As a nonprofit dedicated to providing job training and employment opportunities, Work Options empowers individuals to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. Now, with the addition of the Recite Me toolbar, they’re taking another step toward ensuring those opportunities are accessible to everyone.
Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity
For Shantelle Rockman, MPH, CPWIC, Access and Resource Coordinator at Work Options, accessibility is deeply personal. Shantelle shared with us:
“Having a disability myself and relying on assistive technology, I have experienced first-hand the barriers that can make navigating school, employment, and community life unnecessarily difficult. These challenges opened my eyes to how exclusionary design can limit opportunities, even for programs intended to help people grow.”
The organization’s website serves as a central hub for individuals looking to build skills and pursue employment through its training programs. By integrating Recite Me technology, Work Options ensures that everyone who visits can easily find information, apply, and engage with resources in a way that works best for them.
“When we looked at our own website, especially as a gateway to Work Options’ culinary training program, it was clear that accessibility needed to be a priority. We wanted to ensure that everyone who came to our site, regardless of ability, could access information, apply, and engage with our program in ways that worked best for them.”
Supporting Inclusive Recruitment with the Recite Me Toolbar
Inclusive recruitment is a cornerstone of Work Options’ mission. The organization recognizes that many individuals live with disabilities, whether visible or invisible, and that inaccessible online processes can discourage potential applicants.
The toolbar offers a wide range of features to support candidates with diverse needs, including:
- Text-to-speech functionality
- Translation into over 100 languages
- Customizable font, size, and color settings
- Screen masking and reading aids
“By building an inclusive recruitment process, we not only widen access to opportunities but also affirm our commitment to equity, dignity, and respect for every applicant. Recite Me has helped us advance this goal by providing a suite of accessibility tools that make our website easier to navigate for people with a wide range of needs.”
Shantelle Rockman, MPH, CPWIC, Access and Resource Coordinator, Work Options
Positive Early Impact
Although the organization is still in the early stages of using Recite Me, the initial response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve already noticed that our website feels more welcoming and easier to navigate. The feedback from both users and staff has been encouraging, and we’re confident that as more people engage with the platform, we’ll begin to see measurable benefits such as increased traffic, higher engagement, and more inclusive applications.”
For Work Options, accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about connection. Every barrier removed means more people can explore new opportunities and reach their full potential.
Amplifying the Voice of Accessibility
Work Options also sees advocacy as a key part of inclusion. Shantelle emphasized the importance of amplifying accessibility within the workplace and beyond:
Shantelle shared with us that “the more we speak up, the more workplaces will recognize the value of inclusion and take action. We must be the voice for those who still face silent barriers, because change only happens when people listen and act.”
By promoting accessibility awareness and embedding inclusive practices into its digital and organizational culture, Work Options continues to lead by example, showing how accessibility and equity go hand in hand.
Ready to Transform Your Website?
By adopting Recite Me technology on its website, Work Options is reinforcing its commitment to creating equitable pathways to employment. The tools ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to the tools, training, and opportunities that can transform lives.
Are you interested in creating an inclusive workplace for all individuals? Reach out to Recite Me today to learn more.
Get a free automated usability scan of your websites homepage. This will identify and highlight any compliance issues on your website, including inaccessible forms. Followed by recommendations on how to implement the necessary changes to make your website more accessible.
