Shows
AXSChat PodcastThe Path to Accessibility and GrowthGet ready to master the platform transition as AXSChat ushers in 2025—the Year of the Snake—with a transformative shift from Twitter to Bluesky. Uncover the reasons behind our departure from Twitter and the impactful introduction of the European Accessibility Act. Join us as Antonio delves into the intricacies of building vibrant communities on Bluesky, a user-centric platform that champions inclusivity and engagement. Learn how we're leveraging this new space to enhance our commitment to accessibility alongside the UAE's dedication to inclusion this year. Discover the compelling decision-making journey, with insights from pivotal figures like Neil, Debra and A...2025-01-0621 min
AXSChat PodcastRedefining Representation in Disability NewsDiscover the captivating journey of Peter Torres-Fremlin, the visionary behind Disability Debrief, as he reveals how a platform dedicated to disability reporting came to be. Through his experiences with international organizations and his commitment to amplifying voices from the global south, Peter takes us on a tour of the crucial role investigative journalism plays in the disability sector. Unravel the challenges of navigating an overloaded information landscape and the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of journalism.Explore the profound questions surrounding disability data accuracy and the importance of transparency and accountability within the community...2024-10-1837 min
AXSChat PodcastThe Power of Storytelling in Social ChangeIn this episode of AXSChat, with John Graham, founder of the Giraffe Heroes Project, talks about his adventurous life, the importance of storytelling in inspiring action, and the need for individuals to take risks to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). John shares his transformative journey from seeking adrenaline rushes to finding purpose in helping others and discusses the impact of storytelling in driving social change. He emphasizes the importance of sticking one's neck out to create a better world and reflects on his experiences with activism, including his work against apartheid.Takeaways...2024-10-1137 min
AXSChat PodcastShaping an Inclusive Future in TechDarryl Adams, a luminary in the field of accessibility, joins us to share the extraordinary path that defined his 28-year career at Intel, shaped profoundly by his personal experiences with retinitis pigmentosa and single-sided deafness. Darryl's story is a heartfelt exploration of how Intel's inclusive culture, coupled with his relentless passion, empowered him to champion accessible technology for all. Through his reflections, we learn not just about the technological strides made at Intel, but also about the wider impact of fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace.Darryl takes us on a journey into the future of...2024-10-0432 min
AXSChat PodcastRedefining Disability Through Inclusive MediaHow can we change the narrative around disability in media and advertising? Join us as we welcome Lara Davis and Sarah Bartlett from the Business Disability Forum to talk about their revolutionary campaign, "Changing the Image of Disability." In this episode, Lara and Sarah share their extensive research that underscores a glaring lack of authentic disability representation. They explain how their innovative image bank not only features diverse disabled individuals, including those with less visible disabilities, but also involves the models in the creative process to ensure genuineness.Discover the crucial importance of obtaining consent a...2024-07-2230 min
AXSChat PodcastBreaking Barriers in Education and Social JusticeImagine being denied an education simply because of who you are. Aquayemi Claude Akinsanya's journey from exclusion to advocacy is a testament to resilience and the power of fighting for change. This episode sheds light on his personal story, where systemic injustice fueled his passion for policy reform in education and social justice. We explore the intertwined nature of health and education, discuss racial disparities, and highlight the pressing issue of chronic underfunding in these sectors. Aquayemi insights provide a compelling narrative on how inequalities and gatekeeping mechanisms affect access to educational support, and we compare these issues within the...2024-07-0731 min
AXSChat PodcastTransforming Workplace Culture Through AuthenticityHow do societal movements intersect and diverge when it comes to identity and inclusion? On this special Pride Month episode of Access Chat, we're celebrating the vibrant intersections between the LGBTQIA+ and disability communities. We explore the profound challenges and victories that shape these communities, with Deborah sharing her personal journey of navigating ADHD stigma and Antonio emphasizing the need for international solidarity within the disability movement. By drawing parallels between the significant strides made by the LGBTQIA+ community and the ongoing battles faced by those with disabilities, particularly those with hidden and neurodivergent conditions, we aim to foster...2024-06-0816 min
AXSChat PodcastA Crusade for Change in the World of Accessibility with Thea KurdiHave you ever faced a moment that completely altered the course of your life? Thea Kurdi has, and she's here to share her journey through grief and her metamorphosis into a passionate critic of accessibility. We're honored to welcome back Thea to our show, as she candidly discusses the devastating loss of her husband to COVID-19 and how it has reshaped her perspective on the world of accessibility consulting. Our conversation traverses the raw edges of personal tragedy, the disillusionment with inclusion efforts that often miss the mark, and the systemic barriers that impede genuine progress. As an accessibility...2024-05-1937 min
AXSChat PodcastBreaking Silence: Navigating the Complex Path to Disability Inclusion in the WorkplaceDiscover 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 even the most confident from self-identification. We also examine how misconceptions about who is part of the disability community impact self-identification rates and consider the...2024-04-1331 min
AXSChat PodcastBeyond Tokenism Exploring True Access and EqualityWhen 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 in dire need of support. With a reflective eye, we peel back layers to reveal the stark difference between meeting minimum standards and embracing true inclusion.2024-01-1732 min
AXSChat PodcastEmpowering Inclusion: How Active Listening and Diversity Drive SuccessDo you ever feel like companies and organizations are only giving lip service to their commitment to inclusion? Join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with Dr Anthony Giannoumis, founder of Inclusive Creation, to uncover the crucial importance of transforming inclusion promises into tangible action. We discuss the powerful impact language can have on fostering creativity and performance and the mission statements' essential role in promoting inclusion practices.In a stimulating dialogue with hosts Neil, Debra and Antonio, we reveal the significance of active listening and validation in cultivating a trusting and inclusive...2023-06-0136 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat with Antonio Santos, Debra Ruh and Neil Milliken.Antonio Santos is a Social Media Business Evangelist and Senior Workplace Expert at Atos, focusing on Digital Inclusion, Social Media Engagement, and Social Business. He is a Sociologist with expertise in Applied Research; he previously worked in the Media, Military, Public Sector and Telecom before joining Siemens IT in 2006 in Cork and Atos in 2011. According to Onalytica, which measures online presence and influence, Antonio is the 3rd most influential employee in the world in Consulting based on data from Twitter and LinkedIn and number one on Sustainability amongst employees of the 48 most important consulting companies globally.Antonio collaborates w...2023-02-1425 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Debra, Ruh, Neil Milliken and Antonio Santos Antonio Santos is a Social Media Business Evangelist and Senior Data Intelligence Expert, at Atos, focusing on Digital Inclusion, Social Media Engagement, and Social Business. He is a Sociologist with expertise on Applied Research; he previously worked in the Media, Military, Public Sector and Telecom before joining Siemens IT in 2006 in Cork and Atos in 2011. According to Onalytica who measures online presence and influence, Antonio is the 3rd most influential employee in the world, in Consulting based on data from Twitter and LinkedIn and number one on Sustainability amongst employees of the 48 most important consulting companies globally....2021-09-0725 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Meghan McLean, Senior VP of Sports for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Meghan McLean is the Senior Vice President of Sports for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. She is responsible for planning and executing a sport competition in 19 Olympic type sports for 4300 Special Olympics participants across North America. Meghan is leading the charge to increase participation by 50% regard to both the number of participants and the number of sports offered at USA Games. With a specific focus on increasing the athlete experience Meghan has identified and negotiated 10 sport venue contracts at state-of-the- art sport facilities across central Florida. Meghan and her team are responsible for planning and executing every a...2021-08-0936 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Richard Morton, Head of Accessibility at the UK Central Digital and Data Office.Richard is Head of Accessibility at CDDO (Central Digital and Data Office). He focuses on building accessibility capability and culture in central government and the wider public sector through Accessibility Empathy Lab sessions, clinics, training, talks and webinars, and manages the cross government accessibility communities.Until April 2021 the accessibility monitoring and capability functions were within GDS (Government Digital Service), and this work now continues through CDDO. Support the showFollow axschat on social media.Bluesky:Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com Debra https://bsky.app/profile/d...2021-08-0242 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Debra Ruh, Neil Milliken and Antonio Santos Debra Ruh is a seasoned entrepreneur that focuses on Global Disability Inclusion, ICT Accessibility, EmployAbility, Marketing and Communications Strategies and Digital Media. She has provided global leadership to governments, corporations, NGOs and DPO’s (Disability Persons Organizations) all over the world supporting research, outreach, marketing strategies, policy and standards initiatives with public- and private-sector. Policy, Legislative and Technical Experience includes the United Nations Convention of Rights for People with Disabilities (CRPD), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 503, 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, W3C, WCAG 2.0 and ISO. Debra is also a seasoned Entrepreneur (founder of three firms...2021-07-2720 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Jourdan Saunders, Speech Language Pathologist and CEO & Founder of The Resource Key Jourdan Saunders, MS, CCC-SLP, has been a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) for over 10 years using her expertise as the CEO & Founder of The Resource Key which focuses on Inclusive Branding to ensure People with Disabilities are included, and making meaningful connections with brands. Jourdan was awarded LinkedIn Top Voices 2020: Equity in the Workplace, established one of the first resource websites for students interested in the field of Speech Language Pathology (www.futureslps.com) which has received recognition worldwide, owner of one of the largest SLP resources groups on LinkedIn with over 18,000 members. Her...2021-07-1938 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Mark Wilcock, Accessibility Specialist at Atos Mark Wilcock is an Accessibility Specialist at Atos, CPWA Certified, an ex-contributing member of the W3C WCAG Working Group for WCAG 2.1 in the W3C Cognitive Accessibility Taskforce and an Atos Expert for Immersive Experiences.He is the co-chair for the development of the Digital Accessibility Specialist Apprenticeship standard, the first apprenticeship standard globally solely for Accessibility.Support the showFollow axschat on social media.Bluesky:Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social2021-07-1244 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Dr. Anthony Giannoumis, Associate Professor of Universal Design of ICT at the Department of Computer Science at Oslo Metropolitan University Action researcher, social entrepreneur, equality advocate.Anthony’s work focuses on technology policy and practice. He is an internationally recognized expert in universal design of information and communication technology (ICT). He leads several large-scale research and innovation projects based in over 27 countries.Anthony is an Associate Professor of Universal Design of ICT at the Department of Computer Science at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet). He maintains several international appointments including at the Harvard Law School Project on Disability at Harvard Law School, the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, the Department of Science and Inf...2021-07-0242 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Ryan Graham, CTO of Texthelp As CTO, Ryan is responsible for leading and directing Texthelp’s team of engineers to deliver assistive technology and accessibility products that are used by tens of millions of people every day around the world. With a customer base that spans educational institutions and corporates alike, he ensures that Texthelp’s products are safe, secure and easy to use.Texthelp believes in a world where difference, disability or language are no longer barriers. It is focused on helping all people learn, understand and communicate through the use of digital inclusion and accessibility tools.Having started his c...2021-06-2942 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Yuval Wagner & Michal Rimon from Access Israel Access Israel, established in Israel in 1999, is the first non-profit organization in Israel whose main mission is to promote accessibility and inclusion to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and the elderlyAccess Israel strives to make Israel a place where people with various disabilities are integrated into society with dignity, respect, equal rights and maximum independence. Since its establishment, Access Israel has revolutionized the quality of life and accessibility for hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities and elderly in Israel, and has become a leading organization worldwide and a model fo...2021-06-2235 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Neil Barnfather, one of Britain’s most accomplished entrepreneurs Neil has been recognised as one of Britain’s most accomplished entrepreneurs. Alongside his business successes he is well known on the international disability stage, himself being blind.GoodMaps revolutionary indoor navigation solution transforms the built environment into an inclusive space for everyone. Making a wide variety of locations; office, transport hub, educational setting, hospital, shopping mall; along with countless other examples, entirely accessible. Delivering upon the Access For All ethos celebrated in Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Support the showFollow axschat on social media.Bluesky:Antonio https://bsky.app/prof...2021-06-1132 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Heather Dowdy - Senior Program Manager, AI & Accessibility at Microsoft With more than a decade of experience developing and demonstrating accessible technology in mobile, web and artificial intelligence, Heather Dowdy is passionate about connecting the dots across disability, race, and tech. She currently manages Accessibility Skilling at Microsoft, with a focus on making the future of work more inclusive. Heather is responsible for the global partnership strategy to scale skilling opportunities that lead to employment for people with disabilities.Before relocating to Redmond, she was the Senior Product Manager of Accessibility Engineering at Motorola Mobility in Chicago. Heather has served as Chair of the Accessibility W...2021-06-0839 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Dr. LaMondre Pough CEO of Billion Strong. Dr. LaMondre Pough LaMondre is a passionate speaker, mentor, and a recognized leader for the community of People with Disabilities. As CEO of Billion Strong, he brings to the position his natural ability to empower audiences to embrace diversity and create environments where people genuinely belong. Diagnosed before his second birthday with spinal muscular atrophy, Pough challenges people to find purpose and ways to improve themselves in every circumstance. In addition to his role as CEO of Billion Strong, he serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer for Ruh G...2021-05-3141 min
AXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Orla Pearson & Dan Dexter from AccessLoop Orla has been involved with live captioning delivery for nearly 30 years. 15 years with the BBC as part of the team managing 5%-100% subtitled content across the BBC. Orla was responsible for managing captioners and researchers, delivery and project management looking at the varied broadcast content on the channel: drama, game shows, political chat shows, 24-hour news, music festivals, sports coverage, children’s programmes and writing protocols, that are still in use today, for successful live captioning of each genre. Moving on from the BBC into events and direct to client delivery, Orla set up MyClearText with Elaine McCar...2021-05-2534 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Cigdem Knebel - Founder of Simple Words Books. When Cigdem Knebel struggled to find decodable “big-kid” chapter books a young dyslexic could painlessly read, she began to write one herself for her son. Cigdem is the founder of Simple Words Books. Her mission is to help young dyslexics and early readers with fluency, comprehension, but most importantly, reading-confidence.She accomplishes this by using many carefully chosen words in her books with the skills of young dyslexics in mind. The attention is put into using many:-short and one syllable wordsshort vowels, digraphs and blends• closed syllables words2021-05-1435 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Rosemary Musachio Chief Accessibility Officer for Ruh Global Rosemary Musachio’s life has been based on miracles and dreams. Like any other birth, Rosemary’s was a miracle but with a twist. Since she developed cerebral palsy at birth due to brain damage, Rosemary was presumed a vegetable by the doctor who delivered her. Yet, another miracle happened when Rosemary proved that doctor dead wrong. For every limitation she has, she has been able to overcome it in one way or another. Although she cannot walk, she dances in her wheelchair to music. Although she cannot talk, she uses a word board to communicate...2021-05-0725 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Elaine Katz, Senior VP of Grants and Communications at the Kessler Foundation Elaine Katz oversees Kessler Foundation’s comprehensive grant making program and its communications department. During her tenure, the Foundation has awarded $49 million for national and community-based employment programs. Katz works with non-profit organizations in board development, fundraising, marketing, and business development. She serves on the boards of JESPY House, New Jersey Association of People Supporting Employment First, Essex/Newark Disabilities Issues Committee, and program committee of the Council of NJ Grantmakers. She is an appointed member of Empower NYC Advisory Board, Workforce Matters National Steering Committee, ReelAbilities NY Advisory & Council, ReelAbilities 2020 Selection Committee and the NJ Veterans and Community Col...2021-05-0334 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Dr. Rachele Hendricks-Sturrup, from the Health Policy Counsel at the Future of Privacy Forum. Dr. Rachele Hendricks-Sturrup is a health scientist and Health Policy Counsel at the Future of Privacy Forum. Dr. Hendricks-Sturrup’s work involves exploring and addressing ethical, legal, and social issues and implementation barriers at the forefront of health policy and innovation. Her research centers on generating best practices for the use and processing of health and genetics data across the patient-consumer spectrum.Support the showFollow axschat on social media.Bluesky:Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil htt...2021-04-2332 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Michael Fembek, Zero Project Director, Essl FoundationAfter graduating from the Vienna University of Economics, Michael Fembek (born 1961) joined GEWINN, an Austrian business magazine, serving between 2000 and 2007 as editor-in-chief.In 2009 he initiated “Sinnstifter”, a project by Austrian philanthropists, and launched the annual Austrian CSR-Guide on corporate responsibility. In 2010 he joined the Essl Foundation as Programme Manager and – until 2014 – the bauMax group as its Head of Social Affairs.Since 2011 he is the Director of the Zero Project, a project of the Essl Foundation, and organizes the annual Zero Project Conference in the UN Headquarters in Vienna.In 2014, he co-initiated the Verband für Geme...2021-04-1633 minAXSChat Podcast#AXSChat Podcast with Kate Nicholson, from the U.S. National Pain Advocacy CenterKate Nicholson, JD, is a health policy and civil rights attorney and a nationally-recognized expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act . She served in the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights division for 18 years, where she litigated and managed cases, coordinated federal disability policy, and drafted the current ADA regulations. Kate developed intractable pain after a surgical mishap left her unable to sit or stand and severely limited in walking for many years. During those years, she used opioid pain medication integrated with adjunctive therapies in order to continue to work and function. ...2021-04-0930 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Anthony Ruck, co-founder and CEO of Aventido Antony has been part of the AT industry since 1999, working with manufacturers, publishers, standards organisations and service providers to deliver first class products and customer experience.In addition to being the co-founder and CEO of Aventido Limited, he has also provided volunteer support for the British Standards Institute, co-created ATEC (the Assistive Technology Exhibition and Conference), been Chair of BATA, and is the first co-Chair of the newly formed DATEurope.In 2015 Antony was elected Chair of BATA (the British Assistive Technology Association), a UK membership organisation for AT publishers and manufacturers, service providers, t...2021-03-2939 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Nataliya Kosmyna, Ph.D in Computer Science. Working on Brain Computer InterfacesNataliya is passionate about an idea of creating a partnership between AI and human intelligence, fusion of a machine and a human brain. She obtained her Ph.D in 2015 in the domain of non-invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) as a part of EHCI team of Université Grenoble-Alpes, France. Most of her projects are focused around EEG-based BCIs in the context of consumer grade applications. Before joining MIT Media Lab – Fluid Interfaces group in 2017, she was a post-doc at Hybrid team (VR/AR), Inria Rennes, France. Nataliya has published and served as a program committee member in conferences and journals such as...2021-03-1936 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Kate Nash, CEO of PurpleSpace Kate is the world’s leading authority in ‘Networkology’. The science behind the growth of workplace networks and resource groups. In April 2014 her book ‘Secrets & Big News’ was published tackling the issue of ‘disclosure’ of disability and what employers can do to help people be themselves at work. Kate launched PurpleSpace in October 2015 as the world’s first and only professional development hub for disabled employee networks and resource groups. In 2017, Kate created #PurpleLightUp, the global movement that celebrates and draws attention to the economic contribution of the 386 million disabled employ...2021-03-1537 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Matthew Ney founder of KakanaMatt is the founder of Kakana, a ground-breaking streaming fitness platform for people of all abilities. Matt previously founded Fitbound and Nvision. He is also the founder of Fitbound for All, a non-profit that’s mission is to impact the health and well-being of individuals with and without disabilities and make sure all individuals have the opportunity to be included in the health and wellness conversations. Matt is an experienced entrepreneur with a history of creating cutting-edge fitness content, having founded four companies over the past decade.Resides in Washington, DCSupport the show2021-03-0532 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Michael Holden founder of AccessoLooMarried to Jennifer and father of two children Georgia & Noah, and as a family, Michael enjoys travelling, going to the theatre and cinema, as well as live music and scouting events. He first became interested passionately in health service provision when his son was diagnosed with Autism in 2009. The following year, Michael was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease the following year and quickly became involved in the sphere of rare disease as well. Living as a family with disabilities also fuelled his passion for social enterprise and he formed the first disability reviewing website in the UK – tri...2021-02-2629 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Joan Bohan from Disney, Aspen First Movers Fellow and Dyslexia AdvocateOriginally from the Los Angeles area, Joan started her career with KPMG before relocating to Paris, France where she embarked on a 25+ year international career with Disney. A seasoned commercial finance executive, with a CPA, she has held leadership roles across a wide range of businesses – from Film Distribution & Acquisitions to Consumer Products & Retail – at both the Regional and local office Market level, working in Paris, London, Amsterdam & Brussels.In 2016, inspired by her son, Joan launched “Dysnie” a Social Intrapreneur venture geared toward empowering Dyslexic children to unlock their potential through innovative & inclusive product, inspiring content and community engageme...2021-02-2635 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Simon Minty, Disability Consultancy, Abnormally Funny People Simon Minty has delivered consultancy, training and public speaking in the field of diversity, specialising in disability, since early 2000s. Based in London, his work is international. He works with many clients from a small NGO to a multinational corporation. This international work has helped Simon develop a broader under-standing of different cultural approaches to disability. He also has a creative side, helping im-prove the portrayal of disabled people in media and has worked with BBC, Channel 4, Endemol Shine, All Three Media, Warner and Sky. He’s produced numerous videos and co-produced and performed in the sell out...2021-02-1339 minAXSChat PodcastAXSChat Podcast with Sarah Stites, Development Officer for Caritas Aregak Foundation Sarah Stites is the Development Officer for Caritas Aregak Foundation, an organization devoted to supporting young people with disabilities in Gyumri, Armenia. Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Sarah is passionate about communication, human dignity, cultural exchange and empathy. Their primary fundraising needs right now are for three projects, in order of highest - lowest need (in other words, we have more potential fundraising possibilities for projects 2 and 3 than we do for 1): 1. Renovation of our bakery's cellar2. Special activities and therapies for children with autism3. Rehabilitative care for wounded soldiers ...2021-02-0833 min