Human Potential At Work

Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, Executive Producer of the documentary "End Game" on Netflix, joins the program to discuss the need for additional education and policies changes around end-of-life issues. She discusses why so often, people aren't dying in ways that match their goals and values, and what physicians can do to help patients make informed decisions. 

Mike Gifford, Founder and President of OpenConcept Consulting Inc, joins the program to discuss the work he has been doing in the area of web accessibility and the importance of that work. Discover how Mike was able to tackle issues of web accessibility through a powerful software tool and how assistive technology will actually help with machine learning and AI. 

Dr. Nassar Siabi joins the program to discuss his journey of empowering persons with disabilities. For his work, he has been awarded an OBE in 2010 for his contribution in helping over 250,000 disabled people transition from education into work and received the lifetime achievement award from the National Diversity Awards in 2015.

Amanda Blackwell, founder and President of the Board at Digna International, describes her amazing journey of moving to Guatemala as a speech therapist without being able to speak Spanish, and going on to found Dinga, which now serves as a model of excellence and generator of social transformation in the area of inclusion of people with special needs.

Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum, joins the program to discuss the work that her organization does to empower persons with disabilities. She also discusses the problem of the disability pay gap and the work that is being done to ensure that meaningful employment is available to all.

Christian Perera, Accessibility Consultant, UK Digital Team at McDonald’s Corporation joins the program to discuss his journey from having a spinal cord injury to becoming an accessibility consultant. Christian discusses some of the obstacles that he encountered along the way and how he overcome them. 

Mindy Scheier, fashion designer and founder of Runway of Dreams, shares her story. Mindy's son Oliver, was born with Rigid Spine Muscular Dystrophy, causing clothing challenges due to muscle weakness and his inability to dress himself. After spending years in the fashion industry, Mindy decided there was an opportunity to meld her worlds together. Runway of Dreams aims to be the authority on incorporating modifications to mainstream clothing for the differently-abled community.

Kannan Srinivasan, Director of Human Resources at Flextronics Technologies, discusses the work that they are doing to include persons of all abilities in their workforce. Kannan discusses what has worked best for them, and how they were able to make inclusive hiring a mainstream practice in their organization. 

Megan Morrone, Producer & Host at TWiT.tv, discusses women's voices in technology, and the importance of considering multiple perspectives. She also shares the ways in which social media and technology can be used to increase accessibility and be a platform for diverse voices. 

Yves Veulliet, Global Disability & Inclusion Program Manager at IBM discusses why IBM is leading The Global Conversation on Disability Inclusion via the ILO GBDN. (ILO Global Business and Disability Network)

Byron Reese, CEO and publisher of the technology research company Gigaom and author of The Fourth Age: Smart Robots, Conscious Computers, and the Future of Humanity, joins the program to discuss how technological advancements will impact everyone, including persons with disabilities. Byron looks at the historical impact of technology and reveals why he is bullish on technological advancement as a force for good. 

Betty Siegel, The Kennedy Center's Director of VSA and Accessibility, joins the program to discuss the importance of equity in the arts and  arts based careers. Discover how The Kennedy Center is ensuring that every voice is lifted up and heard and learn more about their innovative internship programs. 

Gary Sheinbaum, Chief Executive Officer, Tommy Hilfiger Americas, joins the program to discuss the Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive line.  The line includes the essential fashion pieces like shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, and jackets — but Tommy Adaptive clothes are easier to put on. Modifications such as adjustable hems, one-handed zippers, side-seam openings, bungee cord closure systems, adjustable waists, and magnetic buttons and velcro make the fashionable designs much more disability friendly.

LaMondré Pough joins the program to discuss the disruption that is occurring when it comes to disability inclusion. Discover some of the trends and technological shifts that are occurring and the impact that they will have on people of all abilities.

What is inclusion branding and why is it important for corporations? In this special episode, Debra is joined by her producer Doug Foresta as she discusses takeaways from her new book "Inclusion Branding" and how corporations can create inclusive marketing that creates a high return on investment. To support our program, visit https://www.patreon.com/HPAW  To get the book "Inclusion Branding" visit https://amzn.to/2GKV0sj