Advertise on podcast: 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 different way of communicating, so please let us know what you think. You can download the AbilityNet Impact Report 2024 from the AbilityNet website. Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website.   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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 supermarkets in real time, guaranteeing timely and relevant contributions.    You can get involved and support BanktheFood’s impactful initiative, by downloading their free app: https://www.bankthefood.org/downloadapp/     Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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 AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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 [email protected]  Explore AbilityNet’s online learning modules for workplaces: https://abilitynet.org.uk/elearning-workplace       Access a free factsheet on Disability and Employment: www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/disability-and-employment    Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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 news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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/companies/milbotix-ltd/pitches/bPJy1l   Find out more about Milbotix: milbotix.com   Access a free factsheet on Dementia and Computing: abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/dementia-and-computing    Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast    Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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: https://abilitynet.org.uk/elearning-workplace      Access a free factsheet on Disability and Employment: www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/disability-and-employment      Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast    Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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 transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions, and comments. 

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 provides an overview of the Microsoft Adaptive Accessories: Meet the new Adaptive Accessories from Microsoft  Find more information about Microsoft Adaptive Accessories here:  Accessible accessories for PC and Gaming  Find examples of how the Microsoft Adaptive Accessories can be used in this YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@JaraUnlockingPotential  3D printed customizations for the Microsoft Adaptive Accessories can be found at Shapeways Find out more about free digital skills training for people over 65: www.abilitynet.org.uk/BTDigitalSkills    Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions, and comments. 

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 session: www.abilitynet.org.uk/gap-analysis  Access a free factsheet on Disability and Employment: www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/disability-and-employment     Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions, and comments. 

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 share her story and top tips for building inclusion within an organisation.   Book your free 15-minute Gap Analysis taster session: www.abilitynet.org.uk/gap-analysis Access a free factsheet on Disability and Employment: www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/disability-and-employment     Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast    Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions, and comments.   

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 accessible  What lies next for Euan’s Guide and Access Now    Discover accessible places on www.accessnow.com and www.euansguide.com   Robin shares the 7 principles of universal design in his useful blog article: https://abilitynet.org.uk/news-blogs/7-principles-universal-design     Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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 AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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 session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments. 

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 latest accessibility news.  Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast   Get in touch via [email protected] with feedback, questions and comments.