What does it really take to start over and find purpose after losing your sight in a world built for the sighted?

In this episode of Access Granted, our co-founder, Mike Iannelli (TAG), sits down with our very own Angus Kola (TAG), Senior Accessibility Analyst at Ablr. Angus shares his journey from growing up in South Africa, to suddenly losing his sight while serving abroad, to rebuilding his life and career from the ground up.

We talk about what it takes to adapt when everything changes overnight, the role of family and community in finding your path, and how accessibility is directly tied to independence, dignity, and opportunity. You’ll also hear how Angus uses his lived experience to lead accessibility audits, mentor future accessibility professionals, and give back to blind communities in South Africa.

This episode is about resilience, purpose, and the power of inclusion.

Comment below with your thoughts and questions!

Learn more about Ablr: https://ablr360.com/

Learn more about Ablr Works: https://ablr360.com/ablrworks/

Stay connected with us on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ablr360/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ablr360/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablr360/

Angus's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anguskola/

Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannellim/

#AccessGranted #Podcast #DigitalAccessibility #Ablr 

What happens when inclusion becomes part of your mission—not just a line in your playbook?

In this episode of Access Granted, Ablr’s Mike Iannelli sits down with Rich Phaneuf, CEO & Executive Director of the Association Executives of North Carolina (AENC), to talk about the power of small moments and how they can spark lasting organizational change.

It all started with a missing question on a registration form—an oversight that became a turning point in how AENC shows up for its members. Rich shares how that single moment led to a deeper commitment to accessibility across the organization, from inclusive event planning to digital design that meets real needs.

Together, Mike and Rich explore:

• Why accessibility must be a strategic priority, not an afterthought

• The role associations play in setting industry standards

• What it takes to lead with empathy, intention, and vision

• How future-ready organizations are baking inclusion into every layer of their work

  
  

Whether you're in leadership, membership engagement, or just curious about what inclusive excellence really looks like—this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.
🔗 [Link in bio] or stream on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vlhB7Kerwu0

Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/ 

What does accessibility actually mean in the workplace, and how can we move from meeting just the basic requirements to creating something that actually works for everyone?

In the latest episode of Access Granted, Mike sits down with Kim Casey, Ablr’s Director of Accessibility, and someone who’s been driving this mission for more than 20 years. 

Kim didn’t set out to work in accessibility—she started in a mailroom reading mail aloud for her blind boss. That job opened a door. And she’s been pushing for meaningful change in how we build digital experiences ever since. 

They talk about the difference between compliance and usability. Why a perfect score on an automated accessibility tool doesn’t always mean your product is accessible for someone using assistive technology. Kim also breaks down what makes Ablr different—the people, the process, and the commitment to seeing the work all the way through.

Learn more about Ablr: https://ablr360.com/

Learn more about Ablr Works: https://ablr360.com/ablrworks/

Stay connected with us on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ablr360/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ablr360/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablr360/

Kim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kncasey/

Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannellim/

More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception.  Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. 

#Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityAwareness #JobDevelopment #Empathy #Kindness #Ablr #AccessGrantedPodcast #AccessGranted #AI #ADA #DEI 

Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/ 

How do you build a more inclusive workplace while challenging businesses to do better? John Samuel and Michael Iannelli are showing us how.

In the latest Access Granted episode, John and Michael dive into the Ablr Works program and what it takes to create real opportunities for people with disabilities. They share their experiences as co-founders of Ablr, breaking down how companies can go beyond good intentions and take real action in accessibility and hiring.

Tune into this episode to learn more about accessible business practices, the Ablr Works program, and driving change

💬 Comment below with your thoughts and questions!

Learn more about Ablr: https://ablr360.com/

Learn more about Ablr Works: https://ablr360.com/ablrworks/

Stay connected with us on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ablr360/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ablr360/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablr360/

John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngsamuel/

Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannellim/

More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, and applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception.  Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. 

#Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityAwareness #JobDevelopment #Empathy #Kindness #Ablr #AccessGrantedPodcast #AccessGranted #AblrWorks #AI #ADA #DEI 

Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/

How can embracing your challenges transform not just your life but the lives of others? Chris Ruden is showing us how.Born with a congenital birth defect and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 19, Chris has transformed his struggles into powerful messages of resilience, determination, and inclusion.

As a record-holding powerlifter, motivational speaker, and advocate for disability rights, Chris inspires others to create a world without limits.In the latest Access Granted episode, Chris shares his journey from hiding his disability to becoming a powerful voice for disability inclusion.

He talks about how embracing his unique experiences—such as using his bionic arm and navigating a fast-paced world with Type 1 diabetes—has fueled his mission to empower others and transform organizational cultures.

Stay connected with us on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ablr360/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ablr360/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablr360/

Chris’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisruden/

More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception. Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity.

#Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityAwareness #JobDevelopment #Empathy #Kindness #Ablr #AccessGrantedPodcast #AccessGranted #ChrisRuden

Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/ 

Excelsior University once faced a lawsuit over web accessibility issues. But instead of just fixing the problem, they embraced the challenge and partnered with Ablr to build a lasting commitment to digital inclusion.

In this episode of Access Granted, Mark Oppenneer, Senior Director of Web Systems at Excelsior University, shares their transformative journey. Discover how Excelsior went beyond compliance to create accessible, inclusive experiences that open doors for everyone.

Learn from their story and explore what meaningful progress in higher education looks like.

Stay connected with us on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ablr360/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ablr360/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablr360/

Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oppenneer/

More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception.  Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. 

#Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityAwareness #JobDevelopment #Empathy #Kindness #Ablr #AccessGrantedPodcast #AccessGranted #ExcelsiorUniversity

Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/ 

In this episode of Access Granted, we sit down with Tracy Sternberg and Andrea Fleming from the North Carolina Technology Association (NC TECH). As the leading voice of the technology industry in North Carolina, NC TECH has been a longtime partner and collaborator with Ablr.

Together, we’ve worked on:

✅ Supporting their initiatives with manual testing and accessibility audits

✅ Advocating for accessibility by speaking at their events

What makes this partnership truly special is the sense of family that NC TECH brings to the table. From their perspective, hear how we’ve teamed up to foster a more inclusive tech community in North Carolina.

💬 Comment below with your thoughts and questions!

Stay connected with us on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ablr360/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ablr360/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablr360/

Andrea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-fleming-nc/

Tracy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracysternberg/

More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, and applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception.  Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. 

#Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityAwareness #JobDevelopment #Empathy #Kindness #Ablr #AccessGrantedPodcast #AccessGranted #NCTECH 

Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/ 

In this episode of Access Granted, host Mike Iannelli continues his conversation with Preston Straight, the Lead Principal Engineer at Manscaped.

Mike and Preston explore the journey from compliance to usability, highlighting the evolution towards universal experiences for all users. Manscaped’s dedication to making their products and website fully accessible is clear as they discuss the integration of manual testing, collaboration with Ablr, and cross-departmental efforts to ensure that accessibility is not just a checkbox but a core part of their culture. Learn how Manscaped is leading the way in making grooming products more accessible for everyone and what the future of accessibility holds for the brand.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Preston’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonstraight/

More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception.  Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. 

#Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityAwareness #JobDevelopment #Empathy #Kindness #Ablr #AccessGrantedPodcast #AccessGranted #Manscaped 

Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/ 

We are proud to announce our partnership with Manscaped! 🎉 To celebrate, we’re releasing a brand-new episode of Access Granted featuring Preston Straight, the Lead Principal Engineer at Manscaped.

In their commitment to creating an online experience that is easy and usable for everyone, Manscaped turned to Ablr for support. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that all their web releases are accessible to all users, allowing everyone to enjoy their products seamlessly. Ablr also offers accessibility consulting across various areas to foster inclusive experiences.

Tune in to learn more about this collaboration and discover how Ablr can support your business in creating an inclusive experience for all!

Preston’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestonstraight/

More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception.  Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. 

#Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityAwareness #JobDevelopment #Empathy #Kindness #Ablr #AccessGrantedPodcast #AccessGranted #Manscaped 

Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/ 

We are so excited to announce our official partnership with Ulta Beauty!

To celebrate, we’re launching a new episode of Access Granted, diving into the story behind our collaboration—just in time to close out National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!

Join us for a compelling discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace with Courtney Henderson, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Director at Ulta Beauty, and John Samuel the co-founder & CEO of Ablr. In this episode, we delve into Ulta Beauty’s DEI initiatives, as Courtney reveals how her team is advancing disability inclusion.

Discover Ablr's unique training methods that focus on authentic storytelling and real-life experiences to enhance understanding and engagement. Courtney also shares insights on the importance of building personal connections in training, as Ulta Beauty prepares to educate over 55,000 associates on disability inclusion.

We also discuss the impact of taking incremental steps toward meaningful change, the crucial role of business resource groups, and the significance of being your true self in professional settings. Plus, catch some beauty tips for feeling confident in virtual interviews!

Whether you're committed to promoting inclusion in your workplace or curious about the beauty industry's evolution, this episode offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.

More about Courtney: She loves helping people continually push limits within their careers and worldviews. She believe through inclusion and innovation there is hope for us all to work in a better, fair environment.

More about John: John is the co-founder and CEO of Ablr, and the author of Don’t Ask the Blind Guy for Directions. He launched Ablr, an award-winning disability inclusion and accessibility business, for LCI, the largest employer of people who are blind in the US.

More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception.  Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. 

#AccessGranted #Podcast #Ablr #Ulta #UltaBeauty