Bridging the Gap in Scale-up support for Accessible Innovations

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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Previous Episode

Shaping an Inclusive Future: James Thurston on Bridging Technology, Policy, and Accessible Innovation

Join the riveting conversation as we host James Thurston, an eminent figure in the world of accessible technology. Thrust from the halls of Washington DC into the high-tech sector, James has shaped a career that bridges policy and innovation. Across the evolving landscape of accessibility, his tales from Microsoft to his ongoing ventures at ATOS are not only insightful but also punctuated with a spirit of collaboration that is as heartwarming as it is strategic. His narrative is a testament to the power of inclusive design and the shared commitment across sectors to dismantle barriers and enhance technology for everyone.
This episode is a deep probe into the responsibility corporations bear in society, weighing the balance between profit and purpose. James Thurston’s perspective on the matter is sharp, echoed by his experiences across different continents. We confront the reality that businesses are increasingly expected to front the charge on societal issues, with an eye on the variances in approach from the US to Europe. The discourse winds towards the potential of companies to effectuate enduring societal change, challenging the often transient nature of political will with the steadfast vision of corporate strategy.
To cap off, we scrutinize the journey of accessibility in tech, questioning the industry's commitment to integrating inclusivity within the mainstream. The episode showcases strategies to embed accessibility at the foundation of innovation, stressing the value of elevating disabled professionals into leadership roles. With an optimistic view, we investigate the role of maturity models in tracking organizational progress, underscoring the strides being made towards the inclusion of accessibility data in ESG reporting. Thurston's dialogue is a beacon of progress within the industry, signaling a future where technology and accessibility are synonymous.

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Next Episode

Championing Corporate Inclusion: Amazon's Focus on Disability Equality and Innovation

Embark on a journey with Lauren Lobrano, the Global Disability Inclusion Leader at Amazon, as she unpacks the complexities of creating a workspace that embraces employees of all abilities. Lauren's vast experience, from her invaluable work with veterans to her current role at Amazon, provides a unique perspective on inclusion within a corporate powerhouse. Our conversation traverses her backstory, the global impact of disability inclusion at Amazon, and the nuanced interplay between the disabled community and the corporate world.
As we wade through the waters of corporate responsibility, we emphasize the power of Amazon's workforce diversity, particularly the voices of those with disabilities. Lauren illustrates the transformative nature of technologies like the Echo devices and shares insights into how Amazon's internal advisory groups shape the company's inclusive environment. We scrutinize the accommodations process, focusing on Amazon's dedication to ensuring new employees with disabilities feel supported from the moment they join the team, a testament to the company's commitment to a diverse workforce.
Wrapping up, we celebrate Amazon's proactive partnerships with disability organizations and their triumph in achieving a 100% score on the Disability Equality Index. We'll also ignite your curiosity about Amazon's creative approach to hackathons, fostering innovation to break down accessibility barriers. The collaboration with the Perkins School for the Blind and MIT is just one example of how these events serve as educational platforms for tech leaders while advancing accessibility. Join us for this eye-opening discussion that not only honors Amazon's initiatives but also underscores the ongoing mission to embed true equity and inclusion within every facet of the workplace.

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AXSChat Podcast - Bridging the Gap in Scale-up support for Accessible Innovations

Transcript

00:00:00.340

AXSCHAT Sabine Wachernig

NEIL00:00:01.570

Hello and welcome to Axschat, I'm delighted that we are joined today by Sabine Wachernig from Zero Project. I am working with Sabine alongside others, as part of a project we are doing with GIZ but also Sabine is here to talk about partners in general and some of the stuff that's coming up, especially, the super duper Zero Project conference in Vienna, in not very many weeks’ time. So, Sabine,