#4 Beyond Barriers: Independo Designing Inclusive Digital World

Let's dive into the Insight, Inspiration & Impact behind Independo with Julia Kruselburger, and Konstantin Strümpf

Follow & Support Independo

• WSA Winning Year: 2024

• Award: WSA European Young Innovators

• Category: European Young Innovators

• Founders: Konstantin Strümpf, Daniel Harringer, Michael Höchtl, Nathalie Büttner

• Country: Austria

• On WSA website: https://wsa-global.org/winner/independo-enabling-everyday/

Inspiration to Insight to Impact: The Story of Independo

In a world increasingly shaped by digital technology, access to everyday tools like email, calendars, and messaging is often taken for granted. But for millions of people with cognitive disabilities, these basic digital interactions can present insurmountable barriers. At the heart of Independo lies a simple yet profound question: What if digital tools spoke the language of those who can’t access traditional text? This question has driven a passionate team from a casual conversation to a transformative mission, creating a bridge to digital inclusion for those left behind.

From Personal Passion to Powerful Insight

For Julia, one of Independo’s co-founders, the journey toward inclusion began long before the company was born. As a child, she attended summer camps where children with and without disabilities played together. These experiences shaped her deep empathy for people with different abilities, an empathy that would grow into a lifelong commitment to inclusion. Later, through organizing inclusive summer schools and working closely with Integration Wien—an association supporting people with cognitive disabilities—Julia witnessed firsthand how traditional digital interfaces excluded entire communities.

As a student of Technical University of Vienna, Julia shared her revelation with friends who took this idea very seriously. Many people with cognitive disabilities struggle with digital tools because they are primarily text-based. Why not translate these tools into symbols and audio, allowing people to interact with digital spaces in ways that match how they understand the world? This simple but radical idea became the spark that ignited Independo.

Understanding the Problem: A Global Challenge

The barriers faced by people with cognitive disabilities are not isolated incidents—they are a global concern. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 819,000 individuals live in institutions where digital exclusion is a daily reality. Worldwide, over 240 million people struggle with reading and writing, making essential digital tools inaccessible. Without the ability to independently navigate digital platforms, these individuals are cut off from communication, employment, and social engagement.

The Independo team recognized that solving this problem required more than just technology—it required a fundamental shift in how we think about digital access. Their mission became clear: Translate the digital world into a language everyone can understand.

Building Solutions: Innovation Rooted in Empathy

Independo's first step toward this vision was to create a symbol-based calendar application. By translating text into pictograms and audio prompts, the app empowers users to manage their schedules independently. But the team didn't stop there. Their vision expanded to encompass a broader translational digital infrastructure, where everything from emails to messaging could be rendered into accessible formats.

What makes Independo unique is its user-centered approach. Rather than designing solutions in isolation, the team works directly with people with cognitive disabilities to ensure their needs are at the forefront of development. This collaborative model not only enhances product design but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among the user community.

Impact in Action: Real Lives, Real Change

The impact of Independo's work is already profound:

• 200 weekly active users rely on the platform to navigate their daily lives.

• 6 institutional partnerships actively implement the app to support their communities.

• Health insurance approval in Germany and Austria means the app is available at no cost, removing financial barriers to access.

For users, this technology is more than just a convenience—it's a lifeline. It allows individuals to engage with the digital world in a way that fosters independence, dignity, and connection. For many, it's the first time they can schedule their own appointments, read messages, and interact with others without relying on constant assistance.

Overcoming Barriers: The Power of Community

Independo’s growth is not driven by traditional marketing tactics. Instead, it thrives on word of mouth and community advocacy. By working with institutions, caregivers, and users themselves, the team ensures that the people who need the tools the most can find and use them.

This collaborative spirit extends to the company culture itself. The founders believe that lasting solutions emerge when those affected by a problem are included in designing its solution. Every feature, update, and expansion is shaped by feedback from real users navigating real challenges.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Inclusive Technology

Independo’s ambitions stretch beyond a single application. To avoid feature overload, they plan to develop dedicated apps for specific tasks, ensuring each solution remains simple and intuitive. Their next frontier is expansion into the Nordic region, where a strong cultural commitment to inclusion aligns with Independo's values.

Moreover, the team is working on embedding their translation mechanism into a variety of mainstream applications. Imagine a world where emails, social media, and even complex documents are instantly converted into symbols and audio—a world where no one is excluded from the digital conversation.

A Movement, Not Just a Company

At its core, Independo is more than a tech startup—it’s a movement toward a future where digital spaces are open to everyone. By breaking down systemic barriers, they aren’t just improving lives; they are changing the narrative around who gets to participate in the digital age.

Julia’s lifelong commitment to inclusion, combined with the technical expertise and shared vision of her co-founders, proves that when inspiration meets insight, the result can be real, lasting impact. And as Independo continues to grow, their message is clear:

No one should be left behind in the digital world.

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