Breaking Barriers, Building Inclusion: Empowering Disabled Software Engineers in the Tech Industry

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ILLUMINATION

11 min readMar 28, 2023

Before I begin talking about my journey and understanding how we can better empower and build a strong, inclusive environment, my name is Moudud Abu and I am an Full Stack Engineer @LEGO My journey started years ago, when I was diagnosed as being partially deaf and dyslexic as a child. Since then, my challenges throughout the years at different levels of education have led me to this career pathway.

I'm sharing my experience so that others can relate, take action for their well-being, and advocate for inclusion in their workplace. There are a lot of great people out there who are actively looking out for the mental and physical well-being of others, and businesses should invest time, resources, and effort to build a better environment. I will demonstrate some of the compelling reasons why we all collectively continue to educate and build inclusivity.

Embracing Uniqueness

Being disabled and working as a software engineer can present unique challenges, but it is also a rewarding and fulfilling career path. In this blog, we will explore some of the experiences and perspectives of disabled software engineers and provide tips for navigating the industry.

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that there are many different types of disabilities and that each person’s experience will be different. Disabilities can range from physical disabilities that affect mobility or dexterity to neurological disabilities that affect cognitive processing or communication.

The office setting is a typical barrier for software engineers with disabilities. A software engineer, for instance, would find it challenging to move around a workplace with stairs or without accessible facilities. Similarly, a software developer who is visually impaired might require specialised software or hardware to be productive. It is crucial for businesses to take the initiative to develop accessible, inclusive work environments for all of their employees.

Another challenge for disabled software engineers is navigating the social aspects of the workplace. Disability is often stigmatised, and disabled individuals may feel like they need to hide their disability or downplay their needs in order to fit in. This can be particularly difficult in a competitive and fast-paced industry like software engineering. However, it is important to remember that disability is a natural part of human diversity, and being open about one’s disability can help promote greater understanding and inclusion in the workplace.

Being a disabled software engineer has several advantages despite these obstacles. For instance, the profession of software engineering greatly values creativity and problem-solving abilities, both of which can be assets for many people with disabilities. Additionally, because many software engineering roles are flexible, they can make accommodations that might not be possible in other sectors.

My Dyslexic Journey

As a dyslexic software engineer, I have experienced my share of challenges and obstacles. However, I have also found that my dyslexia has given me a unique perspective and set of skills that have made me a better software engineer. In this blog post, I want to share my experiences and insights with the hope of inspiring others who may be facing similar challenges.

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, writing, and spelling. It can also impact attention and processing speed, making it difficult to keep up with fast-paced work environments. As a dyslexic software engineer, I have had to find ways to work around these challenges. Even getting myself to write blogs has been a big mental struggle. This is why good mentorship with a bit of encouragement from management and overcoming those mental whispers are so important. Now look at me talking to you about empowerment.

One of the biggest challenges for me is writing. Dyslexia makes it challenging to rapidly detect and comprehend textual symbols and grammar, which makes reading and writing efficiently difficult. Yet I’ve discovered that using text-to-speech software with a dictator is tremendously beneficial. As a result, I can concentrate on the content rather than getting mired in its syntax.

Another challenge is working in fast-paced environments where there is a lot of information to process quickly. Dyslexia makes it difficult to filter out irrelevant information and focus on the most important tasks. However, I have found that taking breaks, setting clear goals, and breaking tasks down into smaller pieces have helped me manage my workload and stay on track.

Despite these challenges, I believe that dyslexia has also given me a unique set of skills that have made me a better software engineer. Dyslexics tend to be creative problem-solvers and have a talent for thinking outside the box. This has helped me approach problems from different angles and find creative solutions to complex challenges.

Dyslexics are also often highly visual and spatially aware, which can be a valuable asset in software engineering. For example, dyslexics may be able to visualise complex data structures in their minds or understand complex systems by creating diagrams or flowcharts.

As a dyslexic software engineer, I am committed to advocating for more awareness and support for individuals with learning disabilities in the tech industry. We need to create more inclusive environments that recognize and value diverse perspectives and talents.

Dyslexia has presented unique challenges in my career as a software engineer, but it has also given me a unique set of skills and perspectives that have made me a better engineer. With the right tools, support, and accommodations, dyslexics can thrive in the tech industry and make valuable contributions to the field. We need to continue to raise awareness and advocate for more inclusive environments that value diversity and recognise the strengths and talents of individuals with learning disabilities.

My Hearing Journey

Partial deafness is a condition in which the ability to hear sounds at certain frequencies or volumes is diminished. This can make it difficult to communicate effectively in a traditional office environment, which can create challenges for software engineering work that requires teamwork and collaboration.

This is harder than I make it look; there are techniques provided by the audiologist to get over the hurdles seamlessly. Lip reading is almost an art in some sense; you need to recognise the shape and movement of the mouth to then formulate a word and sentence. It takes many years to add this to your mental dictionary, where words become movements rather than sounds. Unfortunately, my hearing loss may slowly get worse as the ear drum loses more and more frequency over the years. However, we live in a world where we can adapt and also innovate to solve these issues, which is why I've embraced it.

The most difficult thing for me to do is communicate. When speaking in meetings, chats, and teamwork situations, it might be challenging to grasp what is being said. However, I’ve discovered that employing visual aids like closed captioning, subtitles, and cues has been quite beneficial. Additionally, employing tools like messaging apps, email, and captioned video conferences has proven beneficial.

Another challenge is participating in conference calls and meetings. Often, the sound quality is poor, and it can be difficult to understand what is being said. However, using high-quality headphones with noise-canceling capabilities and ensuring that I am in a quiet environment has helped me manage this challenge. I do sometimes ask people to repeat, which has at most found no issues so far. There were times it frustrated some, but with some patience and awareness, these concerns will dissipate.

Notwithstanding these difficulties, I think that being partially deaf has also given me a special set of abilities that have improved my abilities as a software engineer. Those who are partially deaf frequently have keen observational and analytical skills, which can be helpful in spotting trends and catching coding problems. Moreover, partial deafness can aid in concentration because it eliminates potential distractions brought on by auditory input.

Keep Calm and Carry on

Here are some tips for disabled individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in software engineering:

1. Advocate for yourself: Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for accommodations or support when needed. Your employer is legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, and many companies have internal programmes or resources to support disabled employees.

2. Build a network: Connect with other disabled software engineers and advocates. They can provide support and advice and may be able to help connect you with job opportunities or mentorship.

3. Focus on your strengths: Every individual has unique skills and strengths. Focus on developing your own strengths rather than trying to fit into a mold of what a “typical” software engineer should be.

4. Be proud of who you are: Disability is a natural part of human diversity, and there is no shame in being disabled. Embrace your identity and advocate for greater acceptance and inclusion in the workplace.

How should companies be inclusive?

From my humble experiences throughout the years, I have come across very poor atmospheres and very excellent places with a grounded understanding of inclusion.

Education

I am a strong believer in interactive training. Just like you would have security and confidentiality in company policies, which you see as an industry standard to help secure the company, similarly, I have seen that training makes people first aware, therefore using their own human instincts to naturally care. Second, it will foster an accommodating atmosphere because it is part of the company's policy.

It is highly important for people to have training with disabled colleagues for several reasons.

Increase awareness and understanding: Training can increase awareness and understanding of disability, including different types of disabilities, how they may impact individuals, and the various accommodations that may be needed.
Avoid assumptions and stereotypes: Without training, people may rely on assumptions or stereotypes about disability that can lead to misunderstandings or discriminatory behaviour.
Improve communication: Training can provide strategies for effective communication with disabled colleagues, including how to ask about accommodations, how to discuss disability-related needs, and how to avoid offensive language.
Foster a culture of inclusivity: By providing training, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Promote equal opportunity: By providing training on disability, organizations can promote equal opportunity and help remove barriers to employment, advancement, and participation for people with disabilities.

According to a survey conducted by Accenture, companies that prioritise disability inclusion outperform their peers in terms of revenue growth and profitability. In fact, companies that scored higher on disability inclusion had 28% higher revenue and 30% higher profit margins than their peers. Another report by Deloitte found that companies with inclusive cultures are twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets, three times more likely to be high-performing, and six times more likely to be innovative. All the study sources can be found in the credit section of the blog.

Encouragement

Another form of great support for many of us is management understanding our needs and encouraging people like me to try things they themselves may find difficult. Using myself as an example, I have never written blogs and have spent years avoiding them simply because I didn't believe in my ability to effectively write. Sometimes it is just a mental hurdle to overcome, but with guidance and a kind nudge, anything is possible.

Creating an inclusive work environment: Companies should strive to create an inclusive work environment that welcomes people of all abilities. Such as providing screen readers for visually impaired employees.
Offering flexible work arrangements: Disabled software engineers may require flexibility in their work arrangements to accommodate their needs. Companies can offer remote work options, flexible schedules, and part-time work to ensure that disabled employees have access to the same opportunities as their non-disabled counterparts.
Providing training and resources: Companies can provide training and resources to help disabled software engineers succeed in their roles. This may include specialized software and tools, as well as training on how to use them effectively.
Celebrating diversity: Companies can celebrate diversity and the unique perspectives that disabled software engineers bring to the table. This can be done through employee resource groups, mentorship programs, and other initiatives that promote inclusion and belonging.
Offering equal pay and opportunities: Disabled software engineers should be paid fairly and have access to the same career advancement opportunities as their non-disabled counterparts. Companies can ensure that their hiring and promotion processes are fair and equitable to all employees, regardless of their abilities.

A study by Deloitte found that inclusive teams are 80% more likely to meet or exceed business goals. This suggests that inclusive workplaces can improve productivity and drive better outcomes. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that diverse teams are more likely to find innovative solutions to problems than homogeneous teams. This suggests that inclusive workplaces can improve production by promoting creativity and innovation. All the study sources can be found in the credit section of the blog.

Stay fulfilled

My disability has also taught me the importance of empathy and understanding in the workplace. I have learned to appreciate the value of diversity and the unique perspectives that different individuals can bring to a team. I believe that my disability has helped me to become a better listener and problem solver and to recognise the strengths and talents of others.

Photo by Susan G. Komen 3-Day on Unsplash

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a disabled software engineer is the opportunity to use my skills to make a positive impact on the world. I have had the privilege of working on projects that have helped improve the lives of individuals with disabilities, such as creating accessibility features for software and devices.

In addition, I have had the opportunity to mentor and inspire other disabled individuals who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. I believe that it is important to advocate for more awareness and support for individuals with disabilities in the tech industry and to create more inclusive environments that value diversity and recognise the unique skills and perspectives that disabled individuals can bring to the table.

Inspirational Stories

Tom Rosier

My personal inspiration to write about my journey was Tom Rosier, who wrote an awesome blog about his experience. I would definitely recommend, if you haven't already, that you go ahead and read his blog.

https://blog.xetk.co.uk/2019/09/05/autism-and-baseline-anxiety/

These stories demonstrate that being disabled does not limit one’s ability to succeed as a software engineer. With the right resources and support, individuals with disabilities can thrive in the tech industry and make a significant contribution to the field. It is essential for companies to create an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals with disabilities and provides them with the necessary tools to succeed.

Software engineers like us are changing the face of technology and paving the way for a more inclusive industry. Their achievements show that disabilities do not have to be a barrier to success and that with determination and support, anything is possible. We need to continue to encourage and support individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams and help them achieve their full potential.