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Wyeth Optimizes Productivity with Assistive Technology
Executive Director of Customer Operations, John Trzaskalski, skillfully and efficiently handles his responsibilities for overall sales and distribution for large corporate customers of Wyeth Corporation, a major international pharmaceuticals and healthcare products company. Trzaskalski interacts fluidly with customers and coworkers using assistive technology that compensates for his mobility impairment and eliminates the need to use the standard mouse and keyboard for input.
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products company Wyeth Corporation is a major international corporation that values individuals and recognizes the importance of diversity in its workforce.
Goal Is Work Environment that Results in Optimum Producivity
"Wyeth is committed to finding and developing the best people for the jobs we have available," says Doug Petkus, Wyeth Vice President of Corporate Communications.
"When recruiting, we look at job performance only—regardless of any physical limitations that an individual employee may have. We work with each employee to determine how to enhance his or her work environment and will make the necessary accommodations for a valuable employee. That includes relying on technology to help the employee overcome physical limitations to achieve his/her fullest potential. Our goal is to create a work environment that results in optimum productivity."
Assistive Technology Tools Help Boost Productivity
John Trzaskalski, Executive Director, Customer Operations at Wyeth provides
a case in point. Trzaskalski performs a responsible and high-level job requiring
constant interaction with team members and customers with the help of alternative
input assistive technology that compensates for his mobility impairment.
Trzaskalski is responsible for the overall sales and distribution of Wyeth
products to its large, corporate customers, including such accounts as Walgreens,
Wal-Mart, Eckerd, CVS, Rite Aid, McKesson, Cardinal and many others. He heads
up a department of four people who work throughout the organization balancing
customer needs and corporate goals. In his management role, Trzaskalski sets
strategy, defines objectives, and manages the implementation of initiatives.
Alternative Input Software and Hardware Substitute for Mouse and Keyboard
Trzaskalski's workstation is equipped with voice input assistive technology that allows him to dictate rather than type in order to compose letters, spreadsheets—even Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. Additional alternative input—products used in place of the mouse or keyboard—is provided by HeadMouse, a hardware device by Origin Instruments that allows Trzaskalski to move the cursor on the screen with slight movements of his head.
Trzaskalski also uses Dragger32, an Origin Instruments software product to enter mouse clicks when the mouse pointer is held stationary for a programmable length of time. It allows him to make complex selections hands-free, including double-click and drag operations.
The ComManager software program, by Siemens, allows Trzaskalski complete access to a standard office phone. "The only difference is," he says, "that instead of using my fingers, the keyboard, and associated buttons on the computer screen, I utilize HeadMouse and Dragger32 to move around the keyboard. I can accomplish almost anything in the office a person with unrestricted mobility could."
Microsoft Office Fully Compatible
Trzaskalski makes extensive use of Microsoft Office in his daily work on home and office computers equipped with Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows 95. In an average day, Trzaskalski receives more than 100 e-mail messages—many requiring a response from him. He responds directly, or forwards the messages to colleagues for input, using Microsoft Office for Windows 95 and compatible assistive technology.
"Microsoft Office is totally functional within the parameters of my assistive technology," he says. "With voice input, HeadMouse, and Dragger32, I can use all functions within Microsoft Office including the toolbars." Trzaskalski uses Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets and other presentations in table format, and produces Microsoft PowerPoint presentations for internal and external presentations.
Assistive Technology Enhances Communcations Among Colleagues
Assistive technology is an invaluable tool for Trzaskalski that enhances communication between him and his colleagues. Communication is more difficult for him because of restricted mobility but the assistive technology he uses goes a long way toward leveling the playing field. "Although, I may not be able to move to a different location easily, I can communicate with my co-workers and all others I might interface with on the phone or via written correspondence. This allows me functionality amongst my co-workers and customers. If it were not for assistive technology, I most certainly would be on total disability, but instead I manage a position with responsibility, maintain my self-esteem, and enjoy the satisfaction of being needed," he says. Trzaskalski considers his assistive technology a key factor in his success on the job, "It is simply invaluable and irreplaceable."
