What drives a leader to champion disability inclusion and transform corporate culture? Meet Mike Liebman, Bloomberg's ERG lead for the United States, as he shares his compelling journey through personal health challenges and his relentless efforts to broaden Bloomberg's disability ERG, BeAble. From dissociative disorders to PTSD and a degenerative spinal condition, Mike's experiences have fueled a passion to expand ERG discussions to encompass mental health, neurodiversity, and chronic medical conditions. Tune in to hear how Mike navigates the intricate landscape of representing diverse communities within ERGs, ensuring balanced attention to various disabilities, and fostering inclusive dialogue that keeps members actively engaged.

Discover the strides Bloomberg is making under Mike's leadership towards a more inclusive tech environment. We spotlight Bloomberg's pioneering initiatives like the disability in tech conference, created in collaboration with Lime Connect, which highlights the critical contributions of individuals with disabilities, especially in AI advancements. Additionally, get a glimpse into the empowering Grace Topper event, which serves as a vibrant recruitment platform connecting talented women with corporations keen on diversifying their workforce. With these forward-thinking initiatives, we share our excitement for the potential lasting impact on diversity and inclusion in tech and beyond.

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Join us for an enlightening discussion with Johny Cassidy, an inspiring BBC journalist and the leader of their Disabled Staff Employee Network, as he shares his remarkable story of overcoming accessibility challenges in journalism. Johny's journey is one of resilience and innovation, where he creatively turned barriers into opportunities, leveraging assistive technology to carve out a successful career. Dive into Johny’s passion for digital accessibility and visual data journalism, and understand why equal access to news is crucial for all audiences. His insights offer a powerful reminder of the value that diverse perspectives bring to trusted news delivery, and the ongoing battle against imposter syndrome many face in professional landscapes.

We also explore the fascinating parallels between the unpredictability of horse riding and the intricacies of advocating for digital accessibility. Johny illustrates how effective communication and strategic framing can influence stakeholders to embrace accessibility by showcasing its wide-reaching benefits. Listen to his heartfelt narrative about a father's efforts to shatter societal prejudices and serve as a role model for his daughter, pushing for increased diversity and representation in journalism. Through organizing impactful events and challenging existing stereotypes, Johnny emphasizes the critical need for disabled individuals in decision-making roles, ensuring that diverse voices are celebrated and heard.

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Rachel Billington, AECOM's Director of People and Culture, shares her intriguing transition from policing to leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at a major global infrastructure company. Rachel recounts an inspiring moment when her impactful speech sparked enhanced maternity leave support. As we navigate the complexities of DEI amid contrasting political climates across Europe and North America, Rachel sheds light on overcoming the cyclical challenges and backlash against 'wokery.' With a focus on fostering inclusive environments, she emphasizes the power of open dialogue to move beyond the limitations of cancel culture and encourages authentic expression in the workplace.

Our conversation also uncovers AECOM's commitment to promoting diversity in engineering, with particular attention to gender balance and early career recruitment in the UK. Rachel reveals innovative strategies, such as collaborating with inclusive universities and conducting STEM outreach, to address gender disparities. We discuss the significance of using authentic representation in organizational marketing and the broader implications of diversity across all areas, including age. From ensuring equitable gender representation at senior levels to preventing talent drain through age diversity, Rachel highlights how economic and moral imperatives align to build a more inclusive workforce.

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Paralympian and trailblazer Sophia Warner joins us to share how she's reshaping the landscape of inclusive sports with the Superhero Series. With events like Winter Wonder Wheels and Superhero triathlon, Sophia is breaking down barriers by allowing participants to tackle courses in any way they can—whether being towed, pushed, or using other adaptive methods. Her passion for creating a safe and inclusive space for individuals with disabilities stems from her own experiences and fuels the series' mission to enable everyone to enjoy sports without the constraints of traditional rules.

We explore the dynamic blend of disability, adventure, and empowerment that defines these groundbreaking events. Sophia’s innovative approach bridges the gap between elite Paralympic sports and broader participation, offering both live and remote opportunities for those who might face travel or sensory challenges. Supported by major sponsors like Marvel and Disney, the Superhero Series is more than just a set of events; it's a movement that champions diversity, enabling participants to showcase their abilities to the world.

Beyond the races, there’s a deeper story unfolding—a narrative of community building and support for families with disabled children. Sophia reveals how the series creates a space for connection, understanding, and shared joy, enhancing the sense of unity among participants. As the Superhero Series grows from its humble beginnings to hosting thousands, the call for continued financial and volunteer support becomes crucial. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary spirit of these events and consider being part of this inspiring journey towards a more inclusive and joyful sporting future.

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Explore the synergy between sustainability and accessibility in digital design with our insightful guest, Alexis, Senior Product UX Designer at IKEA. We promise a rich discussion on the shared goals of enhancing life and the planet, while tackling the challenge of fragmented reporting under the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Alexis shares groundbreaking strategies on integrating sustainable practices into digital technology, stressing the need for collaboration between professionals to ensure accessibility's material impact is both recognized and effectively communicated.

Shifting focus to the power of optimism, we discuss redefining societal value beyond monetary terms. Drawing inspiration from compelling books like "What If We Get It Right," we advocate for moving away from pessimism to embrace hopeful innovation. Discover how sustainable and accessible practices can not only improve efficiency and creativity but also lead to better, more affordable products. We wrap up by emphasizing the importance of sustaining conversations on accessibility across multiple platforms, aiming for a long-term impact that transcends today's discussion. Join us for an inspiring narrative that challenges you to rethink value in design and business practices.

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Discover the captivating journey of Peter Torres-Fremlin, the visionary behind Disability Debrief, as he reveals how a platform dedicated to disability reporting came to be. Through his experiences with international organizations and his commitment to amplifying voices from the global south, Peter takes us on a tour of the crucial role investigative journalism plays in the disability sector. Unravel the challenges of navigating an overloaded information landscape and the transformative potential of AI in shaping the future of journalism.

Explore the profound questions surrounding disability data accuracy and the importance of transparency and accountability within the community. Peter and Antonio engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the reliability of widely cited statistics, such as the World Health Organization's 15% figure, and consider the implications of data on public policy. By examining the global adoption and debates surrounding methodologies like the Washington Group questions, we shed light on how accurate data can influence societal understanding and decision-making processes.

Finally, we confront the complexities of disability representation in media, emphasizing the need for both specialized and inclusive reporting. By addressing issues like media misrepresentation and the importance of dedicated spaces for the disability community, we underscore the power of resources like Disability Debrief in equipping advocates and professionals with trusted information. Join us as we advocate for improved quality in mainstream media while fostering environments where voices from the disability community can thrive and lead the narrative.

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In this episode of AXSChat, with John Graham, founder of the Giraffe Heroes Project, talks about his adventurous life, the importance of storytelling in inspiring action, and the need for individuals to take risks to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). John shares his transformative journey from seeking adrenaline rushes to finding purpose in helping others and discusses the impact of storytelling in driving social change. He emphasizes the importance of sticking one's neck out to create a better world and reflects on his experiences with activism, including his work against apartheid.

Takeaways

• John Graham's life is a testament to adventure and risk-taking.
• Realizing the impact of one's actions can lead to profound change.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for inspiring action.
• The Giraffe Heroes Project highlights individuals making a difference.
• DEI progress requires individuals to take risks and advocate for change.
• Social media can be used to share positive stories and inspire others.
• It's important to recognize and amplify the stories of everyday heroes.
• Activism often involves navigating complex political landscapes.
• Personal responsibility is key to driving social change.
• A life dedicated to service can be fulfilling and impactful.

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Darryl Adams, a luminary in the field of accessibility, joins us to share the extraordinary path that defined his 28-year career at Intel, shaped profoundly by his personal experiences with retinitis pigmentosa and single-sided deafness. Darryl's story is a heartfelt exploration of how Intel's inclusive culture, coupled with his relentless passion, empowered him to champion accessible technology for all. Through his reflections, we learn not just about the technological strides made at Intel, but also about the wider impact of fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

Darryl takes us on a journey into the future of technology and communication, unveiling the world of possibilities opened by machine learning and conversational AI. Imagine a world where interactions transcend traditional interfaces, transforming into seamless, conversational exchanges that nurture human connection. Darryl shines a light on the transformative potential of these technologies to enhance communication tools, especially for those with speech differences or hearing loss, promising a more inclusive and interconnected world.

As we navigate the ethical dimensions of technology, we are urged to consider the responsibility of major tech companies in shaping AI that prioritizes inclusivity and fairness. By weaving together cybersecurity, accessibility, and ethics, the conversation addresses the need for personalized algorithms that cater to individual needs, ensuring trust and enhancing user experiences. Darryl's insights underscore the importance of refocusing tech industry objectives from profit to user-centric optimization. Finally, we reflect on the shifting demographics of an aging population and the vital role this plays in the ongoing dialogue around accessibility, urging collective efforts to embrace and address these emerging challenges.

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