AXSChat Podcast

Antonio Santos, Debra Ruh, Neil Milliken

Podcast by Antonio Santos, Debra Ruh, Neil Milliken: Connecting Accessibility, Disability, and Technology

Welcome to a vibrant community where we explore accessibility, disability, assistive technology, diversity, and the future of work. Hosted by Antonio Santos, Debra Ruh, and Neil Milliken, our open online community is committed to crafting an inclusive world for everyone.

Accessibility for All: Our Mission

Believing firmly that accessibility is not just a feature but a right, we leverage the transformative power of social media to foster connections, promote in-depth discussions, and spread vital knowledge about groundbreaking work in access and inclusion.

Weekly Engagements: Interviews, Twitter Chats, and More

Join us for compelling weekly interviews with innovative minds who are making strides in assistive technology. Participate in Twitter chats with contributors dedicated to forging a more inclusive world, enabling greater societal participation for individuals with disabilities.

Diverse Topics: Encouraging Participation and Voice

Our conversations span an array of subjects linked to accessibility, from technology innovations to diverse work environments. Your voice matters! Engage with us by tweeting using the hashtag #axschat and be part of the movement that champions accessibility and inclusivity for all.

Be Part of the Future: Subscribe Today

We invite you to join us in this vital dialogue on accessibility, disability, assistive technology, and the future of diverse work environments. Subscribe today to stay updated on the latest insights and be part of a community that's shaping the future inclusively.

#7 in the Top 100 future of work All time chart

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Top 10 AXSChat Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best AXSChat Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to AXSChat Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite AXSChat Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

AXSChat Podcast with Cam Beaudoin

AXSChat Podcast

07/29/22 • 31 min

Using his experience in program management, software development, and technical consulting, Cam brings a unique and refreshing perspective on how teams can tackle digital accessibility within their organization. People appreciate his hands-on knowledge of planning, executing, and delivering accessible results with practical, real-world solutions.

Cam sticks to down-to-earth stories and engages groups from the moment he meets them, leaving them with a cool confidence in their ability to handle the ambiguities of digital accessibility. Audiences often appreciate that he can speak the same language as their technical teams or senior business leads.

Cam speaks on recalibrating communication techniques for technical teams and accessibility consultants, ensuring that cross-functional teams include everyone in the conversation.

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Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniovieirasantos/
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Vimeo
https://vimeo.com/akwyz
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https://twitter.com/AkwyZ
https://twitter.com/neilmilliken
https://twitter.com/debraruh

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AXSChat Podcast with AXSChat with Josh Wintersgill, Open's Inclusive Innovation Programme Lead

AXSChat Podcast

08/19/22 • 30 min

Josh is Open's Inclusive Innovation Programme Lead. He is leading our work on a grassroots inclusive innovation for an exciting global initiative being launched in 2022. He also works across the broader Open team on innovation projects we are working on internally and externally.
Prior to stepping into this significant innovation role, Josh had joined Open as our Lead for the Mobility / Dexterity Community. He still ensures that we remain aware of and up to date with the community's concerns, needs, and interests. With the other Community Leads, he continues to help co-design research to ensure that the needs of people with physical access needs are well-considered and incorporated in our work.
As a powered wheelchair user for the last 19 years, Josh got fed up with the lack of dignity, safety and comfort when flying by air and now produces award winning products to improve flying for wheelchair users around the globe, alongside other fantastic innovative products. He is an entrepreneur himself and the Founder and Director of Able Move.
His background is in technology and he takes every opportunity to work in research, design, and innovation on new cutting-edge products and services that look to enhance diverse opportunities and improve inclusive design and outcomes.
Josh has a competitive nature and loves to compete. He is currently on the talent and development squad for Great Britain in Air Rifle.

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Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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Bridging the Gap in Scale-up support for Accessible Innovations

AXSChat Podcast

02/02/24 • 35 min

Unlock the hidden potential within the disability sector as we uncover the transformative work of the Zero Project. I had the privilege of engaging with Sabine Wachernig, whose passion for disability inclusion and development work sheds light on forging paths for innovations that uplift the lives of persons with disabilities worldwide. Our conversation navigates the strategic methods the Zero Project employs to identify and scale impactful innovations, and we share an intimate look into their upcoming Vienna conference—a melting pot for sharing ideas and cultivating networks. Sabine's commitment to the cause illuminates the collaborative spirit necessary for true advancement, and together we examine the critical role of technology companies like ATOS in fostering independent living.
Venture into the intricacies of scaling startups in the accessibility arena, as we dissect the Scaling Solution Program's approach to catapulting candidates onto the global stage. We scrutinize the essence of internal organization, the power of an expert network, and the significance of educating investors on why the disability sector warrants attention—especially for disabled and female founders. The chapter divulges into the disparities between venture capital and impact investing, highlighting the latter's potential to enact societal change. And we don't shy away from confronting the internal challenges facing the disability community itself, including visibility and representation issues, ensuring that our discussion is as inclusive as it is insightful. Join us to embrace the change-makers redefining the landscape of disability inclusion.

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Follow axschat on social media.
Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

AXSChat Podcast with Tim Sutton is a 31 year veteran Law Enforcement Officer

AXSChat Podcast

09/05/20 • 42 min

Tim Sutton is a 31 year veteran Law Enforcement Officer. After spending 4 years as a patrolman for the Chesterfield County Police Department VA, he was hired by a Sheriff’s Office in the Richmond Metro area of Virginia. Tim then worked as a patrol deputy for two years and then spent four years as a Street Crimes Investigator. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1999 and has been a patrol Sergeant ever since. In 2003, he implemented his agencies Project Lifesaver Program to address the issue of individuals wandering or eloping due to cognitive impairment. He continues to run the program. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from James Madison University.

While overseeing his department’s Project Lifesaver Program, he has interacted extensively with hundreds of families dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia or Autism/Intellectual Disabilities.In 2007, Tim was asked to travel throughout Virginia for the Department of Criminal Justice Services as an instructor for the “Alzheimer’s for First Responders” training. He assisted with the training the training until 2011. In 2011 he was approached by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to assist in teaching the “Alzheimer’s Initiative” throughout the country. As the “Alzheimer’s Initiative ended in 2017, he has continued to travel the United States training public safety officers and conducting Train the Trainer courses on Alzheimer’s Disease. He has partnered with Next Generation Training in co-teaching many of these courses

In 2009, Tim was asked to join the Public Safety Workgroup of Virginia to help develop an Autism Training curriculum for Public Safety in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the fall of 2010, the pilot class was presented at the Project Lifesaver International Conference in Virginia Beach. He became a member of a team traveling across Virginia conducting the Critical Autism Training (CAT 1). The team was featured in the Washington Post during the spring of 2011 when they trained members of the Fairfax Police Department. As the CAT 1 training ended in 2016, Tim has continued to travel throughout Virginia and different areas of the country conducting Autism/Intellectual Disability Training.

In 2011, Tim’s Law Enforcement agency was involved in one of the largest search and rescue missions in Virginia history. A nine year non-speaking boy with Autism had eloped in a very rural area of the county. For six days a 24 hour search was conducted with the child subsequently being found alive on that sixth day. As the search progressed, there was a pouring out of citizens wanting to help. Tim was assigned to conduct 20 minute classes on Autism for all the citizens who showed up to help with the search. Over the course of 4 days, Tim trained over 6,000 citizens on the unique characteristics of Autism.

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Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

AXSChat Podcast with Marcie Roth – Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer for the World Institute on Disability

AXSChat Podcast

06/08/20 • 46 min

Hosted by Antonio Santos, Debra Ruh and Neil Milliken.
Marcie Roth is Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer for the World Institute on Disability (WID), WID is a highly regarded global public policy centre WID works to advance the rights and opportunities of over 1 billion people with disabilities worldwide by disrupting exclusion and accelerating radical social justice.

Marcie has served in senior and executive leadership roles for national and global disability advocacy and public policy organizations since 1995, establishing and leading coalitions committed to operationalizing disability inclusion as an intersectional imperative for global social justice. Marcie’s focus on improving emergency preparedness and disaster outcomes for people with disabilities and building accessible disaster-resilient communities began in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks while advising the White House on the rights and urgent needs of people with disabilities living in the area around ground zero.

Appointed by President Obama to the U.S Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from 2009 to 2017, Marcie established and directed the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC). Under her leadership, ODIC led national transformation towards integrating the access and functional needs of the whole community throughout emergency preparedness and disaster response, recovery and mitigation. Ms Roth represented the U.S. government internationally as an expert on whole community inclusive global disaster risk reduction from 2012- 2017, serving as a leader throughout the development and implementation of the United Nations’ Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

In 2017, Ms Roth established the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, the only U.S. disability-led organization (DPO) focused exclusively on disability inclusion before, during, and after public health emergencies and disasters.

Marcie is a Harvard University Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Fellow with a BS in Public Safety Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She maintains offices at WID’s global headquarters located on the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, CA, and in Washington, DC.

Support the show

Follow axschat on social media.
Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

AXSChat Podcast with Mindy Scheier from Gamut Talent Management

AXSChat Podcast

03/27/20 • 36 min

Before starting the Runway of Dreams Foundation (RoDF) in 2014, Mindy Scheier spent 20 years working in fashion on the design team for the INC collection and as a stylist for Saks Fifth Avenue.

Mindy was inspired to start RoDF after her son Oliver, who has Muscular Dystrophy, dreamed of wearing jeans like everyone else. After using her design skills to adapt a pair that met his needs and increased his confidence, she went on to conduct extensive research to develop modifications that would meet the needs of the largest minority in our world- people with disabilities. The clothing modifications she developed include alternate closures, adjustability and alternative ways to get in and out of the clothing. Following its launch, RoDF partnered with Tommy Hilfiger on the first mainstream adaptive clothing line for kids in 2016.

Founded on the basis that clothing is a basic human need, RoDF develops, delivers and supports initiatives to broaden the reach of mainstream adaptive clothing and promote people with disabilities in the fashion industry. Through adaptive clothing donations, employment opportunity initiatives, adaptive design workshops, adaptive fashion shows, wardrobe grants, awareness building campaigns and scholarship programs, RoDF is empowering people with disabilities in style. Mindy serves as a consultant for Tommy Adaptive, is a member of the Advisory Council for Zappos Adaptive and works to educate many other fashion brands on the population of people with disabilities. Envisioning a world where fashion is mainstream and accessible for all, Mindy continues to break down barriers and challenge industry norms.

In 2019, Mindy created Gamut Talent Management to represent people with disabilities and create a marketplace where businesses and industries can connect to this target audience. Gamut is rebranding the way PWDs are viewed, marketed to and represented in the mainstream world. The continued support of the mission of Runway of Dreams will always be a component of Gamut, as the company’s 501c3 partner.

Mindy has been featured in Newsweek’s “The Creative Class of 2019: Innovators,” People magazine’s “Heroes Among Us,” and Pix 11’s “Changemaker: Making the Fashion Industry More Inclusive.” She has also been featured in USA Today, Parents, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Vogue Business, WWD, NBC’s Today, ABC’s Good Morning America, Access, CNBC, Fox News Channel and more.

An inspiring TED speaker, Mindy has received numerous awards including the Catalyst Award for “Marketing Influencer of the Year,” Citrin Cooperman’s “Women at the Wheel Leadership Excellence Award, the Association of Image Consultants International Bravo Award and Enable Inc.’s Michael

Support the show

Follow axschat on social media.
Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

Beyond Tokenism Exploring True Access and Equality

AXSChat Podcast

01/17/24 • 32 min

When we consider the fabric of our society, it's easy to miss the threads that are only partially woven into the whole, particularly when it comes to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Join Antonio, Debra and Neil from axschat to unravel the misconceptions and realities of partial inclusion, where tokenistic gestures often replace genuine integration. We scrutinize the current legislative landscape, examining its efficacy and questioning whether it inadvertently overlooks those in dire need of support. With a reflective eye, we peel back layers to reveal the stark difference between meeting minimum standards and embracing true inclusion.
Venturing further into the heart of the matter, we confront the monumental challenges of creating inclusive experiences within corporate structures. We acknowledge the pivotal role that design plays in mental health and the essential need for equivalent access to products and services. The conversation pivots to consider the weight of responsibility designers and companies bear when their creations fall short, potentially fostering negative self-perceptions and mental health crises. It's a candid discussion on the broader societal implications of these systemic issues and the urgency of strategic shifts to avoid perpetuating exclusion.
In our final segment, we tackle the disparities present in healthcare systems and their impact on families touched by disabilities. From personal anecdotes to global investment trends, we explore how equitable resource distribution is often more of an ideal than a reality. We confront the punitive nature of systems that discourage employment among those with disabilities, and advocate for systemic changes that support rather than stifle individual potential. With a nod to the importance of accurate data in addressing healthcare challenges, we close by acknowledging the support that keeps our conversations alive and our community engaged.

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Follow axschat on social media.
Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

Transforming Assistive Technology: Steve Tyler on Accessibility, Innovation, and Inclusion

AXSChat Podcast

02/21/25 • 37 min

Unlock the secrets of transforming assistive technology with Steve Tyler, the pioneering Director of Assistive Tech and Transformation at Leonard Cheshire. Join us as Steve shares his compelling journey from the world of clinical psychology to becoming a beacon for disability support and technology integration. With invaluable insights into collaborations with major tech companies, discover how Steve is championing accessibility and inclusive practices that are reshaping the tech landscape for people with disabilities.
Dive into the untapped market potential of accessible design and the strategic integration of accessibility within mainstream business. Through captivating examples like synthetic speech technology and Braille labeling for pharmaceuticals, we reveal how inclusive design not only meets diverse user needs but also powers sustainable business propositions. Steve sheds light on the importance of understanding industry decision-making and leveraging the art of storytelling to drive the adoption of inclusive practices.
Navigate the pressing challenges within the disability community, where educational and employment opportunities have hit a frustrating plateau. Steve addresses the biases entrenched in these sectors and the inefficiencies plaguing assistive technology development. From the crucial role of Braille in education and employment to the financial entanglements of large charitable organizations, gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to forge a more cohesive and effective approach to disability inclusion and innovation.

Support the show

Follow axschat on social media.
Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

AXSChat Podcast with Laura MCLEAN & Tom FORSYTH from The Ramble Tag

AXSChat Podcast

02/29/20 • 28 min

Hosted by António Vieira Santos, Debra Ruh and Neil Milliken.

The Ramble Tag was invented and designed by two friends and neighbours – Laura 39yrs and Tom 65 yrs, Tom himself is blind.

Both Laura and Tom have creative backgrounds and a love for dogs.

Tom and Laura

Tom lost his sight gradually over a period of 20 years through Type 1 diabetes, so Laura would help walk him walk his dog when needed, acting as his guide when his partner wasn’t around. They soon became great friends, shared laughs, ideas and inspired each other to go into business after their best spark of an idea, a loop on the arm to give more space and to be more secure... (their dogs pulling them apart gave them the idea)

A year from start-up, which was Kickstarted (crowdfunded), the Ramble Tag became a finalist in the RNIB Innovation of the Year awards 2019 and is also being sold by the RNIB shop. It was snapped up by Glasgow airport promptly and then other UK airports followed.

They soon recognized its potential as more than just a daily guiding tool to be used with a friend, it could be used by various assistance staff while respecting physical boundaries, alleviate repetitive strain, improve comfort, give more independence to the likes of teenagers with their parents and many other practicalities.

They daydream the day that the Ramble Tag is as known as well as the white cane. It’s another option, a choice, and choice equals inclusion.

#axschat Twitter Chat - March 3rd
9 pm Berlin

8 pm London

3 pm NYC

Support the show

Follow axschat on social media.
Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

AXSChat Interview with Rick Williams - CEO of Freeney Williams.

AXSChat Podcast

02/15/20 • 27 min

Hosts. Antonio Santos, Neil Milliken and Debra Ruh
Rick Williams is the CEO of Freeney Williams Ltd, one of Europe’s leading specialist disability consultancies which provides strategic advice and guidance on employing disabled people and ensuring their access to goods and services. He has a strong and proven combination of skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, an Associate of both the Business Disability International and the Business Disability Forum as well as being a non-executive Director of Ofcom. Before setting up the company in 2002 Rick spent over 30 years in the Public Sector working in a range of high profile posts in HR and senior management. He is a highly effective consultant who has worked in many high profile organisations both in Europe and the UK.
Some of the UK organisations for which Rick has worked include the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Department of Work and Pensions, JobCentre Plus, KPMG, PWC, Virgin Media, BT, Centrica, Accor Hotels, Barclays and the Houses of Parliament.
His international work has included working with the ILO in Geneva and Turin, acting as a special adviser to the Bermudan Government and advising NGOs in Moscow and Vienna.
Rick is blind and the combination of being a disabled person and experienced as a consultant, HR professional and senior manager, gives him a high level of expertise in organisational policies and attitudes towards disabled people and how they can be shaped.
For further information about Freeney Williams Ltd go to http://www.freeneywilliams.com

Support the show

Follow axschat on social media.
Bluesky:
Antonio https://bsky.app/profile/akwyz.com

Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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FAQ

How many episodes does AXSChat Podcast have?

AXSChat Podcast currently has 254 episodes available.

What topics does AXSChat Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Future Of Work, Management, Inclusion, Mental Health, Community, Podcasts, Technology, Business and Diversity.

What is the most popular episode on AXSChat Podcast?

The episode title 'AXSChat Podcast with Cam Beaudoin' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on AXSChat Podcast?

The average episode length on AXSChat Podcast is 35 minutes.

How often are episodes of AXSChat Podcast released?

Episodes of AXSChat Podcast are typically released every 7 days, 2 hours.

When was the first episode of AXSChat Podcast?

The first episode of AXSChat Podcast was released on Nov 15, 2019.

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AXSChat Podcast

Antonio Santos, Debra Ruh, Neil Milliken

Top 10 AXSChat Podcast Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does AXSChat Podcast have?

What topics does AXSChat Podcast cover?

What is the most popular episode on AXSChat Podcast?

What is the average episode length on AXSChat Podcast?

How often are episodes of AXSChat Podcast released?

When was the first episode of AXSChat Podcast?

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