Inquiring about ergonomic desk setups in a group chat, I found myself trying to assist someone experiencing wrist and shoulder discomfort from prolonged computer use. They were seeking recommendations for ergonomic mouse or keyboard options, or even voice-to-text software. Although I’m not an expert in hardware, I decided to leverage my skills of gathering information to provide a comprehensive and easily digested solution.
The Price Barrier When I reached out to my contacts, their response was unfortunately predictable: there are only a handful of quality hardware options available in the market, and most of them are priced at over £200 ($260) per item, often even higher if considering voice-to-text software.
For instance, Logitech’s high-end gaming mouse, the wireless G502 X Plus Gaming mouse, comes with a hefty price tag of £149.99 (approximately $191) on their UK website. On the other hand, the least expensive wireless RollerMouse from Contour, the RollerMouse Mobile, costs £210 ($270). If one prefers a wireless ‘main’ mouse as an alternative to a portable one, the RollerMouse Pro Vegan Leather Slim would set you back at least £230 ($290).
It’s worth mentioning that this is not a criticism of Contour; their products are highly regarded for individuals suffering from pain due to prolonged keyboard and mouse usage, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. However, it seems unjust that a basic necessity for many – using a computer throughout the day – costs over £100 ($130) more than a flashy gaming mouse like the G502 X Plus.
The Hidden Expenses of Disability In larger organizations, employers usually bear the cost of providing suitable equipment for disabled employees, ensuring their comfort and productivity. However, if you’re self-employed or work for a smaller company with limited financial resources, the initial investment in these items can be financially burdensome.
Regrettably, this won’t come as a surprise to individuals with a disability or those whose friends and loved ones face such challenges. It’s just another facet of the “extra cost of disability,” also known as the hidden cost of disability or the disability tax. Having additional needs almost always means additional expenses.
Even IT professionals who lack personal connections to colleagues with disabilities might encounter this issue when involved in procurement processes.
Finding a Solution Identifying a solution is no easy feat. Mass production enables higher availability and lower costs. However, if items are produced in smaller quantities based on non-standard or unique specifications, their manufacturing costs increase, resulting in higher prices for consumers. After all, the manufacturer needs to sustain their business.
But if the cost is beyond the means of a significant portion of those in need, the potential customer pool diminishes further, driving up expenses. It’s a challenging cycle to break.
Could vouchers, government subsidies, or interest-free repayment plans be the answer? Perhaps an idealistic techno-socialist world with free accessible technology for all? While these are all viable options to explore, the reality is that individuals who require specialist hardware or software but cannot afford it may face the difficult choice between debt, pain, or being excluded from the digital realm. None of these choices should be deemed acceptable.
Please note that all prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing.