Henrik Ruffel on Expanding Access with the Nasdaq Accessibility Network

Nasdaq is home to eleven Employee Networks, connecting employees around the globe with shared interests and backgrounds. The Nasdaq Accessibility Network is our Employee Network dedicated to employees with disabilities and their allies.  

In this interview, we spoke to Henrik Ruffel, located in Stockholm, Sweden. co-founder of the Nasdaq Accessibility Network about how the network has enabled his personal and professional growth.

1. How has being the Nasdaq Accessibility Network founder contributed to your sense of community at Nasdaq? 

In the network, I can be myself without feeling ashamed; I feel proud of being the person I am. 

Because of the Nasdaq Accessibility Network, I feel more comfortable being disabled. Previously, I thought I was the only one. Now I know that there's a lot of people with all kinds of different disabilities. I don’t feel like I stick out anymore. I can turn to other people at Nasdaq, and it’s really strengthened me to know I’m not alone anymore.

2. What role does accessible technology play in your life? 

Accessible technology makes me much more independent. I wear the Meta glasses because I'm blind. When I have a problem, I can ask my glasses what I see. For example, if I have a piece of paper that I need to read, I can ask glasses to read it. If I'm doing laundry, I can ask which color the laundry is. And then in most cases, I can manage to get out of an issue myself without needing help. 

One of the best memories I have as a network leader was when I was invited to talk to our software developers about accessibility. I explained how I use a screen reader and what the difficulties are when using a web page or a software application. They were so interested in how accessibility could be improved, because if software is easy for me to use, it's easier for everyone. And all our customers and employees benefit from that.

3. How has being an Employee Network Leader for the Nasdaq Accessibility Network contributed to your professional development at Nasdaq?  

I try to see potential solutions rather than potential problems. I see that I can do much more than I thought I could, and that I really don't give up.  

That goes for other people as well. Even if people might seem to have difficulties, they can do a great job. People may have obstacles, but if someone is used to overcoming obstacles, they can succeed just as easy as someone else. I bring that idea with me in my work every day.

4. Can you talk about the power of storytelling within the Nasdaq Accessibility Network?

It's a community where people feel comfortable telling their story, and I’m really proud to have had a part in that. In most cases, many people with a disability try to hide it. I’ve learned that if you give people time, and a welcoming environment, people are happy to share things about themselves and their disabilities that they might never have dared to share before. Feeling this sense of comfort helps our members work much better within their teams and as individuals.

5. How do Employee Networks contribute to your in-office culture at Nasdaq?  

I think the culture at Nasdaq is really improved by the networks. Within the networks, we get a better understanding of people with different backgrounds and experiences. The more you know about other people, the more you understand them, and the better we work together.

6. Is there anything else about you or your work with the network that people should know? 

Maybe one thing: People shouldn't be afraid of asking questions. I'm happy to answer questions. Because if people are curious, they can get a better understanding of, in my case, how it is to be blind or visually impaired.