Last Episode of the Season! Sam and Nikki reflect on and appreciate our Season 2 journey. We explored the rapid progress in AI and its impact and limitations on accessibility. We also delve into the diverse perspectives we've explored throughout the season. These conversations explored the different experiences of living with disabilities and working in accessibility.  Disability Bandwidth celebrates disabled entrepreneurs and experts as we discuss the evolving perception of disability as a source of pride and identity. With heartfelt gratitude, we invite you to dive into our previous episodes to broaden your understanding and foster a more inclusive society. Thank you for joining us on this season’s remarkable journey! Read Transcript 

In this week's episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Joe Devon, a co-founder of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Our discussion centered around Joe's perspective on the convergence of AI and accessibility, recognizing its potential to enhance inclusivity while acknowledging the inherent risks involved. We also delved into the origins of GAAD, exploring Joe's invaluable insights gleaned from the initiative, as well as his ongoing endeavors. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of expanding the definition of accessibility to foster inclusivity beyond the disabled community, as it brings benefits to a broader range of individuals. References: Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) CSUN Assistive Technology Conference Stevie Wonder performs at Apple for Accessibility Awareness Day Joe Devon's Blog post that started GAAD Read Transcript 

During this week's episode of Disability Bandwidth, Sam and Nikki have a conversation with Shivani Shah, an architect, researcher, and accessibility consultant. Shivani sheds light on her efforts toward promoting accessibility and disability inclusion in India. She points out that the definition of disability is still evolving in India and that the country is in the process of breaking down stereotypes and understanding the various types of disabilities recognized by law. Unfortunately, physical accessibility remains a distant reality for many people in India. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done to raise awareness, educate people, and incorporate accessibility into everyday discourse. Shivani also shares her experience of founding a startup called AxcesAble Designs, which aims to tackle accessibility issues in India and was established to address the basic rights of persons with disabilities in the country. References: Shivani Shah LinkedIn Shivani Shah Instagram Shivani Shah - Email Read Transcript

In this week's episode of Disability Bandwidth, we have an exceptional guest, Meryl Evans, CPACC, who joins Nikki and Sam to discuss the importance of respecting people's communication preferences. We talk about how not all deaf individuals use sign language and that everyone's experience with disability is unique. We also discussed how companies miss out on a significant opportunity, estimated at 13 trillion dollars, which could be unlocked by being accessible. We will delve into the crucial role of high-quality audio captions and share other valuable insights. Be sure to take advantage of this informative conversation! References: I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much, Stella Young Ted Talk Annual Report: The Global Economics of Disability Meryl Evans, CPACC LinkedIn Meryl Evans, CPACC Website Read Transcript

In this week's episode of Disability Bandwidth  Sam and Nikki engage in a conversation with Drew Herrema. We discuss Drew's complex journey into the design field despite the numerous obstacles he's faced because of his disability. Drew shares his experiences of being discouraged during his early education and being made to focus on his weaknesses instead of his strengths. Drew's love for design has fueled his drive to tackle accessibility issues and positively impact the world.  References: Drew’s LinkedIn  Drew’s website Read Transcript 

On the eighth episode of the second season of Disability Bandwidth, we had the pleasure of speaking with Meenakshi (Meena) Das, an engineer at Microsoft. Meena grew up in India with a stuttering disability and discovered the importance of accessibility while attending school in the United States. Now, her mission in life is to help others, she's created resources where individuals with disabilities can connect, share stories, and learn from each other. Meena is deeply committed to improving accessibility and making a positive impact on as many people as possible! References: AccessComputing -to subscribe to their mailing list, it is on the bottom of their webpage. CSUN Assistive Technology Conference Google Lime Scholar Working with Disabilities (Facebook Group) Meena Instagram Read Transcript

In the seventh episode of season two of Disability Bandwidth, we invite you to join us as we engage in a conversation with Julie Harris, a disability advocate, and a reasonable accommodations educator. We explore the fundamental human right of having your needs met and how it is significantly important for everyone. Moreover, we learn about Julie's journey of relearning everything and becoming an expert in accommodations. Julie helps individuals and companies understand how to acquire and provide effective accommodations to people with disabilities. References: Connect with Julie 

In the sixth episode of Disability Bandwidth's second season, we spoke with Olivia Muenz, a disabled writer from New York, about her personal journey toward receiving a diagnosis and how her disability has influenced her writing. Olivia shared with us her experiences of how her disability has shaped her perspectives and motivated her to pursue writing as a means of expressing herself. We delved into Olivia's use of an academic lens to explore disability in a unique and artistic way. Our conversation with Olivia was inspiring and enlightening, and we hope that our listeners find her perspectives on disability to be as engaging and thought-provoking as we did. References: Olivia Muenz Website Where Was I Again, by Olivia Muenz, published by Essay Press - Chapbook I Feel Fine, by Olivia Muenz, published by Switchback Books Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) COVID-19 and chronic fatigue syndrome: An endocrine perspective Paying disabled workers less is legal – except in these 3 states. Read Transcript 

On this week's episode of Disability Bandwidth, we have a lively and engaging conversation with Ka Li, an Accessibility Analyst at National Network for Equitable Library Service. Ka's interests span across multiple domains, ranging from conducting accessibility tests to contributing to the accessible publishing industry and even practicing Kava Maga and creating tactile graphics. We delve into his passions and what motivates him to get up each day. Make sure not to miss this week's podcast for a fun and captivating discussion. References: Establishing a New Braille File Standard with the eBRF What is a BRF file? What is Unicode? NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service) ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange Learning Ally Formerly Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic Tactile Graphics Lego for the Blind Read Transcript

In the fourth episode of season two of Disability Bandwidth, we had an insightful conversation with Grace Ogden-Parker, an enthusiastic advocate for both the Autistic and Disability communities who proudly identifies as a member of both groups. During our discussion, we explored her ongoing efforts to destigmatize autism and disability and her strategies for combating ableism in its various forms. Additionally, we delved into the incredible content creators who have inspired her and helped her develop a greater understanding of herself. You won't want to miss this engaging conversation that covers a wide range of topics. References: Grace Ogden-Parker Linkedin Grace Ogden-Parker Redbubble Grace Ogden-Parker Youtube Autistic Women's Alliance Identity-First Language Autism Is an Identity, Not a Disease: Inside the Neurodiversity Movement Vaccines do not cause autism. (CDC) Jeremy Andrew Davis Tiktok Social Model of Disability  Dr. Damian Milton's podcast - Apple Podcast Neurodivergent Rebel - Website Ella Tab - @PurpleElla -Youtube Agony Autie - Youtube Amythest Schaber- @neurowonderful- Youtube Benjamin Lee Whorf Online Autism Test (Please note this is not a formal diagnosis) Communication First - Organization Transcript