A grassroots initiative growing into a large-scale integration agency for inclusion in the open labour market
- Solution
- Access – Inklusion im Arbeitsleben
- Organization
- Access - Inclusion in working life
- Country of Implementation
- Germany
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Western Europe
- Start Year
- 1998
- First published
- 03.12.2024

Solution details
“Everyone has talents. Our task is to let these talents unfold and find meaningful employment for our clients.” Andrea Seeger, CEO, Access – Inklusion im Arbeitsleben gGmbH
Access – Inklusion im Arbeitsleben (Access), a DPO based in Erlangen, Germany, was founded in 1998 at the grassroots-level by persons with disabilities to build bridges for persons with disabilities from school to employment in the open labour market. The Access model is based on individualized support in the job search and a broad network of potential employers, public funders, and supporters. Access has continually grown in size and in terms of its employer network, comprising more than 1,500 employers in 2024. Annually, some 350 job-seekers are supported by a team of 70 people, a quarter of whom are persons with disabilities.
Problems Targeted
The project addresses the difficulty persons with disabilities face in transitioning from schools or sheltered workshops to the open labour market.
Solution, Innovation and Impact
Access – Inklusion im Arbeitsleben gGmbH, a DPO based in Erlangen, Germany, was founded in 1998 by individuals with disabilities. The organization employs a five-stage model to facilitate employment: (1) orientation, (2) skills-based profiling, (3) job acquisition, (4) placement with job coaching, and (5) ongoing support and career planning. Access delivers most services directly at the companies where clients are placed, using a practical ‘on-the-job’ training method. Through company internships, individuals with disabilities gain the skills needed for the general labour market. Access job coaches arrange these internships and provide substantial on-site support at each workplace. Over 26 years, Access has built a strong employer network of companies where individuals with disabilities have been placed in internships or permanent roles. Depending on the needs and skills of each job seeker, Access contacts network companies to explore vacancies or internships. To maintain connections, Access hosts annual events for partners to meet, share insights, and strengthen ties. Job placements increased from 55 in 2020 to 112 by 2023.
Funding, Outlook and Transferability
Initially funded at the grassroots level, Access has built a large support network of companies and sponsors, including the German Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, regional public funding, and Aktion Mensch – a large German social funding agency. Access aims to continuously grow its placement efforts and networks. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)
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