Podcasts about disability inclusion

Organizations invest significant time, money, and resources into new technologies, processes, and inclusion initiatives, but successful implementation doesn't guarantee successful adoption.In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with Julie Gawle, Senior Change Advisor at Meaningful Change Consulting, to explore the critical difference between project management and change management. Together, they discuss why so many well-intentioned workplace initiatives struggle to gain traction, the pivotal role managers play in driving adoption, and how organizations can create lasting change by focusing on people, not just processes.The conversation covers manager enablement, stakeholder engagement, emotional intelligence, diverse hiring initiatives, and practical strategies leaders can use to build support, trust, and long-term success across their organizations.In this Episode: The difference between project management and change management Why successful implementation does not guarantee successful outcomes Common warning signs that workplace initiatives are failing to gain adoption How inclusion and disability employment programs benefit from strong change strategies The critical role managers play as gatekeepers of organizational change Why emotional intelligence and empathy are essential leadership skills How organizations can measure adoption beyond traditional metrics The importance of leadership alignment and prioritization in times of constant change Practical ways to better prepare and support managers during transformation effortsResources & Links: Meaningful Change Consulting Prosci Change Management Research Workday transformation and adoption strategies Disability employment and inclusive hiring initiatives through Disability Solutions

Arlene believes HR has a responsibility to look beyond the organisation and help tackle the barriers that prevent people reaching their potential. At Aegon UK, she shares how listening to colleagues and stakeholders shaped an inclusion strategy centred on social mobility, with practical work supporting young people into employment and tackling in-work poverty.  Disability inclusion is a deeply personal passion for Arlene. She reflects on why disability is often misunderstood, why reasonable adjustments should be viewed as just the starting point, and how Aegon has redesigned its recruitment approach to hire for skills and potential. Arlene shares brilliant metrics demonstrating enhanced candidate experience and stronger commercial outcomes. Alongside her role at Aegon, Arlene chairs a family services charity and makes a compelling case for skills-based volunteering. Throughout the conversation, Arlene's view shines through: when HR combines commercial thinking with social purpose, organisations perform better and create opportunities for people who might otherwise be left behind. Thank you to Kin&Co for sponsoring this episode What makes or breaks large-scale transformation? Rarely the strategy - almost always the culture. Kin&Co is a certified B-Corp and female-owned consultancy on a mission to make work better for 10 million people by 2030. Using cutting-edge behavioural science, they help global organisations transform cultures and drive measurable impact on strategy, people and performance. They've developed a new behavioural blueprint for transformation, drawn from their experience at some of the UK's most iconic organisations. If you're curious, read their latest thought piece on transformation and assess your cultural readiness. Ready to build a culture that measurably drives performance? Read their thought piece at The Transformation Blueprint to learn more. References: PeopleScout UK Arctic Shores: Task-based assessments for recruitment Advancing Social Mobility in Scotland - Business in the Community Career Ready Scotland | Career Ready

Rethinking Yoga: Accessibility, Neurodivergence & the Aerial HammockWhat if yoga wasn't about fitting your body into a pose—but adapting the practice to fit your body?In this episode of How Yoga Changed My Life, we sit down with yoga educator, author, and aerial yoga specialist Jo Stewart to explore what accessible yoga really means.Together, we talk about creating welcoming spaces for every body, supporting neurodivergent students, and how aerial yoga can become a powerful tool for accessibility, confidence, and nervous system regulation—not just impressive tricks.Whether you're a yoga teacher, a lifelong student, newly diagnosed as neurodivergent, or simply curious about making movement more inclusive, this conversation will challenge the way you think about yoga and remind you that the practice belongs to everyone.Click Here to order Jo's book on AmazonClick Here to listen to The Flow Artists PodcastClick Here to visit Garden of YogaSend us Fan MailWe Didn't Plan For This Special SeriesThis series exists because so many of you reached out and said, “I didn't plan for this either.”If you've gone through a diagnosis, a loss, a life change, a career shift, a divorce, becoming a caregiver, moving, starting over — we want to hear your story.EMAIL US: WDPFTPodcast@gmail.comYou don't have to have it figured out. You just have to be willing to share honestly.How Yoga Changed My Life a PodcastSend Us Your Stories!If you have a story about how yoga, meditation, breath work, journaling, or movement changed your life, we want to hear from you! These podcasts are really about the same thing — how people move through the seasons of life they didn't plan for, and what helps them along the way.If you'd like to be on the show or share your story:  Fill out our guest form or email us at yogachanged@gmail.com Follow us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@yogachangedFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yogachanged/More info, go to https://howyogachangedmylife.comFor th...

In this episode of The Quest for Success Podcast, Jam and Dylan Pathirana sit down with Dr Hannah Macdougall, a dual Paralympian turned researcher, for a deeply thoughtful conversation on mindset, resilience, and what it really takes to build a well life, not just a well-performing one.Hannah shares her journey from her early influences and family, through to her Paralympic debut at the Athens 2004 Games, and the years of training, setbacks, and self-discovery that followed. She opens up about the neuroscience behind obsessive versus harmonious passion, the role gratitude and self-talk played in her own resilience, and how she navigated grief, perfectionism, and the pressure of elite competition.The conversation moves beyond sport into Hannah's PhD research on athlete well-being, her work bringing mindfulness and mental health support into Melbourne Football Club, and her advocacy for inclusive language and systemic change in how we talk about and support athletes. She also shares practical, evidence-based tools for resilience and self-compassion that apply far beyond the world of elite sport.This episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't only measured in medals. It's measured in how well you know yourself, how you treat yourself when things go wrong, and how deliberately you choose to keep growing.What we cover:The neuroscience of obsessive versus harmonious passionEarly influences and overcoming challenges as a young athleteThe journey to the Paralympics and the Athens 2004 experienceRedefining success in sport and in lifeThe role of gratitude and self-talk in resilienceTransitioning out of elite sport and into new chaptersNavigating grief and holding onto joyEarly awareness of being different and self-acceptanceTraining the brain to focus on the positiveManaging perfectionism and the drive for excellenceHandling setbacks and being benchedInclusive language and systemic change in sport"Success in sport and life requires both.""You need to temper your drive with harmony.""Bring kindness into your self-talk."Resources mentioned:The Resilience Project by Hugh van CuylenburgMelbourne Football Club: https://www.melbournefc.com.au/Dr Rory Darkins' work on breath and well-being: https://rorydarkins.comLee Rath's Pain Play Lab: https://painplaylab.comConnect with Dr Hannah Macdougall:LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/hannahmacdougallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanmacdougall06/Website: https://hannahmacdougall.com.au/Chapters:00:00 The brain science behind passion and mindset00:28 Hannah's early influences and overcoming challenges01:36 Her journey to the Paralympics and Olympic debut02:19 Redefining success in sport and life03:05 The influence of gratitude and self-talk04:22 Transitioning out of elite sport and new passions06:36 The impact of grief and resilience12:46 Early awareness of being different and acceptance15:40 Training the brain to focus on the positive22:06 Setting goals as a young athlete24:47 The experience of competing in Athens 200430:56 The drive for excellence and managing perfectionism39:45 The realities of training and sport life42:31 Handling setbacks and being benched47:45 The importance of grief, joy, and living in the moment01:01:15 Practical advice for inclusion and systemic change01:02:27 Supporting athletes' mental health at Melbourne Football Club01:07:34 Reflections on success and future plans#QuestForSuccess #HannahMacdougall #Paralympian #AthleteWellbeing #Resilience #MentalHealth #Mindset #Inclusion #SportsScience #SuccessMindset #Podcast #Wellbeing #Inspiration #DisabilityInclusion #WomenInSportFollow us on all your favourite platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheQuestforSuccessPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Quest-For-Success-Podcast/61560418629272/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequestforsuccesspod/Twitter: https://x.com/quest4success_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-quest-for-successTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thequestforsuccesspodWebsite: www.thequestforsuccesspodcast.com Please share this around to anyone you think will get value from it : )

Building Confidence One Small Step at a TimeWhat if your greatest limitations became the foundation for your greatest strengths?In this heartfelt episode of Casa De Confidence, Julie sits down with artist, graphic designer, entrepreneur, and advocate Katherine Klimitas, who lives with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease.By the age of ten, Katherine had experienced more than 500 broken bones, yet she never allowed her diagnosis to define what was possible. Instead, she built a thriving creative business, became a successful artist, and uses her story to educate others about disability, inclusion, resilience, and living with purpose.This conversation isn't about limitations.It's about possibility.It's about finding joy.It's about building confidence one small step at a time.In This EpisodeLiving with Brittle Bone Disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta)Why confidence begins at homeThe power of consistency over perfectionGrowing up with a disabilityHow Katherine discovered her artistic talentTurning creativity into a successful businessBuilding confidence through small winsLessons from entrepreneurshipWhy advocacy starts with sharing your storyWhat inclusion really looks likeThe importance of individualized healthcareFinding joy through meaningful workUsing art to build a fulfilling life

As disability rights face renewed challenges and workplace inclusion efforts come under increasing scrutiny, how can organizations continue creating environments where everyone belongs?In this powerful and candid conversation, Julie Sowash sits down with Dr. Victoria Verlezza, award-winning thought leader, neurodiversity advocate, and creator of the Cognitive Equity Leadership Model. Together, they explore the intersection of disability rights, psychological safety, neuroinclusion, and workplace culture during a time of significant social and political change.Drawing from her lived experience as an autistic and ADHD professional, Dr. Verlezza challenges organizations to move beyond performative inclusion and build systems that support people without requiring them to mask, disclose, or conform. The conversation tackles everything from the rollback of disability rights protections to the impact of AI in hiring, inclusive leadership practices, accountability in workplace culture, and why disability inclusion must be embedded into every stage of the employee experience.This episode is an honest discussion about courage, systems change, and the responsibility organizations have to create workplaces where people can thrive as their authentic selves.Key Takeaways The growing threats to disability rights and community integration Why disability inclusion is bigger than DEI initiatives Building psychological safety and accountability at work The future of neuroinclusive leadership Accessibility, accommodations, and evolving workplace expectations Concerns about AI-driven hiring and unintended bias Practical ways leaders can create more inclusive cultures Finding hope and momentum during challenging timesResources & Links Cognitive Equity Leadership Model Plantation Theory by John Graham Dr. Victoria Verlezza's LinkedIn VictoriaVerlezza.com NPR - DOJ memo stokes fear among disability advocates of a return to institutionalization Application of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to State Institutionalization of Patients with Severe Mental Illness or Disabilities

In this episode, we are joined by Eddie Grant, Disability and Access Ambassador for Insurance, and Kate Headley, co-founder and CEO of The Clear Company, a leading culture, diversity and inclusion consultancy. Kate was appointed Disability and Access Ambassador for Recruitment in 2022 and is a leading voice in helping organisations create more inclusive workplaces. We'll discuss the progress being made towards greater disability inclusion across UK workplaces. We'll explore the role of the Disability and Access Ambassadors, the impact of the Keep Britain Working review, what organisations can do to move beyond compliance and create genuinely inclusive cultures, and how sectors such as insurance and financial planning can play a leading role in improving outcomes for disabled people. You can find out more about the Disability Access Symposium here: www.cii.co.uk/cii-events/disabil…ss-symposium-2026/

This episode of “Disability Inclusion Required” examines how contemporary attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are reshaping funding, policy, and everyday life for Black and disabled communities, while also exploring pleasure as a political and survival practice.Our podcast theme music is by Andre Louis and Precious Perez. Thank you to Recording Artists And Music Professionals With Disabilities (RAMPD) for connecting these talented disabled musicians with the Disability & Philanthropy Forum.

What happens when thousands of qualified candidates are filtered out by the same AI system?In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash sits down with workforce strategist and advocate Beverly Dines to unpack the growing impact of AI-driven hiring tools—and the real-world consequences for job seekers navigating today's market.Grounded in a recent Stanford study on algorithmic bias, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to explore how “algorithmic monocultures” are shaping who gets seen, who gets filtered out, and how opportunity is distributed. Beverly brings a powerful mix of data, lived experience, and tactical guidance, offering both job seekers and employers a clearer path forward.From the emotional toll of repeated rejection to actionable strategies for bypassing automated systems, this episode centers on one key question: how do we build hiring practices that are both efficient and truly human?Key Takeaways: The reality of today's hiring market and why traditional advice no longer applies Insights from the Stanford study on AI hiring tools and systemic bias What “algorithmic monocultures” are—and why they matter How AI screening tools influence hiring decisions across multiple employers The human impact of rejection, ghosting, and automated hiring systems The growing gap between hiring technology and ethical implementation Ways to Get Out of the Algorithm Insights for Employers & Talent LeadersResources & Links Stanford Study: AI Hiring Tools Can Yield Racial Bias and Systemic Rejection Connect with Beverly Dines:Website: beverlydines.comSocial: @beverlydines (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube)Podcast: How to Give a Damn About Your Workplace Are Emily and Greg More Employable Than Lakisha and Jamal? Whitened Résumés: Race and Self-Presentation in the Labor Market Gender, Race, and Intersectional Bias in Resume Screening via Language Model Retrieval Algorithmic Monocultures in HiringAbout the Guest: Beverly Dines is a COO, speaker, creator, and educator, and the #1 voice in tactical career content. She empowers her audience by breaking down the strategic plays insiders use but rarely share. Through her platforms and her podcast, How to Give a Damn About Your Workplace, she turns career strategy into steps you can run today, no fluff, no gatekeeping. Author of Create The Door.

Host Alycia Anderson welcomes Meaghan Walls, CEO of the Center for Disability Inclusion and president/CEO of Assistology, to discuss how hospitality and events still leave disabled people out and why the upcoming World Cup in Kansas City makes accessibility and disability inclusion urgent across infrastructure, transportation, hotels, and short-term rentals. They explore shortcomings like limited and segregated accessible seating, inaccessible restrooms, and ticketing systems that create major barriers, and Meaghan shares a venue that renovated after losing CDI's summit due to restroom inaccessibility. Meaghan explains CDI's beyond-compliance approach, covering AV, counters, wayfinding, information and communication access, and operational practices, and cites disability travel and entertainment spending. She describes the DineAble white paper research on restaurant experiences and dignity, then connects inclusion to hiring by challenging exclusionary job descriptions. They close by promoting the hybrid CDI Disability Inclusion Summit on September 24 and Meaghan's guiding question: “Who does this not work for?” Big Ideas for Better Welcome 

Send us Fan MailWhat would you do if your car broke down on the side of the road and there were no available options for transport assistance to get you somewhere safe? To get you home? This year, Sarah-Jane (SJ) Staszak was stranded on the side of the M4 in New South Wales for four hours after her car broke down, because there wasn't an alternative option for her to be transported safely in her wheelchair when the tow truck arrived.It just so happened that she knew someone who had a trailer to transport her power wheelchair – but what if she didn't?Also on the episode is Tony Jones, SCIA's Disability Inclusion and Insights Advisor, who worked with SJ on this case. Both share their insights on what it's like to live with a disability and heavily rely on accessible taxis for their primary form of transportation, as well as discussing the problem with accessible public transport when living in a regional, rural and even remote area in Australia.Information in this episodeAdvocacy & Your Rights https://scia.org.au/living-with-a-disability/advocacy-your-rights/Navigating Life with a Disability https://scia.org.au/living-with-a-disability/navigating-life-with-a-disability/Anti-Discrimination NSW https://antidiscrimination.nsw.gov.au/Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) https://humanrights.gov.au/Justice and Equity Centre https://jec.org.au/Parliament of Australia - Contacting Senators and Members https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Contacting_Senators_and_MembersFind Your Local Representative - Find My Electorate https://electorate.aec.gov.au/CreditsThis episode has been written, produced and edited by Susan Wood. Logo art by Cobie Ann Moore.If you would like to email us with a podcast topic request email community@scia.org.au with the subject heading 'Podcast Topic Request'Spinal Cord Injuries Australia is a for-purpose organisation that supports people with a spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. For more information about our supports and services, visit our Resource Hub at https://scia.org.au/resource-hub/.

What if the biggest barrier to opportunity isn't intent, but the assumptions we never question?In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with educator, author, and founder of LightWork Equitable Solutions, Dr. ClauDean “Dr. K” Kizart, to unpack how bias shows up in ways we often don't recognize—especially anchoring bias, or our tendency to rely on first impressions and incomplete information.Drawing from her own lived experience and years of research across education systems, Dr. K explores how early beliefs shape lifelong outcomes—from classrooms to careers—and why even well-intentioned people can unknowingly reinforce inequity.Together, they break down the connection between bias, blind spots, and structural inequality, offering practical strategies leaders, educators, and employers can use to make better, more inclusive decisions.If you've ever wondered why inequities persist, this conversation will change how you think about bias and opportunity.Key Takeaways: Why bias isn't just about intent—it's about impact The difference between implicit, explicit, and structural bias What anchoring bias is and how it shapes decisions How early assumptions follow people from education into careers The connection between bias, blind spots, and systemic inequities Why “structures are made of people”—and what that means for change How in-group bias and herd mentality influence workplace decisions The hidden dangers of low expectations—especially for disabled talentResources & Links Email: dockizart@gmail.com Book: Beyond Implicit and Explicit BiasAbout the GuestDr. ClauDean “Dr. K” Kizart is an author, educator, and the founder of LightWork Equitable Solutions. She is a nationally recognized literacy and equity consultant who has worked with school systems, higher education institutions, and organizations to better understand and address achievement and equity gaps.Her work focuses on uncovering the deeper layers of bias that influence how we teach, lead, and make decisions. Through her research and professional development, she helps leaders move beyond intention to examine impact—equipping them with practical strategies to recognize bias and create more equitable outcomes. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-claudean-kizart-11937622About the HostJulie Sowash is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group and is the Job Board Doctor. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/

From Evidence to Action: Incorporating Disability Inclusion in Medical Training and Practice (ICAM 2026) Session Description The ICAM Series | Recorded Live at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) What does it take to move disability inclusion from research and policy into everyday medical training and practice? Recorded live at the International Congress on Academic Medicine (ICAM) in Ottawa, Canada, this special episode of the Docs With Disabilities Podcast brings together an extraordinary panel of physician leaders, educators, and advocates working to transform disability inclusion across undergraduate medical education, residency training, and clinical practice. Together, the panel explores how institutions can move beyond awareness and compliance toward meaningful, sustainable change. Drawing from scholarship, systems leadership, and lived experience, they discuss the realities of accommodation implementation, the importance of centralized and trusted systems, faculty training, universal design, and the role of culture in shaping whether disability inclusion succeeds or stalls. This conversation asks difficult—but necessary—questions: How do we create systems that are consistent and humane? How do we support learners and physicians across transitions and career stages? And how do we build medical environments where disability is expected, planned for, and valued? Rich with practical insight and grounded in real-world experience, this live ICAM session highlights a field at an important turning point—one where we increasingly have the evidence, the tools, and the responsibility to act. Whether you are a learner, educator, physician, administrator, or institutional leader, this episode offers concrete ideas and inspiration for advancing disability inclusion within your own environment. Keywords: UGME, PGME, Disability, Learner, Trainee, Medical Education, Policies, Processes, Ableism, Culture, ICAM, AFMC, Docs With Disabilities. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18hNrBcylnDfSuT6hJB-RwFMpIBVzEPY21Qf4y0mU0WY/edit?usp=sharing Co-Moderators Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA  Dr. Meeks is a Professor of Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago, IL and holds an appt as an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. She is the founder of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative and host of the DWDI Podcast. Lynn Ashdown, MD, MMEd   Lynn Ashdown is a patient experience expert who advocates for patients to be included as stakeholders in all levels of healthcare. She has a medical degree, and was close to finishing her residency in family medicine when she began, and continues to navigate, a complex journey as a full-time patient. She has a masters degree in medical education, and presents, participates in research, and is a senior patient partner consulting with various organizations like the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada. She's involved in curriculum reform focusing on patient partnerships and is a disability educator within medicine. Lynn is a disability advocate, drawing from her experiences as a patient and person living with multiple disabilities. She's a board member of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities and is involved with policy and legislative changes to combat ableism and inequities for people living with disabilities. She co-authored Canada's first position statement on the importance of disability inclusion in medical education, and received the 2024 CMA Dr. Ashok Muzumdar Memorial Award for Physicians with Disabilities. Pam Liao, MD, MEd, FRCPC Dr. Liao is the Inaugural Interim Associate Dean Accessibility and Disability Health at the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. Here, she previously served as the Disability Health Lead and Special Advisor to the Dean at the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine. In her work, she leads efforts to embed critical disability perspectives and anti-ableist practices into medical education. Drawing from her personal experience navigating medical training with a disability, she has dedicated her career to dismantling systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in medicine. Her work includes groundbreaking research—such as the first analysis of accommodations policies in Canadian undergraduate medical programs—and advocacy efforts like the widely recognized "#docswithdisabilities" social media campaign, which brings attention to the underrepresentation of disabled individuals in healthcare and drives meaningful change. She advocated for the establishment of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) Disability Inclusion Network and currently serves as its inaugural Co-Chair. Her advocacy earned her a place on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities, where she continues to serve. Dr. Liao earned her medical degree from the University of British Columbia and completed her residency in Family and Community Medicine and a fellowship in Palliative Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and practices clinically in long-term care and rehabilitation settings. Her contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the OMA Section of Palliative Medicine – Award of Excellence. Jill Rudkowski, MD, FRCPC  Dr. Jill Rudkowski is an Associate Professor of Medicine in Department of Medicine (Critical Care) at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.  She has practised as a critical care physician for over 20 years and is an educator, researcher, and educational leader.  She obtained her MD from the University of Calgary. She trained in Internal Medicine, Respirology, and Critical Care at McGill University after which she completed a Post-doctoral Fellowship with Dr. Barrett Rollins at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University. She served as Head of Service for the Medical Stepdown Unit and then the Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton for over 10 years.  Dr. Rudkowski has been involved as a co-investigator on numerous patient-focused clinical studies, and these collaborations focus on improving outcomes for survivors of critical illness and the impact on their caregivers. She has designed and delivered curriculum through sessions and workshops on the concept of team compassion in critical care and its role in effective communication.      Dr. Rudkowski has held several educational leadership roles within the McMaster University DeGroote School of Medicine including the Chair of Clerkship and the Director of Student Advising. She is currently the Postgraduate Medicine (PGME) Accommodation Advisor within Resident Affairs and the PGME Resident Assessment Faculty Lead. Dr. Rudkowski has been involved in writing and implementing policy and guidelines around accessing accommodations as well as designing and delivering curriculum aimed at faculty, learners, and administrators through virtual and in person sessions and workshops. Dr. Rudkowski has had the privilege of collaborating nationally and internationally around disability policy in medical education.  She was a member of the Disability Policy Toolkit Committee, Multimedia Resource Hub for Disability Inclusion in Graduate Medical Education on "Learn at ACGME" supported by the 2024 Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Catalyst Award for Transformation in Graduate Medical Education.  Dr. Rudkowski is currently a member of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Network.  She lives with a chronic disability and is passionate about ensuring that all medical learners and practitioners with disability experience belonging and accessibility in the clinical learning and practice environments.   Camille Munro MD CCFP (PC) Dr. Camille Munro is a palliative medicine physician in the Department of Medicine at the Ottawa Hospital and an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa. Originally from Chester, Nova Scotia, she received her Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie University in 1991 and completed her rotating internship at Royal Columbian Hospital, University of British Columbia. After practicing family medicine in Ottawa for 18 years while raising her children, she returned to the academic setting, driven by a longstanding commitment to compassionate, whole patient-centred care for those facing a serious illness.  In 2018, Dr. Munro was appointed Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Medicine where she led initiatives to foster a more inclusive and equitable academic and clinical environment. Her work included the development and implementation of the first formal accommodations policy for physicians with disabilities at a Canadian academic hospital. She remains a strong advocate for physicians with disabilities and for creating environments free from discrimination and inequity. Here work is grounded in compassion, advocacy, and representation; values she brings to her clinical care, teaching, mentorship and leadership. In recognition of her contributions, she received the 2022 Faculty Member Award of Excellence for Leadership in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.  Samantha Lavitt, MD Dr. Samantha Lavitt (she/her) is the first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Curricular Lead in undergraduate medical education at the University of Ottawa, which sits on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin people. In this role, she designs educational content including topics such as gender equity, sexual orientation and gender diversity, language rights, and disability, integrating these topics throughout the clinical curriculum in a format that connects students with community teachers with lived experience. Trained as a family physician and dedicated to resilience through sustainable practice development, Dr. Lavitt also offers coaching and peer support to family physicians on advocacy, disability, and well-being through the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP). She established the first peer support group for physicians with chronic illness and/or disabilities at the OCFP in 2024 and continues to co-lead this group monthly.  While she finds working with individual physicians and small groups deeply rewarding, this intervention is not enough to dismantle the system of barriers that disabled physicians face in our medical culture, so Dr. Lavitt brings her professional and lived experience as a disabled physician to advocacy initiatives at her academic institution, provincial, and national levels with involvement in peer support projects, webinars, and conference appearances. Produced by: Dr. Lisa Meeks.  Audio editor: Next Day Podcast Digital Media: Lisa Meeks Resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EXw4F1pt5J-O6Y0k-WksDC71RCA6aTFSCOkz-lqJiyc/edit?usp=sharing  

Did you miss us? This episode of “Disability Inclusion: Required” centers on the experiences of disabled parents, featuring blind foster/adoptive parent and employment services director Melissa Lomax and autistic scholar-activist and adoptive parent Dr. Morénike Giwa Onaiwu.Our podcast theme music is by Andre Louis and Precious Perez. Thank you to Recording Artists And Music Professionals With Disabilities (RAMPD) for connecting these talented disabled musicians with the Disability & Philanthropy Forum.

What does authentic leadership actually look like, and why does it matter more than ever for disability inclusion at work?In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash is joined by Megan Fuciarelli, Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of US2 Consulting, to unpack one of the biggest workplace challenges in 2026: the growing gap between what employers say and what employees experience.Drawing on recent disability employment data and real-world examples—from federal accommodation policy rollbacks to employer lawsuits and shifting DEI commitments—this conversation explores why trust is breaking down in the workplace and what leaders can do to rebuild it.Show Notes:Key Takeaways Why only a small percentage of disabled professionals trust employer commitment How DEI rollbacks and “quiet retreats” impact psychological safety What authentic leadership really looks like in practice How to have difficult conversations about disability, identity, and inclusion Why curiosity is the key to better leadership The role of accountability, data tracking, and transparency in rebuilding trustThis episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, recruiters, executives, and anyone committed to building more inclusive, equitable workplaces.Resources & Links Learn more about US2 Consulting: https://www.us2consulting.com Connect with Megan Fuciarelli on LinkedIn Explore more episodes: https://www.changingmindsandlives.org/About the GuestMegan Fuciarelli is the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of US2 Consulting, a former school superintendent-turned-leadership consultant, and the creator of the “Authenticity Amplifier” framework. She works with organizations to build trust through ethical, values-driven leadership, focusing on authenticity, inclusive leadership, difficult conversations, and workplace culture. Megan also brings lived experience as a professional with a disability, which informs her perspective and approach to creating more inclusive and empowering workplaces.About the HostJulie Sowash is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group and is the Job Board Doctor.

Primedia’s Head of Primedia Cares, Trish Taylor, and Primedia IT colleague Joshua Rex, who is also a Hein Wagner Academy graduate, join Lester Kiewit to discuss a new practical guide launched by Absa and Primedia in partnership with the Hein Wagner Academy, aimed at helping businesses recruit, onboard and support employees with visual impairments. The conversation forms part of a unique blindfolded interview designed to better understand workplace accessibility in practice and bring lived experience into focus. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A horse does not show up with preconceptions about disability, status, or what you can do. It meets you as you are, responds to your body and energy, and somehow makes space for confidence to grow. That simple idea becomes powerful when you hear how Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) turns it into real support for thousands of people across the UK. We sit down with Michael Bishop, CEO of RDA UK, to explain what RDA actually is: a UK-wide disability charity supporting a movement of around 450 local groups, powered by roughly 14,000 volunteers and nearly 3,000 horses each year. Michael breaks down the range of equine-assisted work, from riding and carriage driving to education-linked, ground-based sessions, and he clarifies the difference between hippotherapy (physiotherapy-led intervention) and the broader therapeutic impact people experience through belonging, nature, and routine. We also get practical about access and scale. Half of RDA beneficiaries live in urban areas, and many people discover local centres through schools, families, and medical professionals. But demand is outpacing supply: 71% of groups cannot meet current need. That leads to the big questions around volunteering, funding, rising costs, and how social prescribing could recognise not just participation, but the mental health benefits of volunteering itself. You will also hear about “Tea with a Pony,” a programme supporting people living with progressive conditions like dementia through sensory connection and calm community time. If you care about disability inclusion, mental health support, equine therapy, or community-led care that actually works, this conversation gives you a grounded view of what it takes and what is at stake. Subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs a hopeful model of support, and leave a review so more listeners can find us.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow axschat on social media.Bluesky:Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.comDebra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.socialNeil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.socialaxschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.socialLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniovieirasantos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/axschat/https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmilliken/Vimeohttps://vimeo.com/akwyzhttps://twitter.com/axschathttps://twitter.com/AkwyZhttps://twitter.com/neilmillikenhttps://twitter.com/debraruh

In this episode of PRIM&R's podcast, "Research Ethics Reimagined," we explore the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in research with Nancy Olson, JD, IRB. Olson serves as an analyst at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and is the recipient of PRIM&R's 2024 Service Award. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in human research protections and her own lived experience as a person who became deaf, Olson discusses how assumptions about disability shape — and often limit — who gets to participate in research. She examines the responsibilities of both researchers and IRBs in designing accessible studies and calls for a shift from compliance-focused thinking to genuine participant-centered preparation. 

Chris Whitaker has spent his life navigating systems that weren't built with him in mind … and then choosing to change them.   Born six weeks prematurely with cerebral palsy, Chris grew up learning how to operate in a world that often underestimated him. That early experience only served to sharpen his ambition. From university rowing squads to national-level sport, and later into leadership roles across the charity and disability sectors, he developed a perspective grounded in both lived experience and performance.   Today, as founder of Purple Advantage, Chris works with organisations to rethink how they approach disability, employment, and inclusion. His focus is on closing the disability employment gap, unlocking overlooked talent, and helping leaders move beyond uncertainty into confident, human conversations.   We explore the moments that shaped Chris's identity, his competitive drive, and his approach to leadership … including the role his wife, a Paralympian, played in helping him fully embrace his own story.   This is a perspective formed through experience, challenge, and reflection, and it invites a different way of seeing the people around us. The Unlock Moment is hosted by Dr Gary Crotaz, PhD — executive coach, speaker and award-winning author. Downloaded in over 120 countries. Sign up to The Unlock Moment newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/ywhdaazp Find out more at https://garycrotaz.com and https://theunlockmoment.com Also discover his other podcasts, The Box of Keys and Unlock Your Leadership. Follow, subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts — and connect with Dr Gary on LinkedIn for more leadership insights. Part of The Unlock Moment podcast family.

Melanie C has been a household name for the past three decades, since the Spice Girls burst into the charts with Wannabe and went on to become the world's biggest ever girl group. She says her new solo album Sweat is a chance to bring together all the different aspects of herself, from pop star to superstar DJ, teenage raver to being fit in her 50s. She joins Anita Rani to discuss why she's bringing the joy on a quest to get people dancing, and the enduring legacy of the Spice Girls. Concerns are being raised over a lack of safeguards for ‘child influencers' after an investigation found children as young as two demonstrating skincare routines on TikTok. The Guardian's Consumer Affairs Correspondent Sarah Marsh tells Anita about their research which found that from 8,000 skincare-related posts on the social media platform, there were hundreds featuring children believed to be under 13, and at least 90 featuring children under five. Dermatologists have said children do not need multi-step skincare routines, which could damage their skin and increase anxiety about their appearance.Writer and newspaper columnist Bryony Gordon joins Anita to talk about her novel People Pleaser, her first work of fiction after writing seven memoirs about her experiences with addiction and mental health and her attempts to combat those. Maddie Haining, an 18-year-old wheelchair user from Oldham, posted online her experience of being asked to leave a Manchester nightclub for safety reasons. She described feeling embarrassed and infuriated when told that her wheelchair was a safety risk. Maddie joins Anita to explain what happened and we also hear from Dr Shani Dhanda, Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Consultant.Calli Hauger-Thackery was bronze medalist in the women's half marathon at the 2024 European Athletics Championships, and a member of the gold medal-winning team in the 2024 European Half-Marathon Cup, held at the same time. She represented Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics and England at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She's just returned from the Boston Marathon which took place on Monday, where she completed the marathon whilst 22-weeks pregnant with her first child. She tells Anita about her achievement. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Corinna Jones

The scariest part of AI isn't the sci-fi stuff, it's how fast it can change the tools people already rely on to live and communicate. We sit down with Dr Julie Eshleman, a postdoctoral researcher working across Georgia Tech and Georgia State, to connect the dots between AI-powered assistive technology, Medicaid waiver systems, and the policies that will decide what comes next for disabled people and their families.Julie breaks down her participatory action research project building a RAG model chatbot trained on state guidance to help families navigate Medicaid waiver applications for home and community-based services. We talk candidly about what makes the process so brutal, why waitlists can stretch for years, and how practical support like clear FAQs and resource signposting can reduce friction while people wait. From there, we zoom out to AI policy and regulation, and the problem of disabled voices not being treated as essential stakeholders even when AI rules directly affect accessibility, privacy, and discrimination risk.We also dig into real-world AI accessibility wins: large language models on AAC devices that speed up communication, smart home technology that restores control over one's space, and everyday AI features that act like external working memory for neurodivergent users. Then we tackle the messy middle: AI literacy, misinformation, hallucinations, and why the better question is often whether something is correct rather than whether it looks real. If you care about disability inclusion, assistive tech, and responsible AI, share this conversation, subscribe, and leave us a review so more people can find it.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow axschat on social media.Bluesky:Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.comDebra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.socialNeil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.socialaxschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.socialLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniovieirasantos/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/axschat/https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmilliken/Vimeohttps://vimeo.com/akwyzhttps://twitter.com/axschathttps://twitter.com/AkwyZhttps://twitter.com/neilmillikenhttps://twitter.com/debraruh

How can we elevate disability inclusion to true belonging? Inclusion is something systems do through policies and rules, but belonging is something people feel when they are truly wanted in a space rather than just "allowed" to be there. True belonging requires a shift from reactive, procedural accommodations that place the onus on the individual, to proactive, collective access that removes environmental and social barriers for everyone. By centering lived experience and applying an intersectional lens, organizations support a culture where disability is normalized within professional life. On this episode of Just One Q, Dominique chats with Ingrid Palmer, an award-winning speaker, social justice consultant, and Principal IDEAL Advocate at Realize Canada. Through impactful personal stories, they explore the shift from procedural inclusion to true belonging for disabled employees, the power of universal design, and how to move beyond reactive accommodations to proactive, collective access. Keep Up with Ingrid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/focusonability/ Try Learning Snippets: https://dialectic.solutions/signup Contact Us to Be a Guest on Just One Q: https://dialectic.solutions/podcast-guest

I spent time this week in a musical improv class, and it was a masterclass in one thing: staying on the beat. In improv, if your mind wanders for even a second, you're out of sync with the whole team. It made me think about a request my son made when he was little for my "phone-free attention." That request stuck with me because giving someone our undivided focus is the most basic act of leadership we can offer. In this micro-lesson, I'm exploring why inclusion isn't a grand gesture—it's the radical, simple act of being fully present. Takeaways: The Gift of Presence: Why undivided attention is a non-negotiable leadership skill. Mental Leftovers: How to stop dragging the energy of your last "scene" into your next meeting. Tactical Grounding: Why staying in the moment sometimes requires tools like compartmentalizing (or even fidget toys). Your Challenge: Where are you finding it hard to stay on the beat today, and what's one thing you can do to tune back in? Good Vibes to Go: Watch the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light on Apple TV. It's about poet Andrea Gibson navigating their terminal diagnosis. It sounds dark but it's actually joyful, love-filled, and even funny. Connect with Me The Newsletter: This week in the newsletter, I wrote about prime-time disability leadership in Major League Baseball coverage, funding the first Inuit-led university, and more! Subscribe to the 5 Things Newsletter here.  Work with Me: Let's talk. Watch 5 Things on YouTube. Join thousands of readers by subscribing to the 5 Things newsletter. Enjoy some good vibes every Saturday morning. https://5thingsdei.com/

What does it take to scale disability inclusion across an entire workforce? In this episode, National Organization on Disability leaders Beth Sirull and Sara Walsh explain how the EnAble Learning digital training system helps organizations embed inclusion, adaptability, and workforce readiness into their everyday operations.Show Notes:Beth Sirull and Sara Walsh of the National Organization on Disability share how their new EnAble Learning courses are helping organizations of all sizes create welcoming, productive workplaces through engaging, accessible online training. Here are some of their key points:Disability inclusion is a business imperative, not philanthropy. Beth Sirull shared that companies fully integrating disability inclusion hire twice as many people with disabilities—and promote five times as many—demonstrating measurable business impact.Most disabilities are invisible—and often undisclosed. Beth emphasized that the majority of disabilities are not visible, and disclosure rates are low due to stigma, making proactive inclusion essential.Scalable, on-demand training increases access and impact. Sara Walsh explained that EnAble Learning was created to make high-quality disability inclusion training accessible to organizations of all sizes, especially those unable to support in-person sessions.Engagement and relevance were non-negotiable in the digital experience. Sara noted that the courses were intentionally designed to be interactive, practical, and manager-focused—avoiding “click-through” compliance training in favor of meaningful learning.Inclusion benefits everyone—and anyone can join the disability community at any time. Sara pointed out that disability is a community anyone may become part of at any stage of life, reinforcing why inclusive practices matter across the entire workforce.Learn more about National Organization on Disability's enAble LearningPowered by Learning earned Awards of Distinction in the Podcast/Audio and Business Podcast categories from The Communicator Awards and a Gold and Silver Davey Award. The podcast is also named to Feedspot's Top 40 L&D podcasts and Training Industry's Ultimate L&D Podcast Guide. Learn more about d'Vinci at www.dvinci.com. Follow us on LinkedInLike us on Facebook

In honor of the 100-year commemoration of Negro History Week, now celebrated as Black History Month, Disability Inclusion: Required is passing the mic over to Black Disabled leaders. This episode features Marq Mitchell, Heather Watkins, Natasha Nelson, and Mel Brown. Each of them share a 5-minute story about the power of your work, or a 5-minute reflection on what it means to lead liberatory projects while Black and disabled.  Our podcast theme music is by Andre Louis and Precious Perez. Thank you to Recording Artists And Music Professionals With Disabilities (RAMPD) for connecting these talented disabled musicians with the Disability & Philanthropy Forum.

Explore the latest tech and accessibility insights from the Zero Project Conference in Vienna with Steven Scott, Shaun Preece, and the ever-charismatic Mr. F. From innovative assistive devices to affordable smart canes and Meta's conversation-focus glasses, this episode uncovers the real challenges and opportunities in accessible technology. In this engaging episode of Double Tap, Steven reports from Vienna at the bustling Zero Project Conference, where leaders in accessibility and assistive technology converge. He shares first-hand experiences of cutting-edge tech, including Meta's AI-powered conversation-focus glasses, affordable smart canes from Torchit, and dual-purpose wearable OCR devices for blind users. The team explores the importance of engaging the disabled community during product development, discusses the high cost of assistive tech, and debates why so many innovations duplicate existing features without improving on them. Mr. F adds humour and perspective, sharing stories from the conference floor, speed networking, and the quirks of modern devices like smart TVs. From the future of AI-powered smart homes to the upcoming Focus 40 6th Generation braille display, the conversation digs deep into the state of accessibility today, why cost and awareness remain barriers, and how much potential there is for truly inclusive innovation. Relevant Links Zero Project: https://zeroproject.org Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this solo episode, I recap the latest good vibes in DEI. This week the stories are about Miis matching real people, Bad Bunny breaking the Grammy ceiling, and Olympics coverage getting more accessible, and more!Here are this week's good vibes:Miis Finally Match Real PeopleBad Bunny Breaks Grammy CeilingKnitting Turns Into Collective PowerHappy Trees, Public Media ReliefOlympics Coverage Gets More AccessibleGood Vibes to Go: If you haven't yet watched Schitt's Creek, now is a great time to settle in and laugh and laugh and laugh. RIP Catherine O'Hara. I'm re-watching.Read the Stories.Subscribe to the 5 Things newsletter.Watch 5 Things Live on YouTube. Join thousands of readers by subscribing to the 5 Things newsletter. Enjoy some good vibes every Saturday morning. https://5thingsdei.com/

Exciting news! New episodes are dropping on my Take the Next Step podcast, and I'm sharing this one here so you won't miss out. Be sure to follow Take the Next Step with Amy Julia Becker wherever you listen so you are sure to get future episodes. https://pod.link/1838911087More about Take the Next Step: amyjuliabecker.com/step/___What if inclusion in schools didn't have to be a constant fight? Adrian Wood, PhD, shares what actually helped her son with autism thrive in their public school system. Adrian and Amy Julia Becker explore:Building trust with educatorsCollaboration and creativityNavigating IEPs and transitionsSmall changes that make a big differenceAsk Me Anything: Record (or email) your question for our upcoming Ask Me Anything episode: amyjuliabecker.com/qr/04:30 Navigating Public School for Children with Disabilities 06:53 Creative Thinking and Working Together as a Team 15:55 Strategies for Success __MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:VLOG: Tales of an Educated Debutante_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT:Adrian Wood is the creator of the vlog Tales of an Educated Debutante. She has a PhD in Educational Research and contributes to Today Parents, The Today Show, and the Love What Matters blog. She lives in rural eastern North Carolina with her family. She is the co-author of Autism Out Loud.  CONNECT with Adrian on her website (talesofaneducateddebutante.com), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. __Take the Next Step is produced in collaboration with Hope Heals. Hope Heals creates sacred spaces of belonging and belovedness for families affected by disabilities to experience sustaining hope in the context of inclusive, intentional, inter-ability communities. Find out more about our resources, gatherings, and inter-ability communities at hopeheals.com. Follow on Instagram @hopeheals.We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson and co-host Marty Anderson engage in a detailed conversation with Michael Liner, a Social Security disability attorney who has gained fame on TikTok for his informative and entertaining content. Michael shares his personal journey from facing early educational challenges to becoming a leading disability advocate. He discusses the roles and responsibilities of his law practice, the intricacies of Social Security Disability Benefits, and debunks common myths surrounding the system. Michael also emphasizes the importance of dignity and authenticity in advocacy and offers valuable advice for navigating complex legal frameworks. The episode concludes with light-hearted rapid-fire questions, adding a fun twist to an insightful discussion. In-Depth Timeline of Events 00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alicia 00:50 Meet Michael Liner: The Viral Lawyer 02:14 Michael's Journey: From Troubled Youth to Lawyer 04:13 Living the Dream: Michael's Current Life and Work 06:39 The Challenges and Rewards of Disability Law 13:35 Michael's Personal Struggles and Triumphs 18:33 Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits 20:43 Debunking Disability Myths 21:17 Disability Leadership Summit Announcement 22:09 Social Security Disability Trust Fund Facts 24:09 Addressing Fraud and Misconceptions 25:09 Cultural Stigma and Disability Benefits 27:25 Personal Story of Overcoming Stigma 28:56 Disability Inclusion in the Workforce 30:10 Empowering the Disabled Community 32:32 Legal Support and Client Services 36:12 Fun Lightning Round Questions 38:22 Final Thoughts and Mantra A Quote from Michael “ You have rights, you are a human.” ~ Michael Liner Inclusion in Action: Key Threads ✨ Meet Michael Liner: The Influential Attorney

Disability inclusion isn't charity—it's smart business built on untapped strength. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, listen to this uplifting episode featuring Mark Wafer, one of the world's most respected champions of disability inclusion.Mark is the former longtime owner of 14 Tim Hortons restaurants, where he and his wife built a globally recognized model for inclusive employment. Over 25 years, they employed hundreds of people with disabilities across every level of their business—proving that inclusion isn't just the right thing to do, it also boosts the bottom line. Drawing from his lived experience with deafness, Mark shares how small, intentional changes can radically transform workplaces, communities, and lives.Together, we explore:Debunking common myths and stereotypes about hiring people with disabilitiesThe impact of inclusion beyond complianceThe business case for disability inclusion, from lower turnover to higher innovationHow inclusive workplaces turn purposeful empathy into competitive advantageWhether you're a business leader or simply curious, this conversation will expand how you think about disability and inclusion.00:00 Preview00:54 Introduction 02:47 About Mark Wafer06:25 Mark's backstory09:02 Mark's message to disabled youth and their parents11:51 What made Mark resilient as a young deaf student15:00 Mark's journey into business ownership21:47 The business case for disability26:25 Why do inclusive employers perform better?31:15 How does diversity build stronger companies?33:53 Why disability rates in Canada are rising every year41:07 The true cost of disability exclusion in organizations46:58 Disability etiquette: ask before assuming49:17 How to include people with disabilities52:15 Mark Wafer's Purposeful Empathy storyCONNECT WITH ANITA✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.socialCONNECT WITH MARK✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwafer/SHOW NOTES✩ The Power of Kindness, Dr. Brian Goodman https://www.amazon.com/Power-Kindness-Empathy-Essential-Everyday/dp/1443451061Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

In this solo episode, I recap the latest good vibes in DEI. This week our conversation is about pickleball making access the default, autistic Barbie done with care, bonuses for the whole crew, and more!Here are this week's good vibes:Pickleball makes access the defaultAutistic Barbie, done with careBonuses for the whole crewA font that saves secondsMinecraft breaks the censorship wall Good Vibes to Go: Bernadette's GVTG: It's Girl Scout Cookie time! Here's the now-annual list of trans kids to order Girl Scount cookies from.Read the Stories.Subscribe to the 5 Things newsletter.Watch 5 Things Live on YouTube. Join thousands of readers by subscribing to the 5 Things newsletter. Enjoy some good vibes every Saturday morning. https://5thingsdei.com/

This episode of Disability Inclusion: Required features Grammy-nominated artist and disability culture champion Lachi in conversation with host Justice Shorter. Lachi is an award-winning music executive, host of PBS series Renegades, Recording Academy national trustee, and producer of a Grammy-nominated album. Born legally blind, she created the UN-recognized organization RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), a consultancy group that collaborates on disability-inclusive solutions with major companies like Netflix and Live Nation while providing opportunities to professionals with disabilities. Her cultural activism has garnered national recognition through appearances on major media platforms including NPR, the BBC, People Magazine, Time Magazine, Good Morning America, and the New York Times.Our podcast theme music is by Andre Louis and Precious Perez. Thank you to Recording Artists And Music Professionals With Disabilities (RAMPD) for connecting these talented disabled musicians with the Disability & Philanthropy Forum.

Sandy Ho, the Executive Director of the Disability and Philanthropy Forum, is interviewed about the disability community's collective victories in 2025 and her hopes for the future.Our podcast theme music is by Andre Louis and Precious Perez. Thank you to Recording Artists And Music Professionals With Disabilities (RAMPD) for connecting these talented disabled musicians with the Disability & Philanthropy Forum.

Welcome to the return of the "True Tales By Disability Advocates" podcast! In Episode 24, hosts MsBoye, Jennifer McKinney, and Adam Griebel hear multiple stories from Tanya Winters about "Maurice," the arm of her friend Susie Angel that has its own personality. This episode was recorded in September of 2024, and it will be the last episode hosted by Ms Boye due to her unfortunate passing. In Ms Boye's final episode she, Jennifer, and Adam discuss with Tanya about remembering our friends who have passed, learning to love your own body, and how important dance can be in expressing your disability.LinksArt Spark DanceBody Shift CollectiveDanceAbility InternationalClick here to listen with the full transcriptFor more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Mapping the Landscape of Technical Standards: A Nationwide Review of Medical Schools Interviewees: Carol Haywood, PhD, OTR/L — Assistant Professor, Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chris Moreland, MD, MPH — Professor of Internal Medicine; Division Chief for Hospital Medicine; Interim Associate Chair for Faculty Affairs and Development, Dell Medical School (Comments made in ASL and voiced through interpreters) Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA — Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education Description: In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, we sit down with Dr. Carol Haywood and Dr. Chris Moreland to explore a deceptively powerful document: the medical school technical standards. These quietly influential statements—often tucked deep in an admissions webpage—shape who feels welcome to apply, who gains access, and how institutions imagine the future of their profession. Haywood and Moreland, co-authors of a national analysis featured in the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education, unpack what happens when ambiguous language, outdated assumptions, and vague expectations collide with real people making real decisions about their careers. Together, they dig into the nuances of functional vs. organic standards, the importance of clarity for applicants who lack insider knowledge, and the ripple effects of inequitable policies across a learner's entire training experience. What emerges is both sobering and hopeful: a field undergoing change, a growing recognition that words matter, and a roadmap for institutions ready to bring their values into alignment with their practices. The discussion reviews: How technical standards became a gatekeeper—and why revising a single sentence can shift an entire culture. Why students with disabilities read these documents differently—and why that matters for equity. How ambiguity in admissions can deter talented future physicians long before they step foot in a classroom. What schools can do now to create standards that prioritize competence, flexibility, and inclusion. Dr. Haywood brings a researcher's lens and an occupational therapist's creativity to the conversation, illuminating how functional expectations—not assumptions about bodies—should guide medical training. Dr. Moreland shares deeply personal reflections on navigating technical standards as a deaf physician, offering rare insight into how these documents land on applicants with lived experience. This episode invites the audience to imagine a medical education landscape where technical standards do what they should do—define competence, set expectations, and open doors—rather than unintentionally closing them. Bios:  Carol Haywood, PhD, OTR/L, is Assistant Professor of Medical Social Sciences in the Determinants of Health Division and core faculty in the Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. Building from her work as an occupational therapist in acute rehabilitation, she completed a PhD in occupational science at the University of Southern California and a postdoctoral fellowship in health services and outcomes research at Northwestern University. Using qualitative, mixed methods, and community-engaged research approaches, she studies disability in a variety of contexts, as well as health care access, coordination, and quality. She is driven by a vision of health care that facilitates equity for people with disabilities. Chris Moreland, MD MPH, is a professor of medicine, interim associate department chair for faculty affairs, and division chief for hospital medicine at Dell Medical School at UT Austin. He practices clinically as a hospitalist. As a career-long clinician educator, his teaching has been recognized regionally and nationally. His collaborative advocacy and research efforts describe the experiences of our healthcare workforce and learners with disabilities, as well as strategies to foster pathways to thriving clinicians. He has served as president and longtime board member for the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses; he holds current roles on the Docs with Disabilities Initiative advisory board, the AAMC Group on Diversity and Inclusion steering committee, and as a consultant with the National Deaf Center. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18hUPguWf_jWeDC1fmOgSKSXPv4xGnkQIPUi3zhfH540/edit?usp=sharing Resources: Singer, Tracey; Madanguit, Lance MD; Fok, King T. MD, MSc; Stauffer, Catherine E. MD; Meeks, Lisa M. PhD, MA; Moreland, Christopher J. MD, MPH; Huang, Lynn MS; Case, Benjamin MPH; Lagu, Tara MD, MPH; Kannam, Allison MD; Haywood, Carol PhD, OTR/L. Mapping the Landscape of Technical Standards: A Nationwide Review of Medical Schools. Academic Medicine 100(10S):p S144-S151, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006135   McKee, M.M., Gay, S., Ailey, S., Meeks, L.M. (2020). Technical Standards. In: Meeks, L., Neal-Boylan, L. (eds) Disability as Diversity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46187-4_9 Equal Access for Students with Disabilities: The Guide for Health Science and Professional Education (2nd Ed). Meeks LM, Jain NR, & Laird EP. Springer Publishing, 2020. Key Words: Disability inclusion · Technical standards · Medical education · Admissions · Accessibility · Equity · Policy reform

When life doesn't go as planned, it can be hard to see where God is working. In this powerful conversation, Sandra Peoples, author, special needs mom, and ministry leader,  opens up about her journey from growing up with a sister with Down syndrome to parenting a son with autism. Sandra shares how her family's story revealed a gap in the church for families impacted by disability, and how God called her to help fill it. From starting a special needs ministry to creating sensory rooms and buddy systems, Sandra offers practical and spiritual wisdom for pastors, volunteers, and parents alike. Here is some of what we cover:  Disability families are often unreached — the church has an incredible opportunity to serve and love them. Support for the whole family — offer counseling, respite nights, and peer connection for parents and siblings. The church should be a whole picture of the body of Christ including those with disabilities who often enter into worship in the most beautiful ways.  What questions to ask your friends who are hesitant to come to church with their special needs child.  Hope for the mom that feels unseen or hopeless. Psalm 126:5- Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! Connect with Sandra Peoples Website: Sandra Peoples: Equipping Churches and Encouraging Families Instagram: Sandra Peoples (@sandrapeoples) Facebook: Sandra Peoples Links Mentioned:   Accessible Church: By Sandra Peoples Held: Learning to Live in God's Grip: By Sandra Peoples Unexpected Blessings: By Sandra Peoples 99 Balloons Related Episodes: Adopting Special Needs :: Alice and Candace [Ep 213] Mothering Autism: Navigating Grief, Marriage, and Community :: Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood [Ep 515] Parenting Neurodivergent Children–Summer Edition :: Carrie Cassell [Ep 413] Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Causemetics: Complete your fall look. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA for an exclusive 20% off your first order.  StoryWorth Memoirs: Give your loved ones a unique keepsake you'll all cherish for years–Storyworth Memoirs! Right now, save $10 or more during their Holiday sale when you go to storyworth.com/dma !

As we collectively recognize and redefine disability as a society, are employers ready for broader accommodation needs?As employers push for a return to the office, they face a rise in accommodation requests, particularly for remote work and non-apparent disabilities. This often creates tension, as supervisors may rely on personal bias rather than facts. The key to navigating this is a formal, data-driven, and compassionate interactive process led by HR. By moving beyond individual biases and focusing on finding reasonable accommodations, organizations can meet their legal and ethical obligations and support their entire workforce.On this episode of Just One Q, Dominique chats with Rachel Shaw, President of Shaw HR Consulting and author of “The Disabled Workforce: What the ADA Never Anticipated.” They explore the rise in accommodation requests from an HR and employer perspective, touching on why supervisors often default to “no,” the legal and ethical necessity of an interactive formal process, and how data-driven, human-centric conversations can help employers find workable solutions in a post-pandemic world.Keep Up with Rachel:https://www.shawhrconsulting.com/Try Learning Snippets:https://dialectic.solutions/signupContact Us to Be a Guest on Just One Q:https://dialectic.solutions/podcast-guest 

Episode 123: Evaluating Disability-Inclusive Content on U.S. Medical Schools' Websites—A National Study Interviewees: Ifeoma Ikedionwu, MD — Psychiatry and Internal Medicine Dual Intern, UT Southwestern Dominique Cook — Fourth-Year Medical Student, University of South Florida Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA — Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education Description: In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, Dr. Lisa Meeks sits down with Dr. Ifeoma Ikedionwu and Dominique Cook, co-authors of the first national study examining how medical school websites communicate disability inclusion. Their paper, Evaluating Disability-Inclusive Content on U.S. Medical Schools' Websites: A National Study, is part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education. What do medical schools' digital front doors say about who belongs? The conversation explores how public-facing messages shape applicants' sense of access, belonging, and possibility—and why visibility is the first step toward equity. Ikedionwu and Cook share how their lived experiences as medical students with and without disabilities inspired a research project that merges advocacy, analysis, and systemic change. Together, they unpack the challenges of quantifying inclusivity, the nuance of intersecting identities, and the powerful role of student-led research in shaping institutional accountability. The episode underscores how every mission statement, technical standard, and accessibility page sends a message—and how aligning those messages with institutional values can create a more inclusive path for future physicians. Listeners will leave with actionable insights: Audit your institution's website for clarity, tone, and accessibility. Engage learners with lived experience in reviewing public materials. Translate inclusion from policy into practice—and from practice into visibility. Because as Ikedionwu reminds us, “It's not enough to do the work—you have to share it, so others can find their way.” Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UmiXVs8wESM28eRYAM-d13IuJTV6VzR2khagExHF12A/edit?usp=sharing Resources: Article from Today's Talk: Ikedionwu I, Cook D, Kim N, Cotts J, Case B, Meeks LM. Evaluating Disability-Inclusive Content on U.S. Medical Schools' Websites: A National Study. Academic Medicine. 2025;100(10S):S60–S67. Read the full article here → Related Reading: Equal Access for Students with Disabilities: The Guide for Health Science and Professional Education (2nd Ed). Meeks LM, Jain NR, & Laird EP. Springer Publishing, 2020.

On today's episode of Work Like a Laker, hosts Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin take a closer look at how neurodivergence factors into the workforce. Whether you're a neurodivergent individual preparing to enter the workforce or you're an employer wanting to create a more inclusive environment, this episode will give you some great information— along with some helpful tips and resources. Later, David Steadman, a GVSU alum, joins the episode to share about his experience in the workforce. Read the full transcript. Resources: MiLife Michigan Rehabilitation Services EARN Job Accommodation Network Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology Disability Advocates of Kent County Center for Disability Inclusion #gvcareers #neurodivergence #careerhelp #resources #worklikealaker

Interviewees: Matthew Sullivan, PhD, Assistant Director of Disability Resources, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Suchita “Suchi” Rastogi, PhD. MPH Candidate, University of Illinois Chicago; CEO, Disability in Medicine Mutual Mentorship Program Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA, Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education Description: In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, Dr. Lisa Meeks talks with Matt Sullivan (Washington University School of Medicine) and Suchita “Suchi” Rastogi (UIC; DM3P) about their paper, “Standardized Language for Clinical Accommodations in U.S. Undergraduate Medical Training: Results From a National Modified Delphi Consensus Study,”part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. Their conversation explores how a grassroots idea—born from students' lived experiences and practitioners' urgent need for clarity—grew into the first national, evidence-based language guide for clinical accommodations. Together, they unpack how a modified Delphi process brought students, Disability Resource Professionals, and leaders together to build consensus around the precise language that transforms intention into implementation. The trio discuss how language and word choices can make the difference between support and confusion, and how transparent, shared language strengthens trust and access for all. Dr. Meeks, Sullivan, and Rastogi also reflect on the collaborative model that made this project possible—one that centers disabled voices, encourages vulnerability in leadership, and demonstrates how clarity in communication is the foundation of equity. Listeners will come away with practical takeaways for institutions and leaders: audit your accommodation templates, build structured partnerships between DRPs and Student Affairs, and engage students as co-creators in designing accessible clinical environments. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ooJ5TP8V8s4t35EECoWHNTta7qqwbKlx-Fgu_WIiPG4/edit?usp=sharing Bios: Matt Sullivan PhD Dr. Sullivan is the Assistant Director of Disability Resources, At Washington University in St. Louis, and serves as DR's liaison to WashU's School of Medicine, acting as the primary contact for SoM faculty/staff, students, and prospective students.  In this role, Matt works closely with all parties to create an accessible and inclusive educational environment for disabled students pursuing their degrees within Health Sciences and Medicine. Dr. Sullivan is a research-oriented practitioner dedicated to promoting disability awareness and inclusion within the higher education environment.  In his student affairs roles, Dr. Sullivan has experience providing leadership and direction for a variety of programs and services in the areas of disability, testing, tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and academic coaching.  Working in the field of disability services for more than a decade, Matt has dedicated his time and energy to the education and development of students, faculty, and staff surrounding the intersectionality of disability with race, culture, gender, and other prominent identity factors. Suchita “Suchi” Rastogi PhD Suchi is an MPH student at the University of Illinois Chicago and CEO of the Disability in Medicine Mutual Mentorship Program (DM3P). A former MD-PhD student at Stanford University, she advocates for accessible medical education and leads community-based efforts to promote disability inclusion and peer mentorship. As a South Asian disability activist, she values health equity and compassionately designed systems that serve all people with dignity. She believes everyone deserves respect, access to material resources, and psychosocial support. These values compel her to improve healthcare and public health infrastructure for disabled patients, increase disability representation in medicine, and shift attitudes towards persons with disability. To accomplish this, she 1) run a mentorship program (DM3P) for healthcare professionals with disability, 2) conducts disability health equity research, and 3) advocates for evidence-based policies that center accessibility. Key Words: Clinical accommodations · Disability inclusion · Medical students · Disability Resource Professionals ADA Resources: Article from Today's Talk: Dhanani Z, Rastogi S, Sullivan M, Betchkal R, Poullos P, Meeks LM. Standardized Language for Clinical Accommodations in U.S. Undergraduate Medical Training: Results From a National Modified Delphi Consensus Study.Academic Medicine. 2025;100(10S):S92–S97. DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006150 Read the full article here → Equal Access for Students with Disabilities: The Guide for Health Science and Professional Education (2nd Ed). Meeks LM, Jain NR, & Laird EP. Springer Publishing, 2020. Read here → The Docs With Disabilities Podcast: https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/docswithpodcast

Interviewee: Erick Hung, MD, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Associate Dean for Students, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA, Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education Description: In this episode of Stories Behind the Science, Dr. Lisa Meeks talks with Dr. Erick Hung (UCSF) about his paper, “Promoting Disability Inclusion Through an Expanded Conceptual Framework of the Learning Environment,” part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. Their conversation explores how a single student story at UCSF sparked a full-scale rethinking of what it means to create an equitable learning environment. Dr. Hung walks us through the journey—from a campus task force to a conceptual framework that now guides systemic change nationwide. Together, they unpack the six domains of the learning environment, including a new and critical addition: the societal layer, which recognizes how broader cultural forces shape belonging, access, and success. The discussion touches on mentorship, student advocacy, technical standards reform, and what it means to move beyond compliance toward culture change. Dr. Hung also reflects on humility in leadership, the importance of systems thinking, and how conceptual frameworks become living roadmaps for equity. Listeners will come away with practical takeaways for schools and leaders—build peer networks, re-evaluate policies through an inclusion lens, and invite students into the co-creation of change. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aO6cvl-_b82AONsV7V4LmS1Y8r6sI8zVtWKzWPlHakw/edit?usp=sharing Bios: Erick Hung, MD is Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Associate Dean for Students at UCSF School of Medicine. A UCSF graduate and psychiatrist by training, he has led major institutional efforts to foster student well-being, belonging, and disability inclusion. His scholarship and leadership focus on systems approaches to learner flourishing, inclusive learning environments, and advocacy for equitable policy reform in medical education. Key Words: Learning environment Disability inclusion Medical students Systems thinking Societal drivers Technical standards Belonging Well-being Institutional change Resources: Article from Today's Talk: Theall, Alexandra C.P.; Crandall, Joanne E., MD; Gamboa, Haley N., MS, MD; Chichioco, Michael; Hughes, Sarah E.; Gruppen, Larry, PhD; Hung, Erick, MD. Promoting Disability Inclusion Through an Expanded Conceptual Framework of the Learning Environment. Academic Medicine, 100(10S): S84-S91, October 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006148 Read the full article here The Docs With Disabilities Podcast: https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/docswithpodcast  

Interviewee: Bassel Shanab, BS is a fourth-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine.  Interviewer:  Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA, Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. Description: This episode of Stories Behind the Science sits down with Bassel Shanab (Yale School of Medicine), co-first author of “The Intersection of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Financial Background on Food Insecurity Among Medical Students,” part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. We move beyond prevalence rates to the lived realities behind them—and why hunger so often hides in plain sight in elite training environments. Bassel shares the personal experiences that shaped his questions, the multi-institutional data that sharpened the answers, and the practical moves any school can make now: screen routinely, get cost-of-living estimates right, normalize help-seeking, and invest in evidence-based campus supports. Along the way, we talk flourishing (not just “fixing”), student-led research networks, and why transparency beats stigma every time. Whether you're a dean, DRP, faculty member, or student, this conversation offers a humane roadmap from surviving to thriving. Links to the open-access article, and related tools are in the show notes. Transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/184LJqvcAgHGmpHyOcaxOxRw4yetR7qrGPPin0HDX7i4/edit?usp=sharing   Bios:   Bassel Shanab, BS is a fourth-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and Global Health Studies from Northwestern University, graduating with distinction. His academic interests include medical education, cardiovascular health, social determinants of health, and health policy. Key Words:   Food insecurity Medical students Disability Race and ethnicity Underrepresented in medicine (URiM) Low-income background Intersectionality Student well-being Academic performance   Resources:  Article from Today's Talk The Intersection of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Financial Background on Food Insecurity Among Medical Students   Nguyen, Mytien MS; Shanab, Bassel M.; Khosla, Pavan; Boatright, Dowin MD, MBA, MHS; Chaudhry, Sarwat I. MD; Brandt, Eric J. MD, MHS; Hammad, Nour M. MS; Grob, Karri L. EdD, MA; Brinker, Morgan; Cannon, Caden; Cermack, Katherine; Fathali, Maha; Kincaid, John W.R. MS, MPhil; Ma, Yuxing Emily; Ohno, Yuu MS; Pradeep, Aishwarya; Quintero, Anitza MBA; Raja, Neelufar; Rooney, Brendan L.; Stogniy, Sasha; Smith, Kiara K.; Sun, George; Sunkara, Jahnavi; Tang, Belinda; Rubick, Gabriella VanAken MD; Wang, JiCi MD; Bhagwagar, Sanaea Z.; Luzum, Nathan; Liu, Frank MS; Francis, John S. MD, PhD; Meeks, Lisa M. PhD, MA; Leung, Cindy W. PhD. The Intersection of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, and Financial Background on Food Insecurity Among Medical Students. Academic Medicine 100(10S):p S113-S118, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006156   https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2025/10001/the_intersection_of_disability,_race,_ethnicity,.12.aspx The Docs With Disabilities Podcast https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/docswithpodcast

In this episode of Cache Up, host Michelle Frechette chats with Joe Dawson, co-founder of WordPress Accessibility Day. They discuss the event's origins, its 24-hour global online format, and the importance of accessibility in web design for people with disabilities and aging users. Joe explains the logistics behind providing live captions, ASL interpretation, and paying speakers. The conversation highlights the volunteer-driven nature of the event, the need for sponsorship, and ongoing efforts to improve both digital and physical accessibility in the WordPress community and beyond.Top Takeaways: The Origins and Growth of WP Accessibility Day: WP Accessibility Day started in 2020 as an online accessibility-focused event and was significantly shaped by the pandemic, which allowed the team to attract international speakers. Founders Joe Dolson, Amber Hinds, and Bet Hannon built a volunteer-run organization that has grown into an annual, fully online 24-hour event, enabling global participation.Commitment to Accessibility for All: The event emphasizes true accessibility, not just compliance. It includes live ASL interpretation, live captions, and translated content (currently in Spanish, French, and other languages), ensuring participants with various disabilities and language backgrounds can fully engage. Accessibility is seen as a benefit for everyone, including those with temporary or situational disabilities.Valuing Contributors and Maintaining a Sustainable Model: WP Accessibility Day pays its speakers and translators to honor their time and expertise, despite being a volunteer-led nonprofit. Sponsorships and donations fund professional captioning, sign language interpreters, Zoom infrastructure, and post-production, balancing high-quality accessibility services with organizational sustainability.Real-World Impact and Awareness: The conversation highlights how accessibility challenges extend beyond the web to physical spaces and everyday life. Joe and Michelle emphasize the importance of listening to feedback from people with disabilities, including temporary ones, and addressing barriers proactively. The event and its materials serve as both an educational resource and a demonstration of inclusive design practices in action.Mentioned Links: WP accessibility dayid24Bet HannonAmber HindsVitaly FriedmanSmashing MagazineJoe A Simpson Jr

In this final segment of Bridget's interview, Roy Samuelson pulls back the curtain on a years-long campaign to get audio description performers formally recognized by the Television Academy, a move that opens the door for blind professionals to take their rightful place at the table. He shares the staggering 180-degree shift from being told “there's nothing we can do” to a full green light, and reveals what happened behind the scenes to make it possible. Roy and Bridget dive into the emotional labor, strategic advocacy, and sometimes frustrating opacity of accessibility progress, including a powerful reflection on the ADNA's wishlist of shows (and how that list is quietly shrinking thanks to unseen efforts and community pressure). They unpack what makes audio description succeed or fail: from clunky synthetic voices to breathtaking human narration, and explore Roy's vision for “Kevin's Way,” a tone that signals to blind audiences that they're in good hands. It's a wide-ranging, emotionally resonant, and eye-opening conversation that challenges how we think about advocacy, allyship, and the evolving role of AI in storytelling. Listen in to hear how change happens, not with one loud speech, but through years of unseen effort, deep collaboration, and a refusal to give up.

Interviewees: Dr. Zoie Sheets, Resident Physician in the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Chicago; and Dr. Nalinda Charnsangavej, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Residency Program Director at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. Interviewer:  Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA, Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. Description: Preparing to Thrive: Supporting Learners with Disabilities Through the Undergraduate-to-Graduate Medical Education Transition This episode of Stories Behind the Science brings you an intimate conversation with Dr. Zoie Sheets (University of Chicago) and Dr. Nalinda Charnsangavej (Dell Medical School, UT Austin), co-authors of Preparing to Thrive, part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education. We go beyond the article to uncover the motivations, lived experiences, and research that shaped their scholarship. Together, we explore four critical decision points that can shape the trajectory of disabled medical students as they move from UME to GME: Disclosure decisions Specialty selection Program selection Requesting and utilizing accommodations in residency Zoie and Nalinda share how research, mentorship, and community informed their work, and why bridging this “black box” transition period is essential for cultivating a more inclusive profession. Whether you're a program director, DRP, advisor, or student, this episode offers insights and concrete strategies to ensure learners are not just surviving this pivotal transition—but thriving. Resources and links to the open-access article, Disability Resource Hub, and related tools are in the show notes. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h4bh81klK-mfP3grm5LNzmYp-czCEP_haP704aJBekk/edit?usp=sharing Bios:   Nalinda Charnsangavej, MD is Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin where she serves as the pediatric residency program director. She serves as Co-Chair of the Disability in Graduate Medical Education group as part of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative and Co-Chair of the UME to GME Transitions Committee for the Disability Resource Hub -- the result of a collaboration between the ACGME and DWDI. As a program director, she is interested in fostering a healthy and supportive learning environment that promotes physician well-being and resilience. Her current work focuses on the transition from medical school to residency training and how to support learners with disabilities during this critical transition period. Outside of medical education, she enjoys spending time with her family, teaching her children how to cook, and attending Texas Longhorn sporting events. Zoie C. Sheets, MD, MPH is a resident physician in internal medicine and pediatrics (Med/Peds) at the University of Chicago. She is also a leader within the Docs with Disabilities Initiative, serving as Co-Chair of the Disability in Graduate Medical Education group and Co-Chair of the UME to GME Transitions Committee for the creation of a Disability Resource Hub — a collaboration between ACGME and DWDI. She believes deeply that increasing the number of disabled clinicians can transform medical education and practice, for providers and patients alike. Her current research focus centers on how graduate medical education can best support learners with disabilities, particularly during the challenging transition out of UME. In her free time, Zoie loves to read, re-watch too many medical dramas, and play with her two cats!  Key Words:   Disability inclusion Medical education Undergraduate medical education (UME) Graduate medical education (GME) UME–GME transition Disabled medical students Residency accommodations Program director support Disability Resource Professionals (DRPs) Academic Medicine  Resources:  Article from Today's Talk Sheets, Zoie C. MD, MPH; Fausone, Maureen MD, MA; Messman, Anne MD, MHPE; Ortega, Pilar MD, MGM; Ramsay, Jessica MD; Creasman, Megan MD, MA; Charnsangavej, Nalinda MD. Preparing to Thrive: Supporting Learners With Disabilities Through the Undergraduate-to-Graduate Medical Education Transition. Academic Medicine 100(10S):p S161-S165, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006136   The Disability Resource Hub from ACGME and DocsWithDisabilities  https://bit.ly/DisabilityResourceHUB_GME   The Docs With Disabilities Podcast https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/docswithpodcast   Docs With Disabilities You Tube, Disability in Graduate Medical Education Videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc4XEizXENYw58ptzAgfxBA4q3uLRcmx6   Docs With Disabilities Disability in Graduate Medical Education Working Group https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/digme

Interviewees: Kirsten Brown, PhD Assistant Professor of Health Professions Education at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; as a short disclaimer, Kirsten's views do not represent the official policy or position of her employer.  Dionna Bidny, MD, MMUS  a first-year resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, currently completing her Transitional Year; and Abby Konoposky, PhD Senior Director of Medical Education Research in the Department of Psychiatry at Northwell Health. Interviewer:  Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA, Guest Editor, Academic Medicine Supplement on Disability Inclusion in UME. Description: This episode of Stories Behind the Science brings you an intimate conversation with Dr. Kirsten Brown (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences), Dr. Dionna Bidny (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), and Dr. Abby Konopasky (Northwell Health), co-authors of Disability in Undergraduate Medical Education in the United States: A Scoping Review, part of the Academic Medicine supplement on Disability Inclusion in Undergraduate Medical Education. Drawing from over 80 publications, their study traces how disability in medical education has too often been framed through deficit and legal models, while leaving intersectionality and the voices of disabled learners largely absent. Together, we explore why this framing matters, what the literature reveals about gaps and progress, and how a critical perspective can re-shape the field. Our guests share the personal and professional motivations behind this ambitious review, the surprises and challenges they encountered, and their hopes for how this work can serve as both roadmap and catalyst. Whether you are a researcher, faculty member, disability resource professional, or student, this episode offers insights into the state of the field and inspiration for charting new directions. Resources and links to the open-access article, Disability Resource Hub, and related tools are in the show notes. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iUYE0Q-2TA1flXiMU6rum1S3dO-obE5DoA9J0mFmHlE/edit?usp=sharing Bios:   Kirsten Brown, PhD Dr. Kirsten Brown's research examines the intersection of disability, power, and social systems. Her work has appeared in the Journal of College Student Development, the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, and Journal of Higher Education. She co-authored the book Disability in Higher Education: A Social Justice Approach. Dr. Brown prepared this chapter during non-work hours as an independent scholar and this publication did not receive funding from the federal government. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent the official policy or position of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.  Abigail Konopasky, PhD Abigail Konopasky holds doctorates in educational psychology from George Mason University and in linguistics from Princeton University. She is currently an Associate Professor and Director of Medical Education Research and Scholarship in the Psychiatry Department at Northwell Health. She conducts critical qualitative and mixed methods research in health professions education, with a focus on equity, Black feminism, and critical disability studies using functional linguistic and narrative methods and theories of agency. She serves on the editorial boards of Teaching and Learning in Medicine, Perspectives on Medical Education, and Advances in Health Sciences Education. Dionna Bidny, MD, MMus  Dionna is a first year resident at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (currently  in her  Transitional Year). She has a BS in biomedical engineering and an  MMus in Musicology; she incorporated her interest in accessibility in arts, sports, and healthcare spaces through research during both degrees. In medical school, she continued to study and lecture in the space of disability  justice and its intersections with art, identity,  and healthcare experience, all  while navigating  chronic illness and pursuit of her own  accommodation and access needs. In residency, she aims to continue her work in accessibility within arts and sports through community engagement and engineering innovation. Key Words:   Disability in medical education Undergraduate medical education (UME) Disability inclusion Scoping review Academic Medicine supplement Deficit model vs. asset model Legal framing of disability Intersectionality in medicine Disabled learners' voices Critical perspectives in medical education Equity in medical training Accommodations in medical education Disability justice Ableism in medicine Representation in health professions Research roadmap Diversity and inclusion in medicine Disability studies in medical education Inclusive curriculum Systemic barriers in medical education Resources:  Article from Today's Talk Maggio, Lauren A. PhD; Brown, Kirsten R. PhD; Costello, Joseph A. MSIS; Konopasky, Aaron PhD, JD; Bidny, Dionna MD, MMus; Konopasky, Abigail PhD. Disability in Undergraduate Medical Education in the United States: A Scoping Review. Academic Medicine 100(10S):p S64-S73, October 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000006154 https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/fulltext/2025/10001/disability_in_undergraduate_medical_education_in.5.aspx   The Docs With Disabilities Podcast https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/docswithpodcast

Interviewees: Justin Bullock, MD, MPH; Cary Payne, MD Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA Description: In Episode 114, Dr. Lisa Meeks talks with Dr. Justin Bullock (nephrology fellow, University of Washington; living with bipolar disorder) and Dr. Cary Payne (Program Director, Nephrology Fellowship, University of Washington) about navigating fellowship with a psychiatric disability—and how trust, humility, and creative flexibility built a training experience defined by healing and growth. Together, they retrace Justin's decision to pursue fellowship after a traumatic residency, his choice to lead with authenticity during the match, and the risks and rewards of disclosure in GME. They unpack how structured accommodations provided protection, why early defensiveness softened into trust, and the profound impact of Cary's disarming leadership approach: “It's not your job to teach us.” Listeners will hear advice for residents and fellows (consider strategic disclosure, seek accommodations as protective, build trusted provider teams) and for program directors (lead with humility, embrace uncertainty, and center accommodations in creativity rather than dogma). At its heart, the episode explores how one program became not just a safe space, but a place of healing—and why that benefits trainees, programs, and patients alike. This episode accompanies the open-access perspective This Armor of Mine: Perspectives of a Bipolar Physician and Program Director (Bullock & Payne, Chest, 2024) This episode is part of the ACGME/DWDI Disability Resource Hub, supported by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Catalyst Award, it's a powerful reminder that access isn't accidental—it's built intentionally, one relationship at a time. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R_FlMU-qOOVKPiaBMLc0VqQ3DVX8rjhQ16ZAZZnv_TM/edit?usp=sharing Bios:  Justin Bullock, MD, MPH Justin Bullock is an Assistant Professor in Nephrology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Co-director of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative. Justin is passionate about creating safe environments in medicine where everyone in the hospital is able to bring their authentic selves to work in the spirit of healing. Justin is a passionate medical educator: a teacher, researcher, and lifelong learner. His primary research focus centers on how educators can foster identity safety in the learning environment, where all members of the healthcare team can be their authentic selves in the workplace. When not at work, Justin enjoys running and cooking with his partner.   Cary Payne, MD Cary grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He studied Biology and Philosophy at Washington University in St Louis before attending medical school at the University of Chicago. He then returned to the northwest where he completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in nephrology at the University of Washington, after which he remained on faculty at UW and established the UW Kidney-Liver Program, a subspecialty nephrology service dedicated to caring for patients with concomitant liver and kidney disease. In addition to his clinical work, Cary serves as the medical director for inpatient dialysis at the University of Washington and the UW Nephrology Fellowship Program Director. When not at work he enjoys reading and hiking with his wife Gretchen and his three children.   Key Words:   ·       Disability Inclusion ·       Residency ·       Fellowship ·       Accommodations ·       Program Directors ·       Graduate Medical Education (GME) Produced by: Lisa Meeks  Resources:  Article: Perspective of a Bipolar Physician and this program director. https://www.chestnet.org/guidelines-and-topic-collections/publications/chest-advocates/this-armor-of-mine Disability Resource Hub: https://dl.acgme.org/pages/disability-resource-hub Case Studies in Disability Resource Hub: https://dl.acgme.org/pages/disability-resource-hub#case_studies UME to GME Toolkit:  https://dl.acgme.org/pages/disability-resource-hub-transitions-toolkit-introduction Policy Toolkit:  https://dl.acgme.org/pages/disability-resource-hub-policy-toolkit Disability in Graduate Medical Education Program:  https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/digme    

Interviewees: Emily Green, MD and Kelley Volpe, MD Interviewer: Lisa Meeks, PhD, MA Description: In Episode 113, Dr. Lisa Meeks talks with Dr. Emily Green (child psychiatrist, University of Chicago; recent fellow at UIC) and Dr. Kelley Volpe (training director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at UIC) about navigating fellowship with ADHD and a learning disability—and how openness, advocacy, and leadership support shaped a successful training experience. Together, they trace Emily's decision-making during the match, the challenges of transitioning from residency to fellowship (and from student to employee), and the unexpected barriers in GME accommodation processes. They unpack how program leadership stepped in when paperwork stalled, why “temporary vs. chronic” misunderstandings of disability remain a problem, and how centering inclusion ultimately benefited both the trainee and the program. Listeners will hear advice for residents and fellows (be specific in accommodation requests, know when disclosure matters, embrace authenticity with patients) and for program directors (be proactive with GME, advocate beyond bureaucracy, and create space for trainees to bring their whole selves to medicine). This episode accompanies the open-access case study From Policy to Practice: Building the Disability Inclusion Infrastructure in Graduate Medical Education (Green & Volpe, Academic Medicine, 2025). Part of the ACGME/DWDI Disability Resource Hub, supported by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Catalyst Award, it's both a roadmap and a reminder that when programs invest in access, everyone wins. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uhs1zRh2QOWVMgYlEFkxbFY-MJQbiqV_/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104315301750264632478&rtpof=true&sd=true Bios:  Kelly Volpe, MD Dr. Kelley Volpe is the medical director of the Pediatric Stress & Anxiety Disorders Clinic at UI Health. Dr. Volpe currently provides outpatient services that are specialized in the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and selective mutism, in addition to trauma- and stress-related disorders. She is board certified in both General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Emily Green, MD Emily is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago. She specializes in pediatric psychiatry and helps children and adolescents who are struggling with mental well-being. Key Words:   Disability Inclusion Residency Fellowship ADHD Learning Disability Psychiatry Accommodations Program Directors Graduate Medical Education (GME) Produced by: Lisa Meeks  Resources:  Disability Resource Hub: https://dl.acgme.org/pages/disability-resource-hub Case Studies in Disability Resource Hub: https://dl.acgme.org/pages/disability-resource-hub#case_studies UME to GME Toolkit:  https://dl.acgme.org/pages/disability-resource-hub-transitions-toolkit-introduction Policy Toolkit:  https://dl.acgme.org/pages/disability-resource-hub-policy-toolkit Disability in Graduate Medical Education Program:  https://www.docswithdisabilities.org/digme Illinois Lend: https://www.illinoislend.org Case Study: From Policy to Practice: Building the Disability Inclusion Infrastructure in Graduate Medical Education      

The global disability market represents a staggering $18 trillion dollars in spending power. And in this powerful episode, Tiffany Yu, founder of Diversability, TEDx speaker, and author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto is sharing how she turned her own disability into a global movement for inclusion. After a car accident made her disabled and took her father's life, Tiffany eventually found the courage more than a decade later to share her story, helping others unlearn shame and embrace their own identities.You'll hear how Tiffany built Diversability from a college club into a thriving international community, why employers must rethink job descriptions and office norms to foster true accessibility, and how storytelling paired with data can radically shift public perception.If you want to build more inclusive communities, Tiffany's magnetic energy and practical wisdom will inspire you to see lived experience as a superpower rather than a limitation.Resources & LinksConnect with Tiffany on her website, order her book, The Anti-Ablelist Manifesto, and watch her TED talk, The Power of Exclusion.  This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!