HumanKind’s vision is to foster a society where inclusion is second nature to all of us.
We envision a world where all abilities are valued and celebrated and where ableism, barriers and fears surrounding disability are permanently broken down. We want society to embrace the fact that disability has always been, and will always be, an integral part of human experience.
Our purpose
Our purpose is to help organisations create more inclusive workplaces for their colleagues with disabilities, to improve the workday for all and create value in industry and society. We aim to normalise disability among non-disabled people and create a world where inclusive attitudes and behaviour on is not only a theoretical concept, but a normal part of life.
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A rising tide lifts all boats
Good disability inclusion practices benefit all employees, not only those with a disability. Research shows that employee satisfaction and retention rates are higher across the entire workforce in organisations that genuinely embrace inclusive work practices.
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Bridging the gap between the disabled and
non-disabled
We believe real inclusion starts with listening, to understand the perspectives, real-life workplace experience and concerns of all sides. Research shows colleagues often rally around teammates that have disclosed a disability, driving team productivity, morale and dynamics.
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Each small step is still a step forward
We understand that every organisation has different business priorities and is at a different stage on their journey to disability inclusion. We believe it is a marathon - not a sprint, and that there is no better time to start building a more inclusive culture than today.
Our values
The social change we need will only happen if we work together as a society. We collaborate with individuals, organisations, and communities to create a united front against ableism and to promote and practice inclusion.
1. Empowerment
The social change we need will only happen if we work together as a society. We collaborate with individuals, organisations, and communities to create a united front against ableism and to promote and practice inclusion.
2. Education
We commit to continuous learning and education, both for the organisations we work with and for ourselves. We take an uncomfortable subject and demystify it, so people can learn to overcome their fears surrounding disability.
3. Equality
We advocate for equal opportunities and rights for people with disabilities, ensuring they have the same access to career progression opportunities as everyone else, in a safe and respectful workplace.
4. Empathy, compassion and connection
We cultivate empathy and understanding among non-disabled individuals towards the disabled community, creating a social awakening and connection between all of us.
5. Advocacy
We are a strong and vocal advocate for disability rights and we work with likeminded partners and policy makers towards removing systemic barriers and stigmas that affect individuals with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.
6. Collaboration
The social change we need will only happen if we work together as a society. We collaborate with individuals, organisations, and communities to create a united front against ableism and to promote and practice inclusion.
Why should you care?
16% of global population live with significant disability (WHO, 2023). In the EU, that number is 24% (European Council, 2022). The disabled community is growing steadily due to ageing populations, and is likely to touch all of us at some point in life, either directly or as a caregiver for a disabled loved one.
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We believe the stigma surrounding disability stems from a lack of representation and a fundamental misconception among most people of what disability really looks like, its prevalence and its impact, particularly in the workplace. HumanKind addresses both these issues through training, workshops, consulting and partnerships.
Meet the founders.
HumanKind is co-founded by Anna Pawlowicz, CEO and Nathan Bray, Business Development Director. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, we work with all sized organisations, industry associations and policy makers globally to drive disability inclusion within business and society.
Anna Pawlowicz
Anna Pawlowicz's life looked quite typical: she was a working professional and a happy mother of a boy, with another son on the way. Right after her younger son, Matias, was born, life took an unexpected turn when Matias received a diagnosis of an ultra rare genetic condition, causing him a life-long disability. Since then, Matias has also been diagnosed with autism.
Through these experiences, Anna had to confront her own fear of disability and became acutely aware that the stigma surrounding disability and the lack of understanding of the disabled community are what blocks non-disabled individuals from embracing the concept of being different.
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Anna’s own journey to start seeing disability as an integral part of human experience transformed into the need to create a wave of awareness and empowerment, and she dedicated herself to fostering positive change in our society. Through her work in HumanKind, Anna is redefining perceptions, proving that every challenge can be met with courage and compassion.
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Thanks to her professional experience in public speaking, coaching, relationship management and HR, Anna is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator, and a contributor to the Special Needs column of The International magazine in Denmark. Her focus on practical aspects of inclusion led her to show the reality behind raising a disabled child and she shares her personal experience on Instagram.
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Nathan Bray
Nathan’s journey into the world of disability began 9 years ago when he was blessed with identical twin boys, Benjamin and Noah. As a co-founder of a fast growing software company with new-born twins, life was going to be busy enough. But after the boys were born, they were diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Eight months later, they were diagnosed with leukemia.
Having been in senior commercial roles in the software industry for 20+ years, and prior to that working in market research and advertising, Nathan decided to pursue a long-held ambition of taking his business skills and experience into an area that was deeply personal for him - disability advocacy.
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Nathan has long experience in strategy, alliances, marketing and technology, which he brings to organisations who are committed to making a more inclusive workplace culture - and ultimately society - for people with disabilities.
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You can follow the twin’s story on Instagram.
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