Podcasts about disabilities act

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Naziaty unpacks the triangle that drives her accessibility startup: business, governance, and grassroots working together to fix what Malaysia's legislation still won't. We trace the gap at the heart of the problem — a toothless Persons with Disabilities Act 2008, a CRPD ratification that was never harmonized into domestic law, and a UBBL 34A that only governs private development, leaving local authorities with no binding obligation to be accessible themselves.We also draws a striking parallel to Parti Bersama, the political party rebuilt as a startup under Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi — same grassroots-first, merit-based logic, just applied to national politics instead of accessibility. It's a candid look at why Naziaty believes a functioning business, not a waiting game for top-down reform, is what actually moves a stalled system for the roughly 36% of Malaysians — disabled persons, the elderly, and families with young children — still left behind.© 2026 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd Yaacob.Support the showDo subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to' explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Get ready to get deep into the realm of Special Education. As a general ed teacher, I've had a love-hate relationship with how best to work with special education students and the teachers who support them. While I understand the necessity, the implementation in a general education classroom often felt awkward and overwhelming. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. I'm also sure our special education teachers have similar grievances when dealing with general ed teachers.So I decided to do a deep dive to better understand the history of our SPED programs, how they are supposed to work, and whether they are really benefiting the students they serve. This deep dive was too big to fit into a single episode, so Jen and I decided to create several episodes to give this topic the time it deserves. Welcome to Episode one:The History of Special Education (SPED)In this episode of Transparency in Teaching, Jen and I dive deep into the history of special education (SPED) in the United States. We start with a light-hearted conversation about Jen's rigorous walking routine, but quickly transition into the main topic: the evolution of special education. In this episode we discuss:Early Days of Special Education:Initially, children with disabilities were often institutionalized or kept at home with no formal education.Wealthier families could afford private tutors or specialized schools, but most families had limited options.Legislative Milestones:A series of laws from 1958 to 1968 began addressing the needs of children with disabilities, but these were piecemeal efforts.Notable acts included the Captioned Films Act (1958), the Training of Professional Personnel Act (1959), and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (1965).Major Legal Cases:Brown vs. Board of Education (1954): Although primarily about racial desegregation, it laid the groundwork for arguments against segregating children with disabilities.PARC vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1971): This case established that children with intellectual disabilities had the right to public education.Mills vs. Board of Education of D.C. (1972): Extended the right to free public education to all children with disabilities, regardless of the cost.The IDEA Act:The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975), later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), guaranteed a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities.This act has been reauthorized multiple times but has not been updated since 2004.Current Challenges:The IDEA Act is outdated and needs reauthorization and updates to address current educational needs and funding issues.The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) further ensured accessibility in public spaces, including schools.Jen's Perspective: She is struck by how long it took for meaningful changes to occur and empathizes with the struggles of parents both past and present.Anne's Perspective: She is concerned about the IDEA Act's outdatedness and the lack of recent updates to address current educational challenges.We wrap up by encouraging listeners to reflect on the history of special education and its impact on today's educational landscape. We also tease the next episode, which will delve into the current state of special education, including enrollment numbers and costs.Listeners are invited to share their thoughts and experiences related to special education on our website, TransparencyInTeaching.com, where they can also find past episodes and blog posts.Key Points Discussed: Reflections and Takeaways:Conclusion:Call to Action:

It's Disability Pride Month, and we're continuing our trip down memory lane with a brand new mini series featuring past podcast conversations with leaders who have reshaped arts and media through the lens of disability. The Trump administration continues to threaten the erasure of disabled people from American society, most recently by calling into question a decades-old Supreme Court precedent in the case Olmstead v. L.C. that enshrined a right to community integration for disabled people under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Now, more than ever, we need to lift up disability culture and tell disabled stories through every form of media possible. We also must ensure that media is accessible to disabled people because the ability to share our stories in our own voices is more important than ever.As we continue the struggle to protect our right to live and thrive in this world, this season, we're uplifting the journalists, podcasters, musicians, and artists who, every day, ensure that accessibility, disability culture, and disability stories are front and center. We'll begin with one of our earliest podcast guests, Sean Collins, to  learn about why image descriptions in news articles are essential to accessing the news.We hope you enjoy revisiting these episodes with us! And stay tuned for a very special brand new episode to close out this mini series!--Let us know what you think with a comment or review!Visit our website⁠ ⁠for⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ transcripts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Qudsiya's Substack, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Getting Down To It⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the team behind the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠with a donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter examine the evolving issue of weight discrimination in the workplace. Joined by Lynne Wakefield, a partner in Troutman Pepper Locke's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice group, they draw on the medical drama The Pitt to discuss obesity, workplace bias, and legal protections. The discussion explores whether weight or obesity may be protected under federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, including the unsettled analysis under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also address key employee benefits considerations surrounding GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. The episode offers practical guidance for employers navigating this complex intersection of workplace fairness and health benefits. Troutman Pepper Locke's Labor + Employment Practice Group provides comprehensive thought leadership through various channels. We regularly issue advisories that offer timely insights into the evolving employment law landscape, and maintain the HiringToFiring.Law Blog, a resource spotlighting best practices for employers. Our Hiring to Firing Podcast, hosted by Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter, delves into pressing labor and employment law topics, drawing unique parallels from pop culture, hit shows, and movies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Louisiana state Senator Larry Selders died suddenly last week after collapsing at his son's football practice. The “gentle giant” leaves behind his wife, Dr. Kendra Michael and sons, Larry and Luke.The Louisiana Illuminator senior reporter Julie O'Donoghue joins us for more on Selders, his advocacy for substance abuse treatment and mental health rehabilitation, and what happens to his empty senate seat. A Baton Rouge community refrigerator is aiming to keep access to fresh foods available all summer long. The fridge is located in the Garden District of Baton Rouge and hosted by the organization Red Shoes as part of their “Fill the Fridge” initiative.Rachael Hebert, executive director of Red Shoes, joins us for more.An iconic New Orleans event returns to the city next week. Tales of the Cocktail is an annual summer event to celebrate spirits. It includes walking tours, tastings and panels that celebrate the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that define New Orleans. Charlotte Voisey, Tales of the Cocktail's CEO, joins us for more. July is National Disability Pride Month, but despite the more than 30 years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with physical limitations still struggle to find spaces designed with their needs in mind.Back in 2023, WWNO's Alana Schreiber took us to the Split Second Foundation, the first gym in New Orleans made specifically for people with disabilities. Today, we give that story a second listen. —Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell. You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Thomas English talks with a guest from On My Own about their upcoming ADA Festival Community Challenge. The guest is On My Own Marketing and Community Relations Director Kalli Gober. She discusses the reason behind the event and the celebration of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She highlights the various activities and education opportunities available during the event. Lastly, she details the tasks associated with the relay race. 

Women have long been leaders in the disability rights movement, and were the driving force in getting the Americans with Disabilities Act passed. In this classic, we spotlight some of the notable women that made the ADA happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lesley Logan and Brad Crowell recap the conversation with Julian Barnes, co-founder and CEO of the BFS Network and a leading voice on boutique fitness market data. They unpack what his numbers-first view of the Pilates business reveals about pricing, client commitment, and the confidence it takes to run a profitable studio. With twenty plus years guiding studio founders, Julian brings hard data to the soft topics most owners avoid. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:What it really means to sell the transformation not the process.How to help clients see the cost as an investment.Where courage and conviction change who becomes your client.Signs the Pilates bubble is bursting and what survives it.Stepping into your authority so clients commit and get results.Episode References/Links:OPC Membership - opc.me/beiteLevate Waitlist - xxll.co/waiitlisteLevate Replays - lesleylogan.co/elevateOPC Summer Tour (Powered by Balanced Body) - https://opc.me.tourOPC Flashcards - https://opc.me/flashcardsOPC Pilates Posters - https://opc.me/postersEp. 697 ft. Adrian Starks - https://beitpod.com/ep697Ep. 698 Adrian Stark Recap - https://beitpod.com/ep698Ep. 53 ft. Launa Jae - https://beitpod.com/ep53If I Die by Christopher S Lombardi - https://a.co/d/0eorMLTNFree Will - https://www.freewill.comBIPOC Resources - https://mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-healthSubmit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Lesley Logan 0:00  You have to understand that if people are making decisions based on cost, they will always do that. You have to bring it back to the investment of the transformation they want to have, and how badly do they want to have that. Lesley Logan 0:13  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 0:55  Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap on my coast in life. Brad and I are going to dig into the enlightening convo I had with Julian Barnes in our last episode. If you haven't yet listened to that interview, this will make a lot of no sense, because it was a different type of interview. It wasn't really an interview of what Julian does, it wasn't really a Be It Till You See It, it was very much a "let's talk about the Pilates industry." Brad Crowell 1:17  Yeah, it was an industry debrief. Lesley Logan 1:18  An industry debrief, and so. Brad Crowell 1:20  It was kind of cool, actually.Lesley Logan 1:22  Yeah, and I also, coming off of the recap of Adrian Starks, it made me even more aware of our purpose when it comes to Pilates business coaching. Because I don't know if Julian asked me this when we were on camera or off, but he was like, "You like helping these small studios?" And I was like, "Because that's what accessibility is." There's got to be different types of Pilates studios, because people need different things, and everyone shouldn't be in a 14-person class.Brad Crowell 1:48  Yeah.Lesley Logan 1:49  So, anyways, it's a really... if you are a Pilates instructor, or you have one, then they need to listen to both these episodes. After you listen to the amazing announcement of today, the holiday and the charity, and the other things, if you want to go off to an FYF or something else, I won't be offended. If you like the sound of this voice and you want to keep supporting it, and Brad, just the voice.Brad Crowell 2:12  Just the voice.Lesley Logan 2:13  You should be an OPC member. OPC is not for people who are obsessed with Pilates, I mean, it is, but it's really for people who just want easy access to real Pilates, and then a safe place to be imperfect, and to be themselves, and to be supported, and to be like, "It's okay if you missed a week, you're welcome back. We're all here for you." And if so, "Oh, you recover from injury. Oh, I had that one. Here are these things." It's where you get community support, and you're not alone. So, go to opc.me/40Brad Crowell 2:39  Yeah, actually, we got a new link for you. It's opc.me/beitLesley Logan 2:43  opc.me/beitBrad Crowell 2:45  B-E-I-TLesley Logan 2:47  B-E-I-T. I'm still waiting for my "just be it" things, given that everyone can distill people's shit around here. Why can't I just have "just be it"?Brad Crowell 2:59  I love that.Lesley Logan 3:01  It's okay, but we have "be it," and you can be it too, and you can be an OPC member while you're being it. I promise, I promise it helps. Today is July 9, 2026, and it's International Emergency Kit Day.Brad Crowell 3:13  That's right. It's Emergency Kit Day, y'all. This is a Boy Scout talking to you right now.Lesley Logan 3:18  Today is a day to raise awareness about being prepared when disaster strikes. An emergency kit, sometimes called a go-bag or disaster bag, is a portable kit that has essentials you and your family need to survive in case of emergency. They are easy to grab when you need to evacuate for whatever reason, usually a natural disaster. This day is a reminder to check your kit or build one today. It will make all the difference when an emergency happens. We have first aid kits, but that's what I thought this was, and it's clearly a go-bag, which we do not have, Brad.Brad Crowell 3:44  Yeah, we don't have. I don't have the movie duffel bag that's like, "Go, go, go," and you grab it on the way out the door, or the baby bag when someone is pregnant and has to run to the hospital, they got a bag ready. We probably could put one of those together. I think that would be wise. Don't let someone sell you a $300 go-bag. Put it together yourself.Lesley Logan 4:07  Just put it together. Just please put it together yourself. Photocopies of things are really great. If you learn anything from the fires of LA, it means you need to have copies of very important documents: birth certificates, passports, but also insurance policies, wills, whatever that is.Brad Crowell 4:24  I should digitize those and just put them.Lesley Logan 4:25  Can we have a digitized go-bag, Brad? Because I gotta be honest, we're gonna have to then remember where it is. Because I thought there's an emergency kit thing, and it was so funny, because you were asked if you had one recently by someone, and you're like, "Oh yeah," and I'm like, "Thank God they asked you, because if they had asked me, I'd be like, 'We don't have one.'"Brad Crowell 4:47  But not only that, if you have an emergency kit, go through it, because when was the last time you had it, or opened it, or used it? I went through ours, I don't know, six or 12 months ago, and I pulled everything out, and all the Band-Aids, the stickiness of the Band-Aids was just gone.Lesley Logan 5:03  Not sticky.Brad Crowell 5:04  Yeah, so I was like, "Oh wow, yeah, all this expired in 2005." So I got rid of all that and replaced everything. And then sure enough, somebody asked us, "Hey, do you have an emergency kit?" And I was like, "Yes," and I can stand by that everything is ready for you here. Yeah.Lesley Logan 5:23  And it's really funny because we actually have a really massive emergency kit in the bathroom by our studio in the house, and I was looking for Band-Aids in the bathroom that I get ready in every day. And then I was cleaning things up and getting ready for people to show up, and there's this massive Brad kit, and I was like, "Oh, we have a massive emergency kit," and I opened it up. No Band-Aids. Zero Band-Aids. That has not been updated. I'm like, clearly this is not a real studio, because. So go check your emergency kits, go create a digitized go-bag, because. Brad Crowell 5:56  We want a digitized go-bag, and then maybe a real one that's like, if you got to run out the door and you need a change of clothes or some shoes or something. This is notLesley Logan 6:02  This is not what the holiday is, what the holiday is, but there's that If I Die book. Have you seen this? I got asked for it on my Instagram. It's called If I Die or When I Die, and it's all these important things, and we should really fill that out.Brad Crowell 6:16  Everything You Need to Know Journal. If I Die.Lesley Logan 6:20  Brad's gonna find a digital one.Brad Crowell 6:21  I found it already. Yeah, well, this is a book, actually, by Christopher Lombardi. Collect all the information your loved ones will need to know at a difficult time. And he said, "When my father passed away, I wish I had such a book."Lesley Logan 6:35  Yeah, well, that's interesting. It's a little too much adulting for me in one day, but I like the idea of it.Brad Crowell 6:40  Yeah, there's also When I Die planners with pockets.Lesley Logan 6:44  Pocket.Brad Crowell 6:44  Yeah, that has little pockets in it.Lesley Logan 6:46  Oh, for things like my card, I have a card in Brad's office attached to the refrigerator from when my dad dies, a number to call for them to cremate him.Brad Crowell 6:54  Yeah.Lesley Logan 6:54  I know where the card is.Brad Crowell 6:56  I mean, there's even Reddit arguments about this: I made an "If I die" packet for my husband. My family is now calling me morbid for this effort. I think it's smart.Lesley Logan 7:05  It's incredibly smart, and it's not morbid. And you are gonna be... here's the thing, we talked about grief two weeks ago, had nothing to do with people, but we're just gonna bring it back up, when someone is dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing you need to figure out is the fucking password to your shit.Brad Crowell 7:22  Yeah.Lesley Logan 7:23  Don't do that to people. I'm watching The Pit, and that is a trap. You don't want to be dealing with that, plus what is their insurance? All that stuff. No, no, don't do that to people. And as I say this, Brad and I are hypocrites, because we have yet to sit down and do our fucking thing that his parents asked us to do three times, which is the DNR and the will thing, and all that stuff. So.Brad Crowell 7:48  There's a, we talked about this before, there's an organization called Free Will. Make your free will online.Lesley Logan 7:54  Okay, well. Brad Crowell 7:57  freewill.comLesley Logan 7:57  Well, this day just turned into a very helpful day, and my ADHD is really overwhelmed. Upcoming travel and events, you guys, eLevate 2027 is full, sold out, can't take another body, but you can join us today.Brad Crowell 8:13  You can join us today.Lesley Logan 8:17  At 1pm Pacific time.Brad Crowell 8:19  Is that 1pm? Lesley Logan 8:20  Yeah. Brad Crowell 8:20  I'm glad you know that.Lesley Logan 8:21  It's at 1 p.m. to learn about 2028 Elevate, and if you're like, "Well, Lesley, thanks, I'm going back to this on a different date," there's probably a replay up.Brad Crowell 8:31  Yeah, there'll be a replay. We'll put the replay up on the Elevate page, I'm sure.Lesley Logan 8:35  Go to xxll.co/waitlist, and if you missed it. Brad Crowell 8:40  Then go to lesleylogan.co/elevate and that's where the replay will be.Lesley Logan 8:45  Yeah, summer tour is really close, a few weeks away.Brad Crowell 8:49  OPC Summer TourLesley Logan 8:50  Yeah. Brad Crowell 8:50  Come join us in real life, I'm very excited.Lesley Logan 8:52  How many cities are we going to?Brad Crowell 8:53  13 or 14Lesley Logan 8:54  It's the reason we're recording prior to the announcement, so we don't know, but what I can say is it's probably mostly sold out, so you want to go to OPC. I can confidently say that.Brad Crowell 9:04  Yeah, I mean, we're getting close to.Lesley Logan 9:07  Well, because these are not conventions, these are literal pop-ups. These are small studios, we're talking small classes and workshops, and we do that so instead of having 50 people in a workshop, there's 25 and you can actually get to talk to me, and we get to take pictures, and we get to nerd out on Pilates. And the workshops are only 90 minutes. You don't have to take a whole day off, you can just take a part of a day off, and you get to be with other people. And Balanced Body is sponsoring our tour again, and so we'll have the Contrology equipment with us, plus some really fun prizes. So, opc.me/tour.Brad Crowell 9:41  opc.me/tour come join us.Lesley Logan 9:43  If you're new here.Brad Crowell 9:45  If you're new here.Lesley Logan 9:46  I make flashcards with Pilates exercises, and they have QR codes that take you to videos, and they have the setup and action on the back, and they have really cool tips that I gave you that are my words based on these things. If you like the way that I talk about Pilates, they're right there. And they've been edited by a contemporary trained teacher with contemporary women, and they've been edited by someone who's never done any of the stuff before. Shout out to the spine corrector, because after that, she wanted to buy one. So that's how good that deck is. So, go to opc.me/flashcards.Brad Crowell 10:12  Yeah, opc.me/flashcardsLesley Logan 10:15  And if you have the flashcards, do you know that we have posters, and you can get our posters at opc.me/posters? And you want to know something fun about the posters: we make no money on them. However, the shipping, because they're printed on demand, the shipping is cheaper because it's usually shipping to near you versus the flashcards, which come from us. By the way, my Aussies and my Canadians, we have distributors on the flashcards, so just reach out to us if shipping shocked the hell out of you. We have distributors in Australia and Canada.Brad Crowell 10:44  Yeah, awesome. Well, we used to do a question answer session here, but we're going to skip that. We've moved all the live Q&As over to YouTube for Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Pacific, and we shifted our focus here because we really like celebrating good works that other people are doing, and sharing about it with you all. Lesley Logan 11:06  Being more aware about things, just the different things that exist out there, and the different ways we can support things that might be of interest. And so July is actually an awareness month of a lot of awarenesses. So when I looked up July month.Brad Crowell 11:22  It's a month of awarenesses.Lesley Logan 11:23  Yeah, one of the things that July is an awareness month about is the ADA laws, and it's like a Disability Pride Awareness Month. It's also an awareness month of mental health awareness for minority communities.Brad Crowell 11:36  ADA for non-Americans, it's the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA. So, yeah, and that was a big fight that started in California many years back.Lesley Logan 11:45  Yes, I learned a lot about it. It's very impressive. Yeah, and so anyways, I wanted to highlight the mental health awareness for minority communities on today's episode, because last time we did a recap, we actually did talk about mental health, and I just thought it would be a perfect time to bring that up. This charity is Mental Health America, and they actually have a lot of information and support for BIPOC mental health specifically. And if you go to mhanational.org, they actually have a whole section, because they do have a lot of support for the BIPOC community. Culture, ethnicity, and race all play a large role in the way that each person experiences the world and the types of mental health support that they may need. MHA's online BIPOC Mental Health Resource Center offers a wealth of information and tools to bring light to the unique experiences of Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities and empower and uplift BIPOC individuals on their mental health journeys. And I just thought that this is a really cool resource in case you need it, or there's someone that you know who needs it. Because the reality is, is that if you have had a different experience in this world, having a therapist or someone who can understand that is important, and it's key. And I just think that, how cool that there are people who are making sure that resource is easy to find. They'll have blog posts, but they actually have a whole resource page where you can find someone and find some help near you, especially with the shit going on in the world right now. Specifically in the US, I know we have a lot of international listeners, but they just fucked with the Voting Rights Act one more time.Brad Crowell 13:15  Yeah.Lesley Logan 13:16  And we are back to Jim Crow era shit, and it sucks, because the answer to all this is that we all have to vote in November in a way that tells them to fuck off, but also, people of color have been trying to do that for a really long time. You and I were listening to what's his name, that amazing senator from Georgia, who's a reverend, and he's like, "I lived my whole life under that act, and now my children have to fight..."Brad Crowell 13:44  Raphael WarnockLesley Logan 13:45  Raphael Warnock. "My children have to fight for their rights," and I just...Brad Crowell 13:50  Yeah, I mean, it's.Lesley Logan 13:51  Top of life.Brad Crowell 13:52  It's fascinating to hear him talk about that, where he's like, you know, I don't know how old he is, but he's an adult, he's a senator, he's been a pastor for a long time. He has two kids who are younger than 10 years old, and he said, "For me, because of the changes that happened in the '60s, I actually grew up in a more equitable time that allowed me to become a senator as a person of color," and he said, "Unfortunately, my kids are not going to have that."Lesley Logan 14:23  And what they're doing in Tennessee, where they just literally got rid of the one Black Congress person, just terrible stuff. And that's all just... even if you're like, "Well, that's politics," well, politics affects life, and on top of that, if your job and all these different things just becomes really heavy, we need to make mental health support seem like the same thing as you're gonna go get new toothpaste, or you get your things done, like you go to the dentist for cleaning twice a year, we go three. Mental health support needs to be as routine and normal as all of that, and also if you're BIPOC community, I think it's important that you have people who understand what you're going through, because it is different.Brad Crowell 15:05  Yeah.Lesley Logan 15:05  And you're not alone. So, hopefully, mhanational.org resource helps you. If not, and there are other ones out there that you want us to highlight, please send it in. We would love to do that. We'd love to use the platform to do that to help people who need that.Brad Crowell 15:19  Yeah, so leave us a voicemail, 310-905-5534, or you can also share your wins for our Friday pod at beitpod.com/questions. Brad Crowell 15:31  Let's talk about Julian Barnes. Julian is the co-founder and CEO of the BFS Network, the company behind the most comprehensive market research in the boutique fitness industry. He spent 20-plus years helping fitness and wellness businesses build the structure and strategy they need to grow, and he works directly with CEOs and founders of multi-location studios across the country. He brings a data-driven, numbers-first perspective to the work of building a profitable studio.Lesley Logan 15:59  Yeah.Brad Crowell 16:00  And it's really interesting too, because I mean, his background is law, and then he... I don't remember exactly how he got into fitness, but. Lesley Logan 16:07  He told the whole story. It's very weird how he got into it, but. Brad Crowell 16:10  He told us his story, but it wasn't, it was when we were.. we were talking about.Lesley Logan 16:15  Oh, sorry guys, it was definitely at dinner, but it was like, "Oh, he was helping this out, then he did this thing, there was his trainer." It's really kind of cool. Too bad that that's not on the pod, because it doesn't matter, because that was not what he wanted to talk about. But it really went along with Adrian Starks's finding your purpose kind of a thing. So, at any rate, just know that Julian is the evidence of doing that. If you listened two weeks ago, you know, it's interesting, because a lot of people think that studios are only studios if they have multiple teachers and group classes and things like that, and I think.Brad Crowell 16:47  Maybe the word "legitimate studio," right? Because they are still obviously a studio, a real studio, or whatever.Lesley Logan 16:55  But you and I see a studio as anything where a teacher is teaching in, and that studio could be a one-person show.Brad Crowell 17:03  Yeah.Lesley Logan 17:04  And that person can teach small groups and groups and things like that. And so it was interesting to hear the different ways that, in air quotes, legitimate studios are doing things, the numbers they have. But on the non-data side, one of the things I love that he said was there's no transformation without the transaction, and this is really important, because for any business owner who is listening to this, people don't buy your process. I'll just be really honest with you, please don't tell them your process, no one cares. But they cannot get the transformation they want to have, the goal they want to achieve, without paying you the investment of what that is, that's just part of the deal. If they want to have better posture.Brad Crowell 17:45  There's no transformation without the transaction, yes, but let's, before we go further on that, can we take a step back? What do you mean specifically? What's an example of "don't sell the process"? Because how are people actually making a mistake with that? Lesley Logan 18:02  What does thatlook like? They're saying, "We have classes on three days a week at 10 a.m. and your package of six sessions allows you to come two times a week." That's selling the process, right? "You come three days a week at 10 a.m." or "Mat classes are at 6 o'clock" or "At our studio, we have mat, semi-private, and private sessions on the Cadillac Tower." All of that's process. It's overwhelming information. It's words that they don't want to hear.Brad Crowell 18:30  It doesn't even mean anything to them.Lesley Logan 18:31  Even if they know what most of that stuff is. That's not what they actually care about. They care that you understand the problem that they have and where they want to grow, and that you are excited and a trustworthy person for that, and I think where a lot of people. Brad Crowell 18:50  And that's what they will pay for.Lesley Logan 18:51  Yeah, as well. Yoga Works doesn't exist anymore, it's a perfect example. Their entire advertising model was "first two weeks free, your first two weeks are free." That's a process, right? They were not selling "get meditated in 14 days or less" or "de-stress from traffic," right? They weren't selling what you were gonna gain from doing the yoga for two weeks, whereas if they had actually talked more about how you would feel when you left the yoga class.Brad Crowell 19:29  Sure.Lesley Logan 19:30  I think more people would take them up on that for two weeks free, because it's like, "Wow, two weeks free, this class must be full." No, they weren't, and they're not in business. But I see this all the time in people posting about their Pilates stuff: "Hey, I've got, I'm opening up two spots on Mondays and Wednesdays." Unless someone already trusts you, that's unhelpful. Launa Jae, who's been on our show, has done this really well: "Hey, I'm opening in two weeks, I'm moving four spots for women over 40 who are tired of yo-yo dieting, and they want to actually make a change that lasts a lifetime."Brad Crowell 20:03  Right.Lesley Logan 20:03  You can hear the difference, right? "I'm accepting four new clients," or "In two weeks I will have four spots available for this type of person."Brad Crowell 20:11  Yeah.Lesley Logan 20:12  That is listing the transformation someone's gonna have. She doesn't say, "And when you sign up, you'll have to do eight weeks of macro counting." No, she's not saying that, because no one wants to do that. That's too much information. Yeah, and then we get this a lot, because people will say, "Pilates is too expensive." People have been saying Pilates is too expensive since it was fucking cheap. People have been saying Pilates is too expensive since I started teaching, and people weren't even charging $1 a minute, right, for a private session. But you have to understand that if people are making decisions based on cost, they will always do that. You have to bring it back to the investment of the transformation they want to have, and how badly do they want to have that? Brad Crowell 20:51  Yeah, that's the shift.Lesley Logan 20:52  Some people don't actually want to pay the investment that the transformation would cost, so those people will always be looking for a deal, constantly frustrated. They're the ones who are buying this silly tool this week, and the next thing over here, they're bouncing around. But there are people when, if you reframe it to the investment for what you want to achieve, as Julian said, the investment you want to achieve for your desired goal is going to be one of time and money, right? So you change the word to investment, and then in doing that, you're going to shift the mindset from cost to investment, right? Which is a really good shift you want to make in someone's brain, because they invest in things all day long. They invest time in scrolling on their Instagram, they invest time in being in traffic, they invest time on a lot of different things. So, how can we shift the investment of time and money to something that actually works for them? When I was teaching mat classes only, and I was trying to get people in them, I would say, "Stop spending time in traffic, spend that hour in Pilates and get home in 20 minutes after,"Brad Crowell 21:54  Right.Lesley Logan 21:54  So I had people literally come to my mat class two nights a week that I had it, and they loved it, because instead of sitting in traffic for 90 minutes, they did an hour of Pilates, and then it takes them 25 minutes to get home, same amount of time, but they actually got a transformation to go with it. So really shifting that mindset. And then when people do ask for discounts, you have to have some confidence in the product that you have. I keep telling our agency members, "You need to have courage and conviction in what you do," and that also means telling people how they have to be to be a client of yours. My trainer has so much courage and conviction, she is like, "You cannot be a client of mine if you can't commit to this many times." Yeah, and I really do think that if a lot more Pilates instructors said that, yes, they might have fewer clients in the beginning, but I actually think they would have more later, because the transformation of their clients that they're getting would get them more clients.Brad Crowell 22:44  Yeah, I think this is a perfect transition into what I was hoping to talk about, which is... there was a moment where he was talking about Steve Jobs and the iPhone, right? And he's like, he wasn't like, "Hey, do you think it'd be cool if maybe you guys might want..." none of that. It was like, "Hey, check out this amazing tool that we built that's gonna change your lifeLesley Logan 23:07  Yeah.Brad Crowell 23:07  radically," right? And he said, so he was talking about confidence, right? And there's a difference between polling your audience and getting feedback, and how do you present the thing that you sell or do, right?Lesley Logan 23:21  Absolutely certain that there were NDAs signed of people who were looking at the iPhone before we got it. Brad Crowell 23:27  Yeah, but Julian pointed out that you have to be confident enough that the universe will present you what you need when you need it, riht? Lesley Logan 23:35  Yeah.Brad Crowell 23:36  And that is a scary thing. That is the "leap and the net will appear" kind of approach, right? And obviously, that's definitely something that gets severely tested, and Julian acknowledged that, for sure, especially when you have financial needs, and the wrong clients are coming through your door, but saying... y'all were talking about clients, and the clients that will stay with you for the long haul or not, right? And it's always a scramble at first, like we'll take anybody who comes in the door, but what if our messaging, like we were just talking about, was attracting the correct person who we want to serve and is excited to get the transformation? Yeah, they're going to stay with you way, way longer. And I am... I don't know if you picked up on it if you listened to the interview, but I was so proud because we had a bunch of agency members fill out his big questionnaire, and he compared agency members' stats against the industry stats. And what he said was that agency members retain their clients longer. Yeah, and I was really, really excited to hear that.Lesley Logan 24:49  Yeah and it's because our Agency members, even their process to become a client of theirs sets them up so that they're not getting these crazy wackos that just want to bounce from place to place. They are actually set up to make sure that they are the right client, they're advertised in the right place. One of our members is actually changing her website to being specifically their Pilates studio for women over 40.Brad Crowell 25:15  Cool.Lesley Logan 25:15  Right? Because she's like, "I'm tired of getting calls from 20-year-olds who are comparing me to this other studio over here. That's not what we offer. And even if they can't afford my intro offer, they don't like the classes because they're not for Pilates princesses." And it's like, right. So, there are women who are fucking tired, like, "I want to go to Pilates, but all these Pilates princesses are pictured." And so this client of ours has women over 40 pictured. That's going to matter so much to them, right. And so I am so proud of our agency members. They have solid businesses, and you have a business you can depend on, you're not going off what the trends are. And I really think that right now the Pilates bubble is bursting in several ways. One, Hailey Bieber just announced that too many studios are out there, and they're crappy teachers. Hailey Bieber wrote this. And then The Guardian did an entire article about how people are getting hurt all the time doing Pilates. And here's the thing: if you were doing real Pilates, you could not get hurt if you were actually ready for the exercise that you're doing. Most of the time, people are getting injuries because they're in large group classes that are not on real reformers, and or their teacher was not trained thoroughly enough, and so the teacher's boss is all about how fun the class is and how entertained and how packed the classes are versus the results that they're getting. And I think Julian would back me up on this. Going back to the transformation you want to have and the investment you have to have: I have to get you that transformation, which means you have to show up, but I have to have the teachers that are quality. And so I actually think between the recession that we are all expecting to show up and the fact that people are not going to see the results they want by studios where the people aren't trained fully.Brad Crowell 27:04  Yeah.Lesley Logan 27:05  I do see the pendulum swinging now. How far is it? It's not going to swing that far if you are a solid studio that truly knows what you're doing and why you do it, and you're not begging people to take class for you by offering it for free, but instead you're like, "If you want to participate here, here's how often you have to come, here's the transformation we can provide you, and here's how we do that." You come every other week, I can't get you shit.Brad Crowell 27:26  Yeah, and being real with them. That's where that confidence comes into play, having the confidence to know that the universe will present you what you need when you need it. I remember trying to convince clients, I remember how much time I spent trying to convince clients that we were the right agency for them, or coaching group for them, or web development company for them, or whatever. And it always felt like I'm really good at that, but then we would land a client and they were just the fucking worst client. They never delivered the photos that they said that they had, or they never gave me copy, and so ultimately I'd start this project, we would take a deposit, start the project, and then get stuck, right? Or we would have clients come in, they'd pay us one time for coaching, and then they would never participate, and then they would disappear. And that just felt like such a waste of effort on both our time and theirs.Lesley Logan 28:25  Totally.Brad Crowell 28:26  That time payment didn't feel worth it. It certainly wasn't satisfying. We didn't help them, right? And so.Lesley Logan 28:31  It's also why we've even changed how agency operates now, because it definitely is only attractive to people who are willing to actually do the work.Brad Crowell 28:39  Yeah.Lesley Logan 28:39  You have to do the work. You can't just do calls with me or Brad every quarter and whine and whatever, and then go, "Well, I got this action, I can go make a checklist, and I can feel like I did something new." No, Agency now requires you to ask a lot of questions, put your problem in there, go watch a course, come to an office hour, ask which course to watch, ask what next steps to take, like, you actually have to do the action. And the reason I love that more, even though it's definitely not a sexier sell, is that what we do actually fucking works. I know that, and the people who've listened to us have been with us for years, and when they do the work, it works. Period, end of story. And we recently were at an event, and I saw one of our ex-Agency members who paid because they wanted the transformation, but didn't want to do the work. And then this person would also do the things I said not to do all the time, and then they would come back with a problem. And it's like, "Okay, with the contract you've already signed, there's not a lot I can do, because you made a contract without asking our opinions, and then you signed it." And that person is like, "Yeah, I've just been so overwhelmed, and I'm closing these two studios, I'm doing this, I'm just downsizing a lot." And I just wanted to go, "I fucking told you." Yeah, but here's the thing: I have courage and conviction in how we coach and who we are for, and I know what we can do with people who will do the work. And that means, though, you have to also have courage and conviction in what you offer as a studio. And if that means telling someone, "I actually don't work with clients who are in and out every single week, unless they're gonna do homework, and if you're gonna do homework, it means you have to do it three to four days a week." You have to tell people, "I just don't work with those people, because I don't want to take your money, that's dirty money." Any studio that takes your money and tells you that they can get you what you want, and you're only going to come in once a week or every couple of weeks, is lying to you. If you educate people on that, I'm telling you, you will get a great client. And here's why I can tell you this with my own courage and conviction, with another story: I used to sell a teacher training program for Equinox, and I would always ask people, "Where are you in your research process? Oh, I'm the first person you're talking to? Great, let me explain to you how training programs are not apples to apples. Let me explain to you what it is that you need to be looking for, what questions to be asking." By the way, these are all in my book. "What questions to be asking, what you need to be experiencing, what these things are. When you go and look to other places, I want you asking these questions, because if they don't have answers that work with your life, it does not matter the price, you will be stuck. So I can tell you right now, based on the local programs that I know that exist, we are more expensive on paper, but here's where we solve a lot of those problems. Why don't you go back, do your research, call me back, let's do another thing." I could follow up with them, and there'd be people who say, "You're too expensive, that's too much time, I can't make blah blah blah." And then they would come back and they'd sign up, because they would go do the research, and they would realize that on paper, while we're more expensive, we actually have more things. So you have to have that with people, because if someone's gonna price shop, they're gonna price shop, but I can tell you why. "Oh, well, we're more expensive than them because we're three people, not 12." Hello, educate them. They don't know.Brad Crowell 31:53  Yeah, they don't know. Lesley Logan 31:55  So you're getting resentful of them, but they don't know what they don't know. You have to say.Brad Crowell 31:58  Yeah can also say something like, "Our teachers have 600 hours of certifications under their belt," or something like that.Lesley Logan 32:04  Yeah, when people would do that when we were at the studios, like, "Oh, well, this is more expensive than the Pilates across the street." "Yeah, well, those teachers can only teach on one item, they can only teach on a Reformer, and that's all they're trained on. These are comprehensively trained teachers. These people did at least nine months to a year of training, they spent $8,000-plus, and they have access to all this equipment to get you the goals you want. But if you have to go off of that investment, I get it, go do it over there." Anyways, well, I could keep talking for hours, but we should get to the Be It Action Items, because clearly, I love Julian's data, and I love that we can help people. Knowing what the data is really helps us understand where they are in their business and what they have to focus on. Because you're not going to focus on new clients and retention at the same time. If you have great retention, you don't need new clients.Brad Crowell 32:51  Right.Lesley Logan 32:52  You know, you don't need as many anyways. Okay.Brad Crowell 32:54  Yeah. Well, stick around, we'll be right back. All right. So, finally, let's talk about those Be It Action Items: what bold, executable, intrinsic, or targeted action items can we take away from your conversation with Julian Barnes? He said on client commitment and transformation, Julian said that the first step in the transformation is transforming your daily routine. He emphasized that people need to adopt a new routine, one that says, "I'm coming on Tuesday morning, Thursday after work, and Saturday morning. I'm committed to this change," right? For studio owners, you are more likely to be successful if you present a prescription that gives your client the opportunity to adopt a new routine from day one.Lesley Logan 33:41  Yeah.Brad Crowell 33:41  Right? Like, think about it, if you've got a person coming in the door and you try to get them to make a change, let's say you've had a client for a really long time, and then you try to get them to make a change, do they make the change? Very rarely, right? People get annoyed at change, they get frustrated at change, they like what they like, they like what they have. But if you set that precedent right out of the gate, this is how people get change here.Lesley Logan 34:08  Yes, right, I love that. Well, also, I had a client who was always late, and they'd always apologize, and I had a client before them and after them, and I never gave them more time, and they weren't asking. I said, "Hey, don't apologize to me. This is on you. If you only want a 45-minute session, I have no problem with that. But if you want the full session, you have to ask yourself why you don't feel worthy enough to have a full session so that you can figure out how you have to leave work early. But that's the change you have to make. It has to be based on what you want, it can't be on me." And you know what? She was never late again.Brad Crowell 34:41  Yeah, it's a great example, because what Julian said, which I thought was kind of snuck in there again, he said, "Keep your power."Lesley Logan 34:52  Yeah.Brad Crowell 34:53  Right? We have power. The power is that we are the authority figure, right? And I mean, not in a tyrant kind of a way, but you can say to someone, "This is how it works here, this is how we see people have success here, and this is what we recommend for you."Lesley Logan 35:10  I think we'll just go into my action takeaway, which is like, if you're actively listening to what they have to say, you literally hear what they are, and you use those words, and you connect them to how your services are offered, then you have to step into the authority, because they came to your house.Brad Crowell 35:26  Yeah.Lesley Logan 35:26  If this person came to your house, and you are a "no shoes in the house" person, would you just go, "I guess I'll let them wear shoes"? No, this is a no-shoes house, right? It's a no-shoes house. So, if you are like... I always tell people, take my shoes off, we don't, but you're the person who does, how come you can't be that at the business where you actually are an authority? This is where, I think a lot of people have doubt about the benefits that they can have, because they themselves have forgotten their own practice.Brad Crowell 35:53  Sure.Lesley Logan 35:54  And they themselves have not made any clients actually have consistency, and so they're not actually having the benefits to back up their power. But you have 100 years of Joe Pilates's work working to go off of. So if you are a new teacher, you have 100 years, literally 100 years. This is the year, this year is 100 years that he came to the United States to go off of this, and then you go... I'll give you the advice that I was given, and we'll wrap this up. My first week as a teacher at a studio at Equinox, this teacher said to me, "The best advice they can give you is to get one client and make them your own, like, make them obsessed with you, and you'll have all the clients." And I made those clients obsessed with me, and they did start getting results, results that they weren't getting with their other Pilates instructor, because I got them from... right, because that other Pilates instructor let them come and go. So, please, I was like, "Nope, you have to make up that session you're about to miss next Sunday. I'll see you on Friday. Let's do it. Let's go. I'll make the time." And it's because, one, I need the money, but two, I listened to that advice, and that advice gave me conviction and authority to sit here today and tell you, if you make people be consistent, they get results.Brad Crowell 37:05  Yeah.Lesley Logan 37:06  So be the boss. They came to you.Brad Crowell 37:08  Yeah, they came to you. Don't give away your power.Lesley Logan 37:11  If you need help with that, if you need these pep talks, you should just go to agency.Brad Crowell 37:15  Yeah, this couldn't be an easier segue here. Lesley Logan 37:19  I mean, so profitablepilates.com/agency go there. We have for sure, at the time that we're recording this, one amazing way to work with us. It's quite possible the second way, which is a secret, is available. I'm not sure.Brad Crowell 37:31  It's possible.Lesley Logan 37:32  possible. And if you don't see it, then you book a call with Brad, and you ask him which one is best for you and what's going on there. But we can help you. We can help you.Brad Crowell 37:40  We can certainly support you with these things.Lesley Logan 37:42  Yep.Brad Crowell 37:42  And you can keep your clients longer, too.Lesley Logan 37:44  Yeah, you get all the benefits that our clients get.Brad Crowell 37:47  Yeah.Lesley Logan 37:47  And also, guess what? You get a predictable, boring business, which is so nice. Go be entertained by your streamers, not by your business. Okay, life's stressful enough. I don't need an up and down on my business to be what's going on, what I'm going my vibes off of. Okay, I'm Lesley Logan.Brad Crowell 38:04  And I'm Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 38:05  Thank you so much. I hope this was fun. It was an interesting deep dive into the industry, and Julian, his company does some really great work that is on the data. So, BFS is the company. We'll put the links in the show notes. Share this with a Pilates instructor friend who needs to hear it.Brad Crowell 38:21  Yeah.Lesley Logan 38:22  And until next time, Be It Till You See It.Brad Crowell 38:24  Bye for now.Lesley Logan 38:26  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 39:08  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 39:13  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 39:17  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 39:25  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 39:28  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

OA1276 - Who could have predicted this? Us! The Trump administration has made their complete disdain for people with disabilities clear since day one. We've called it out before, and the natural progression of those efforts came to a head mid-June when they announced their intention to turn over governance of special education to RFK Jr in HHS (least trusted man in America when it comes to the needs of your child with a disability), continue dismantling the Department of Education overall, further reduce their investigations of educational discrimination, and, just two days later, their commitment to overturning major protections against forced institutionalization. What's happening, how did we get here, why does it matter, and what can anyone do about it? Tune in to find out. OA episode callbacks: 1238 Deep dive on Olmstead 1180 the history of forced institutionalization and “ugly laws”, and the executive order “Ending crime and disorder on America's streets” 1141 The Section 504 protests 1171 A.J.T. v Osseo area schools (rights to accommodations for students with disabilities) Part 1; attempted dismantling of Olmstead: Olmstead v. L.C. ex rel. Zimring, 527 U.S. 581 (1999) 28 C.F.R. § 35.130(d) Exec. Order No. 14321, 90 Fed. Reg. 35817 (Jul 24, 2025) Application of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to State Institutionalization of Patients with Severe Mental Illness or Disabilities, 50 Op. O.L.C. __ (June 18, 2026) Part 2; the dismantling of the Department of Education: Exec. Order No. 14242, 90 Fed. Reg. 13679 (Mar. 20, 2025) Compl., State of New York v. McMahon, No. 1:25-cv-10601 (D. Mass. amended 01/09/2026) McMahon v. New York, 606 U.S. ___ (2025) Interagency Agreement Between the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Labor Relating to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) (plus addendums) Christy Wolfe (Dec. 16, 2025), Transferring K-12 Programs to Labor: Why Costs and Logistics Could Be a Problem for States and Schools, Bipartisan Policy Center Jennifer Smith Richards & Jodi S. Cohen (Mar. 2, 2026), ProPublica Sues Education Department for Withholding Records About Discrimination in Schools, ProPublica. U.S. Government Accountability Office (Feb. 2, 2026), Department of Education: Full Costs and Savings Estimate Needed for Reduction-in-Force and Restructuring of the Office for Civil Rights. U.S. Dept. of Education (June 16, 2026). U.S. Department of Education Announces Additional Partnerships to Strengthen Coordination for Individuals with Disabilities Programs, Bolster Civil Rights Enforcement. A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School Dist. No. 279, 605 U.S. 335 (2025) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: 29 U.S.C. § 794 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: 20 U.S.C. § 1400-1409 Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures that people living with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations at work. That law also applies to students attending most colleges and universities. And the ADA doesn't limit itself to physical disabilities. It's often applied to invisible disabilities, as well. This week, Britt Neff, the Access Specialist at the University of Washington School of Law, joins me to explain all the ways the accommodation process can work for college students living with MS.   We'll also tell you about PTD802, an oral remyelination therapy that's just been given a green light from the FDA to begin human clinical trials We're sharing evidence from an important study that should make you feel more confident about getting those MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and chickenpox vaccines. You'll learn what researchers at the Cleveland Clinic discovered when they asked the question, "Can someone living with MS over the age of 60 discontinue their disease-modifying therapy?" And we're sharing the details about an AI application that can predict -- with 90% accuracy -- whether someone with MS is at risk of experiencing cognitive decline over the next few years.  We have a lot to talk about! Are you ready for RealTalk MS??! This Week: Understanding "reasonable accommodation" at college  :22 FDA approves oral remyelination therapy PTD802 for Phase 1 clinical trial  1:07 Study results: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and chickenpox vaccines are shown to be safe for people with MS  4:52 Study results: Is it safe for someone living with MS over 60 to discontinue their DMT?   7:34 Study results: AI predicts future cognitive changes among people with MS with 90% accuracy   10:45 Britt Neff explains the many types of accommodation available to college students with MS  15:01 Share this episode  28:24 Next week  28:44 SHARE THIS EPISODE OF REALTALK MS Just copy this link & paste it into your text or email: https://realtalkms.com/462 ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION I've always thought about the RealTalk MS podcast as a conversation. And this is your opportunity to join the conversation by sharing your feedback, questions, and suggestions for topics that we can discuss in future podcast episodes. Please shoot me an email or call the RealTalk MS Listener Hotline and share your thoughts! Email: jon@realtalkms.com Phone: (310) 526-2283 And don't forget to join us in the RealTalk MS Facebook group! LINKS If your podcast app doesn't allow you to click on these links, you'll find them in the show notes at www.RealTalkMS.com Pheno Therapeutics https://phenotherapeutics.com STUDY: Live Attenuated MMR and Varicella Vaccinations and Multiple Sclerosis Activity https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2849165 STUDY: Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Over Age 60: Comparing Clinical and Radiological Outcomes in Disease-Modifying Therapy Continuers and Discontinuers https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20552173261448005 STUDY: Explainable Artificial Intelligence to Predict Neurocognitive Disorder Progression in Multiple Sclerosis Using MRI and Clinical Data https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ene.70568 JOIN: The RealTalk MS Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/realtalkms REVIEW: Give RealTalk MS a rating and review http://www.realtalkms.com/review Follow RealTalk MS on X, @RealTalkMS_jon, and subscribe to our newsletter at our website, RealTalkMS.com. RealTalk MS Episode 462 Guest: Britt Neff Privacy Policy

Will we return to the bad old days of existence in substandard hospitals and nursing homes?  Or will we fight to preserve our lives in the community? Sadly, this is not a rhetorical question.   In 1999, the United States Supreme Court passed the Olmstead decision determining that people with disabilities should not be forced into institutions when they can be safely and appropriately supported in community settings. Or, in other words, people with mental and other disabilities no longer had to be incarcerated in oppressive institutions when they could reside in whatever type of community living was most appropriate to the individual.  But in a memo issued in June, the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel upended that guidance. It argued that neither the Americans with Disabilities Act, nor Section 504, two major disability rights laws, requires states to provide services in the most mainstream setting.   Pushing Limits on Friday, July 3 interviews Eric Harris, Associate Executive Director of External Affairs for Disability Rights California, to discuss Olmstead and the threat against it.  This Program is hosted and produced by Eddie Ytuarte.  Click here for a relevant article. For more info on our guest click here or read below:  Eric Harris is DRC's Associate Executive Director of External Affairs with an extensive career working closely with disability leaders, community members, and elected officials throughout the country to progress change for the disability community. Eric Harris Harris brings significant local, state and federal policy experience, having worked for Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the Democratic National Committee and the California and Hawaii State NAACP.  Mr. Harris has led discussions on disability pride, inclusion and access on platforms throughout the country. He has spoken at Harvard Law School, the University of California at Berkeley School of Medicine and at the White House.   Harris started his time at DRC in 2019 working in the legislation and estrategic partnerships and community engagement units. He served on the State Independent Living Council as a Governor Newsom appointee and as a board member for the Resources for Independent Living in Sacramento. He grew up in Sacramento, California and was an elite wheelchair basketball player.  “Creating public policy that improves the lives of disabled people has been my life's mission. I look forward to working closely with intersectional disability leaders throughout the state to improve the lives of all people with disabilities.”  For a full program transcription, click here The post Olmstead Under Threat – Pushing Limits – July 3, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

In this thoughtful Sunday Edition audio editorial, Anthony Corona examines the recent Department of Justice memorandum on disability integration and community living, separating fact from fear while explaining why the document has sparked concern throughout the disability community. Using the powerful metaphor of “the dumpster is burning, but the house is not. Yet,” Anthony explores what the memorandum does and does not do. He explains that it does not repeal the Americans with Disabilities Act, overturn the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision or create new authority to force disabled Americans into institutions. Instead, he argues that the greater concern lies in the federal government's changing approach to enforcing disability rights and supporting community based living. The conversation looks beyond alarming social media claims to examine the long term implications for Medicaid funded supports, home and community based services, personal care attendants, transportation, independent living and the policies that help millions of disabled Americans remain active members of their communities. Rather than encouraging panic, Anthony calls for informed advocacy rooted in facts, careful analysis and coalition building. He urges disability advocates and organizations to educate themselves, engage with policymakers and prepare for the policy debates that may shape disability rights in the years ahead. This episode marks the beginning of a continuing series exploring disability policy, accessibility and independent living, with future conversations focusing on paratransit, home health services, Medicaid waivers and other critical supports that help disabled Americans live independently. Knowledge is our greatest advocacy tool. Facts are our strongest foundation. Community is our greatest strength. pisode Notes Notes go here Support Sunday Edition with Anthony Corona by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/acb-sunday-edition Find out more at https://acb-sunday-edition.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On today's episode, we discuss a Louisiana “John Doe” case that tests how far state emergency powers can go in limiting medical malpractice and discrimination claims. The hosts walk through Doe's lawsuit against a physical therapy provider, explaining how the Louisiana Health Emergency Powers Act raised the burden of proof to gross negligence during the COVID-19 emergency and initially blocked his malpractice claim. When Doe's attorneys shifted to federal discrimination claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act, lower courts still dismissed the case, treating the state emergency standard as controlling. The crew then breaks down how the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded, citing the Supremacy Clause and clarifying that a state emergency statute cannot override federal civil rights protections or bar federal claims from being heard. They close by reflecting on what this means for future plaintiffs, federalism, and the limits of state “emergency” shields for healthcare providers and governments. Don't miss it!

Send us Fan MailHost Naziaty, a disability activist from 1998 to 2024, opens this first episode by tracing the deep, two-way relationship between disability and architecture in the Malaysian context — a story that likely mirrors struggles in your own country. From streets unusable by wheelchair users to bus stop ramps that dangerously spill into traffic, shows how access is too often treated as an afterthought rather than designed in from the start. The result, Naziaty argues, is “a decade of nothingness” — collective stagnation while politicians repeatedly promise, but fail, to reform the toothless Persons with Disabilities Act 2008.At the heart of the episode is a clear-eyed comparison between Malaysia's domestic law and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), drawing on the work published at OKUrightsmatter.com. Nazaty unpacks the critical gaps — no penalties or legal remedies, no definition of discrimination, state immunity from lawsuits, and the absence of an independent oversight body — and explains why harmonizing local legislation with the CRPD matters for everyone: the elderly, parents with young children, and expectant mothers alike. It's an essential primer for architects, planners, and anyone shaping the built environment to understand why accessibility and universal design must be law, not charity. We start from this understanding.Copyright 2026 Talk Architecture, Author: Naziaty Mohd YaacobSupport the showDo subscribe for premium content and special features which will help to support and sustain Talk Architecture podcast on a more in-depth explanation on design thesis and processes. These special commentaries and ‘how to' explanations are valuable insights and knowledge not found elsewhere! 

Send us Fan MailEpisode 457 – BOB DOLE: The Life That Brought Him There, Part 38The Bush Years (1989–1992) (C): The ADA, the 1990 Budget Deal, and the End of the Bush Administration (Season Finale)As the George H. W. Bush years draw to a close, Senator Bob Dole finds himself at the center of some of the most consequential legislative battles of his career.In this season finale, we examine three defining chapters of the Bush Administration and Dole's role in shaping them.First, we look at the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, landmark legislation that transformed opportunities for millions of Americans. For Bob Dole, a wounded World War II veteran who spent years overcoming the challenges of disability himself, the issue was deeply personal. We explore how Dole worked across party lines to help move the legislation through Congress and why the ADA became one of the proudest achievements of his public life.Next, we turn to the bitter struggle over the 1990 budget agreement. Facing mounting deficits and economic uncertainty, President Bush entered negotiations with congressional leaders that culminated in a controversial bipartisan deal. The agreement broke Bush's famous "Read My Lips: No New Taxes" pledge, triggering outrage among conservatives and creating divisions within the Republican Party that would linger for years. We examine Dole's difficult position as Senate Republican Leader and his efforts to navigate the competing demands of governing, party loyalty, and fiscal responsibility.Finally, we trace the final years of the Bush presidency, from the triumph of victory in the Gulf War to a slowing economy, rising political challenges, and the turbulent 1992 election. As President Bush's popularity declined and Governor Bill Clinton emerged as a formidable challenger, Bob Dole increasingly found himself looking toward the future—and toward the possibility of his own presidential campaign.This episode closes the story of Bob Dole's journey from war hero to Senate Republican Leader and one of the most influential figures in Washington during the Bush years. Along the way, we have witnessed the experiences, struggles, triumphs, and setbacks that shaped the man who would soon become the Republican Party's standard-bearer.Next season, the story continues with BOB DOLE: 1995 – Clinton's Comeback, as America enters a new political era marked by divided government, the Republican Revolution, and the opening chapters of Bob Dole's final quest for the presidency.The life that brought him there is complete. The campaign that will define his legacy is about to begin. Questions or comments at  , Randalrgw1@aol.com ,  https://twitter.com/randal_wallace   , and http://www.randalwallace.com/Please Leave us a review at wherever you get your podcastsThanks for listening!!

An Intimate Evening With Michael , the Sunday Edition Family of Podcasts invites you to join us for a very special edition of An Intimate Evening as we sit down with the remarkable Michael Byington. Born legally blind in an era when many blind children were still educated away from their families, Michael's journey is one of perseverance, creativity, advocacy, and service. Inspired by his mother, who was also legally blind, Michael helped blaze a trail for inclusive education while discovering his passion for theatre, performance, and storytelling. From his early days in drama clubs and political campaigns to helping create one of the nation's pioneering Drama Therapy programs at Kansas State University, Michael has spent a lifetime using the arts to enrich lives and expand opportunities for others. His work has touched countless people through entertainment, disability rights advocacy, direct human services, and leadership within the blindness community. Michael also played a role in advancing disability rights during the movement that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act and was honored to attend the White House signing ceremony when President George H.W. Bush signed the landmark legislation into law. Later in life, Michael returned to graduate school to become a certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, helping blind and low vision individuals navigate the world with confidence and independence. Even in retirement, he continues to share his gifts through advocacy, mentorship, and service. Many in our community know Michael through his unforgettable performances on Behind the Music and community karaoke nights. Whether delivering a laugh out loud parody, a heartfelt original piece, or a creative interpretation of artists such as Lana Del Rey, Michael brings warmth, wit, and authenticity to every performance. Join Anthony Corona for an intimate conversation exploring Michael's life, his love of music and theatre, his advocacy journey, and the many ways he has woven art, purpose, and service into a truly extraordinary life. Tonight, 8:00 PM Eastern. Listen live on Corona FM by visiting the Listen tab at www.anthonycorona.com or tune in through 20/20 The Beacon. You can also catch this intimatejourney tomorrow in the Sunday Edition  with Anthony Corona podcast feed wherever you listen to your shows.

Archive, Bios, Description, Transcripts for Episode 154: The Access Coalition: Creating More Inclusive Retail Spaces available at: https://adalive.org/episodes/episode-154/ Under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, retail spaces are required to provide goods and services to customers with disabilities equal to the goods and services offered to customers without disabilities. This allowed businesses to benefit from the patronage of all customers. Thirty-six years after the ADA became law, many businesses are still not fully accessible to people with disabilities. Recognizing that the consumer spending power of people with disabilities worldwide is over $13 trillion annually, beginning in 2024 Walmart and the American Association of People with Disabilities, or AAPD, began working together on this problem. They created the Access Coalition as a place where business competitors and partners could move beyond basic ADA compliance to reimagine what inclusive, accessible retail space could look like. To tell us more about this ambitious initiative, we have with us Maria Town. She is president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, a cross-disability organization dedicated to increasing political and economic power of people with disabilities.

Send us a text and chime in!Scottsdale City Council recently approved the city's updated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, advancing a long-term strategy to improve accessibility across city facilities, parks, sidewalks, transit areas, and digital services. The updated ADA Transition Plan serves as Scottsdale's roadmap for meeting federal accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The comprehensive plan identifies barriers to accessibility, prioritizes improvements, and establishes a 20-year implementation strategy designed to ensure residents and visitors with disabilities can fully access city programs, services, and public spaces. “Accessibility is not a one-time project,...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/scottsdale-ada-transition-plan-for-accessibility-improvements/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Beacon considers five years of capital outlays The Beacon City Council will continue its review on Monday (June 1) of the city's five-year capital plan. Spending for 2027 purchases and projects must be approved before July 31. The city updates its five-year schedule annually; expenditures for the following year are approved, and estimates are calculated for future projects. A public hearing on the 2027 plan will be held on June 15. Next year's plan includes nearly $10 million in capital work and equipment purchases, although not all of it will be the city's responsibility. The most expensive project will be a $3.6 million rehabilitation of Beekman Street funded by grants. The street leading toward the Metro-North station will be repaved; sidewalks will be repaired and installed where there are gaps; and a bike lane will be added on the uphill side of the road. The next-highest expenditure is $1.9 million to construct a water-storage tank at the Mount Beacon Reservoir. The council approved $1.6 million for the project last year; the additional funding for 2027 will complete the work. The city plans to spend $500,000 in each of the next five years to mill and pave streets and install curb ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Similarly, $400,000 is allotted in each of the next three years for improvements to the southwest corner of Memorial Park that tentatively will add pickleball courts, updated lighting and a second public restroom. In 2028, $3.3 million is budgeted for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, although Deputy City Administrator Ben Swanson and Finance Director Susan Tucker stressed during the council's May 18 meeting that prices can change. A ladder truck for the Fire Department, authorized as a $1.7 million expenditure in 2025, is now more than $1.9 million, Tucker noted. Two proposed expenditures drew a lot of attention: $5.4 million in 2028 for a 3.3-mile rail trail from the waterfront to the Town of Fishkill and, in 2031, $5.3 million to create a community center. Many residents have advocated for a community center for years, but the idea has never moved from the final year of the rolling five-year plan, a pattern that irked Council Member Lastar Gorton. "Why is that not a priority when this is what the community has been continuously asking for?" Gorton said, calling the rail trail a project for tourists. Mayor Lee Kyriacou disagreed, saying the trail "has nothing to do with tourism" but will be a recreational asset for residents. Gorton argued that "many, many, many, many" community members have called for a community center, including the Beacon Community Collective, a nonprofit that says it is fundraising for such a facility. The organization says its mission is to help establish something in the spirit of the Martin Luther King Cultural Center, which operated on South Avenue from 1969 to 2011, and the Beacon Community Resource Center, which was located for decades in what is now the Recreation Department building on West Center Street. Kyriacou noted that recreation funding has grown from $304,000 in 2014 to $1.15 million this year, allowing the department to run its after-school program, Camp at the Camp and partnerships with Green Teen Beacon, among other initiatives. The programmatic funds, combined with $15 million in capital improvements to public parks over five years, are "far more important than any building," he said. Kyriacou said he is pitching funders on the rail trail and hopes the project "will be largely funded by other people's money." Conversely, funding for a community center would come from borrowing or taxes, he said. The city must "make choices as to what's most important and in what order we should be doing things," he said. "But most important to who?" Gorton asked. Council Member Carolyn Bennett Glauda added, "Seeing the community center all the way at the end really feels like we kicked it down the curb." The $5.3 million estimate for the project is...

JD is joined by Ben Burr from Blue Ribbon Coalition for a straight-up land access scoreboard on the fights shaping the future of motorized recreation. Ben breaks down the rescission of the BLM Public Lands Rule, the Roadless Rule fight, Moab route reassessments, the San Rafael Swell, WEMO closures in the Western Mojave Desert, and why the minimization criteria could become a serious threat to OHV access nationwide. They also talk about local advocacy groups, fieldwork, the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act, and why off-roaders need to submit meaningful comments instead of assuming someone else has it covered. If you care about public land access, trail closures, Jeep trails, overlanding, OHV routes, or keeping backcountry roads open for people who cannot simply hike in, this episode is one to share.

India has 30-35 million people with disabilities. It's now ten years since the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Yet, accessibility remains a challenge – not only in the real world, but even in the digital one. Most government websites have accessibility issues – meaning people with disabilities can't fully use them. As India digitalises across public services, finance, education, and employment, inclusion cannot be an afterthought. Yet, inaccessible platforms and non-inclusive systems continue to limit equitable participation of persons with disabilities. On the eve of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 21), we discuss what digital inclusion really means in today's AI-led digital landscape. What are the gaps that the disabled face in India, and what will it take to build inclusion into systems from the get go? Guest: Diwakar Menon, Member of the Board at the Association of People with Disability, Bengaluru. Host: G Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Producer: Shiksha Jural Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Talking Headways podcast we're joined by Cardozo Law professor Michael Pollack to talk about his new book Sidewalk Nation: The Life and Law of America's Most Overlooked Resource. Michael discusses who manages, owns, and feels ownership of sidewalks and advocates for a Department dedicated to them. We also talk about the nexus between sidewalks and roads, the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Denver's successful funding and maintenance referendum. +++ Get the show ad free on Patreon! Find out about our newsletter and archive on YouTube! Follow us on Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, Flickr, Substack ... @theoverheadwire Follow us on Mastadon theoverheadwire@sfba.social Support the show on Patreon http://patreon.com/theoverheadwire Buy books on our Bookshop.org Affiliate site!  And get our Cars are Cholesterol shirt at Tee-Public! And everything else at http://theoverheadwire.com

In this episode I explore the history of the innovation of curb cuts for wheel chair accessibility which had its origins in Southwest Michigan, first being introduced in Battle Creek in 1945, and later in Kalamazoo that same year, 45 years before the American with Disabilities Act in 1990.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com

In this episode of the DAV podcast, we explore the critical legal protections and everyday challenges facing veterans with service dogs. Featuring a firsthand account from Army veteran William McCasland, the discussion highlights a recent case of service dog discrimination at a hotel in Mississippi, where a handler faced pushback despite adhering to ADA rules. Angelica Williams from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division joins the conversation to clarify the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, specifically outlining the only two legal questions business owners may ask: is the dog required because of a disability, and what task has it been trained to perform. From debunking myths about service animal certification to providing resources for filing an ADA complaint, this episode is an essential guide for disabled veterans and business owners navigating service member rights and accessibility laws.

This episode of the Digital Signage Today podcast focuses on requirements and mandates relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act.The ADA is a set of guidelines that ensures individuals with disabilities receive equal treatment as individuals without disabilities. This includes equal access to information and functionality. The ADA requirements ensure digital signs are inclusive, engaging, and accessible to all.Podcast guest Laurel Barrette, a marketing manager at Korbyt, maps out why and how digital signage partners and clients need to know and adhere to the ADA rules. The podcast is moderated by Digital Signage Today Editor Judy Mottl.Korbyt is a workplace software and digital signage company. It is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional worldwide offices in the U.K. and the United Arab EmiratesAccording to the World Health Organization, 1.3 billion in the world have a significant disability, which accounts for 16% of the global population. That's a significant portion of the consumer base businesses need to accommodate.ADA requires that digital signs accommodate people with disabilities, from the blind to the hearing impaired and offer functionalities, and features allowing them to engage and interact with a digital sign as a non-disabled inADA compliance isn't something a company can disregard. In 2023, there were a total of 4,605 ADA digital accessibility lawsuits, a 14.1% increase from the previous year. Non-compliance can expose your company to hefty fines, penalties, and legal fees — not to mention scrutiny from your consumers.The approximate total cost of an ADA digital accessibility lawsuit is $200 million, an amount enough to startle a budget and hinder operations.

This week, David and Isabelle continue their conversation with Avari Brocker — Neurodiversity Alliance student advocate and founder of LearningCurb.org. Avari talks about what it felt like to go from being on her own little island to being surrounded by other neurodivergent people, and realizing (maybe for the first time) that it was actually safe to be fully herself. The group also gets into the difference between being around people who tolerate you vs. being around people who just get it. If you've ever felt exhausted from constantly managing yourself around other people or if you've ever needed a reminder that belonging is not extra, it's foundational… this one's for you!Here's what's coming your way:Why being around like-minded neurodivergent people can feel like coming homeA clear breakdown of what high masking feels like from the insideWhy shared experience can make it easier to stop overexplaining and start relaxingHow community can help you stand up for yourself in ways you might not otherwiseThe story behind Learning Curb and why its whole mission is rooted in accessA reminder that the things you needed most can become the very things you build for someone else -------Wait, What's That? Here are some of the terms and people mentioned in this episode explained:Neurodiversity Alliance: An organization that supports neurodivergent young people through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. In this conversation, it's also the community space where David and Isabelle first connected with Avari. Learn more at TheNDAlliance.org. Dyslexia: A learning disability that affects reading, spelling, and language processing. In this conversation, Avari talks about how meaningful it was when other dyslexic people heard her speak not just about the hard parts, but the good parts too. Dysgraphia: A learning disability that affects writing. Here, it's part of the group of neurodivergent experiences Avari has already been advocating around and building resources for. The “curb cut” effect: The idea behind Learning Curb's name. Curb cuts were added to sidewalks after the Americans with Disabilities Act to support wheelchair users, but they ended up helping lots of other people too — parents with strollers, skateboarders, cyclists, and delivery workers. Avari uses that as a model for education: when you lower the barrier to access for the most vulnerable people, everybody benefits. High masking: Constantly adjusting your behavior, communication, or presentation so you seem more acceptable, understandable, or “normal” to other people. Avari describes doing this in neurotypical spaces and contrasts it with the relief of not needing to do it so much in neurodivergent community. Neurospicy: A playful community term some neurodivergent people use for themselves. Isabelle uses it here while talking about the way neurospicy conversations can go from breadcrumb-level sharing to a full French dip hoagie in about two seconds. Narrative Reasoning: Avari's phrase for the way her brain explains things through story, analogy, and comparison that other people can understand. Neurotypical: People whose brains work in ways that are more socially expected or normalized. In this conversation, Avari contrasts neurotypical spaces with neurodivergent ones, especially in terms of masking, safety, and how much self-management is required. Love bombing: A phrase Avari uses jokingly while talking about how quickly people bonded at the Neurodiversity Alliance. In context, she's naming the relief of being able to connect intensely without immediately worrying that it's “too much.” “English is just three languages in a trench coat”: Avari's explanation for why English spelling is chaos, and Isabelle immediately clocks it as the best saying ever!Night Witches: The nickname given by German soldiers during World War II to the Soviet Union's all-female 588th Night Bomber Regiment, known for flying dangerous nighttime bombing missions against Nazi forces. Isabelle brings them up as an example of the kind of fully formed special-interest tangent that can come pouring out once someone takes the bait in a neurodivergent conversation. -------

Job growth and wage growth have cooled, according to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch and even Homebase, but the overarching theme is that small businesses continue to be resilient in an ever-changing landscape. Gene Marks points out that businesses are being more selective when hiring and cutting costs rather than jobs. In other news, lawsuits around accessibility – mainly concerning websites – under the Americans with Disabilities Act have risen 37%, and Gene offers some tips for owners. Businesses continue to adopt artificial intelligence at a rapid rate, but among users there is a diminished trust in the accuracy of AI's output.  Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Jobs and Wages 03:00 – ADA Accessibility Lawsuits 05:20 – AI Accuracy and Trust 07:55 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Photo: Marcia Lowry outside the federal courthouse in Anchorage on September 8, 2025. She was lead attorney in the class action lawsuit against the Alaska Office of Children’s Services. (Matt Faubion / Alaska Public Media) Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed a federal class-action lawsuit filed against the Alaska Office of Children's Services (OCS) Tuesday. The lawsuit was brought by a national nonprofit working for foster care reforms. Attorneys for the organization alleged Alaska foster children are at risk of harm because of systemic problems that violated federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and federal child welfare protections. They pointed to high caseloads for caseworkers and an inadequate hiring and training process. About two thirds of kids in out-of-home care in the state are Alaska Native, but Gleason wrote that the attorneys did not prove that any of the foster youth represented were actually harmed. Gleason also questioned the reliability of the evidence presented. Marcia Lowry is attorney and executive director of A Better Childhood, which brought the suit. She calls the dismissal “quite disappointing”. “We did do a trial that involved a lot of evidence that, I think, was largely undisputed about how high the caseloads are in Alaska, about the lack of placement resources for children, about the failure to basically make attempts to remedy that situation.” She says a lot of children in Alaska are not getting benefits they are entitled to under federal law. Lowry says A Better Childhood is not sure yet of its next steps but is considering an appeal. “We have seen dysfunctional child welfare systems really, really change and provide good services to kids, but we have seen that only as a result of litigation.” OCS declined an interview for this story. In a written statement they said they are pleased with the court's decision and the verdict is an opportunity for the office to continue advancing its work. This story was provided by Alaska Public Media's Rachel Cassandra The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Gabriel Pietrorazio) The U.S. Supreme Court last week spent two hours hearing a landmark case that could upend birthright citizenship. A 19th century ruling on the citizenry of tribal members was at the heart of the Trump administration's defense. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio has this report. This was the exchange during oral arguments when U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch pressed Solicitor General John Sauer, who presented the government's case. Sauer: “Yes, yes, so a tribal Indian for example gives up allegiance to…” Justice Gorsuch: “Are tribal members born today birthright citizens?” Sauer: “Uh, I think so – on our test, yes – if they're lawfully domiciled here. I have to think that through, but that's my reaction.” Gorsuch: “I'll take the yes, that's alright.” In an 1884 majority decision, the justices ruled John Elk, a Winnebago man living in Omaha, was not a U.S. citizen in spite of the 14th Amendment – codifying birthright citizenship. “My mother was probably not a United States citizen when she was born in 1923 in Oklahoma.” Bob Miller, who is Eastern Shawnee and with Arizona State University's Indian Legal Clinic, has been teaching this very precedent of Elk v. Wilkins for three decades now. “I disagree completely with the argument that that's analogous to undocumented immigrants and them having children here.” Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, April 6, 2026 – What the ‘conversion therapy’ court decision means for LGBTQ2+ protections

"To them it just felt like terrorism," says St Louis Magazine Executive Editor Sarah Fenske about attorneys sending letters to local businesses, threatening lawsuits over their lack of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. "You get this letter from a lawyer you've never met, representing a person who's never come to your business, claiming that a business or website wasn't accessible." The Missouri legislature is attempting to stop these excessive lawsuits. She also discusses city staffing issues.

The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is the federal legislation requiring equal access to jobs and public places for people with disabilities. It also applies to the public digital realm, like with government websites and apps -- and deadlines are coming up for local governments to get into compliance. The League has been putting out info to help municipalities understand and meet the federal requirements ​and has a hub on its website with resources and explanations​. For this episode, we've put it into conversational form with an expert answering common questions and offering tips to understand the why, how and when.

We bring you the stories of two remarkable women. First, Maggie McCrumb says she knows she's capable of working, but from transportation issues to workplace attitudes, she navigates unique barriers as someone with a disability. Then, disability justice activist Anita Cameron is known for her civil disobedience, including being arrested after the 1990 Capitol Crawl while pushing for passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Both women share their stories on the Move to Include Podcast, hosted by WXXI's Noelle Evans. We hear both episodes this hour.---You can find Maggie's episode of the Move To Include Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or on YouTube.You can find Anita's episode of the Move To Include Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, or on YouTube.---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Bill Lampton: Hi there. Welcome to the Biz Communication Show. I’m your host Bill Lampton, the biz communication guy, and our eighth year with the Biz Communication Show bringing onto the show business communication experts, and through our conversation, you and I can pick up business communication tips that will be very valuable for us. Today I have a guest, I don’t often know my guest, but I have a guest that I’ve known for a dozen years or so, delighted to bring onto the program today Kristina Rhoades. Kristina Rhoades is a long-time disability consultant and advocate, a writer, motivational speaker, and proud wife and mom. A former Ms. Wheelchair California, she has had a career in the disability industry modeling and marketing for a variety of products that improve accessibility. Kristina has an MS in organizational leadership and a BA in mass communication. She resides in New Mexico with her husband, who’s also her childhood best friend Jacob, and their 14-year-old daughter Cameron. In her spare time, she enjoys making art and jewelry, volunteering in the local community, and supporting live music. So I know you will welcome Kristina Rhoades. Hello Kristina, great to see you. Kristina Rhoades: Hi Bill, it’s so good to be with you again. Bill Lampton: Well I think back Kristina to how we first became acquainted and how I recognized right away as a speech coach and as a professional speaker, what a role model you are for communication. Even today a few minutes ago, you and I were talking about when you were with the radio station WBCX at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, where I live and where you lived at the time, and I happened to put on Twitter that I had always enjoyed participating on radio, and so you texted me back and next thing I knew, we had a very brief interview, you said let’s get going, and for two years, we had the opportunity to work together co-hosting what we called the Business Communication Corner. And so you are not a novice in the communication business. What I believe our viewers and listeners would like to know first is, how did you develop your presentation skills? I think of your vitality, I think of your diction, I think of your nonverbal messages, it all just comes together so vibrantly and you’re one of the most listenable radio colleagues that I’ve ever associated with. So tell us, I don’t think those things just happen, how did you develop those skills? Kristina Rhoades: Oh well thank you first Bill for the kind words, I appreciate it very much. Um, I think it’s a bit of a two-part answer for me. Um, part of it’s my personality, I’ve always been an outgoing person, um, very social, I enjoy people, I enjoy talking to people, but I do often wonder how much of that came from just my life experience as well. So being somebody in a wheelchair, uh, I often am approached by strangers, um, people ask questions about my situation or about my wheelchair or about my disability. Um, I’ve had when I was young, very many medical appointments and um, situations where I am, you know kind of being interviewed and grilled by um, a therapist or a doctor or a nurse or different people trying to fit me for a wheelchair. So I wonder if um, those experiences growing up helped just build my courage and my comfort in talking with strangers and being kind of in the spotlight or you know going in public and having a whole room of people look at me because I’m in a wheelchair might’ve made me a little more comfortable um, you know being having attention on me. So I wonder that. But I also have to give credit to Brenau University, which is where we met and what you were just referring to where WBCX the radio station was. Um, that’s where I received my BA in mass communication and I stayed there as well to do my MS. Um, and I guess coming in with a natural inclination and interest in public speaking and um, communication, Brenau really helped me hone my skills and develop um, really all the pieces that I need to to properly give a presentation and to put put my thoughts together in a manner um, that are that are easily digestible by my audience. Um, so I have to, yeah, I have to give lots of credit to Brenau. Bill Lampton: I think we could say that uh unlike um many of your younger colleagues, you were basically on stage for for your childhood. Now one one point I know we have talked about before, your disability was at a very young age and your mother had a wonderful way of dealing with that. And she made you feel special in ways that other people might not get the kind of encouragement and support that you did. Uh let’s go back to when you were 18 months old and there was a swim meet that you were engaged in, maybe swim competition, tell tell us about that and your mother’s role in that please. Kristina Rhoades: Oh Bill, thanks. Um, not sure if it was a competition or you know I don’t really know what to call it, but I’ll give a little background to the audience. Um, I got a spinal cord injury when I was just 10 months old, um, and so obviously was in the hospital for a period of time recovering from that. Got out of the hospital a little before I was a year and a half. Um, I come from a family that is a big water family, my grandpa at the time lived on a boat in Marina del Rey, California, all my my mom and my aunts and uncles were all all raised on the ocean, swimming and doing water sports. So uh it was it just kind of part of my family culture, it was really important to my mom that I was able to swim. Now remember that this is 1984, this is before the Americans with Disabilities Act, there weren’t as many resources and programs out there for people like me, especially a baby that young um with a disability. So probably for my mom she was unsure of what um my abilities were going to be as I grew up, but she I think wanted to give me as many opportunities and um experience as she could so I could develop whatever skills and abilities I was able to. Um, so first thing she did after I got out of the hospital and we got settled was enroll me in like one of those mom and baby swim classes. Um, and at the time because again this was before the ADA, the facility that she went to, the pool uh wasn’t wheelchair accessible, and at the time I didn’t even have a wheelchair yet, she was just pushing me around in a stroller um because I couldn’t you know couldn’t push a wheelchair at the time. And so she would just carry me carry me down these steps um just like all the other moms on her hip down to the pool and get me in the pool and we would do the class together and um there was a number of other you know moms and babies teaching their their little babies how to swim. And so she never mentioned that I was in a wheelchair, um the teacher was aware, the instructor, but none of the other parents knew um that I was any different from them. So I went through the whole course and um at the at the last day there was a little event where we did um some exercises and some races um and I was awarded the best little swimmer in the class. And so the instructor presented the award to my mom and then shared with the other parents, I don’t know if anybody’s aware but Kristina doesn’t have use of her legs and she’s been doing all of the activities and all of the lessons the entire time just with her arms. And all of the parents were just very surprised and shocked that that was the case. And I just always thought that that was such a cool um example of how my mom raised me and how she put me in situations where I would have to just do the best I could with the abilities I had, and often times that was just as just as good as my peers, just as good as everybody else if I was given that opportunity to try. Um, and so uh to this day I still love to swim and fancy myself a strong swimmer, but um it’s important to remember that often times the limitations that you put on yourself or that society puts on you can really make a big impact, but if you remove those um you can uh achieve way more than you ever ever could otherwise. Bill Lampton: Your mother deserves a lot of crowns for the that that not only that attitude but that support, I I I know I’ve met your mother I believe once or twice and she is a princess and a queen in my judgment and I’m sure in the judgment of those who are watching and listening. Let’s get back Kristina to what you mentioned about going up and all through not only your childhood but also early adulthood and even on into adulthood where you are now, people will notice your disability because of a wheelchair and as you said many people will stop and talk, strangers, let’s examine first of all what are some of the and we we need your advice on it because you’re the participant here Kristina, what are some of the things that you definitely prefer someone not say? What are some of the words you don’t want them to say and then on the other hand what kind of comments do you welcome in starting a conversation? Kristina Rhoades: Great, yeah, those are great questions Bill. Um, first of all there’s a lot of outdated terms um that have been used in the past and that were very common in the past and for past generations that some people with disabilities just find to be offensive because of just the nature of the word and the definition of the word. So if we’re talking about words like crippled or handicapped or lame um, if you use those words to describe anything else, you’re not that’s not a positive um description that you’re using. Bill Lampton: They’re too they’re too limiting aren’t they? Kristina Rhoades: They are. And so if you’re talking about anything, an inanimate object, and you you know call it lame or crippled, that means it doesn’t work or that it’s not good enough. Bill Lampton: It’s not up to standard, yeah. Kristina Rhoades: It is, you know, so if you’re a human being and being described by those same words, you can understand that they can feel offensive or just not necessarily a proper representation of who I am and what I am. So we like to use language that puts the person first. And so we say an ind- individual with a disability, a person with a disability, a person who uses a wheelchair or a wheelchair user, um words like that where you’re you’re recognizing that first and foremost this is just a human being, this is just an individual and one of the parts about them is that they happen to have a disability or they happen to be hearing impaired or um low vision, whatever it may be, they’re a person first. Bill Lampton: That’s that’s a great um that’s a great introduction for in a conversation because as you say, the limitation is a part of an individual, it is not the individual. And one of the surprises so many people have who are not disabled and they they get to know those who have a disability, a person with a disability, I’m sure you have new acquaintances who are absolutely astonished at all that you can do. What what would be some of the what would be some of the surprises that that people get, I know you’ve had a long-time nickname Hotwheels. Kristina Rhoades: Yeah. Bill Lampton: What uh surprises in the way of your activities um really awaken people to who you really are? Kristina Rhoades: Sure, I think two of the biggest surprises for people is first and foremost the independence. People are very surprised to find out that I travel alone, that I’ve had a career, that I’ve you know been to college, when they find out that I carried a child and that I am a mother, that astounds people in a way that they can barely handle sometimes. Um, and then sometimes, you know this Bill, they want to know how and at that point I just ask them to go back to elementary or middle school, you know education and you know learn a little bit more about the birds and the bees. Bill Lampton: You have a nice way of saying none of your business. Kristina Rhoades: Yes, yeah exactly. Um, and so just what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve been able to do people are very surprised by that. I think they have you know a lot of people have an image in their mind of you know one of their grandparents when they had got too too elderly to be able to get around by themselves and they use a wheelchair and at that point they kind of are just sedentary and they sit there and observe and that’s kind of their their image in their head of somebody that’s a wheelchair user, somebody that has a disability if they haven’t had that personal experience. So in again independence and my accomplishments are what people are most surprised by that. Um, I think they have you know a lot of people have an image in their mind of you know one of their grandparents when they had got too too elderly to be able to get around by themselves and they use a wheelchair and at that point they kind of are just sedentary and they sit there and observe and that’s kind of their their image in their head of somebody that’s a wheelchair user, somebody that has a disability if they haven’t had that personal experience. So in again independence and my accomplishments are what people are most surprised by that. Um, and then also people are also um surprised to find out that I’m happy, that I have a positive attitude and um you know I’ve had people say that you don’t have to put on a good front for me like you don’t have to put on a happy face. Oh my goodness, I’m definitely not, this is just how I am and of course I’m not like this all the time and I have my bad days and my moods. Bill Lampton: Nobody is like that all the time you know. Kristina Rhoades: Exactly, but for the most part I am a pretty happy person and I an- I’m an optimist and I like to look on the bright side and think about the positive. So that’s just you know who I am as an individual with or without a disability. Um, so I think those are kind of you know my outlook and my accomplishments are are what people are most surprised with after they get to know me a little bit. Bill Lampton: Well I knew that immediately. As I said I had the wonderful opportunity of co-hosting a radio show with you and your your brightness, your optimism, your upbeat attitude, they helped me a lot of days. I can guarantee you. But you’re right that um anyone in any condition will have because of circumstances often mood swings, but we all can can if you can handle those as well as you do that that’s a great example and role model for us Kristina. One thing that I want to get to next is what’s called the Disability Expo. I know that that’s something that you’re heavily involved with and we’ll be back in just a few seconds to talk about that. Ad: Do you wish you felt confident about giving speeches? Do you want to deal with difficult people constructively? And what about becoming more persuasive in sales? Then keep listening now to Dr. Bill Lampton. He spent 20 years in management so he knows the communication skills you need for success. I urge you to call the Biz Communication Guy today for a no-cost but very very valuable 30-minute discussion about your communication challenges. Call now: 678-316-4300. Again that’s 678-316-4300. Bill Lampton: We’re here with Kristina Rhoades, also known as Hotwheels as we’ve said on the Biz Communication Show. And Kristina before the short break, I mentioned that we want to know what is the Abilities Expo that you’re involved with, what’s its purpose, how is it you’re involved, how long have you been with it, and what are the results for you and others? Kristina Rhoades: Yeah, Bill, Abilities Expo is absolutely fantastic. Um, it’s been going for over 40 years. It’s our nation’s largest expo for the disability community. Um, and so there’s a variety of services, products, resources for all types of disabilities available there, number of vendors, workshops, educational workshops, events like adaptive dancing and assistive dog demonstrations, adaptive sports. All sorts of exciting things. Um, we’ll be kicking off the season this year in Long Beach um at the end of March and we even have a really awesome adaptive fashion show that’s going to be taking place there. Um, and at that show we see just about 10,000 people come through in a weekend with disabilities, family members, caretakers, professionals that serve the disability community. Um, it’s just a really fantastic event, Bill. Bill Lampton: Uh you you bring up a question that I think some of us are wondering you mentioned 10,000 people. What what is there a number of the that you know of the people say in the United States who are rated as people with disability or is there percentage of population? Kristina Rhoades: You know I don’t have a figure for you for general disabilities Bill because that that’s a kind of a tough number to grab, there’s so many types of disabilities, invisible, visible disabilities, all sorts of um types of disability, um and it’s a it’s something that some people aren’t comfortable sharing so to capture that number is a challenge. For example I can talk that people in wheelchairs I have a figure for that because that’s a little bit more you know easier to measure because of product and things like that so the US estimates that there’s about 20 to 25 million people wheelchair users that live in the US um at any given time. Um, and again that number can change because some people don’t use a wheelchair all the time, some people have multiple chairs, you know there’s a lot of a lot of factors that go into that. Um, but the expo again I just yeah I want to just say that I’ve been attending that in one way or another for about 20 years Bill, working with various companies in the industry, giving workshops, um just helping get the word out about the expo because it’s just a really special experience for people that live their daily lives out in the normal world encountering obstacles um you know trying to find that accessibility like we just talked about encountering strangers where they’re asking you questions and you’re just trying to navigate the world. So when you like walk into a disability expo or roll into a disability expo and abilities expo and there’s all of these resources for people with disabilities you just feel kind of home, you feel like you are normal and you’re the norm and everybody at at that show is there for you and to cater to to your access and your needs and um what you need to to live your best life um and so I just it’s a really special experience if you go if you don’t buy anything if you just go and roll through the show it really um just provides a sense of camaraderie and um knowing that you’re not alone. Bill Lampton: I’m sure especially for a person who’s a new occupant of a wheelchair, that is that is an incredibly comforting time that they’re there. Kristina Rhoades: It is. And there’s so much technology now Bill compared to when I was injured um you know back in 1984 and watching the Americans with Disabilities Act come around and we start getting curb cuts and you know elevators and then fast forward to to today and the types of technology um the wheelchairs that can lift up and reach the top shelf and um power assists for manual wheelchairs so you can still be independent but you can push a button and get some power if your shoulders get tired. Remember I used to have to use a dog for that. Bill Lampton: Yes. Kristina Rhoades: I had a companion dog Chevy that when my shoulders got tired I had to have him pull me along so yeah the technology has just come a long way and it really really like you said especially if you’re somebody with a new disability going to one of these shows just really opens up your world and gives you the the tools and the resources to live as independently as possible. Bill Lampton: You definitely have a message of motivation, inspiration, building self-confidence, overcoming obstacles, what kind of speaking have you done to groups on those or similar topics? Kristina Rhoades: Yeah, much of what you just mentioned Bill I talk to um a variety of audiences so folks that work in the disability community but may not necessarily have a disability themselves so people that work at um dealerships for accessible vehicles and people that may be therapists and other sorts of professionals in the disability community. I’ll give um presentations about disability etiquette and talk about some of the things that we’re talking about here today Bill about um proper language and just communication and etiquette when you’re when you’re interacting with a person with a disability, how to shake hands, how to um properly greet somebody so you can kind of reduce the awkwardness that can come up sometimes um in new situations. Um and then I’ve also spoke to groups with disabilities and talked about um leadership and positive thinking and um you know self-worth and self-development and how how important it is to um have a positive attitude and set personal goals and um you know so it really depends on who I’m speaking to um and you know what what that particular audience needs. Bill Lampton: You and I are both on TikTok, I see you there and I’ve noticed uh quite frequently other wheelchair occupants who will talk about how to talk with someone as we talked about earlier in our conversation. For example they they don’t want you to talk baby talk, they don’t want you to whisper, um they don’t want you to indicate in any way that that they are approaching you or thinking about you differently than they would someone else, and how would you expand on that? Anything I’ve missed there? Kristina Rhoades: No, that’s a fantastic point Bill, and I tell people really to to lead with empathy, like to think about how you would want to be treated and if somebody approached you in a store and asked you a personal question about a medical procedure you’ve had, how how that would feel. And so just to you know any anytime you’re going to approach somebody maybe and you’re wondering if you should in a wheelchair or not in a wheelchair, with a disability or without, think about if if somebody else was to ask you a question like that if you would be comfortable answering that and especially in the situation you know it may be different if you guys have gotten to know each other a little bit and you’re in a social situation and you’re having more of a personal talk. Different topics can come up, but if it’s a stranger and you walk up to me in the grocery store and I’ve never met you and you want to dive right into my disability it can be a little awkward. Um and then I just think it’s also important to to just again and this goes back to empathy and just kind of the golden rule treating others how you would want to be treated, but um thinking about how people value independence. And so if you’re an adult and you’re out in the world and somebody comes up and asks, you know asks the date that you’re with at the restaurant what you would like to eat for lunch, how would you feel as an adult with you know you would say excuse me um I’m here and you can speak directly to me. So a person with a disability feels the exact same way they want their personal autonomy, they want to have respect, they want to feel independent and you know with a person with a physical disability often they’ve had to work even harder to gain that independence so they cherish it even more maybe than the next person. Bill Lampton: What a conversation we’ve had, we have picked up some wonderful pointers about the the disability world which I would call you the queen of. How how to relate, how to assist, how to inspire at the same time we’re getting so much inspiration from you Kristina. I know as we unfortunately have that old clock on the wall as they said on television many times it’s moved along, so I have time certainly to ask you for your contact information because I know that there are those who would like to get in touch with you. Um share with us what you’d like to on that please. Kristina Rhoades: Yeah thanks Bill, I’ve had a great great time speaking with you today and catching up. Um people can reach out to me via email and that’s going to be KristinaTheNumber4Abilities, and that’s Kristina with a K, number 4 abilities @ gmail . com. Um or you can reach out to me on Instagram and there’s a link there that you can find my TikTok and my other social media um and that’s Kristina again with a K underscore and my last name is Rhoades, it’s there on the bottom but it’s r-h-o-a-d-e-s there on Instagram. Bill Lampton: Thank you very much, thank you. And I encourage, I doubt that I have to encourage, I think people who have heard Kristina and seen her today with that vibrant attitude and glowing smile which is just a part of her everyday, I I have a feeling you will definitely want to get in touch with her and now that she’s shared her contact information I’ll share mine. My YouTube channel since my moniker is the biz communication guy, my YouTube channel is Bill Lampton PhD, and while you’re on my YouTube channel, by the way I started posting instructional videos there in 2007 so there are a lot of them. And the good news is they’re free. And for the last eight years they’ve included marvelous guests on the Biz Communication Show so while you’re on my YouTube channel, please consider subscribing. And then my website, https://www.google.com/search?q=thebizcommunicationguy.com we have it there, https://www.google.com/search?q=thebizcommunicationguy.com, while you’re on my website you can subscribe to the podcast. I would very much welcome phone calls for an initial no-cost discussion of your communication challenges and problems and we’ll talk about potential solutions and whether I’m the person to work with you or someone else is. That phone number is 678-316-4300. I also want to give credit to the co-producer of this show, Mike Stewart based in Nashville, used to be here with me in Gainesville, Georgia. Mike I met in get this, 1997 when I first became an entrepreneur and he has been my marketing and technology guy all along. He absolutely he doesn’t keep up, he’s ahead of everything and and he’s a great guy. So his website localinternetpresence.com, I definitely encourage you to check with him. Kristina as we are closing the show, I want to ask you we’ve discussed some wonderful themes about disability. What would you like to leave with our audience? What what are some maybe some kernels, some thoughts that you’d like to leave with us? Kristina Rhoades: Well thanks again Bill for the conversation. I really enjoyed it. Um I said this before but I’ll just say it again to lead with empathy and just to consider how you would want to be treated, remember that golden rule, um and just be kind because we’re all just humans and we’re doing the best we can to get through this life. We don’t know the struggles that each of us are silently dealing with, um so if we can remember that then um things will go a lot smoother and um thanks again Bill for the um information that you provide I love watching all of your videos and appreciate um all the knowledge that you impart to the world. So I appreciate the the chance to be here with you today. Bill Lampton: You can just call me Clint Eastwood because you made my day. And to think that you, highly talented top professional communicator you, are watching my videos, that um that’s wonderful. Thank you. Thanks to those of you who joined us today on the Biz Communication Show. We invite you to be with us again for next week for another vital conversation. It’s planned, it’s not canned, it’s planned, it is a lively conversation about communication and you and I will both get tips and strategies that will be beneficial for us. Thanks again to Kristina Rhoades and to thanks to all of you who joined us in the show today.

First, we speak to The Indian Express' Vineet Bhalla about a petition before the Supreme Court of India that highlights a legal gap, leaving acid ingestion survivors outside the scope of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. Next, we turn to Bihar, where Nitish Kumar has moved to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for a new Chief Minister after nearly two decades. The Indian Express' Deputy Editor Liz Mathew explains what this transition means for the BJP, JDU, and the state's political balance. (09:15)And in the end, we look at the death of an Indian student in Canada. Gurkirat Singh Manocha from Ujjain was allegedly assaulted and run over in Fort St. John, with authorities now investigating the incident. (19:35)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

In this episode, Dr. Kristi Kirschner, a physician, educator, and leader in disability-inclusive healthcare, whose career began the same year as the Americans with Disabilities Act became law shares that even more than 30 years later, the promise of that moment still feels unfulfilled. Healthcare continues to lag behind other systems in accessibility and widespread ableism prevents patients from receiving the care they deserve.  Dr. Kirschner shares a bold vision for change rooted in education, partnership, and reimagining the role of healthcare itself. From training the next generation of clinicians to building a lifespan disability clinic which elevates the voices of people with lived experience, this episode explores what it takes to move from compliance to true inclusion. The University of Illinois Health Lifespan Disability Clinic, offers comprehensive, disability-inclusive primary care for both children and adults with a wide range of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, including complex, multifaceted conditions.  Listen to witness the power of reframing because disability is not a limitation, it is a lens for innovation, creativity, and a more humane, interconnected world. This is a conversation about dignity, design, and the future of care, and why getting it right matters for all of us.Learn more about the UI Health Lifespan Disability Clinic https://hospital.uillinois.edu/primary-and-specialty-care/disability-inclusive-care Explore their website to access their resources: https://adih.uic.edu/ Chapters (00:00:03) - Coming soon: Disability in the World(00:00:48) - Advocates in Action: Equity and Inclusion in Healthcare(00:07:11) - The role of health professionals with disabilities(00:16:18) - The Disability Inclusive Health Care(00:24:39) - Living with Disabilities in 2026(00:34:29) - Advocates in Action: Week 3

Resilience, mindset, overcoming adversity, and personal growth take center stage in this powerful conversation with bestselling author and keynote speaker Stacey Chillemi.What if your greatest challenge could become your greatest purpose?On this inspiring episode of Women Road Warriors, Shelley Johnson and Kathy Tuccaro welcome Stacey Chillemi—20-time bestselling author, keynote speaker, and mindset coach whose work has empowered millions around the world.Stacey's journey began with a life-altering diagnosis. After developing epilepsy following childhood encephalitis, she faced obstacles that could have defined her limitations. Instead, she transformed adversity into advocacy—ultimately speaking before Congresson behalf of people with epilepsy, which helped pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. She then became a global voice for resilience by helping others unlock healing, confidence, and leadership.Today, Stacey reaches millions through her books, coaching programs, and the fast-growing Advisor Series for Mindset & Self-Improvement podcast and YouTube channel. Her message has been featured across major media, including NBC Dateline, News 4, The Morning Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Psychology Today, Business Insider, and collaborations with leaders like Arianna Huffington.In this powerful conversation, Stacey shares how anyone can shift their mindset, rise above challenges, reduce stress, and step into their true potential.If you've ever faced adversity, questioned your path, or needed a reminder of your inner strength, this episode will leave you inspired and empowered.Listen now to discover:• How to transform adversity into purpose • Mindset shifts that unlock resilience and leadership • Practical ways to reduce stress and reclaim your power • Why your story—no matter how difficult—can become your greatest strength

OA1238 - Dive in to an “old” case from the 90's that secured a critical right for people with disabilities: The right to be free from unnecessary institutionalization. Learn about some of the more obscure portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the different ways we can define discrimination, and what happens when a majority of  judges just cannot agree to sign on to an entire opinion. Olmstead v. L.C. 527 U.S. 581 (1999) Americans with Disabilities Act - Findings and Purpose; 42 U.S.C. § 12101(a)(2, 3, & 5) Americans with Disabilities Act - Discrimination; 42 U.S.C. § 12132 28 CFR § 35.130(d) Jesse Jackson (July 18, 1989). Statement before the Committee on Education and Labor Subcommittee on Select Education (regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act). Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!  

2/18/26Episode SummaryIn this episode, host Scott Austin continues the conversation about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for Shopify merchants by talking with Amanda Porter from Interact One about how compliance is evaluated and improved in online stores. They discuss practical evaluation tools (like the Wave accessibility testing plugin), common accessibility issues in Shopify sites, and how errors such as missing alt text or poor contrast affect usability. Porter emphasizes that there's no single “silver bullet” solution—simple add-on apps often aren't enough, and deeper fixes (code, structure, content) are required to genuinely improve accessibility and reduce legal risk. They also cover how to document accessibility processes, incorporate ADA checks into regular site maintenance, and what store owners should expect in terms of effort and potential costs related to compliance.Show LinksInteract One - https://interactone.com/Brand-It! Calendar - https://apps.shopify.com/brand-it-calendarVideo & Transcript https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-179-more-ada-compliance-for-shopify-stores

Dr. Teresa Conklin discusses the shift toward competency-based education and shares strategies that graduate nursing educators can use to provide proficiency-centered experiences for NP students. In her article she describes the role of an Accessibility Committee to apply the  Americans with Disabilities Act standards to universal design of digital materials. 

Quick recap In this episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns podcast, host Jim interviewed Michael Hingson, a blind speaker and author who shared his experiences on 9/11 and his broader life story. Michael discussed his work as a computer company executive in the World Trade Center on 9/11, where he and his guide dog Roselle survived the terrorist attacks by following emergency procedures and evacuation protocols. They also explored Michael's perspective on disability rights, technology's role in accessibility, and his work as a public speaker. The conversation highlighted Michael's philosophy on overcoming challenges and his views on artificial intelligence and its potential benefits for people with disabilities. Jim expressed admiration for Michael's leadership and resilience, and they discussed the importance of adapting to new technologies and maintaining a positive outlook despite obstacles. Summary Surviving 9/11 as a Blind Leader Jim interviews Michael Hingson, who shares his experience as a blind person who survived the 9/11 attacks in the World Trade Center. Michael describes how he and his guide dog Roselle evacuated Tower 1 after the plane hit, emphasizing that his blindness did not prevent him from understanding the situation. They discuss Michael's subsequent leadership and speaking career, with Jim mentioning potential future speaking opportunities through the National League of Cities. Surviving 9/11: A Blind Man's Story Michael shared his experience of surviving the September 11 attacks as a blind person, highlighting how his preparation and training helped him remain calm and focused during the evacuation. He described how his guide dog, Roselle, played a crucial role in keeping him and others calm, and how he used his knowledge of the World Trade Center to navigate the building during the emergency. Michael has since become a public speaker, sharing lessons learned from his experiences about teamwork, trust, leadership, and emergency preparedness. Michael's Journey with Thunderdog Michael discussed his experiences with writing and publishing two books, "Thunderdog" and "Live Like a Guy Dog." He shared how "Thunderdog" came about after meeting George Berger at the American Kennel Club Canine Yukanuba Dog Show in 2002, and how Susie Flory encouraged him to write the book. Michael explained that the book was published by Thomas Nelson in 2011 and became a New York Times bestseller. He emphasized the importance of the book in teaching people about blindness and challenging attitudes towards blind people, highlighting the high unemployment rate among employable blind individuals. Overcoming Challenges with Technology and Choice Michael shared his personal story of being born blind and overcoming obstacles, emphasizing the importance of choices and technology in his life. He discussed the concept of disability as a characteristic that everyone has, and highlighted how the Americans with Disabilities Act has provided accommodations that benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities. Jim agreed with Michael's perspective, noting how the ADA has opened doors for people with disabilities and should be seen as a natural part of society. Challenges in Accessibility Today Michael discussed the ongoing challenges of accessibility, highlighting how the Americans with Disabilities Act has made significant progress but still faces numerous battles. He shared personal anecdotes about his wife's experiences with accessibility issues and his own encounters with discrimination, emphasizing the need for societal recognition of these challenges. Michael also explained the importance of making internet websites accessible, noting that only about 3% of websites are currently accessible. He praised Apple's innovative approach to accessibility, particularly with their VoiceOver technology, while suggesting that more could be done to ensure all apps are accessible. AI's Role and Future Potential Jim and Michael discussed the role and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of life. Michael emphasized that AI is a valuable tool that can enhance accessibility, improve vaccine development, and assist in education by helping students learn rather than just using AI to write papers. They also talked about the progress and future of autonomous vehicles, with Jim highlighting the potential benefits for elderly people and Michael sharing his experience driving a Tesla with AI assistance. Both agreed that while AI has made significant strides, it is still in its early stages and will continue to improve over time. Guide Dogs and AI Technologies Michael discussed his experiences with guide dogs, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and trust between the handler and the dog. He explained that guide dogs are trained to ensure safe navigation, not to lead the handler, and described how he communicates with his dogs using a harness. Michael also highlighted the role of AI in assisting people with disabilities, mentioning technologies like Echo Vision glasses and the IRA (Artificial Intelligent Remote Assistant) service. He concluded by sharing his approach to interacting with the public, including allowing petting of his guide dogs when time permits. Michael's Speaking Career Promotion Jim and Michael discussed Michael's speaking career, emphasizing that his story transcends 9/11 and covers themes of life, persistence, and inspiration. Jim expressed his admiration for Michael's speaking skills and offered to promote his services to various organizations. Michael's contact info and website are:  Michael's phone number: 415-827-4084 www.michaelhingson.com Email:  mike@michaelhingson.com Speaking opportunities for Michael:   jessica@voicestoconnect.com   www.voicestoconnect.com  

Most small business owners have no idea their website can trigger a lawsuit.In this episode of the Diversified Game Podcast, Kellen Coleman sits down with Matthew Elefant, Managing Director of Inclusive Web, to break down the growing risk of ADA accessibility lawsuits and why small businesses are increasingly being targeted.Nearly 1 in 5 Americans lives with a disability, yet over 90 percent of websites remain inaccessible. That gap is creating legal exposure, lost customers, and unnecessary financial risk for business owners who think this issue only applies to big corporations.This conversation covers what the Americans with Disabilities Act actually requires online, how lawsuits are initiated, why Florida is a hotspot, and how businesses can fix accessibility issues before they become expensive legal problems.If you own a website, manage clients, or advise small businesses, this episode is not optional.Guest:Matthew ElefantManaging Director, Inclusive WebWebsite: https://www.inclusiveweb.coHost:Kellen ColemanDiversified Game Podcasthttps://diversifiedgame.comYouTube Chapter Summary (Optional but Strong for Retention)00:00 Why websites are getting sued05:30 What ADA accessibility really means online10:45 Who is at risk and why Florida is a hotspot st of lawsuits vs cost of compliance26:00 Small business solutions and affordable fixes35:00 Accessibility as a growth opportunity44:00 Final warning for business ownersYouTube Tags (High-Intent SEO)ADA accessibilitywebsite law suitsmall business warningADA compliance website website accessibility lawsuitsmall business legal risk Florida business lawsuitsDiversified Game PodcastKellen ColemanMatthew ElefantInclusive WebADA website requirementssmall business compliancedigital accessibilitybusiness law for entrepreneursDGP&x%

1/21/26Episode SummaryThe host, Scott Austin, talks with Jordan Brannon from Coalition about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance for online stores and why it has become a major concern for Shopify merchants. They discuss how ADA compliance is currently not clearly defined in law, leading to a surge in lawsuits from attorneys targeting e-commerce sites.Key points covered include:What ADA compliance means for online stores and why it matters domestically in the U.S. context.How stores built with Shopify themes may be partially compliant out-of-the-box but often require additional work, especially after customizations or apps are added.Tools and practices that help evaluate and improve accessibility, such as contrast checks and alt text for images.Limitations of low-cost ADA apps and the need for deeper adjustments like CSS changes and structured content.Discussion on when to bring in an agency for compliance support and what to look for in a partner.Overall, the episode emphasizes that ADA compliance is important for accessibility and legal risk reduction, but achieving it requires more than just add-on tools — it involves careful evaluation and ongoing effort.Show LinksCoalition - https://coalitiontechnologies.com/Wave Evaluation Tool for Chrome - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/wave-evaluation-tool/jbbplnpkjmmeebjpijfedlgcdilocofhaxe DevTools Web Accessibility Testing for Chrome - https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/axe-devtools-web-accessib/lhdoppojpmngadmnindnejefpokejbddAccessibly Shopify app - https://apps.shopify.com/accessibly-app?ref=835204AccessPro Accessibility Widget - https://apps.shopify.com/access-pro?ref=835204Badgezilla - https://apps.shopify.com/badgezillaVideo & Transcript https://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-177-ada-compliance-with-jordan-brannon

Are we heading to a time where everybody has a disability? Or, if you don't have one, you're pretty stupid? The boys drink and review Trail of Crumbs gingerbread stout from Seven Locks Brewing, then discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act and how many college students are now considered disabled. It's impossible to accommodate every disability, so there will always be some fuzziness in how far the ADA is supposed to go, but ... it seems to have gone too far, especially with accommodations for mental health. COVID seems to have accelerated crazy claims under the ADA. People got accustomed to working from home, and when they were told to go back to the office, they suddenly needed a lot of "accommodations." It's even worse in academia. Students come up every kind of "disability" to get extra time on tests and other accommodations. Sometimes it's something as silly as being anxious. 40 percent of the students at Stanford are considered disabled. Is that even possible? Is "test anxiety" a disability?

In the thirty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, the lives of disabled people have not improved nearly as much as activists and politicians had hoped. In Crip Negativity (U of Minnesota Press, 2023), J. Logan Smilges shows us what's gone wrong and what we can do to fix it. Leveling a strong critique of the category of disability and liberal disability politics, Smilges asks and imagines what horizons might exist for the liberation of those oppressed by ableism—beyond access and inclusion. Inspired by models of negativity in queer studies, Black studies, and crip theory, Smilges proposes that bad crip feelings might help all of us to care gently for one another, even as we demand more from the world than we currently believe to be possible. J. Logan Smilges (they/them) is assistant professor of English language and literatures at the University of British Columbia and author of Queer Silence: On Disability and Rhetorical Absence (Minnesota, 2022). Clayton Jarrard is a Research Project Coordinator at the University of Kansas Center for Research, contributing to initiatives at the nexus of research, policy implementation, and community efforts. His scholarly engagement spans the subject areas of Cultural Anthropology, Queer Studies, Disability Studies, Mad Studies, and Religious Studies. Clayton is also a host for the Un/Livable Cultures podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

In the thirty years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, the lives of disabled people have not improved nearly as much as activists and politicians had hoped. In Crip Negativity (U of Minnesota Press, 2023), J. Logan Smilges shows us what's gone wrong and what we can do to fix it. Leveling a strong critique of the category of disability and liberal disability politics, Smilges asks and imagines what horizons might exist for the liberation of those oppressed by ableism—beyond access and inclusion. Inspired by models of negativity in queer studies, Black studies, and crip theory, Smilges proposes that bad crip feelings might help all of us to care gently for one another, even as we demand more from the world than we currently believe to be possible. J. Logan Smilges (they/them) is assistant professor of English language and literatures at the University of British Columbia and author of Queer Silence: On Disability and Rhetorical Absence (Minnesota, 2022). Clayton Jarrard is a Research Project Coordinator at the University of Kansas Center for Research, contributing to initiatives at the nexus of research, policy implementation, and community efforts. His scholarly engagement spans the subject areas of Cultural Anthropology, Queer Studies, Disability Studies, Mad Studies, and Religious Studies. Clayton is also a host for the Un/Livable Cultures podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

When Jenna Udenberg was fifteen, she had a suicide plan due to tough medical issues and severe physical pain from her arthritis. She lived in bed. But she pulled herself from those very dark, tough times to become an inspiration to many who suffer from disabilities. Jenna Udenberg is a former music educator of 19 years. She has used a manual wheelchair since the age of eight due to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Jenna is a 2017 Blandin Foundation Community Leader, a 2020 Bush Fellow, and a 2025 Shannon Leadership Institute Fellow. Writing for the Lake County Press in her column, "Local View from 4 foot 2, inspires vulnerability and the sharing of lived experiences from a seated perspective.       In her interview, Jenna shared how she went from feeling hopeless to inspiring anyone who may be struggling with life-changing circumstances beyond their control.     Why is disability not a bad word? ● Going beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act code matters, as we are not a checklist. ● Why are accessibility and inclusion important? ● How did you overcome daily challenges? XXXXX BUY JENNA'S BOOK HERE     Life is always beautiful, no matter what it looks like, because of the tapestry of relationships and people. Make it colorful and unique. Within My Spokes is a collection of Jenna Udenberg's life stories and the relationships that create her tapestry. From her childhood diagnosis of Juvenile Arthritis at age seven, Jenna fought through long journeys of medical battles, broken systems, discrimination, and ignorance. Jenna is a 2020 Bush Fellow and a disability advocate, activist, and accessibility educator. Readers have laughed and cried as they dug deeper into her shared life stories. This is a coming-of-age book about finding oneself, one's purpose, and worth, sometimes through the most unlikely of relationships and circumstances. Within these stories, you will be taken on a journey of: Persevering and thriving through life's unexpected adventures Timely friendships create safe, inclusive, and healthy spaces Healing (physical, spiritual, emotional) through the hurt of one's past Faith Though our stories may be different, you may relate to experiences in this book of pain, growth and freedom that could help you on your journey. Jenna Udenberg grew up on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. She is a disability advocate and accessibility educator. Jenna's newspaper column, Local View from 4' 2", can be found in the Lake County Press. She loves working with others, including her non-profit, Above & Beyond With U.

12/24/25Episode SummaryGuest & TopicHost Scott Austin brings on attorney Brenda Pagliaro to explain ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance as it applies to e-commerce websites, especially Shopify stores.Key PointsADA compliance requirements are complex and evolving, and many store owners are confused about what they must do to make their sites accessible. Pagliaro outlines background on the ADA, how accessibility regulations are interpreted for websites, and why online stores often get targeted with demand letters and lawsuits. There is no guaranteed way to prevent getting sued; the focus should be on mitigating risk by implementing accessibility practices, documentation, processes, and using tools (like accessibility apps), though none are a silver bullet. Many cases settle before court, but even settlements and legal defense can be costly for small stores. Practical TakeawaysEcommerce site owners should take ADA compliance seriously, proactively prepare for potential claims, and combine accessibility tools with internal policies and ongoing review to reduce legal risk.Show LinksBrenda Pagliaro - brendapagliarollc@gmail.com or brenda@mediationworksfl.comBrand-It! Calendar - https://apps.shopify.com/brand-it-calendarTranscript & Videohttps://jadepuma.com/blogs/the-shopify-solutions-podcast/episode-175-talking-ada-compliance-with-an-attorney

As an aspiring equestrian facing obstacles, Jack Goldberg learned that even with good intentions and legislation, follow through can be uncertain. So, as a young teen, he leaned into leadership. While the dual American and Canadian citizen can appreciate progress -- the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities -- he is worried that what has been hard won may be dismantled unless advocacy and activism keep the pressure on. On Equal Time, the honored Para Equestrian explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scot Danforth, author of the new biography "An Independent Man," talks about the life of Ed Roberts, who founded the Independent Living Movement. In the revolutionary 1960s, Roberts and his fellow Berkeley activists pioneered the disability rights fight. He later led change in Sacramento as California's Director of Rehabilitation, advocating for state legislation years before the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. But, as current threats show, hard-won gains like these can be taken away.

What happens when a 17-year-old's dive into the Chesapeake Bay changes everything—and the healing never comes? ⁠Watch the full conversation on YouTube⁠. Fifty-seven years later, Joni Eareckson Tada sits across from me with an answer that might undo everything you think you know about strength, suffering, and the strange mercy of God. In this conversation marking the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we go where few dare: into the raw, daily reality of quadriplegia, chronic pain that would break most of us by breakfast, and a two-time battle with breast cancer. But this isn't inspiration porn. This is Joni—unflinching, funny, and fiercely honest about what it means when "I can do all things through Christ" meets 4 a.m. despair. We talk about the crushing loneliness of being the only wheelchair in a room full of chairs. The rage when well-meaning Christians promise healing that doesn't come. The particular exhaustion of advocating for your own existence. And why she tells God some mornings, "I have no strength for today. Can I borrow yours?" But we also discover something unexpected: how limitation becomes liberation. Why the disabled community might be the most honest place in America. And what happens when churches stop trying to "fix" people and start making room for them. Fair warning: Joni doesn't do platitudes. She'll tell you exactly what not to say to someone in chronic pain (spoiler: "everything happens for a reason" isn't it). She'll explain why she's terrified of a world that's editing out Down syndrome. And she'll make you rethink whether your church's "all are welcome" sign means anything if there's no ramp to the door. This is for anyone who's ever wondered where God is when the miracle doesn't come. For those caring for someone who's suffering and don't know what to say. For all of us who suspect our obsession with optimization and control might be making us miss the point entirely. Come for the practical wisdom. Stay for the kind of hope that only comes from someone who's been asking "How long, O Lord?" for nearly six decades—and still believes the answer matters. Keep up with Joni's work through Joni and Friends, here. Keep up with Russell: Sign up for the weekly newsletter where Russell shares thoughtful takes on big questions, offers a Christian perspective on life, and recommends books and music he's enjoying. Submit a question for the show at questions@russellmoore.com  Subscribe to the Christianity Today Magazine: Special offer for listeners of The Russell Moore Show: Click here for 25% off a subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Legal Docket, the end of affirmative action in college admissions; on Moneybeat, David Bahnsen on possible rate cuts by the Fed; and on History Book, the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Plus, the Monday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from Audio Deacon, a podcast for Christians and listeners who want more than background noise. Episodes offer thoughtful album reviews, curated lists of recordings, and conversations with musicians and thought leaders teaching maturing believers how to listen to music with biblical wisdom. It's also a resource for parents, guiding you through music's glories, pitfalls, and conversations worth having. Listen and subscribe at audio-deacon.com and read more at audiodeacon.substack.comWebsite: audio-deacon.comSubstack: audiodeacon.substack.comPodcast: Buzzsprout | Apple | SpotifyFrom Covenant College. Rigorous academics, grounded in Reformed theology, lived out in Christ-centered community. covenant.edu/WORLDAnd from WatersEdge. Save more. Do more. Give more. Helping Christians support ministry by giving through a donor-advised fund. watersedge.com/DAF