The year of accessibility: Thoughtworks Germany's commitment to inclusion and empowerment

2023 has proven to be an exhilarating year for Thoughtworks Germany in the realm of accessibility, disability diversity and inclusion. The organization has witnessed the rapid growth of a vibrant community comprised of accessibility experts, enthusiasts and advocates, generating significant momentum, attention and interest in accessibility and inclusion across the company and with its clients. Through multiple initiatives operating at various levels, Thoughtworks is successfully integrating accessibility into its organizational DNA.

One notable highlight is the introduction of the "A practitioner’s accessibility handbook for product teams," an e-book meticulously curated and written by members of the Thoughtworks accessibility community. This invaluable resource empowers product teams to embrace accessibility and guides them in creating inclusive digital experiences.

Additionally, Thoughtworks proudly incorporated four new accessibility "blips" into its annual Thoughtworks Technology Radar. This inclusion signifies the growing recognition that accessibility is becoming an integral part of the organization's teams and projects.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day: A celebration in six cities

Thoughtworks celebrated this year's Global Accessibility Awareness Day with an unprecedented achievement – simultaneous meetups held across its five German offices and Amsterdam. Each local community warmly opened their doors to commemorate accessibility through enlightening talks, informative presentations and interactive workshops.

The meetups were designed to provide practical tips and methods, empowering participants to enhance accessibility in diverse contexts. Attendees gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and discovered impactful solutions to create more inclusive environments. These engaging events, filled with thought-provoking discussions and firsthand experiences, raised awareness about the vital importance of accessibility.

Thoughtworks celebrated this year's Global Accessibility Awareness Day with an unprecedented achievement – simultaneous meetups held across its five German offices and Amsterdam. Each local community warmly opened their doors to commemorate accessibility through enlightening talks, informative presentations and interactive workshops.

The meetups were designed to provide practical tips and methods, empowering participants to enhance accessibility in diverse contexts. Attendees gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and discovered impactful solutions to create more inclusive environments. These engaging events, filled with thought-provoking discussions and firsthand experiences, raised awareness about the vital importance of accessibility.

In Berlin, our community had the privilege of welcoming three distinguished external speakers who shared their expertise as entrepreneurs, inventors and leaders in the field of inclusive design. Benjamin Pardowitz, co-founder of RooWalk, captivated the audience with their inspiring vision and unwavering dedication to developing innovative solutions that empower children with impaired mobility.

Djamal Okoko, representing Sozialheld*innen, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to disability mainstreaming, shared a deeply personal narrative about his life as a wheelchair user. In his presentation "How disability defined my life," Okoko candidly described the obstacles and barriers he encountered during his educational journey and professional career. As a designer, he has reimagined the layout of small apartments and furniture for wheelchair users and works on linking the discipline with emancipatory Disability Studies.

The event also featured Holger Dieterich, board member of Sozialheld*innen, who spoke about one of their notable success stories, Wheelmap.  As a crowd-sourced online map of wheelchair accessible facilities world-wide, Wheelmap exemplifies the organization's unwavering commitment to improving accessibility and enhancing the lives of countless individuals.

Hungry for more: Sustaining the momentum

The overwhelmingly positive response to all the events highlighted two significant aspects. First, it became apparent that attendees possessed a genuine interest in delving deeper into the realms of accessibility and inclusion. They were truly inspired by the discussions and presentations, reflecting their desire to expand their knowledge and actively contribute to creating inclusive environments.

Second, the event served as a great acknowledgement and motivation for the accessibility community within Thoughtworks to continue organizing similar events throughout the year, extending beyond designated occasions such as the Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Thoughtworks remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining the momentum generated by these initiatives. The company is planning to host regular events, fostering education, dialogue and collaboration surrounding accessibility and inclusion. These upcoming gatherings will serve as dynamic platforms for continued learning, engagement and empowerment.

By amplifying the voices and experiences of individuals with disabilities and fostering a community of inclusion advocates, Thoughtworks aims to drive lasting change and contribute to a society where accessibility and inclusion are integral aspects of our work.