Embedding Supportive Technology Capabilities (ESTC)

A new approach for employers to help resolve labour shortages and accelerate inclusive employment.    

Distinctability Inc. and Brain-in-Hand Canada are combining two new innovative solutions into one workplace support and job coaching model. Embedding Supportive Technology Capabilities (ESTC) will transform the use, understanding and acceptance of assistive technology in the workplace.    

Designed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of assistive technologies, ESTC combines Brain in Hand, the hybrid digital self-management tool for individuals, with EmployerConnect; an innovative technology service for employers to help them select the right solutions and accommodations for enhancing the work experience and development of employees with disabilities or mental health support needs. Launching in Nova Scotia first, ESTC it is designed as a scalable national solution to enhance all workplace inclusion initiatives.  

Navigating daily job responsibilities can leave employees feeling overwhelmed. The work environment requires employees to organize and process large amounts of information. Employees are also required to continuously problem-solve.   

Using a blended model of support (Brain in Hand assistive technology and 1-1 coaching), ESTC will guide employees needing extra on-the-job support in their daily tasks by creating the supports to enhance the development of people, not just the job function. When employees feel supported in their duties, they remain motivated, and focused on the job.   

For employers, ESTC will help them lead inclusively. It will enhance their knowledge and understanding of assistive technology in the workplace, and going forward will provide them with the tools they need to support persons with disabilities or mental health support needs in the workplace. 

ESTC is currently recruiting six employers across Nova Scotia to participate in a pilot project and will be a wider Provincial and National initiative going forward.   There is no financial commitment to you as an employer. 

The ESTC Pilot will actually be gifting your business a $10,000 service and support bundle designed to help you recruit, hire and work alongside one or more people with a disability or mental health support need.   

By agreeing to participate in an ESTC Pilot Project your business will agree to hire one or more persons with a disability or mental health support need as part of your regular hiring practices, or identify a current staff member who would benefit from being part of the pilot through additional support and job coaching.     

In addition, by agreeing to participate in the ESTC Pilot Project, your business will identify up to two staff members to train as Brain-in-Hand Coaches, and one assistive technology champion to take the lead on the use of the Employer Connect Platform; a unique service developed by Distinctability that provides employers with an independent analysis and recommendation of which Assistive Technologies will bring value to their organization for the inclusive roles and workforce strategy they have.   

By agreeing to participate in the ESTC Pilot Project you agree to work with us to provide feedback to Distinctability Inc., through a brief case study reflecting on your experience.  

 Whilst it is referred to as a Pilot project the implementation and recruitment is real and permanent.     

Recruitment, training, implementation and onboarding of staff can all be achieved in a two-month window and will involve approximately 10-15 hours of your staff’s time.