When Tom Babinski, a beacon in the world of accessibility, recounts his ascent from navigating life as a blind individual in Hungary to becoming an influential force in the industry, you can't help but be captivated. Our latest episode takes you on a journey through Tom's extraordinary experiences, from his days of training the first cohort of accessibility consultants in Southeast Asia to making significant strides at IBM. It's a narrative that not only celebrates the progressive shift in...

When Jamie Shields joined us from Northern Ireland, little did we know just how much his journey through the labyrinth of disability rights would both educate and inspire us. His personal transformation from battling disability to leading global advocacy efforts, and co-founding Unlearning Ableism, sets the stage for a profound discussion on the intricacies of ableism and the silent barriers it creates. Jamie's story is one of triumph and tenacity, and it lays bare the impact of ableism on...

Discover why tearing down the barriers to disability disclosure is more than a corporate responsibility; it's a journey toward true societal change. This week, Neil Milliken, Debra Ruh and Antonio Santos shed light on why individuals with disabilities often choose silence over sharing despite the increased acceptance of diversity in today's workplaces. The episode peels back the layers of this complex issue, looking at the societal challenges and job market uncertainties that can dissuade...

Unlock the secrets to creating technology that truly includes everyone with Yana Beranek, Ipsos's global head of UX, who joins us to unravel the complex tapestry of inclusive design. This episode promises to reshape your understanding of user experience, shining a light on the indispensable role of people with disabilities in crafting digital products that work for all. We examine Ipsos's strategy of engaging disability communities from the outset, ensuring their feedback is embedded in every...

Have you ever pondered the hidden layers of workplace inclusion, particularly for those with disabilities? Hillary Wool from Boston Consulting Group joins us to shed light on this critical issue, revealing a stark gap between the perceived and actual numbers of employees with disabilities. Through Hillary's extensive research, we engage with the transformative influence of a DEI ecosystem attuned to the needs of disabled workers, the undeniable importance of mentorship, and the game-changing...

Imagine a world where every individual, regardless of age or geography, can seamlessly harness the power of technology. That's the future tech strategists Frances West and Claire Chang envision as we unpack the multifaceted world of digital inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region. Through their expertise, we traverse the landscape where corporate accessibility strategies intertwine with the sociodemographic tapestry of a rapidly aging society, like Taiwan, spotlighting the importance of...

Have you ever faced a moment that fundamentally changed how you navigate the world? Max Fisher has, and they're here to share their remarkable story of resilience and advocacy as a deafblind, disabled, genderqueer scientist. From embracing the freedom that comes with a wheelchair to initiating a disability Employee Resource Group at work, Max's candidness about the challenges, victories, and humor found in daily life with disabilities will leave you both enlightened and inspired. The...

Discover how the path less travelled can lead to a world-changing journey with Vishal Pujar, the  Head of Accessibility for Atos India. In an enlightening conversation, Vishal recounts his transformative leap from mainstream IT to the heart of digital accessibility, a move shaped over a decade of innovation for individuals with disabilities. His narrative isn't just his own; it's a beacon for mentorship's power and a testament to his impact on major banking clients and community initiatives,...

Embark on an intimate exploration of the transformative power of accessibility with Nadia Törnroos, a beacon of change in the tech industry. Nadia, a seasoned software engineer and accessibility specialist, recounts her personal voyage from academia under Professor Mike Walt at Southampton University to pioneering an accessibility revolution at Tietoevry. Her narrative is not just a tale of individual perseverance; it's a blueprint for embedding inclusivity into the fabric of corporate...

Embark on a journey with Lauren Lobrano, the Global Disability Inclusion Leader at Amazon, as she unpacks the complexities of creating a workspace that embraces employees of all abilities. Lauren's vast experience, from her invaluable work with veterans to her current role at Amazon, provides a unique perspective on inclusion within a corporate powerhouse. Our conversation traverses her backstory, the global impact of disability inclusion at Amazon, and the nuanced interplay between the...

Unlock the hidden potential within the disability sector as we uncover the transformative work of the Zero Project. I had the privilege of engaging with Sabine Wachernig, whose passion for disability inclusion and development work sheds light on forging paths for innovations that uplift the lives of persons with disabilities worldwide. Our conversation navigates the strategic methods the Zero Project employs to identify and scale impactful innovations, and we share an intimate look into their...

Join the riveting conversation as we host James Thurston, an eminent figure in the world of accessible technology. Thrust from the halls of Washington DC into the high-tech sector, James has shaped a career that bridges policy and innovation. Across the evolving landscape of accessibility, his tales from Microsoft to his ongoing ventures at ATOS are not only insightful but also punctuated with a spirit of collaboration that is as heartwarming as it is strategic. His narrative is a testament...

When we consider the fabric of our society, it's easy to miss the threads that are only partially woven into the whole, particularly when it comes to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Join Antonio, Debra and Neil from axschat to unravel the misconceptions and realities of partial inclusion, where tokenistic gestures often replace genuine integration. We scrutinize the current legislative landscape, examining its efficacy and questioning whether it inadvertently overlooks those...

Unlock the transformative potential of blending accessibility with sustainability as we welcome Mike Gifford back onto AXSChat for a riveting third appearance. Prepare to redefine your understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria through our discussion about the essential role of accessibility in sustainable practices. Mike, a seasoned strategist from Civic Actions, draws from his extensive knowledge gathered at a Barcelona conference to illuminate the profound...

Be ready to immerse yourself in a riveting journey of workforce development as seen through the lens of simulation, with our extraordinary guest Lindsey Spalding, Director of Workforce Development at the National Centre for Simulation. Lindsay not only unveils the behind-the-scenes of the intriguing work she's leading but also underscores the significance of dismantling silos in STEM education. We probe into her organization's mission of bridging the educational-workforce chasm, by empowering...

Ever wondered about the barriers and opportunities in the corporate world for people with disabilities? Join us as we revisit a conversation with Alexandra Nothnagel, our cherished team member at Atos and a fervent disability activist. We trace back our connection initiated via social media and Alexandra's key contributions to our accessibility initiatives. Key discussions revolve around the essence of corporations going beyond mere tokenism to genuinely integrate individuals with...

How can Artificial Intelligence revolutionize job opportunities for individuals with disabilities? We're exploring this question and more with our guest, Jourdan Saunders, CEO and founder of The Resource Key. With her background in speech language pathology, passion for marketing and technology, she brings a fresh perspective to this complex discussion. We also consider the potential implications of AI on job displacement, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in job access. We move onto the...

Get ready to take a deep-dive into the oft-overlooked field of alt text and its innate role in content accessibility. Our guest for this enlightening conversation is Caroline Desrosiers, the brains behind Scribly, a trailblazing company that provides top-notch alt text writing services. Hear her riveting journey into the realm of accessibility and her motivation to create Scribly, which is helping numerous organizations perfect their content accessibility initiatives.  The conversation...

Imagine having a front-row seat in an enlightening conversation about accessibility and inclusive design. That's exactly what we offer you in our latest episode with our guest, Daniella Decker. Drawing from her unique experiences as a caretaker for her aunt with schizophrenia, Daniella brings the world of disability inclusion into sharp focus. We ponder over the importance of aligning internal systems, culture, and the need for authentic representation and human-centric design in promoting...

Have you ever wondered about the intricate world of soccer and the role of play in nurturing creativity? Imagine a heartfelt conversation with Scott Martin, an ardent football coach and storyteller. Listen as he takes you on a nostalgic journey into the authentic days of the North American Soccer League. Scott shares how ethnic backgrounds played a pivotal role in the formation of clubs and how the genuine love for the sport soared high above the allure of money. He passionately advocates the...

We bring you an uplifting discussion with a change-maker in the neurodivergent community, Gregory White. Founder of 'Drop the Mask CIC', Gregory's personal experience led him to establish this revolutionary enterprise aimed at creating opportunities and accessibility for all, irrespective of age, color or ability. Right before the world was hit by the pandemic, Drop the Mask CIC was born and has been making waves ever since, serving clients from private to public sectors, while maintaining...

What does it take to write a story that not only grips its readers but also sparks empathy and resilience? Join us as we unravel this mystery with the talented author and speaker, Carol Van Den Hende. Carol's Goodbye Orchid series has woven these themes into a compelling tale shaped by her personal experiences raising a son with special needs. She shares the transformative journeys of Orchid Page, living with PTSD, and Phoenix Walker, recuperating from a life-changing accident, reminding us...

Are barriers truly insurmountable? Explore this question and more in our deep-dive discussion with Mai Ling Chan, CEO of Xceptional Lab. We unravel the multifaceted aspects of disability and its position in the entrepreneurial landscape. Mai Ling, using her experience as a speech therapist, eloquently frames the narrative of disability as a source of creativity and strength, rather than a setback.  Delving into Mai Ling's background in communication and education, we see the transformative...

Spark your curiosity as we introduce you to Stephanie Sheehy, the devoted founder of Costa Rica Accessible Network. Stephanie has been blazing trails in transforming Costa Rica into an accessible destination for all. Her journey began with setting up the first travel agency in the country specializing in accessible travel, and now she’s working hand-in-hand with the government to ensure accessible tourism laws are in place. What's more? Her innovative funding strategies operate without any...