Explore every episode of the podcast AXSChat Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon Savanna Speaks: When Mobile-First Meets Accessibility | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:29:57 | |
What does digital accessibility look like in a mobile-first continent with 1.4 billion people speaking hundreds of languages across 50+ countries? Irene Mbari-Kirika, Executive Director and Founder of inABLE, takes us on an illuminating journey through Africa's rapidly evolving accessibility landscape. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| The Communication Gap in Tech Accessibility | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:27:51 | |
Accessibility in mobile technology has evolved from seemingly impossible challenges to remarkable innovations. Join us as we welcome back Sabine Lobnig from the Mobile and Wireless Forum to discuss this fascinating journey. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| Accessibility Washing Won't Fix Broken Systems | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:27:49 | |
Lia Raquel Neves,, founder of EITIC Consulting, offers a thought-provoking exploration into the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence and its profound implications for accessibility and inclusion. Drawing from her background in philosophy and bioethics, Lia challenges the common assumption that technology is neutral, instead arguing that our creations inherently reflect our values, biases, and blind spots. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| Interview with Betty Ogiel, Transformational Leadership and Career Coach and author of the book Against All Odds. | 22 May 2023 | 00:30:21 | |
Betty is a Transformational Leadership and Career Coach, and a speaker with the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. She is also an author of a book Against All Odds where she shares her journey of overcoming odds when she was abandoned at the tender age of fourteen years and thrived until she got her desire to attain a University Education at one of Africa’s Premier Institution Makerere University in Kampala Uganda. She has since become a multi-award-winning human resource practitioner with over 18 years of experience and has worked in international corporations such as Oil and Gas as well as Management Advisory. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Oksana Chuchunkova, advocate for employment for people with disabilities, accessibility and blindness awareness | 11 May 2023 | 00:31:28 | |
Oksana Chuchunkova is an advocate for employment for people with disabilities, accessibility and blindness awareness. She has served asthe had of the PR department of the business center for blind and visually impaired persons and an employment program coordinator at DPO Perspektiva in Moscow. She’s the accessibility expert at one of the largest Banks in the country. Together with a team, she helps to adapt online and offline banking services for visually impaired clients as well as for clients with different disabilities. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Michael Lorz, Founder and managing director of EnableMe Foundation. | 02 May 2023 | 00:31:34 | |
Dr. Michael Lorz (43) is the founding managing director of EnableMe Foundation. The foundation empowers more than one million people with disabilities annually across the world by providing enabling information, self-help peer communities & digital services. Michael is also the managing director of the Stiftung MyHandicap that focuses on digital inclusion services in Switzerland. He is passionate about societal impact in the domain of non-visible disabilities. Previously, he has inter alia been the founding managing director of the foundation at the University of St.Gallen (HSG Foundation). He is a graduate of the Ashoka Visionary Programme and completed five academic degrees at renown universities. Michael started his career in a leadership development program of an international FMCG company working in multiple locations worldwide. Today he also teaches regularly value-based fundraising at the University of St.Gallen and has a keen interest in alternative assets. He is also advisory board member of the Center for Disability Integration at the University of St.Gallen. Michael lives with his family in the wonderful city of St.Gallen (CH). Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Charlie Triplett, Accessibility coach and author of TheBookOnAccessibility. | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:37:21 | |
Charlie Triplett is an experienced accessibility coach and author of TheBookOnAccessibility. Based in the United States, Charlie has dedicated their career to helping individuals and organizations create more accessible digital experiences for people with disabilities. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, Charlie has become a leading voice in the accessibility community. Their expertise covers a wide range of areas, including web and mobile accessibility, assistive technology, and inclusive design. Charlie's passion for accessibility began after experiencing firsthand the difficulties that people with disabilities face when accessing digital content. As a result, they decided to shift their focus to helping others create more inclusive and accessible digital experiences. In addition to their work as an accessibility coach, Charlie is the author of TheBookOnAccessibility, a comprehensive guide to creating accessible digital content. The book covers everything from the basics of accessibility to advanced techniques for ensuring that digital content is accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities. Charlie's work has been recognized by leading organizations in the tech industry, and they have been invited to speak at conferences and events around the world. Through their coaching, writing, and speaking engagements, Charlie has become a prominent figure in the accessibility community and a valuable resource for anyone looking to create more inclusive digital experiences. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Bright M Bwalya, a 30-year, Software Engineer, Mental Health and Epilepsy Advocate | 17 Apr 2023 | 00:36:48 | |
My name is Bright M Bwalya, a 30-year, Software Engineer, Mental Health and Epilepsy Advocate. I have a strong passion for Epilepsy & Mental Health Advocacy, with a strong desire to use technology to address common issues in many chronic conditions noticed here in Zambia. I am the 3rd born in a family of 7 and growing up, I didn’t know about Epilepsy, I only got to hear of it after meeting one person who had it, later in grade 8. Fast-forward 2011 I was enrolled at the Copperbelt University to pursue a Degree in Information technology and as my studies went on, my love for technology grew. When I was researching on what project to work on for my 5th Year dissertation in 2016, I started experiencing seizures and I was later diagnosed with Epilepsy in March of 2016. Struggles arose brought by the condition ranging from the stigma name calling and mocking to people not knowing what to do when I suffer a seizure, a significant incident is when I suffered a seizure and I woke up to an exorcism. That opened my eyes to the fact that people di not know what this condition which was affecting many, actually was. My struggles with Epilepsy inspired me to switch my final year project to one which could help me help those around me know what to do when I suffer a seizure. I call it “Seizure Assistant”, a mobile phone application built to be a health management and experience sharing platform which also allows patients to get help before or during a seizure. This help can be requested for either by a button push or auto seizure detection through a synchronized smart wrist band. The application then does three things; Send a preset SOS Message to a Set Emergency Contact alerting them of the seizure, with the patient’s location included for easier tracking. The patient’s phone will then play an SOS Sound to gain the attention of the people around. In response to the noisy phone, someone will pick it up and what they will find is a series of instructions on how to provide First Aid care to the patient experiencing a seizure with their Name, Condition Type and Emergency Contact Details included. This and many other features help Epileptics better manage their condition while teaching the masses about the condition thereby reducing the stigma surrounding it. The application houses a feature called “Community Feeds”, a feature that allow users to communicate and share the issues they are struggling with and get expert help right on the application, as well as response of encouragement and advise from fellow patients. The Feature works different from other platforms in that a user is free to share their complaints or queries in anonymity, if need be, however the help to them is still provided. This is useful for those not ready to open up about the conditions they are struggling with. This would help address the high rate Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Alexa Child, Jacqueline Child co-founders of Dateability | 10 Apr 2023 | 00:39:18 | |
Alexa Child, co-founder of Dateability, graduated from Georgetown Law in 2015 and currently works as a public interest attorney. Through witnessing her sister’s experience with disability, Alexa has become an advocate and ally for the disability community. She is passionate about social justice, enjoys TV and film, and loves all things Halloween. Jacqueline Child, co-founder of Dateability, has turned her experience with disability and chronic illness into a new venture. She created Dateability with her sister after years of discouraging ableist experiences on the mainstream dating apps. When she isn’t managing her health, Jacqueline enjoys playing the guitar, reading, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat with Michał T. Tomczak, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdańsk University of Technology | 04 Apr 2023 | 00:30:35 | |
Dr. Tomczak is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Gdańsk University of Technology in Poland, and a visiting scholar at the University of North Texas, College of Health and Public Service. As the first Polish researcher in the field of management to conduct research on neurodiversity and work, Dr. Tomczak is a leading expert in Human Resources Management. He has authored and co-authored over 50 publications in the field, focusing on technology-based and non-technological solutions for the inclusion and well-being of employees with autism and the assessment of employee competencies. As a Principal Investigator and co-investigator of several projects funded by the National Science Center (NCN) and the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR), Dr. Tomczak has developed a set of innovative solutions for employers, aimed at improving Human Resources Management processes and optimizing the work environment in terms of the needs of people with autism. Join us on the podcast to hear Dr. Tomczak's valuable insights on neurodiversity and work, and how businesses can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Hunny Bhagchandani founder of Torchit Electronics and Director Dot Inc, a company that produces braille smartwatches | 28 Mar 2023 | 00:33:01 | |
Hunny Bhagchandani is a social innovator and entrepreneur who is passionate about empowering people with disabilities (PwD) with the power of independence. He is the founder of Torchit Electronics Pvt. Ltd., a company that develops affordable and innovative assistive devices for PwD, such as Saarthi, a mobility device for blind people. He is also a director of Dot Inc., a company that produces braille smartwatches. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Lainey Feingold, disability rights lawyer and author of Structured Negotiation: A Winning Alternative to Lawsuits | 20 Mar 2023 | 00:41:22 | |
Lainey is a disability rights lawyer who has worked to make the digital world more accessible since 1995. She helped negotiate the first web accessibility agreement in the United States in 2000. Since then, she has brought together people with disabilities and public and private sector organizations across the United States to improve digital accessibility. Her negotiating partners have included Bank of America, Major League Baseball, the City and County of San Francisco, and CVS. Lainey is also a consultant and an international speaker and trainer on topics including collaborative problem-solving, the digital accessibility legal space, accessibility ethics, accessible procurement, and best practices for baking digital accessibility into policies and practices of organizations large and small. In 2017 Lainey was selected as an American Bar Association Legal Rebel – a group of “innovators who are remaking the legal profession.” She has twice been named a California Lawyer Magazine Attorney of the Year, and in 2022 received the Jim Thatcher Lifetime Achievement award during the Axe-Con conference. More information on Lainey’s website. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat with David Pérez, CFO at Ruh Global IMPACT | 14 Mar 2023 | 00:33:35 | |
David Pérez is a distinguished organizational leader with an MBA and a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. He possesses extensive expertise in digital transformation, team leadership, and communication, which he has honed over the course of his career. David has a proven track record of developing effective communication strategies and organizing events that promote cultural diversity, and he is dedicated to creating inclusive environments that drive positive change. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| Press Play for Everyone: The Secret Love Story Between Accessibility and Video Games | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:28:02 | |
Discover the transformative power of accessibility in the gaming world with Verónica Morales Beltrán, an accessibility specialist at Adesso Mobile. Having transitioned from leading localization at Electronic Arts Germany to championing digital inclusion, Veronica reveals how gaming has evolved beyond mere entertainment to become a vital space for connection, creativity, and belonging. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Rocío Bernabé Caro & Óscar García, from the EU co-funded project Train2validate | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:33:27 | |
Óscar García is project manager at Plena Inclusión Madrid and leader, a third-sector organisation that supports and defends the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. Óscar García has a degree in Journalism and a postgraduate in Universal Accessibility. He has been translating contents into easy-to-read for 12 years. In this time, he has published handbooks in Spanish such as “Lectura fácil: métodos de redacción y evaluación” (Easy-to-read: writing and assessment methods) and “Guía práctica de orientaciones para la inclusión educativa: lectura fácil” (Handbook on guidelines for educational inclusion: easy-to-read). He translated into Spanish the IFLA publication “Guidelines for easy-to-read materials”. Among the contents that he has translated into easy-to-read, he produced the Spanish Constitution, several acts, museum publications (Museo del Prado, among others), medical leaflets and vocational training handbooks. He is also member of the Spanish standardisation group that published the standard UNE 153101 EX about easy-to-read contents production. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat with Rob Brougham, Co-Founder & Director, Braided Communications | 21 Feb 2023 | 00:34:46 | |
As co-founder of Braided Communications, where we develop communication tools for astronauts on deep space missions and use the same technology to provide better team collaboration on Earth, I am enjoying putting my passion and expertise for astrophysics, telecoms and healthcare to good use. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat with Antonio Santos, Debra Ruh and Neil Milliken. | 14 Feb 2023 | 00:25:14 | |
Antonio Santos is a Social Media Business Evangelist and Senior Workplace Expert at Atos, focusing on Digital Inclusion, Social Media Engagement, and Social Business. He is a Sociologist with expertise in Applied Research; he previously worked in the Media, Military, Public Sector and Telecom before joining Siemens IT in 2006 in Cork and Atos in 2011. According to Onalytica, which measures online presence and influence, Antonio is the 3rd most influential employee in the world in Consulting based on data from Twitter and LinkedIn and number one on Sustainability amongst employees of the 48 most important consulting companies globally. Neil Milliken is Vice President & Global Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion at Atos, a member of the Atos Scientific Community & Atos Distinguished Expert, an invited expert for the W3C Cognitive Accessibility Taskforce. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Catherine Nichols, VP of the Office of Accessibility at Salesforce | 04 Feb 2023 | 00:37:57 | |
Catherine Nichols is the VP of the Office of Accessibility at Salesforce and an experienced disability rights advocate. At Salesforce, her teams strive to ensure its products, workplaces, and virtual experiences are accessible to all. Find out more about the Office of Accessibility at Salesforce.com/Accessibility and join the conversation on Twitter @SalesforceA11y
AXSChat is Supported by Amazon. Captions are kindly provided by MyClearText. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat with Rachel Boyack, New Zealand politician and Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the Labour Party | 31 Jan 2023 | 00:29:43 | |
Rachel lives in Nelson with her husband Scott, and before entering Parliament, worked as a Health and Safety Coordinator for the Anglican Diocese of Nelson. In her previous role as an Organiser with FIRST Union, she negotiated collective employment agreements with large companies like Nelson Pine, lifting wages for hundreds of workers in the Nelson region. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat with Michael Cooper - Web Accessibility Specialist at W3C | 24 Jan 2023 | 00:35:13 | |
Michael joined the W3C in June 2006 as a Web Accessibility Specialist. Michael is the Team Contact for the Accessible Platform Architectures Working Group which supports accessibility of W3C technologies, the Accessible Rich Internet Applications Working Group which develops accessibility semantics to support assistive technologies, and Accessibility Guidelines Working Group which develops authoring guidelines and techniques to create accessible content. He supports task forces in these groups to address accessibility for users with cognitive or learning disabilities, low vision, or users of mobile devices; research accessibility issues of upcoming technologies, and explore new technologies. Key specifications include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA), and Framework for Accessible Specification of Technologies. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Kathy West-Evans from the U.S. NET at the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation. | 15 Jan 2023 | 00:35:04 | |
Kathy West-Evans is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) who is fluent in American Sign Language. She has her MA in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science. Kathy started in the field of rehabilitation in 1978. She has worked in a community agency, for the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, at the federal level with the Rehabilitation Services Administration and now leads the National Employment Team (NET) at CSAVR (Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation). The NET is a cross state team of VR business specialists working through a dual customer approach to develop strategies with business to employ and retain the talents of individuals with disabilities across the company or organization. Kathy was also part of the team that developed the Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP) in response to businesses who wanted to easily access the talent pool of candidates with disabilities and individuals who were interested in accessing career opportunities with companies across the country. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat with Rob Sinclair , Global Head of Accessibility at Atlassian and Co-Founder of IAAP. | 10 Jan 2023 | 00:39:23 | |
Rob has played a highly significant role in developing accessibility over decades we are delighted to welcome him to AXSChat in his new role. He describes himself and his role below: Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Chris LaChance, Accessible Design Systems, Sr. UX Manager & Design Ops Lead at Pegasystems | 20 Dec 2022 | 00:33:22 | |
Chris has over 20 years of experience working with government agencies worldwide, international brands, neighbourhood businesses, mom-and-pop’s, and everything in between. In his current role at Pega, he is a UX Manager, and the Design Ops Lead. He helps drive their design system, Constellation, toward accessibility out-of-the-box for Fortune 100 companies. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Marisol Villena. Inclusion, accessibility & equitable product & program development Accenture enterprise metaverse | 12 Dec 2022 | 00:34:39 | |
Marisol Villena manages inclusion, accessibility and equitable product and program development across Accenture’s enterprise metaverse, the Nth floor — enabling experiences that allow all employees to participate and thrive. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| Eyes Through AI: Bridging the Visual World | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:30:49 | |
What does independence truly mean for someone who can't see? This question lies at the heart of Envision's revolutionary approach to assistive technology for blind and low-vision individuals. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Ian Hamilton, Game accessibility specialist. | 21 Nov 2022 | 00:33:33 | |
Game accessibility specialist with a 16-year background in raising the bar for gamers with disabilities, though advocacy and awareness raising – writing, speaking, organising events, community building – and consulting, working with studios from the smallest indies to the largest AAAs, with publishers, platforms, industry and government bodies. Co-director of GAconf and coordinator of gameaccessibilityguidelines.com. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with John Hicks, Atos Head of Accessibility & Digital Inclusion for France | 15 Nov 2022 | 00:33:41 | |
John has a PhD in Cognitive Science from the University of Edinburgh. Since 2003 he has been working in the field of digital accessibility in France. His particular interests are in the effects of transformations (such as accessibility) on organizations and the notions of viability and communication as stipulated by the early cyberneticists (Ashby, Beer, et al). He has been with Atos in Paris since 2021 promoting accessibility both within the company as well as for clients, working towards compliance with the French RGAA law. He is also a keen follower of guitar circles and samba schools. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Charlotte Dales founder and CEO of Inclusively. | 08 Nov 2022 | 00:32:25 | |
Charlotte Dales is the founder and CEO of Inclusively. After working for five years at Deutsche Bank, Charlotte co-founded CAKE Technologies, a mobile payment app that was acquired by American Express in 2017. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Shay Senior founder of Palta | 01 Nov 2022 | 00:39:05 | |
Shay Senior is the founder of Palta. Born in Israel, raised in Papua New Guinea and Guatemala. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat with Stephanie Cadieux, Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer | 24 Oct 2022 | 00:36:31 | |
Stephanie Cadieux is a change leader, an advocate for diversity, accessibility, disability inclusion and an entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in planning and leadership roles. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Axel Leblois. President and Executive Director at G3ict - The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs | 18 Oct 2022 | 00:38:08 | |
Axel Leblois spent over 20 years at the helm of information technology companies in the United States including as CEO of Computerworld Communications, CEO of IDC – International Data Corporation, Vice-Chairman of IDG – International Data Group, President of Bull HN Worldwide Information Systems – formerly Honeywell Information Systems, CEO of ExecuTrain and President of W2i, the Wireless Internet Institute. Axel Leblois served as a Senior Special Fellow of UNITAR, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, and is a founding trustee of its North American affiliate CIFAL Atlanta. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of USICD, U.S. International Council on Disabilities, and GAATES, Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments. In addition, he serves on the Advisory Board of Mada, Qatar Assistive Technology Center, and on the Scientific Advisory Board of Cloud4all. He is an adjunct professor at OCAD University/Inclusive Design Institute. He served as chairman of the board of the Atlanta International School and is chairman of the board of CASIE, the Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars on ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities organized for policy makers, civil society and the private sector to foster collaboration among multiple stakeholders. In his capacity, Mr. Leblois oversees all the publishing, capacity building and advocacy activities of G3ict. Mr. Leblois holds an MBA from INSEAD and is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Molly Joyce, Composer | 10 Oct 2022 | 00:31:46 | |
Molly Joyce has been deemed one of the “most versatile, prolific and intriguing composers working under the vast new-music dome” by The Washington Post. Her work is concerned with disability as a creative source. She has an impaired left hand from a previous car accident, and the primary vehicle in her pursuit is her electric vintage toy organ, an instrument she bought on eBay which engages her disability on a compositional and performative level. Molly’s creative projects have been presented and commissioned by Carnegie Hall, TEDxMidAtlantic, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Bang on a Can Marathon, Danspace Project, Americans for the Arts, National Sawdust, Gaudeamus Muziekweek, National Gallery of Art, Classical:NEXT, and in Pitchfork, Red Bull Radio, and WNYC’s New Sounds. She is a graduate of Juilliard, Royal Conservatory in The Hague, Yale, and alumnus of the YoungArts Foundation. She holds an Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies from City University of New York, and is a doctoral student at the University of Virginia in Composition and Computer Technologies. She has served on the composition faculties of New York University, Wagner College, and Berklee Online. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Kate Nash creator & CEO of PurpleSpace | 30 Sep 2022 | 00:35:37 | |
Kate Nash OBE is creator & CEO of PurpleSpace (www.purplespace.org). Established in 2015 it is the world’s only leadership development membership hub for disability employee resource groups [ERG] / networks. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with David, Jeremy, Cyan & Jeff from McGill | 15 Sep 2022 | 00:37:37 | |
David Brun Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Furrah Syed, Artist and Educator, advocate for making art accessible to all | 02 Sep 2022 | 00:32:21 | |
Furrah Syed, FRSA is an Artist and Educator based in London. A strong advocate for making art accessible to all, Furrah’s abstracts are focused on texture, movement and colour energy which can not only be seen but can also be experienced using the sense of touch. Her inclusive approach to sharing art led her to design and develop her Art Appreciation Workshop for the Blind and Partially Sighted in 2009 which she has delivered to organisations in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore UK, USA, India and Australia. Furrah has also delivered adapted versions ofher workshop at schools for children with additional needs as well as mainstream schools. The way Furrah’s art is experienced is also unusual: the paintings can be viewed in any orientation, they change with the light, and they are all intentionally untitled to avoid influencing the viewer’s perspective. This is a liberating experience as viewers are free to interpret what they see or feel knowing that there is no right or wrong response. This approach values the viewers interpretation and encourages a dialogue, which are key tenets of Furrah’s ethos for making art accessible to all. Furrah continues to explore the use of tactile engagement in areas outside of her art,empowering people by showing them the technique of distinguishing colour energy without the need for sight. Furrah’s workshops, available to sighted participants as well as those who are blind or visually impaired, provide a space for dialogue regarding accessibility and improvement of existing products and services to benefit those with additional needs. Furrah also actively promotes the technique of using art to practice mindfulness which increases a sense of well-being both emotionally and physically and assists those who are dealing with mental health issues. At every event that Furrah hosts her aim is to create an inclusive environment for all to feel empowered and valued. She feels that “We all have different and unique perspectives and can learn a great deal from each other.” Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| The Father-Son Journey Through Accessibility and Acting | 31 Mar 2025 | 00:28:33 | |
Gareth Ford-Williams shares how his son Zak inability to access age-appropriate BBC games sparked a career revolutionizing digital accessibility, culminating in the development of BBC iPlayer with comprehensive accessibility features. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Heather S. Neff – Founder of Equivalent Design and Accessibility Designer | 01 Sep 2022 | 00:33:42 | |
Heather is the Founder of Equivalent Design, the leading global accessible graphics firm for advancing disability inclusion and equality. Her more than 20 years of leadership experience driving accessible design was ignited by challenges she experienced having motor and vision disabilities. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Denise Reed Lamoreaux, Director of Equity and Belonging at Zillow | 29 Aug 2022 | 00:37:17 | |
Denise Reed Lamoreaux has 30+ years of experience in Learning and Development, Marketing and Communications, Leadership, and Diversity and Inclusion. SHe has won over 40 international awards for her efforts, and is a sought after speaker across the globe. One of her career highlights was presenting at Copenhagen 2021, the world's largest human rights conference, on the topic of Transgender rights in the workplace. Denise is currently the Director of Equity and Belonging at Zillow, and consults regularly with AARP, parity.org, Valuable 500, Inside OUT, Textio, and the Hispanic Promise. She is the former President of SUNY Geneseo's Alumni Association, and is active in her community, supporting Western NY's Cystic Fibrosis Organization and NY's Warrior Alliance. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with AXSChat with Josh Wintersgill, Open's Inclusive Innovation Programme Lead | 19 Aug 2022 | 00:30:00 | |
Josh is Open's Inclusive Innovation Programme Lead. He is leading our work on a grassroots inclusive innovation for an exciting global initiative being launched in 2022. He also works across the broader Open team on innovation projects we are working on internally and externally. Prior to stepping into this significant innovation role, Josh had joined Open as our Lead for the Mobility / Dexterity Community. He still ensures that we remain aware of and up to date with the community's concerns, needs, and interests. With the other Community Leads, he continues to help co-design research to ensure that the needs of people with physical access needs are well-considered and incorporated in our work. As a powered wheelchair user for the last 19 years, Josh got fed up with the lack of dignity, safety and comfort when flying by air and now produces award winning products to improve flying for wheelchair users around the globe, alongside other fantastic innovative products. He is an entrepreneur himself and the Founder and Director of Able Move. His background is in technology and he takes every opportunity to work in research, design, and innovation on new cutting-edge products and services that look to enhance diverse opportunities and improve inclusive design and outcomes. Josh has a competitive nature and loves to compete. He is currently on the talent and development squad for Great Britain in Air Rifle. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Keely Cat-Wells CEO & Founder C Talent. | 05 Aug 2022 | 00:31:00 | |
Keely Cat-Wells is an Entrepreneur and Disability Activist dedicated to making social, systemic, and economic change. As the founder and CEO of C Talent Keely has been named a One Young World Entrepreneur of the Year 2022, Forbes 30 Under 30 Entertainment honouree, Diana Award winner, an AdWeek Young Influential, GBEA Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and has been appointed as an Advisory Board Member to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. Keely is a Forbes Contributor and has spoken as a Disability Subject Matter Expert for companies and organizations including, The LEGO Group, United Nations, Google, UCLA, NBC, Vidmob, Advertising Week, No Barriers USA (where she also serves as a Board Member), Cannes Film Festival, The Valuable 500, and Virgin Media’s Ultraviolet event among others. Keely has recently been chosen as a youth participant at the first Mental Health Youth Action Forum hosted by MTV Entertainment Group, in coordination with the Biden-Harris Administration and 18 leading mental health nonprofits. The forum will take place at The White House and drive culture from awareness to action on mental health through storytelling and media. Keely founded her first company at a young age during her time in hospital, which developed into C Talent. After noticing the lack of acc Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Yazmine Laroche. ex-Deputy Minister of Public Service Accessibility in Canada. | 04 Aug 2022 | 00:38:09 | |
Before recently retiring, Yazmine Laroche was Canada’s first Deputy Minister of Public Service Accessibility. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the efforts of the Canadian public service to meet the requirements of the Accessible Canada Act. A career public servant with extensive experience, she has served in a variety of leadership roles in many federal departments and agencies. Yazmine is proud to have been the Deputy Minister Champion for Federal Employees with Disabilities and the Deputy Minister Champion for her alma mater, Carleton University, from whom she received an honorary doctorate in 2019. She is a board member and the past chair of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her charitable work and her efforts on behalf of people with disabilities. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Cam Beaudoin | 29 Jul 2022 | 00:31:45 | |
Using his experience in program management, software development, and technical consulting, Cam brings a unique and refreshing perspective on how teams can tackle digital accessibility within their organization. People appreciate his hands-on knowledge of planning, executing, and delivering accessible results with practical, real-world solutions. Cam sticks to down-to-earth stories and engages groups from the moment he meets them, leaving them with a cool confidence in their ability to handle the ambiguities of digital accessibility. Audiences often appreciate that he can speak the same language as their technical teams or senior business leads. Cam speaks on recalibrating communication techniques for technical teams and accessibility consultants, ensuring that cross-functional teams include everyone in the conversation. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Gareth Ford Williams | 25 Jul 2022 | 00:42:57 | |
Gareth Ford Williams founded the BBC digital accessibility team in 2005 and in 2010 became Head of UX Design and Accessibility. After nearly 18 years, he decided to leave the BBC to focus on accessibility and inclusive design data with the start-up ab11y.com. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Dave Dame, Director of Accessibility at Microsoft. | 18 Jul 2022 | 00:35:50 | |
In his role as Director of Accessibility, Dave is leading the accessibility portfolio for Surface Products aligning with Windows and product innovation roadmaps to empower users of all abilities. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Jim Smith, Head of Accessibility and Digital Inclusion for UK&I at Atos. | 08 Jul 2022 | 00:32:08 | |
Jim is currently the Head of Accessibility and Digital Inclusion for UK&I at Atos. In this role he manages a team that provides both accessibility services to clients and also to the internal Atos staff. He has worked in the accessibility field for almost eight years, having previously been part of the Quality and Learning and Development programs at Atos and Siemens for nine years. Prior to joining Siemens he worked in academia. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Tara Voelker, Xbox Game Studios Accessibility Lead. | 02 Jul 2022 | 00:33:32 | |
Tara is currently the Xbox Game Studios Accessibility Lead. In this role, she conceptualizes strategic programs and spearheads development initiatives to establish and promote a superior yet accessible gaming experience across all Xbox Game Studios titles. She is also the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Game Accessibility Conference (#GaConf), a two day conference fully dedicated to accessibility in game development. She also has a passion for horror media and would love to see more accessible horror games in the market. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| Breaking Barriers: Inclusive Employment for Disabled Talent | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:30:55 | |
Jane Hatton, CEO of Evenbreak, shares how her organization is transforming disability employment globally through inclusive recruitment practices and partnerships with local disability organizations. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Jim Smith | 02 Jul 2022 | 00:32:08 | |
Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Meryl Evans, author, professional speaker, and accessibility marketing consultant who was born profoundly deaf. | 24 Jun 2022 | 00:39:43 | |
Meryl Evans, CPACC (she / her / deaf) is an author, professional speaker, and accessibility marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience who happens to be born hearing-free aka profoundly deaf. She’s an accessibility marketing consultant who helps her clients in different industries with their projects to achieve their marketing and accessibility goals. Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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| AXSChat Podcast with Andy Garrett, GSK global programme director - Workplace Adjustments Service | 20 Jun 2022 | 00:37:04 | |
Andy Garrett is GSK global programme director - Workplace Adjustments Service – enabling employees to request and receive the adjustments/accommodations/accessibility solutions they need to be their best selves at work, including for working remotely. Andy is member of GSK Global Disability Council (GDC) in his capacity as co-lead for GSK’s global Disability Confidence Network employee resource group. Providing employee voice and disability subject matter expertise support to key disability inclusion workstreams led by the Disability Council. Andy is also a founding ambassador for Purple Space (www.purplespace.org)
Follow axschat on social media. Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social
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