In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Emily speaks with Kristina Schneider, co-founder of Cobot and a dedicated advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Together, they explore how the forthcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA) will shape the future of coworking spaces and the tools they rely on, ensuring they are welcoming and accessible to all.

Kristina offers practical points on how the EAA, set to be enforced in June 2025, will reshape coworking spaces.

She highlights why accessibility isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about creating communities where everyone has a fair shot at belonging, whether walking into a coworking space or navigating a website.

Drawing from her decade of experience in coworking, software development, and event design, Kristina argues why this matters now more than ever.

This episode serves as both a practical guide and a rallying cry for coworking community builders and operators to build physical and digital spaces that genuinely include everyone.

Timeline Highlights

* [0:01] – Introduction to the episode and today’s guest, Kristina Schneider of Cobot.

* [0:45] – What is Cobot? A coworking management software born out of necessity in Berlin’s coworking scene.

* [1:30] – Embedding accessibility, diversity, and inclusion into Cobot’s product and team culture.

* [2:59] – Kristina’s personal experiences that shaped her commitment to accessibility.

* [4:27] – Translating physical space accessibility into digital design principles.

* [7:23] – Preparing for the European Accessibility Act: What coworking spaces need to know.

* [10:36] – Why accessibility isn’t just ethical—it’s a wise business decision.

* [16:39] – Cobot’s plans for improving accessibility in coworking spaces.

* [19:15] – Where to connect with Kristina online for more insights.

Episode Breakdown

Cobot: A Solution Born from CoworkingKristina explains how Cobot evolved from a tool for their own coworking space to software serving over 80 countries.

With a background in design and development, Kristina and her team deeply understand the challenges coworking operators face and how technology can help solve them.

The Human Side of AccessibilitySharing personal stories and professional experiences, Kristina discusses why accessibility matters.

From family members navigating disabilities to lessons learned as an event organiser, she emphasizes how small design choices can make a big difference in participation and inclusion.

Digital Accessibility: Designing Beyond the ScreenKristina connects the dots between physical and digital accessibility.

Whether ensuring contrast ratios for visually impaired users or optimizing apps for screen readers, she explains how coworking operators can make their digital tools work for everyone.

Navigating the European Accessibility ActWith enforcement starting June 2025, Kristina highlights the urgency for coworking spaces to audit their tech stacks.

She explains the basics of the European Accessibility Act and shares practical compliance tips, underscoring its benefits for business and the community.

Empathy in Product DesignCobot’s team-wide accessibility training, from screen reader usage to inclusive branding, showcases how empathy can drive better design.

Kristina outlines their proactive steps, including updates to customization features, to ensure accessibility remains a core focus.

Resources for Building Accessible Coworking SpacesKristina shares practical advice: Start by talking to your tech providers and explore the implementation of the European Accessibility Act in your country.

She also highlights Cobot’s blog as a go-to resource for coworking spaces looking to enhance their accessibility efforts.

Links & Resources:

* Making Coworking More Inclusive: A Guide to Meeting the WCAG 2.1 AA Standard for Online Accessibility

* Cobot.me

* Coworking I.D.E.A. Project

* Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Handbook

* Coworking Values Podcast on LinkedIn

* Join The Coworking Community Builder Cohort

* Register for European Coworking Day, May 2025

* Get Your Pass for the Workspace Design Show London 2025

* Join the 8k Members in the LinkedIn Coworking Group

* Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn

* Connect with Kristina on LinkedIn

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