Human Potential At Work

LaMondre Pough, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ruh Global IMPACT, joins the program to discuss his thoughts about disability accessibility, racism in the United States, and how we privilege certain lives over others. LaMondre and Debra also discuss how discrimination is built into various systems and what needs to happen to create positive change. 

Mike Paciello, Founding Partner of The Paciello Group joins this episode of HPAW. Mike has been in the accessibility business since the mid-80's, both as a usability and accessibility engineer. In 2006, along with his friend and colleague Jim Tobias, he was appointed co-chair to the United States Federal Access Board's Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (TEITAC). In years past he has been involved in several well known accessibility ventures including ICADD, WAI, and WebABLE (his first official web site and start-up). Most recently, together with TVworldwide.com, he launched a new internet channel, WebABLE.tv, dedicated to building greater awareness about technology and people with disabilities.

Rebecca Foster, Principal Lecturer for Adapted Physical Education at the University of Worcester, joins the program to discuss the work that she has done creating an inclusive approach to PE and sports.

Betsy Beaumon, the CEO of Benetech, joins the program to discuss the work that her organization does to bridge the gap between the social sector and Silicon Valley by working closely with both communities to identify needs and software solutions that can drive positive social change. Discover accessibility initiatives in the education sector including Bookshare and The DIAGRAM Center.

In this episode, Debra Ruh, CEO of Ruh Global Impact, is joined by her producer Doug Foresta, as they discuss how to thrive in times of uncertainty. They discuss the financial, emotional and physical toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on the population, and how we can shape a better future together. 

In this episode, Marcie Roth, Executive Director and CEO at World Institute on Disability, discusses the importance of making sure that vulnerable populations are protected during times of crisis, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover why civil rights protections need to be maintained even during a disaster. 

Brian McCourt joins the program to discuss his journey of founding The Able Channel. Discover how the Able Channel is delivering inspiration, information, and innovation through highly relevant and highly produced video content for families meeting the challenges of disability and lifelong health concerns.

Elly Chapple joins the program to discuss the lessons she's learned from her greatest teacher; her daughter, Ella. Discover the work that Elly is doing to "flip the narrative" on inclusion.  

This episode features an interview with Ilene Zeitzer.  Ilene retired from the U.S. government after 29 years of service. Prior to her retirement, she was the Social Security Administration's Special Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner for Disability & Income Security Programs and the Agency's expert on international disability programs and rehabilitation issues. Ilene discusses considerations about inclusion during the COVID-19 pandemic, and resources that are needed throughout the world. 

In this episode, Debra Ruh, CEO of Ruh Global Impact, is joined by her producer, Doug Foresta, as they discuss the importance of highlighting diverse voices in panel discussions, keynotes, and other platforms. Discover what we can do to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and why diversity benefits everyone. 

Christine Hemphill, co-founder and Managing Director of Open Inclusion, joins the program to discuss her own journey towards getting to where she is in her career, and the importance of companies ensuring that their products are accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities. Christine also shares her thoughts on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on organizations, and how employees may be impacted differently by the crisis.     

Deb Dagit, President of Deb Dagit Diversity, joins the program to share her own diversity story and how she came to found her own company, and discusses the lessons that she's learned along the way. Deb also reveals what she is most grateful for during the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses steps that employers can take to be more inclusive.     

Adam Barrett from Access Social joins the program to discuss the work that his organization does to that people have digital accessibility. Discover the increasing importance of accessibility as more people work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Chris Law, President of Accessibility Track Consulting, joins the program to discuss the accessibility challenges that companies will be facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the steps that are needed to create real access for all. Discover the difficulties and opportunities that will arise as more employees work from home and how accessibility benefits everyone, not just persons with disabilities. 

Andy Imparato, Executive Director of Disability Rights California, joins the program to discuss his journey as a disability activist. Andy shares his thoughts about focusing on interdependence vs. independence, and the kind of leadership that is needed to take the disability rights movement to the next level. Andy also shares the work that he is doing with corporations when it comes to disability inclusion.    

In this episode, Debra Ruh, CEO of Ruh Global Impact, is joined by her producer, Doug Foresta, as they discuss how to have a collaborative relationship with your customers. Discover do's and don'ts when it comes to relationship building, and how to partner with your customers in order to achieve positive outcomes. 

Debra Ruh, CEO of Ruh Global Impact, is joined by her producer, Doug Foresta, as they discuss how people and corporations can help change the world. Discover what you can do to make a difference, and the commitment that we need from organizations to create global change. 

Al Etmanski, community organizer, social entrepreneur and author, joins the program to discuss his journey and story of being a parent activist and the evolution of his work. Discover the power of disability, and how to survive and thrive in a complex and uncertain world. 

Deborah Davis joins the program to discuss the ways in which she is helping to push the boundaries of inclusive travel, design and living. She also discusses how her company helps empower persons with disabilities through authentic photo modeling.   

Debra Ruh, CEO of Ruh Global Impact, is joined by Doug Foresta, producer of Human Potential at Work, as they discuss a recent incident where Amtrak was initially going to charge $25,000 for two individuals who were wheelchair users to ride on their train. The event was ultimately resolved, but Debra and Doug discuss what happened, and the takeaways for corporations.