Time Clocks for a More Inclusive Workforce

It is easy to take the little things for granted. Unfortunately, for blind people, something as simple as using a manual time clock can prove difficult. Luckily, TCP offers a variety of different solutions for organizations who want to provide a more inclusive and automated employee time clock experience.

West Texas Lighthouse may seem just like any other manufacturing company. Over 70 employees clock in to work, create office supplies and then sell these products to the federal government, state agencies, and other commercial customers through their online retail store, Lighthouse Office Supply. Employees are expected to be on time, work at a quick pace, and create a product that will turn a profit. What makes this company unique, though, is that nearly 67% of its employees are legally blind.

About West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind

According to the National Federation of the Blind, about 70% of Americans with severe vision loss are unemployed and constantly looked over in the job process. To combat this problem, West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind has been on a mission to “create jobs and change lives.” The Lighthouse has never turned away a blind individual looking for work, which in turn creates independent, self-reliant individuals who can provide for their families. Even though West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind is a non-profit, the business runs just like a for-profit company. As Chief Financial Officer, Fonda Galindo said: “We don’t treat our employees like they are disabled… have the misconception that The Lighthouse is a charity case, but it’s absolutely not.”

West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind has been a TCP Software customer for 14 years, but before they began utilizing our state-of-the-art time clocks, they had manual paper time cards. While this method may seem feasible for your average employee, it proved to be a hassle for their visually impaired workforce. As Joshua Glaze, Special Projects Manager at West Texas Lighthouse, put it, “That is probably the opposite of what I would consider to be blind-friendly.” In addition, there was a constant problem with missed punches, inaccurate hours worked, and countless hours wasted trying to complete payroll. As the company began to grow to three locations, West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind needed a time clock solution that was both accessible and automated.

The Time Clock Solution for West Texas Lighthouse

Implementing TCP Software’s proximity badge-reading time clock has been the answer for accessible, automated, and easy time-tracking at West Texas Lighthouse. Employees clock in via a touchless, one-swipe badge on the time clock. Badges are small enough to fit into a pocket and allow for a quick “scan and go” experience. All of this is great, but for visually impaired HR Director Lorenzo Reyna, the best part about the proximity badge reader is the ease of use for blind and visually impaired employees. “When I do onboarding paperwork with our new blind employees, they are usually nervous about how the clock will work with their visual impairment. When I show them the time clock, they are always pleasantly surprised with how easy it is to clock in and out, as opposed to having to slide the card.” While the proximity badge has been a game-changer for West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, there are other accessible, disability friendly time clocks that TCP offers.

Blind-Friendly Time Clocks from TCP Software

Another option for organizations looking to be more accessible for their employees is the TCP Mobile Clock. The MobileClock allows individuals to clock in, manage their time off, and view schedules all through an app on their cellphone. This option is not only convenient, quick, and easy for the average person, but it is also helpful for those with a visual disability. Because this option is available through an individual’s phone, any accommodation already set up on their device will transfer over to the MobileClock time clock app. Whether it is a screen reader, a high-contrast screen, or large text, the Mobile Clock time clock app is highly configurable and accessible for any employee with a disability.

If the MobileClock App isn’t the best fit for your organization, the TCP WebClock might be. Conveniently accessed through a web browser, the WebClock allows employees to perform time clock operations and self-service actions directly from a computer. Individuals can clock in on their personal computer or a shared company computer. Like the MobileClock, TCP’s WebClock supports screen-reading software, high-contrast screens, and zoom capabilities allowing employees with visual impairments the comfort and confidence they need when using time clocks.

Why it Matters: Accessible Employee Time Clocks

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including visual impairments. Failure to comply could result in fines, lawsuits, and damage to a company’s reputation.

Meeting the needs of employees with disabilities in the workplace is important for creating an inclusive work environment. It not only benefits the employees with disabilities by enabling them to perform their job duties effectively, but it also benefits the organization by promoting diversity and avoiding potential legal issues. If you are looking for a time clock that is compliant and accessible TCP has many options including our Proximity reader, the MobileClock and the WebClock. By utilizing one of our many time clock options, your business can promote a more inclusive work environment for those who are blind and visually impaired.