With the opening of its first “Accessibility Discovery Center” in Germany, Google is sending a clear signal for more inclusion and accessibility. This center in Munich, the fifth of its kind worldwide, is a place where people with and without disabilities can discover innovative technologies and solutions to support them in their everyday lives.
The most important facts in brief:
- Google is opening its first center for accessible technologies in Germany, at Arnulfpark in Munich.
- The center shows how hardware, software and even games can be made accessible.
- Google and the Pfennigparade Foundation launch a training program on digital accessibility for people with disabilities.
- A bronze sculpture depicting the Google doodle of Oskar Picht is on permanent display there.
Google creates an innovative place for everyone
In a separate blog article, Google announced the opening of its first German center for accessible technologies. The “Accessibility Discovery Center” in Munich stands for accessibility at all levels. Here, visitors can try out various technological solutions that make life easier for people with disabilities and promote their participation in society. From special input devices to accessible computer games – the center offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in this area.
With Munich as a location, Google is expanding its commitment in Europe, after similar centers already exist in London, Dublin, Zurich and Milan. The center is not only an exhibition space, but is also intended to serve as a meeting place for the development of new, inclusive ideas. Visitors can visit the center both individually and in groups to learn and exchange information about accessible technologies.
Google enables training for digital accessibility
A key aspect of the new center is the cooperation with the Pfennigparade Foundation. Together, Google and the foundation are launching a training program that will train 45 people with disabilities to become digital literacy trainers. They will later train companies and other organizations in digital accessibility. This project is being supported with 250,000 euros from Google.org, the philanthropic division of Google.
The training program aims to further promote digital accessibility in Germany and offer people with disabilities new career prospects. Especially in times of increasing digitalization, such programmes are essential to promote equal opportunities in the labour market.
Google sets an example for inclusion
The opening of the center was attended by prominent personalities. Ulrike Scharf, Bavarian State Minister for Family, Labor and Social Affairs, described the center as a “major step towards a barrier-free world”. Munich’s Third Mayor Verena Dietl also emphasized the importance of technology for inclusion if it is designed to be barrier-free from the outset.
The Google Doodle in honor of Oskar Picht, the inventor of the Braille typewriter, also caused quite a stir. This doodle was digitized as a bronze sculpture and is now on permanent display in the new center. This is an important sign of accessibility and inclusion.
Conclusion
With the new “Accessibility Discovery Center” in Munich, Google is taking another important step towards a more inclusive future. The center not only offers access to barrier-free technologies, but is also a place of learning and encounter. The training program with Stiftung Pfennigparade is also spreading digital accessibility further – a win-win situation for everyone involved
