The AbilityNet Podcast: Disability. Technology. Inclusion.

In this episode of The AbilityNet Podcast, AbilityNet's Mark Walker discusses the results of AbilityNet's 2024 Impact Report, in an audio summary of the key aspects of the report itself.    We're always keen to learn about new technology and its possible value for older and disabled people, so this audio has been built using AI with voice clones for Mark and his co-host, Gwen Bakewell. It's a diff...

In this episode of The AbilityNet Podcast, AbilityNet's Freya Robinson welcomes Emma Spring, co-founder and trustee of BanktheFood, a charity revolutionising food bank operations.   Emma talks about the story behind BanktheFood, the difficulties food banks have in getting their requirements communicated, and the significance of BanktheFood's cutting-edge app, which notifies contributors at superma...

Robin Christopherson is joined by Matthew Bellringer to discuss neurodiversity, its importance in the workplace, and how organisations can foster an inclusive culture.  Find out more about Matthew by visiting his website: https://www.matthewbellringer.com/links/     Explore AbilityNet’s online learning modules for workplaces: https://abilitynet.org.uk/elearning-workplace        Sign up to AbilityN...

In this episode of Disability Inclusion Insights, Claire Jones, Director at ClearTalents, joins Lizi and Adam to discuss how to create an inclusive workplace, the importance of reasonable adjustments, and how technology is driving disability inclusion. If you'd like to connect with ClearTalents or Claire Jones, visit cleartalents.info or email Claire at claire.jones@cleartalents.com   Explore Abil...

Mark Walker and Robin Christopherson spill the beans on what to expect at TechShare Pro 2023. Artificial Intelligence, the European Accessibility Act, and winning the business case for accessibility are just a taste of the topics.     Join us in-person or online, and secure your ticket for TechShare Pro 2023: www.techsharepro.com     Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility...

In this engaging conversation, Zeke Steer, CEO of Milbotix, explains the origins of Smart Socks, their unique technology, and how they are currently being trialled. He also discusses their future plans, including potential expansion into at-home use.    Milbotix is crowdfunding on Crowdcube. Join them on their mission to create a better future for those with dementia: https://www.crowdcube.com/com...

In this episode of Disability Inclusion Insights, Rosa Salamone, Process Manager for SAP Procurement at Boots UK, joins Lizi and Adam to share her personal experiences and perspectives regarding the significance of hiring disabled people. Rosa also delves into various initiatives that Boots UK has undertaken to champion inclusivity.    Explore AbilityNet’s online learning modules for workplaces: h...

Cliff Federspiel, President and CTO at Vigilent, joins Robin Christopherson to discuss how Vigilent, winners of the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards 2023's Sustainability Award, uses AI and machine learning to optimise industrial systems while reducing carbon emissions.   Find out more about Vigilent: vigilent.com   Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a trans...

John Helmes and Michael Vermeersch from Microsoft join Robin Christopherson to chat about Microsoft’s Adaptive Accessories. They talk about how these accessories are making a difference in the lives of disabled people and explore how AI might shake things up in terms of customising devices to individual needs.   Here is a list of resources that were referenced during the episode:    This video pro...

Ellie Thompson from Diversity and Ability joins Robin Christopherson to talk about the story behind the award-winning AXS Passport, its impact on both individuals and organisations, and its future advancements. Access Diversity and Ability’s AXS Passport, to begin sharing your accessibility and inclusion requirements: https://axs-passport.co/      Book your free 15-minute Gap Analysis taster sessi...

Welcome to our new series, Disability Inclusion Insights! Join Lizi Green and Adam Tweed, AbilityNet’s expert Digital Inclusion Consultants, in this series to interview leaders in workplace disability inclusion from across industries and around the world.    To kick off this new series, Maria Grazia Zedda, Senior Equality Diversity Inclusion Manager at High Speed Two (HS2), joins Lizi and Adan to...

Cam Beaudoin hosts an insightful fireside chat with Euan MacDonald MBE, Co-founder of Euan’s Guide, and Maayan Ziv, CEO of AccessNow, to discuss user-generated accessibility information.    Cam, Euan, and Maayan discuss:   The origins of Euan’s Guide and Access Now  MapMissions   How they gather and use user-generated information Whether venues, restaurants, and other locations are becoming more a...

Liz Heaney, Senior Solutions Consultant - Program Management at Google, joins Mark Walker to discuss her advice and tips for accessible procurement.    Liz and Mark discuss:  Processes for accessible procurement at Google  How connecting and approaching your procurement team is key to advancing accessibility  The key questions to ask suppliers and vendors in regard to accessibility    Sign up to A...

Mike Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes, joins us this week to provide the latest on Be My Eyes and its Virtual Volunteer tool.    Mike and Robin discuss:  The story behind the Be My Eyes app and how it works The benefits of using the Be My Eyes app The latest on Be My Eye’s Virtual Volunteer tool    Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this sessi...

2 Weeks since Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), co-founder Joe Devon joins Robin Christopherson to discuss:    This year’s GAAD events and whether we’re moving towards a more digital accessible world How Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be game-changing for accessibility Why accessibility overlays don’t improve a website’s accessibility    Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the late...

To mark Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), we are excited to share the jam-packed opening session from TechShare Pro 2022 - featuring HSBC, Channel 4, Google, and the Valuable 500!  In the latest podcast episode, accessibility leaders and CEOs share their advice and experience of embedding inclusion and accessibility into their organisations. We also catch up with Caroline Casey from the V...

Digit Music fuses its musical know-how with gaming design to create an environment where anybody can make music.   Si Tew, founder of Digit Music, joins Mark Walker to discuss:   The innovative Cmpsr (previously known as Control One) The process and aftermath of winning a Tech4Good Award  Exciting projects that Digit Music is currently working on   Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest...

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Cosmic is a social enterprise working to close the digital divide by providing key support, skills, and motivation to people of all ages and abilities.   10 years since winning a Tech4Good Award, Julie Hawker, Co-CEO at Cosmic, joins Mark Walker to discuss:   The work Cosmic does to help improve digital inclusion How Cosmic tackles digital inclusion in rural areas...

With 1.1 billion people living with avoidable or preventable vision impairment, Peek Vision's app is operating to provide portable eye examination kits for comprehensive eye examinations in even the remotest of settings.  Jeanette McKenna, Head of Sustainability, Marketing and Development at Peek Vision, joins Mark Walker to discuss:   The story behind Peek Vision and how its technology continues...

The AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards are back, and this week's episode features what3words, the winner of the BT Ingenious Award in 2015.  Giles Rhys Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at what3words, joins Mark Walker to discuss:   The story behind what3words   Using what3words to find accessible entrances   How what3words has been used by delivery companies, emergency services, and within Favelas in Brazi...

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Adi Latif, Accessibility and Usability Consultant at AbilityNet, and Debbie Bradford and Ian Milton from UK's Department for Work and Pension.  They joined TechSharePro 2022, to share recent updates to the Access to Work scheme:  New online portal for Access to Work payments  Access to Work support for hybrid working  Adjustments Passports for disabled stud...

In this week’s podcast, AbilityNet’s Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion, and Mark Walker, Head of Marketing and Portfolio, reflect on Apple’s Keynote on Apple, Accessibility, and Innovation.  In this session, we are joined by Sarah Herrlinger Apple’s Senior Director of Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives.  Sarah joined TechSharePro 2022, to discuss:   The connections between...

In this week’s podcast, AbilityNet’s Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion, and Mark Walker, Head of Marketing and Portfolio, reflect on Google’s Keynote on Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and accessibility at TechSharePro 2022.  In this session we are joined by Google’s Christopher Patnoe, EMEA Lead for Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, John Mueller, Senior Search Analyst and...

David Padmore is the Director of Accessibility for ITV and Matt Simpson is the Head of Technology within the Accessibility Services team for ITV. They join AbilityNet as the series 2, episode 4 guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series . In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - David and Matt speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE , AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, wh...

Natalie Tucker is the Senior Accessibility Lead at Spotify. She joins AbilityNet as the series 2, episode 3 guest in our free Accessibility Insights webinar series . In this podcast - an audio version of the webinar - Natalie speaks with Robin Christopherson MBE , AbilityNet's Head of Digital Inclusion, who hosts a monthly online chat with individuals who are each working to improve digital access...