Specialisterne named in Forbes Accessibility 100: Making accessibility a driver for innovation

vickylittle6
Jun 17
3 min read

Updated: Jun 25

Specialisterne has been named by Forbes one of the 100 leading innovators and impact-makers in the field of accessibility. We are proud to be part of the Forbes Accessibility 100, shaping a more inclusive world of work helping organisations unlock the full potential of neurodivergent talent.

BARCELONA, June 17, 2025 – Forbes has officially released the first edition of its Accessibility 100, a new list recognising the 100 most innovative and impactful organisations in the field of accessibility worldwide.

The list, announced today during the Cannes Lions Festival, includes organisations from 15 countries working in key areas such as mobility, sensory accessibility, and neurodivergence. It is in this latter category, which includes autism, ADHD and other cognitive diversities, that Specialisterne has been recognised for its work promoting access to meaningful education and employment for neurodivergent individuals.

“The creation of the Accessibility 100 list by Forbes is a clear sign that accessibility and the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals are moving to the center of the global conversation on innovation, business, and society. It also reflects the growing importance for companies to impact investing with a genuine commitment to social change,” said Ramon Bernat, Chair of Specialisterne.

This list brings visibility to a critical and often overlooked workforce gap. Globally, an estimated 80% of autistic individuals remain unemployed, and 30–40% of neurodivergent adults face unemployment overall. With 15–20% of the world’s population being neurodivergent, investing in accessibility represents not just an opportunity for individuals, but a strategic advantage for businesses. Companies that embrace neurodivergent talent achieve higher levels of innovation, become more flexible, and perform better.

Francesc Sistach, CEO of Specialisterne Global and Specialisterne USA, declared that

“Being included in the Forbes Accessibility 100 is both an honor and a tangible recognition of the work carried out by hundreds of professionals across the globe. This milestone reinforces our commitment to building a truly inclusive world of work.”

Specialisterne: two decades of global impact

Specialisterne, a global pioneer for over 20 years, is a leading international organization transforming the employment landscape by building more accessible and inclusive workplaces, creating meaningful opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. It was Founded in 2004, and now operates in 26 countries, partnering with over 500 public and private sector employers and helping more than 10,000 individuals access skill-aligned, long-term employment.

Specialisterne works closely with both companies and candidates, tailoring training and hiring strategies to focus on individual strengths and competencies. Its award-winning programs continue to inspire inclusive practices and systemic change across sectors.

About Specialisterne Australia

Specialisterne Australia was established in 2015 to build on and support the global ambition for work environments where neurodivergent people thrive. We recognise the business value in nurturing people who think and communicate differently – an asset in problem-solving, team building, and innovation. Specialisterne provides strategic neuro-inclusion advisory services, education, training, recruitment, and workplace support to organisations around the world who recognised the value in creating inclusive workplaces where neurodiverse individuals can thrive.

Our expertise in partnering with business spreads across a wide range of sectors including large corporations, government, finance, technology, retail, engineering and consultancy leading to positive outcomes for business and all employees.

"Accessibility is about removing often-unseen obstacles, creating inclusive spaces, and enabling true belonging. At Specialisterne Australia, our team is driven to support organisations committed to realising neuroinclusive work environments. Being recognised by Forbes Accessibility 100 underscores the value of this work, and the vision of a world where neurodivergent people can not only belong, but thrive". Michelle Crawford, CEO - Specialisterne Australia

About Forbes

Forbes is a U.S.-based magazine founded in 1917, renowned for its rankings of wealth, business insights, and coverage of finance, technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship. It is especially famous for publishing influential lists such as the Forbes Billionaires, 30 Under 30, Most Powerful Women, and The World's Most Innovative Companies, benchmarks of global recognition and excellence.

Our inclusion in the Forbes Accessibility 100 is a powerful recognition, and an invitation to look at accessibility not as a technical requirement, but as a cultural and competitive driver. A key to building the future.