Is your office technology difficult to operate for users with limited mobility, vision or hearing?  Professional success in today’s workplace requires that office technology be accessible by everyone, including those with disabilities.  In fact, for the federal government, it’s the law. “Effective June 25, 2001, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates that Electronic and Information Technology products and services developed, procured, maintained, or used by the Federal Government allow Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities to have access to, and use of, Federal information data that’s comparable to the access and use available to nondisabled Federal employees and members of the public.”  

Here at Advance – The Document Specialist, we can help organizations maximize office technology productivity for a wide range of business users, including those with disabilities.

As the recommended vendor for Maryland Nonprofits, Advance has had the privilege of working with many organizations that both employ and support people with disabilities.  Recently, we partnered with a local nonprofit organization that needed to improve the accessibility of their office multifunctional device (MFD).  Our solution was a Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5045 with several enhancements to address the operational challenges of the previous MFD, for users with varying types of disabilities. Our recommended device included the following accessibility improvements:

Voice Operation Kit:  This option features a speaker and a flexible microphone which allows for the control of basic copy functionality through voice recognition technology.  Users with limited mobility or dexterity can simply press a large button on the side of the device to input voice commands, to operate certain device features.

Voice Guidance Kit:  Through simplified tactile input, this option allows users with limited vision or dexterity to navigate the control panel with only a few buttons, while receiving audible confirmation when operating the machine.  The voice type, volume and rate of speech are adjustable to the user’s preference.

Remote Operator’s Software Kit:  With this option, users can operate the Canon MFD from any networked PC, through an on screen control panel that emulates the same touch screen and hard keys used at the device, providing alternate operational access for users with mobility or dexterity impairments.

Braille Label Kit:  This option offers transparent Braille labels that affix to the MFD control panel and accessories, to provide visually impaired users with improved device access and the ability to input information.

Tilt-able Control Panel:  The Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE C5045 offers a control panel that slides and tilts to improve operational angles for both standing and seated users.

If these options could help users in your office, please give us a call.  They can not only improve compliance for your organization, they can also make it more productive.