age
Gender reassignment
Being married or in a civil partnership
Pregnancy or being on maternity leave
Disability, including neurodivergence
Race, including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation

How Can Inclusive Technology Support Staff in the Workplace?

Plenty of statistics underline the importance of promoting inclusivity in the workplace. From 35% higher productivity to 2.5 higher cash flow and 90% better decision-making, the data shows how it makes sense for workplaces to drive inclusivity.

One of the best ways to do this is through Inclusive Technology. When it’s made available in all workplaces, Inclusive Technology makes a positive impact in several ways:

Improves communication: By increasing participation levels in meetings and discussions, Inclusive Technology levels the playing field between colleagues and teams.
Reduces cognitive load: Using AI-driven inclusive software can help automate routine tasks so that individuals get to focus on more strategic planning. Using Inclusive Tech to manage tasks like scheduling, note-taking, and data entry frees up time and mental energy, and reduces the feeling of information overload.
Leverages innovation: Providing staff with inclusive Technology can foster a stronger sense of belonging. This can let them feel more confident to share their ideas and unique perspectives.
Adheres to legal compliance: all workplaces must make Reasonable Adjustments for staff to ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010. Ensuring your workplace only uses Inclusive Technology helps align with this legal obligation.
Empowers teams: When staff can engage more equally within inclusive working cultures it can increase their confidence levels. It also promotes collaboration and reduces conflict.

The Ultimate Guide to Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Download eBook

How Can Inclusive Technology Support Students in Education?

Students can use Inclusive Technology to advance in their studies. This technology can boost accessibility, help overcome barriers, and promote better participation. Other ways it can help students include:

Increases accessibility: Technology such as FM hearing transmitters can help students with hearing loss access lectures and course discussions.
Enhances focus: Students who experience ADHD, ASD, hearing loss, or a combination of disabilities may struggle to maintain attention on a topic. Inclusive Technology, like captioning software, can boost their focus and comprehension.
Improves wellbeing: Evidence shows Inclusive Technology improves inclusion and participation by up to 20%. And it does this by increasing autonomy and streamlining learning processes.
Decodes complexity: Some AI-powered Inclusive Technology systems can decode complexities within STEM subjects. This can improve study outcomes for medical students and others who need to absorb complex technical and scientific information.
Boosts confidence: Giving students access to appropriate technology invites those who may be more reserved to participate in group discussions. Knowing they have the right technology close by can reduce anxiety and let them engage with the curriculum.

Inclusive Workplaces 🧩

Your go-to monthly newsletter for creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent talent in the workplace

Learn more

Inclusive Technology Examples

Many types of Inclusive Technology can accommodate individual or multiple protected characteristics. We’ve created a list of the key types to be aware of.

Captioning Software

Speech-to-text software is a powerful tool for boosting inclusivity in many settings. In particular, live captioning supports people with hearing loss, dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, and many other neurodivergences.

From conferences to seminars, meetings to presentations, Caption.Ed offers state-of-the-art, versatile captioning software that boosts inclusion, participation, and productivity.

Dictation Software

TalkType is our bespoke dictation software that offers another type of speech-to-text software. As a high-functioning form of Inclusive Technology, TalkType enables people with dyslexia, blindness, and movement difficulties the chance to speak their words onto a page.

AR/VR, Gamification, and Web-Based Learning Platforms

Gamification through Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality offers a viable form of Inclusive Technology that boosts engagement and motivation. A 2024 study of Inclusive Technology for staff with disabilities showed gamification helped staff with diverse abilities to achieve the following:

Carry out more complex tasks
Reduce their mental workload
Accelerated production rates
Execute tasks independently
Learn new skills

Screen Readers and Alternative Fonts

People with visual impairments experience significant benefits from screen reading software. For instance, some types can convert text and images into speech or braille formats. Such technologies let people with sight loss access information and communicate easily in teams.

FM Hearing Transmitters

People who experience hearing difficulties can connect to field-based sound systems through personal hearing devices. These FM transmitters are inclusive forms of technology that allow users to stay connected to conversations and presentations using an external microphone.

Dr. Richard Purcell

Rich is one of the Founders and Directors here at CareScribe. Rich has a passion for healthcare and assistive technology and has been innovating in this space for the last decade, developing market leading assistive technology that’s changing the lives of clients around the globe.

Our Products

Levelling the playing field for people with disabilities.

Our small but mighty team builds leading-edge software that people love. We pride ourselves on a user-led approach to product design. The voice of the customer shapes what we create and that’s exactly how great assistive tech should be made.

View products