How neurodivergent workers use and make sense of assistive technologies
Overview
The article argues that assistive technologies reshape how neurodivergent workers experience their abilities, motivation, and opportunities. It shows that tools like screen readers reduce cognitive, sensory and socioemotional challenges; strengthen confidence, autonomy and agency and lessen stigma. These technologies also enable digital masking – concealing neurodivergence which can help access opportunities but may create unintended negative consequences.
Assistive technologies refer to tools that expand individuals' functional capabilities and enable full participation at work. They include software (e.g. screen readers, speech‐to‐text and text‐to‐speech, live captioning and transcription), hardware (e.g. noise‐cancelling headsets, height‐ adjustable desks), and configuration features embedded in mainstream technologies (e.g. dark mode, adjustable contrast and line spacing, notification batching, focus modes).
The study draws on the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) model as it offers an established lens for understanding how individual outcomes emerge at the intersection of individual abilities, personal motivation and contextual opportunities