Want to play a part in building a more inclusive future for Disabled People in the industry?
Disabled People are underrepresented in Engineering and Technology, making up 14% of the workforce in comparison to an average of 18% in other industries. It's so important that we explore this, as diverse minds and experiences are needed to create engineering and tech outputs that are accessible and inclusive of everyone.
Therefore, we are inviting participants to contribute to a new research initiative exploring the experiences of Disabled Engineers and Technologists. This project aims to better understand the barriers, enablers, and lived realities of Disabled professionals working in engineering and technology, whether currently employed or with past experience in the sector. The research will be conducted through a series of focus groups taking place throughout September and early October 2025.
This study specifically focuses on physical disabilities and long-term conditions, and does not include neurodivergence, which we explored in our 2023 Neurodiversity in Engineering and Technology project. By narrowing the scope, we hope to build a more detailed picture of how disability intersects with workplace culture, accessibility, and career progression in engineering and technology. Participants do not need to be IET members to take part.
In addition to hearing directly from disabled engineers and technologists, we are also keen to engage with HR professionals who are involved in implementing disability-related policies and reasonable adjustments. These insights will help illuminate organisational practices and barriers to implementation. Line Managers in the sector are also encouraged to participate, particularly those with experience supporting disabled team members, as their perspectives are vital to understanding day-to-day team dynamics and support mechanisms.
If you're interested in sharing your unique perspective, we invite you to join one of the sessions listed below:
| Group | Participants | Date | Time |
| Focus Group 1 | Disabled engineers | 1/9/2025 | 2-3:30pm |
| Focus Group 2 | Disabled engineers | 3/9/2025 | 11 - 12:30pm |
| Focus Group 3 | Disabled engineers | 10/9/2025 | 2:30 - 4pm |
| Focus Group 4 | Disabled engineers | 11/9/2025 | 11 - 12:30pm |
| Focus Group 5 | Disabled engineers | 15/9/2025 | 10 - 11:30am |
| Focus Group 6 | Disabled engineers | 18/09/2025 | 2 - 3:30pm |
| Focus Group 7 | HR Professionals | 23/09/2025 | 2 - 3:30pm |
| Focus Group 8 | HR Professionals | 24/09/2025 | 11 - 12:30pm |
| Focus Group 9 | HR Professionals | 26/09/2025 | 10:30 - 12pm |
| Focus Group 10 | Line managers | 29/09/2025 | 2 - 3:30pm |
| Focus Group 11 | Line managers | 1/10/2025 | 10 -11:30am |
| Focus Group 12 | Line managers | 3/10/2025 | 10 -11:30am |
Your voice can help shape a more accessible future, where Disabled People are enabled to enter and remain within the Engineering and Technology community. If you’re interested in taking part, please email inclusion@theiet.org and specify which focus group you’d like to join: Disabled Engineers/Technologists, HR Professionals, or Line Managers, and which date works best for you.