The role of accessibility in the inclusion of people with disabilities
SustainAbility School #113
Hiring People with Disabilities: A Key Step Towards Inclusion and Equality in Society
According to EUROSTAT data, nearly one in five people with disabilities is unemployed (compared to 8.6% among non-disabled individuals), negatively impacting their financial autonomy.
In Romania, Law 448/2006 regulates the rights and workplace benefits for people with disabilities. The law requires public authorities, institutions, and private companies with at least 50 employees to employ people with disabilities in a percentage of at least 4% of the total workforce. Otherwise, they must pay an amount equivalent to 50% of the gross minimum wage for each position not filled by a person with disabilities.
Unfortunately, many organizations choose to pay penalties instead of hiring people with disabilities. As a result, only about 6% of over 900,000 people with disabilities in Romania are employed, significantly below the European average of 35%–40%. According to an analysis by the "Alături de Voi" Foundation, based on data from ANAF, in 2023, the Romanian state budget collected €562,215,708, compared to €433,661,106 in 2022.
In 2019, Kaufland launched the A.C.C.E.S. program to support the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce, aiming to create a diverse, inclusive, and safe working environment where people with disabilities have equal opportunities for employment and development. Over five years, the program has expanded the team to more than 500 colleagues with disabilities.
Another essential aspect of inclusion is digital accessibility, which positively impacts the work environment, customers, and an organization's reputation. Starting in June 2025, the European Accessibility Act will mandate legal compliance for organizations with over 10 employees or an annual turnover of more than €2 million. Sign up for the webinar to learn about these new regulations, company obligations, and how to prepare.
According to EUROSTAT data, nearly one in five people with disabilities is unemployed (compared to 8.6% among non-disabled individuals), negatively impacting their financial autonomy.
In Romania, Law 448/2006 regulates the rights and workplace benefits for people with disabilities. The law requires public authorities, institutions, and private companies with at least 50 employees to employ people with disabilities in a percentage of at least 4% of the total workforce. Otherwise, they must pay an amount equivalent to 50% of the gross minimum wage for each position not filled by a person with disabilities.
Unfortunately, many organizations choose to pay penalties instead of hiring people with disabilities. As a result, only about 6% of over 900,000 people with disabilities in Romania are employed, significantly below the European average of 35%–40%. According to an analysis by the "Alături de Voi" Foundation, based on data from ANAF, in 2023, the Romanian state budget collected €562,215,708, compared to €433,661,106 in 2022.
In 2019, Kaufland launched the A.C.C.E.S. program to support the integration of people with disabilities into the workforce, aiming to create a diverse, inclusive, and safe working environment where people with disabilities have equal opportunities for employment and development. Over five years, the program has expanded the team to more than 500 colleagues with disabilities.
Another essential aspect of inclusion is digital accessibility, which positively impacts the work environment, customers, and an organization's reputation. Starting in June 2025, the European Accessibility Act will mandate legal compliance for organizations with over 10 employees or an annual turnover of more than €2 million. Sign up for the webinar to learn about these new regulations, company obligations, and how to prepare.
By attending this webinar, you will learn about:
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Importance of Accessibility: Understanding the concept of digital accessibility and its role in fostering inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Key benefits for organizations, including audience expansion, legal compliance, and improved employee retention.
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Legislative Framework: Overview of international, European, and national accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG, EN 301 549, Legea 232/2022). Compliance deadlines and the scope of the European Accessibility Act.
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Best Practices for Accessibility: Tools and techniques to enhance digital platforms for all users, including screen readers, text alternatives, and braille navigation. Importance of accessibility from creation through evaluation and implementation phases.
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Case Study – Kaufland's Initiatives: ACCES program success in integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce. Steps to create inclusive hiring processes and work environments. Expansion strategies for accessibility programs across regions.
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Practical Solutions: Steps for implementing accessibility solutions, such as audits, remediation, and training. Tools like the Accessi+ widget to enhance user experience.
About the guest speakers
Adina Teleucă is co-founder of Accessi+, a high-impact startup active in France and Romania; Adina offers digital accessibility solutions to public and private organizations, helping them become more inclusive and comply with new legal regulations like the European Accessibility Act. Before founding Accessi+, Adina initiated and coordinated Kaufland Romania’s ACCES program, which focused on integrating people with disabilities into organizations.
As Recruitment and Employer Branding Director at Kaufland Romania and Moldova, Estera Anghelescu has over 20 years of experience in the field and played a key role in the company’s expansion in these markets. Her innovative projects have earned her numerous local and international awards.
In 2022, she was recognized as the Global Employer Brand Leader of the Year by Kantar and Employer Branding Professional of the Year by Evensys (2022, 2023, and 2024).
Since May 2023, Estera has also served as Vice President of the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce (RDCC), promoting diversity and inclusion in the company and society. She leads the ACCES program (Hiring Candidates with Special Requirements and Evolutions), dedicated to integrating people with disabilities into Kaufland’s team.
Estera’s passion for innovation and continuous development has led her to attend courses at prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and the University of North Carolina.
In 2022, she was recognized as the Global Employer Brand Leader of the Year by Kantar and Employer Branding Professional of the Year by Evensys (2022, 2023, and 2024).
Since May 2023, Estera has also served as Vice President of the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce (RDCC), promoting diversity and inclusion in the company and society. She leads the ACCES program (Hiring Candidates with Special Requirements and Evolutions), dedicated to integrating people with disabilities into Kaufland’s team.
Estera’s passion for innovation and continuous development has led her to attend courses at prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and the University of North Carolina.
Devino membru
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