Stay tuned for the transcript, which will be available shortly after publication on SpecialEd.fm.
Host: Dana Jonson
Guest: Maxwell Ivey
Guest Title and Bio: Maxwell Ivey, also known as The Blind Blogger, is a blind entrepreneur, author, speaker, and accessibility advocate. Maxwell has built a successful career helping businesses, nonprofits, and organizations embrace accessibility—not just as a legal requirement, but as an opportunity to create a better experience for everyone. With an inspiring journey that began in a family of carnival owners, Maxwell has emerged as a respected voice on inclusivity in the business and digital world.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Dana Jonson sits down with Maxwell Ivey, a.k.a. The Blind Blogger, to explore his incredible journey from growing up in a family of carnival owners to becoming a prominent accessibility consultant and advocate. Maxwell shares insights into how accessibility benefits not only individuals with disabilities but businesses and society as a whole.
Key topics include:
• Maxwell's early life and gradual vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa
• How accessibility improves user experiences, business growth, and inclusion
• The role of technology, AI, and collaboration in breaking barriers
• Why advocacy and creative problem-solving are essential for inclusion
• Encouraging businesses to view accessibility as an investment, not a burden
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how accessibility benefits everyone, why it matters for the future workforce, and how individuals and organizations can be proactive in creating inclusive environments.
Resources Mentioned
1 Maxwell Ivey’s Websites:
2 Pathful (formerly Nepris): Online platform connecting professionals with classrooms for education and career mentorship.
3 Pixi AI Tool: Emerging AI plugin for image description (discussed as a potential accessibility tool).
4 Legislation Mentioned:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
National Rehabilitation Act
5 Braille Legos: Innovative tools helping visually impaired children learn to communicate through written language.
Engagement and Sharing
• Share This Episode: If you found this episode valuable, share it with friends, family, or colleagues who could benefit from hearing Maxwell's insights.
• Leave a Review: Help support the podcast by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback makes a difference!
• Follow Maxwell Ivey on Social Media Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
• Follow Dana on Social Media Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
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