Disability inclusion

We strive to ensure full participation for all people, regardless of ability, through our policies, communities and advocacy efforts.

Welcoming all our people

Disability is a topic that connects us all, with more than 15% of the population living with a disability, according to the World Health Organization. Further, any of us could develop a short- or long-term disability in our lifetime. At Siemens, we value everyone’s abilities. For us, inclusion is more than just ensuring accessibility; it’s about eliminating visible and invisible obstacles and nurturing a culture of conscious, equitable participation.

Here’s how we do that:

A person is standing in front of a large screen displaying a colorful abstract design.

Communities and networks to support people with disabilities

Our communities and networks support our people with disabilities around the world by offering a safe place to connect, share experiences, address challenges and raise awareness about disabilities. Through personal storytelling, we feature insights into the lives of colleagues with disabilities — for example, on the Siemens blog. Our ERGs are open to everyone.

Diverse people with and without disabilities standing together, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.

Engagement with global advocacy organizations

We engage with global advocacy organizations. For instance, we are a member of the Valuable 500, an initiative launched by the World Economic Forum to place the concerns of people with disabilities on companies’ management agendas. And in the UK, we have been awarded Disability Confident Leader status.

A poster with a person in a wheelchair and a person in a standing position, both smiling and looking at each other.

Accessibility Competence Center

The team of experts at our Accessibility Competence Center, which includes people with disabilities, addresses the issue of accessibility in the workplace. They also ensure that our products and services comply with accessibility regulations — testing them for effective usability, as well.

Illustration of two empty chairs facing each other across a table with a potted plant, symbolizing open dialogue and inclusion, with speech bubbles above the table on a dark background.

Inclusion Agreement

In Germany, we have an Inclusion Agreement with the General Works Council. This underlines our commitment to disability inclusion and accessibility for approximately 5,000 Siemens people with disabilities in that country.

Actions speak louder than words

Across the company, in every role and function, we share a responsibility to help raise awareness and include our people with disabilities every day.

Person doing push-ups on a yoga mat outdoors with trees in background

The 21-Day Challenge

The Disability Inclusion Edition of this challenge encouraged our people to gain insights into the experiences of colleagues with disabilities. It was celebrated by the European Round Table in 2024.

Learn more about the 21-Day Challenge

The image shows a ship sailing on the ocean with a clear sky and a distant horizon.

Access to the sea

Siemens and tech startup TOBEA have partnered to enhance beach accessibility for people with disabilities through SEATRAC, an innovative system that allows individuals to independently access the sea.

Learn more about SEATRAC

A purple flower with a blurry background and a watermark in the bottom right corner.

#PositivelyPurple

The UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities is held annually on December 3. As a mark of respect and to honor the economic contribution of people with disabilities, we support #PositivelyPurple.

Learn more about #PositivelyPurple

At Siemens, our global belonging initiatives operate in accordance with all applicable laws.