How can technology and assistive devices support successful employment?

• A. Enable communication
• B. Impair task performance
• C. Accessibility and independence; require training and accommodations
• D. No training needed; no accommodations required

Answer: (C)

Technology and assistive devices focus on making work accessible and promoting independence for employees, helping them perform tasks, communicate, and navigate the workplace more effectively. They enable equal participation by removing barriers, but to really work well, they usually need training so the user knows how to operate the tools, and accommodations to fit the specific job duties, environment, and schedule. This combination—enhanced access plus the necessary support—best captures how assistive tech supports successful employment. For example, a screen reader or adaptive keyboard opens up tasks for someone with a vision or motor challenge, but using these tools well requires instruction and an employer-provided accommodation plan. The other statements are narrower or impractical: focusing only on communication doesn’t address overall access; implying technology impairs performance contradicts its purpose; and saying no training or accommodations are needed ignores real-world needs.