Innovation Spotlight | Technology In Supported Employment

by Lori Morphy, SARC Trainer/Resource Developer – Service Delivery, October 20, 2025

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, or DEAM, making it a great time to highlight innovations in supported employment.

Supported Employment is rooted in the belief that everyone can work, if they have the proper supports in place. It is a flexible person-centered approach to help people experiencing disability to achieve their employment goals. Employers and supported employment professionals can embrace technology to support people with disabilities to be successful employees, contributing to their workplaces in meaningful ways, and carrying out their duties with greater ease. The Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) encourages the use of technology to adapt to changing employment markets and support employees in a holistic way.

There are many types of technology that can be used to support people in employment, including:

• Assistive technology, such as speech to text software, adaptive equipment, and captioning tools that can help with information sharing and communication.
• Digital workspaces where people can collaborate virtually. Many have accessibility features so everyone can participate and contribute.
• Remote work supports, including virtual reality for training, remote connections to job coaches, or virtual mentoring.
• Devices like phones, tables, smart watches, along with apps that can be used for scheduling, task management, and reminders.
• Using videos and audio routines that can be played on smart devices.  

Saskatchewan organizations have also embraced technology with some using virtual reality programs when working with job seekers within their supported employment programs. These virtual reality programs can help the job seeker with career exploration, to learn pre-employment skills, to prepare for interviews and employment, and to learn the skills required for specific jobs. These programs can help job seekers to prepare for entering the work force. 

In the United States, one organization, Star Center, Inc. in West Tennessee, provides assistive technology services to approximately 4000 people each year. A key focus at Star Center is supported employment, including assistive technology that aids in employment. Click here to learn about how Star Centre supported Nick and Scottie in their employment goals. By using technology, Nick and Scottie can collaborate remotely, so they are both successful in their employment goals.

Technology is always advancing, creating opportunities for people of all abilities to be successful in their career journeys. You can learn more about supported employment in Saskatchewan here.

Has your organization found ways to incorporate technology in supported employment? We want to hear about it! Contact SARC’s Communications Coordinator at ahoffart@sarcan.sk.ca