Inclusion in the workplace: This is how accessibility becomes a reality!

Inclusion in the workplace: This is how accessibility becomes a reality!

On September 24, 2025, an important discussion about inclusion in the workplace took place in Berlin. Myrhia Butenholz from the Blind Aid Organization shared impressive insights into her educational and career path. She emphasized the need for inclusion to require comprehensive technical equipment and appropriate assistance. Butenholz made it clear that adaptations to the technical environment, such as computers and software, are crucial to meet individual limitations.

Joachim Hampel, job coach from Wendel gGmbH, presented concrete projects that aim to make it easier for people to access the primary labor market. He described his organization as a “pilot” for a self-determined and meaningful working life. Theo Jannet, from the Single Point of Contact for Employers (EAA), explained the numerous funding options and legal framework that support you when starting work.

Financial support for companies

A central topic was financial support for companies that want to make their workplaces barrier-free. Companies can receive funding that covers up to 100 percent of the costs of purchases and adjustments. These include, for example, special computer systems for blind and visually impaired people, but also structural measures such as installing disabled toilets and building ramps. The agencies not only cover the acquisition costs, but also follow-up costs such as maintenance and repair.

In addition, Hampel pointed out that training in the use of these tools is financially supported. The responsibility for the applications lies with the integration office or other rehabilitation providers such as the employment agency. However, employers are invited to contact the EAA early in order to optimally structure the application process.

Challenges and opportunities

Tim Richter, deputy district mayor and district councilor, emphasized the importance of empathy and the need for dialogue in order to overcome the challenges in this area together. He pointed out structural hurdles that could make real accessibility more difficult due to legal requirements. Richter calls for a bolder and digitalized administration to promote the participation of all citizens.

The current statistics paint a worrying picture: around 10.4 million people with disabilities live in Germany, of which around 7.6 million are severely disabled. Only about half of this group is employed or has completed training. In addition, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is almost 11 percent, while for people without disabilities it is only 5.7 percent. Despite legal requirements requiring employers to hire people with disabilities, only 39 percent of companies fill their mandatory positions.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has considered inclusion a human right since 2009. Nevertheless, many employers are reluctant to hire people with disabilities, which is seen as wasted potential in the context of the skills shortage. Rehabilitation consultant Marion Winger points out that openness and education play a crucial role among employers. Successful integration examples, such as Dariean Bahr's, show what positive effects support from employers and the employment agency can have.