Human Potential At Work

In this episode, Debra Ruh is joined by her producer, Doug Foresta, as they discuss the connection between climate change, climate action, and disability inclusion. Discover the connection between climate action and inclusion, and the important role that we all need to play in creating positive change. 

In the second part of this two-part series, Debra continues the conversation with Doug Foresta about the impact of technological and social disruption. They discuss trends as well as what organizations can do to stay ahead of the curve. 

This episode features an interview with Ileana Rodriguez. Ileana was born and raised in Matanzas, Cuba where she was diagnosed at the age of 13 with a malformation of the spine that left her paralyzed from the waist down. In the year 2000 she moved to United States with her family looking for better medical treatments than those offered in Cuba. Ileana shares her story of going to college and eventually pursuing her passion of swimming and participating in the London Paralympic Games in 2012.  Today Ileana is the founder of I Design Access, LLC, a design and accessibility consultancy for architects and clients that see inclusion and accessibility at the core of their business.  

This episode features Garrison Redd.  Garrison is a motivational speaker, model, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and an advocate for equal rights. Growing up, he excelled scholastically and athletically, scoring in the top 3 percentile in school and playing various sports. In his senior year in high school, Garrison was shot in the back and suffered spinal damage that left him unable to walk. Rather than feeling sorry for himself, Garrison focused on the bigger picture of overcoming adversity and inspiring others. In 2017, he founded TheGarrisonReddProject to provide individuals with assistance in the community, the workplace, transportation, education and any other issues that are overlooked.  

In the first part of a 2-part conversation, Debra is joined by her producer, Doug Foresta, as they discuss the impact of disruption on the conversation about accessibility. Discover some of the positives and negatives of disruption and how companies are adapting to change. 

Alexander Hauerslev Jensen, CCO of Be My Eyes joins the program. Be My Eyes is a free mobile app designed to bring sight to the blind and visually impaired. With the press of a button, the app establishes a live video connection between blind and visually impaired users and sighted volunteers and company representatives. With over 2.2 million users across 150 countries, Be My Eyes has grown to become the largest online community for the blind and visually impaired.

Jeff Wissel, Co-Lead of the Fidelity Office of Customer Accessibility at Fidelity Investments, joins the program to discuss the impact that Fidelity Enable Employee Resource Group has had for helping employees with disabilities to find their inner voice. He also shares takeaways and lessons learned from his experiences so far. 

This episode features an interview with Frances West, an internationally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, strategy advisor and women-in-technology executive. Discover what it takes to integrate technology and humanity. 

Neil Milliken, Global Head of Accessibility for Atos, and co-founder of AXSChat, joins the program to discuss the social and economic cost of failing to make products and services accessible to persons with disabilities. He also reveals why we should treat a lack of accessibility like pollution, and what that would mean for companies.     

Ruh Global Impact COO Richard Streitz joins the program to discuss the successful efforts to delay CA bill AB1395, a bill regarding the collection of information from smart speaker devices. There was concern that the bill would potentially have a negative impact on people with disabilities and that further study was needed before potentially passing the bill. 

Debra is joined by her producer Doug Foresta as they discuss virtual relationships, and the pros and cons of connecting with others online. Listen in as Doug and Debra share their thoughts on whether virtual relationships are "real". 

Steve McEvoy has lived with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy and learning disabilities since birth, and currently works as a consultant helping persons with and without disabilities. In this episode, Steve shares his conviction that economic empowerment, proactive support, a solid professional network and education, are the four tools people with disabilities need to secure benefits-eligible employment. 

Speaker, Educator, and Disability Inclusion Advocate, Edmund Asiedu, joins the program, to discuss disability inclusion in higher education. Edmund is the Assistant Director of Career Services for Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.   

In this episode, Debra and Doug Foresta, producer of Human Potential at Work, discuss trends in mental health, and challenges that arise both in and out of the workplace. They also share their thoughts about what employers can do to encourage mental wellness and some of the biggest challenges and opportunities that technology poses to our emotional well-being. 

Sarah P. Hancock, psychiatric recovery consultant, certified rehabilitation counselor, podcaster and author, joins the program to discuss her own mental health journey, and the work she does today helping others to move beyond stigmatizing labels and achieve recovery. 

Deb Russell, founder of Deb Russell, Inc, joins the program to discuss a model that bridges the gap between disability and business, and how to create a win for everyone involved. Discover how to create productive partnerships between business and the disability communities. 

Garry Turner joins the program to discuss his journey of being bullied when he was younger, and how that helped him develop more empathy for himself and others. He reveals the power of vulnerability and explores what it means to be truly human. 

Tanya Sheckley joins the program to share her powerful story of how her daughter Eliza inspired her to found UP Academy, a progressive elementary lab school in San Mateo, California. The school will have a mix of students with and without disabilities, and encourages students' sense of wonder and curiousity by focusing on their academic, emotional and physical growth through a differentiated learning and project-based curriculum.   

Jason Swenk joins the program to discuss the connection between ADHD and creativity, and the mindset shift that we need to make when it comes to how schools respond to students with ADHD. He also talks about the power of social media and his journey of growing his own multi-million dollar agency, and the work his does today helping digital agency owners grow their business. 

Peter Torres Fremlin joins the program to discuss the work that he does internationally on disability rights, as well his interest in languages, equality, and culture. Peter also reveals why having a disability makes him great at his job.