Challenges and Enablers: Remote Work for People with Disabilities in Software Development Teams

TL;DR

This study explores the unique challenges and enablers of remote work for people with disabilities in software development teams, highlighting the need for improved accessibility and communication strategies.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into the sociotechnical aspects of remote work for PWDs in SDT through surveys and interviews, revealing gaps in perceptions and areas for improvement.

Findings

Limited perception of challenges by teammates and leaders.

Opportunities for enhancing accessibility tools.

Need for adaptive management approaches.

Abstract

The increasing adoption of remote and hybrid work modalities in the technology sector has brought new opportunities and challenges for the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWD) in software development teams (SDT). This study investigates how remote work affects PWDs' experience in mixed-ability SDT, focusing on the unique challenges and strategies that emerge in remote environments. We conducted an online survey with \totalSurveyResponses valid responses, encompassing PWD, their leaders, and teammates, to capture sociotechnical aspects of their experiences with remote collaboration. To deepen our understanding, we carried out 14 structured interviews with software developers who self-identified as having disabilities (six autistic individuals, six with physical disabilities, and two who are d/Deaf). Our analysis combines quantitative data with qualitative coding of open-ended survey responses and interview transcripts. The results reveal that, despite the barriers faced by team members with disabilities, their teammates and leaders have a limited perception of the daily challenges involved in sustaining collaborative remote work. These findings highlight opportunities for improvement in accessibility tools, communication strategies, and adaptive management approaches.