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Places of work should be more than accessible,
they should be inclusive.

A workplace where people can focus on the work

This guide is designed to inspire new ways of thinking about accessibility, based on our own experiences of adapting Permobil's offices for accessibility - with a focus on our new production and innovation center in Sundsvall, Sweden. It is intended as a practical support for reflection, dialogue and gradual change towards a more inclusive workplace. We hope that the guide will be included in management team meetings, conversations in the lunchroom and discussions at the conference.

Together we can create environments where everyone feels welcome, seen and involved. 

Questions, comments or ideas?
Get in touch with us at: accessibility@permobil.com 

Front cover of the Workplace Accessibility Guide

Workplace Accessibility Guide

Read the full Guide here.


Every individual should feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential in their workplace.

The Permobil Workplace Accessibility Guide aims to inspire with practical examples - gathered from our firsthand experience - of how thoughtful design and considerate planning can make a workplace accessible and inclusive for all. 

Workplace Accessibility Guide

Parking & Entrance

Parking space design: The parking area should be clearly marked, close to entrances, and wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users.  

Weather protection: Roofed areas protect wheelchair users from rain, snow, and sun, keeping surfaces dry. 

Pathways: Clear, wide paths; extend roof to entrance for full weather protection. 

Stairs & Elevators 

Handrails: Continuous handrails without gaps, extending beyond the staircase for safe entry and exit. 

Level indicators: Tactile markers on stairs or handrails and contrasting markings on the first and last steps. 

Stair and elevator proximity: Position staircases close to elevators to keep people together and support inclusiveness. 

Elevator buttons: Position the elevator call button at a height suitable for wheelchair users. Ensure the control panel is within reach and includes tactile signs. 

Voice attendant: Include announcements for floor level, direction, and door status. 

Restrooms

Automatic door opener: Install automatic door openers for independent access. 

Adjustable equipment: Use adjustable toilet seats and sinks for easy customization. 

Lift: Install a personal lift, either mounted or portable (note: portable lifts require more space). 

Mirror height: Position mirrors at a height suitable for seated individuals. 

Social spaces

  • Refreshment Area

    Coffee and tea machine: Install counters at varying heights for easy access to coffee and tea. Ensure lower counters have space underneath for wheelchair users to approach directly. 

    Drawers: Use drawers instead of cabinets for easier access and visibility. 

    Ground level: Avoid wall cabinets and keep all items within reach from ground level. 

  • Cafeteria

    Maneuvering: Ensure ample space between furniture for easy movement and sufficient turning radius. 

    Easy to move chairs: Ensure chairs can be easily removed and repositioned for wheelchair users. 

    Screened off area: Create areas that can be screened off for privacy using fabrics, screens, or plants. 

  • Kitchen

    Benches and counters: Provide counters or benches at different heights for independent access. Leave space under lower counters so wheelchair users can approach head-on. 

    Maneuvering: Provide ample space between counters for easy turning. 

    The small things: Place items like hand towels and soap within easy reach for everyone. 

We learn to adapt
Workplace accessibility is the first step in allowing someone to perform their job. If there are physical obstacles that are preventing this, in my case stairs, it makes completing your tasks that much more complicated. However, that’s just life as a wheelchair user, we learn to adapt to these types of challenges very quickly.
Doug Garven in his TiLite CR1 at A Design Awards 2023
Doug Garven, U.S.
Principal Product Manager at Permobil
Doug Garven in his TiLite CR1 at A Design Awards 2023
We learn to adapt
Workplace accessibility is the first step in allowing someone to perform their job. If there are physical obstacles that are preventing this, in my case stairs, it makes completing your tasks that much more complicated. However, that’s just life as a wheelchair user, we learn to adapt to these types of challenges very quickly.
Doug Garven, U.S.
Principal Product Manager at Permobil
Being on equal terms
Workplace Accessibility means being on equal terms, and that's very important. It's crucial that you can be independent without relying on others. This greatly impacts the joy of work. You feel more relaxed and can concentrate solely on your duties.
Karin van Dijk
Board member My Breath My Music Foundation & Accessibility Expert
Being on equal terms
Workplace Accessibility means being on equal terms, and that's very important. It's crucial that you can be independent without relying on others. This greatly impacts the joy of work. You feel more relaxed and can concentrate solely on your duties.
Karin van Dijk
Board member My Breath My Music Foundation & Accessibility Expert
We must keep advocating.
Workplace accessibility directly impacts my independence and reduces the need for assistance from others. My current workplace is thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, which makes a significant difference. The importance of accessibility features can differ based on individual needs.
Martin Larsen
Marketing Content Specialist at Permobil
We must keep advocating.
Workplace accessibility directly impacts my independence and reduces the need for assistance from others. My current workplace is thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, which makes a significant difference. The importance of accessibility features can differ based on individual needs.
Martin Larsen
Marketing Content Specialist at Permobil
We learn to adapt
Workplace accessibility is the first step in allowing someone to perform their job. If there are physical obstacles that are preventing this, in my case stairs, it makes completing your tasks that much more complicated. However, that’s just life as a wheelchair user, we learn to adapt to these types of challenges very quickly.
Doug Garven in his TiLite CR1 at A Design Awards 2023
Doug Garven, U.S.
Principal Product Manager at Permobil
Doug Garven in his TiLite CR1 at A Design Awards 2023
We learn to adapt
Workplace accessibility is the first step in allowing someone to perform their job. If there are physical obstacles that are preventing this, in my case stairs, it makes completing your tasks that much more complicated. However, that’s just life as a wheelchair user, we learn to adapt to these types of challenges very quickly.
Doug Garven, U.S.
Principal Product Manager at Permobil
Being on equal terms
Workplace Accessibility means being on equal terms, and that's very important. It's crucial that you can be independent without relying on others. This greatly impacts the joy of work. You feel more relaxed and can concentrate solely on your duties.
Karin van Dijk
Board member My Breath My Music Foundation & Accessibility Expert
Being on equal terms
Workplace Accessibility means being on equal terms, and that's very important. It's crucial that you can be independent without relying on others. This greatly impacts the joy of work. You feel more relaxed and can concentrate solely on your duties.
Karin van Dijk
Board member My Breath My Music Foundation & Accessibility Expert
We must keep advocating.
Workplace accessibility directly impacts my independence and reduces the need for assistance from others. My current workplace is thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, which makes a significant difference. The importance of accessibility features can differ based on individual needs.
Martin Larsen
Marketing Content Specialist at Permobil
We must keep advocating.
Workplace accessibility directly impacts my independence and reduces the need for assistance from others. My current workplace is thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, which makes a significant difference. The importance of accessibility features can differ based on individual needs.
Martin Larsen
Marketing Content Specialist at Permobil

Reception areas

Entrance: Large entrance with automatic door opener and no inclines or thresholds.  

Reception desk: Include two levels - one higher and one lower - to serve both seated and standing visitors. 

Contrasting colors: Use contrasting colors between desk levels to aid visibility for individuals with visual impairments. 

Conference rooms & office spaces

Adjustable office furniture: Use chairs with wheels and provide desks with adjustable heights. 

Maneuvering: Allow ample space for wheelchair users to rotate and move comfortably. 

Office gears: Place whiteboards and power sockets at a height accessible to both seated and standing users. 

Corridors

Side-by-side travel: Corridors should be wide enough for wheelchair users to move alongside someone else. 

Contrasting colors: Use darker colors for door frames, doors, and baseboards to help visually impaired individuals distinguish surfaces. 

Highlight potential obstacles: Use color contrast to make beams, columns, or protruding structures more visible and reduce accident risks. 

It’s not a 'good thing to do'. It’s the right thing to do.
For me, I thrive on being part of something bigger with a purpose. Accessibility helps everyone, and having disabled people be part of society on every level is not only good, but it's necessary to create inclusive structures and environments.
Gem Turner, UK
Content Creator at Gemturner.com
It’s not a 'good thing to do'. It’s the right thing to do.
For me, I thrive on being part of something bigger with a purpose. Accessibility helps everyone, and having disabled people be part of society on every level is not only good, but it's necessary to create inclusive structures and environments.
Gem Turner, UK
Content Creator at Gemturner.com
Workplace accessibility is ultimately not a cost, but a benefit to everyone involved.
Living with a spinal cord injury can be challenging. Having a truly accessible workplace makes everyday life smoother, reducing stress and increasing happiness and inspiration at work. Workplace accessibility is ultimately not a cost, but a benefit to everyone involved.
Portrait of Permobil colleague Erik Svensson in his manual wheelchair in the office
Erik Svensson, Sweden
Senior Development Engineer at Permobil
Portrait of Permobil colleague Erik Svensson in his manual wheelchair in the office
Workplace accessibility is ultimately not a cost, but a benefit to everyone involved.
Living with a spinal cord injury can be challenging. Having a truly accessible workplace makes everyday life smoother, reducing stress and increasing happiness and inspiration at work. Workplace accessibility is ultimately not a cost, but a benefit to everyone involved.
Erik Svensson, Sweden
Senior Development Engineer at Permobil
It’s not a 'good thing to do'. It’s the right thing to do.
For me, I thrive on being part of something bigger with a purpose. Accessibility helps everyone, and having disabled people be part of society on every level is not only good, but it's necessary to create inclusive structures and environments.
Gem Turner, UK
Content Creator at Gemturner.com
It’s not a 'good thing to do'. It’s the right thing to do.
For me, I thrive on being part of something bigger with a purpose. Accessibility helps everyone, and having disabled people be part of society on every level is not only good, but it's necessary to create inclusive structures and environments.
Gem Turner, UK
Content Creator at Gemturner.com
Workplace accessibility is ultimately not a cost, but a benefit to everyone involved.
Living with a spinal cord injury can be challenging. Having a truly accessible workplace makes everyday life smoother, reducing stress and increasing happiness and inspiration at work. Workplace accessibility is ultimately not a cost, but a benefit to everyone involved.
Portrait of Permobil colleague Erik Svensson in his manual wheelchair in the office
Erik Svensson, Sweden
Senior Development Engineer at Permobil
Portrait of Permobil colleague Erik Svensson in his manual wheelchair in the office
Workplace accessibility is ultimately not a cost, but a benefit to everyone involved.
Living with a spinal cord injury can be challenging. Having a truly accessible workplace makes everyday life smoother, reducing stress and increasing happiness and inspiration at work. Workplace accessibility is ultimately not a cost, but a benefit to everyone involved.
Erik Svensson, Sweden
Senior Development Engineer at Permobil
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