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Employee Spotlight: Championing Inclusion in Tech – Meet Sarah Thompson

  • Claire Hubby
  • Oct 25, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Oct 28, 2024

At Dreamland Corp, we celebrate the diversity of our workforce and the wealth of perspectives our employees bring to the table. Today, we’re proud to highlight Sarah Thompson, a Senior Software Engineer on our AI Development Team and a passionate advocate for accessibility. As a key member of our Disability Employee Resource Group (ERG), Sarah has been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive environment at Dreamland Corp. Here’s her story and the incredible work she’s doing both within our organisation and beyond.

 

Q: Hi Sarah, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role here at Dreamland Corp?

 

Sarah: "I’m a Senior Software Engineer in the AI Development Team, and I’ve been with Dreamland Corp for about five years now. My main focus is developing AI-driven solutions that enhance our products, but I’m also deeply committed to ensuring these solutions are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. Accessibility is more than a passion—it’s a lived experience for me, and I’m excited to bring that perspective to everything I do here."

 

Q: How has your personal experience living with a disability influenced your career in technology?

 

Sarah: "I was born with cerebral palsy, and that has shaped how I engage with technology from a young age. When I entered the tech field, I quickly realized that there were significant barriers for people with disabilities—both in terms of product usability and workplace accessibility. That realization motivated me to dedicate my career to breaking down those barriers. At Dreamland Corp, I’m determined to ensure the technology we create is empowering, not excluding, and that accessibility is woven into every project we work on."

 

Q: How has being part of the Disability ERG impacted your journey at Dreamland Corp?

 

Sarah: "The Disability ERG has been a game-changer for me. It’s more than a support group—it’s a community of colleagues who understand the unique challenges of living with disabilities. Together, we’ve advocated for more inclusive practices across the company, from improving workplace accommodations to enhancing the accessibility of our digital products. It’s also been an invaluable platform to raise awareness and educate others about the importance of accessibility, both inside and outside our organization."

 

Q: Can you tell us about a project where your advocacy for accessibility made a significant impact?

 

Sarah: "One project I’m especially proud of is our VoiceAssist AI initiative. I collaborated with the product and UX teams to ensure accessibility was a priority from the outset. We integrated features like voice recognition for hands-free navigation and text-to-speech capabilities, making the product usable for individuals with limited mobility. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our innovations are not only cutting-edge but also inclusive."

 

Q: What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?

 

Sarah: "A major challenge has been advocating for accessibility in an industry where speed and efficiency often take precedence. It can be tough to convince others that accessibility isn’t something to be added later but should be part of the development process from day one. I’ve overcome this by educating my peers and leadership on the long-term benefits—accessibility doesn’t just help people with disabilities, it improves the user experience for everyone. Once that’s understood, it becomes easier to get buy-in and make it a priority."

 

Q: What advice would you give to others with disabilities pursuing careers in tech?

 

Sarah: "My advice is simple: know the value of your perspective. The tech world is increasingly recognizing the importance of accessibility, and there’s a growing need for professionals who truly understand it. Don’t hesitate to voice your insights and push for accessibility—it’s not just a niche skill, it’s something that makes products better for everyone. Also, seek out support networks like ERGs within your organization. Having a community of people who understand your experiences can make all the difference."

 

Q: Looking ahead, what changes or initiatives would you like to see at Dreamland Corp regarding accessibility?

 

Sarah: "I’d love to see accessibility become an even more integrated part of our design and development process—not something addressed late in the product lifecycle, but built in from the start. I’d also like to see continued growth in how we support employees with disabilities, whether through more flexible work arrangements or further improvements to our physical spaces. Ultimately, I hope Dreamland Corp continues to be a leader in inclusivity, setting a strong example for the broader tech industry."

 

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Sarah Thompson exemplifies the power of inclusion, advocacy, and innovation here at Dreamland Corp. Her dedication to accessibility is shaping the future of technology, ensuring that no one is left behind. We are incredibly proud to have Sarah on our team and excited to support her ongoing work within the Disability ERG and beyond.

 

Stay tuned for more stories as we continue to spotlight the remarkable members of our Disability ERG and their contributions to making Dreamland Corp a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for all.


Professional Woman in Wheelchair

 
 
 

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