“I have several employees with a disability, working in different positions in the company. For me, it is a natural way of working, when they can do the job, it’s okay.”

“It was 20 years ago when one of my employees who worked as a driver in my company alongside his studies, had a car accident at work after which he became paraplegic. I then had a real challenge. I felt partly responsible for the employee’s fate, as it is not in my rules to ‘throw people out’ just because they are in a difficult situation. Actually, my plan was to give Mr. Zimmermann a professional future within the
company, like with all other employees. How to solve this? In fact, it was quite simple, I offered Mr. Zimmermann a job in the office.”

“That worked out quite well. Mr. Zimmermann studied economics and the job in the office matched his competencies. It was a matter of adjusting the workplace to his needs: we adjusted the office in such a way that Mr. Zimmermann could move around in a wheelchair. In the office, it meant wider aisles, additional distance between the
furniture and furniture to suit Mr. Zimmermann’s needs. He was satisfied with the adaptation of his workplace. He now works like everyone else in the company. His colleagues, who knew Mr. Zimmerman first as a driver in their company, coped well with the changed situation of Mr. Zimmermann, and came to help in this regard. He has become an
important part of the team.”

“I wasn’t sure whether I would get any support of the state, so I contacted both the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Integration Office. They made it clear, of course I would receive support! And I did, I received comprehensive support, in applying for financial support from the state for the conversion of the workplace, and also in the support and advice for Mr. Zimmermann. I am very satisfied with the support he received. Fortunately, the support needed was
just small in terms of time or money”.

“Ever since I have employees with a disability, I notice a difference in attitude. My employees have become more considerate, and they pay more attention to each other.
The fact that persons with disabilities are employed in the company gives them a good feeling. And they know that I am an employer that does not leave anyone behind and gives people in difficult situations a chance.”

“By having Mr. Zimmerman as an example, I found out that people with disabilities can be just as productive as any other employee. As long as the match between the job and the person is carried out well. I would recommend my fellow entrepreneurs, to just do it. If you feel insecure, contact your local Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and contact any service provider for jobseekers with disabilities. They support you in all you need. And do not hesitate to ask for support, for all involved, the supervisor, colleagues, and yourself, as ‘the boss’, it is really crucial.”