Access Granted

Access Granted

By AblrBusiness
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Access Granted episodes

  • Why John Samuel Wrote “Don’t Ask the Blind Guy for Directions”

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


    A new episode of Access Granted is live!


    We’re excited to be back with John Samuel, CEO of Ablr and author of Don't Ask the Blind Guy for Directions, on our latest episode. Dive into John’s remarkable journey with retinitis pigmentosa and his experiences of losing his sight.


    📚 In This Episode:

    - Explore the compelling stories and insights from John’s book.

    - Discover the challenges and triumphs of his personal journey.

    - Gain inspiration from his unique perspective on overcoming adversity.


    Don’t miss out on this powerful conversation.


    More about John: John is the Cofounder 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 

    19 min
  • John Samuel’s Vision for Creating a Disability Inclusion Company

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


    A new episode of Access Granted is live!


    In our latest podcast episode, we take a deep dive into the journey of Ablr and the incredible strides we've made in creating a culture of inclusion, innovation, and connection.


    🎙️ Key Highlights:

    1. Growth & Connection: Hear from our co-founders, John Samuel and Mike, as they reflect on the whirlwind journey of the past four years and the deep connections that have shaped our mission.
    2. Building an Inclusive Culture: John shares what he's most proud of—the culture of inclusion we've built at Ablr and how it’s been a game-changer for our team and community.
    3. Changing the World Together: Mike talks about the vision they started with and how their commitment to this vision has led to impactful changes and an incredible team.

    4. This episode is a powerful testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. Whether you're interested in leadership, innovation, or the power of inclusion, this conversation is a must-listen.


      More about John: John is the Cofounder 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 

      23 min
    5. 321 Coffee's Hiring Practices for Employing Adults with Disabilities

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


      Join us for an insightful conversation with Lindsay Wrege, co-founder of 321 Coffee!


      In this episode, we explore powerful stories of loyalty, creative problem-solving, and the importance of inclusive training. Learn how investing in people fosters incredible retention and innovative thinking, as Lindsay shares real-life examples from her team. 


      From unique communication strategies to challenging assumptions, discover how setting the bar high can lead to remarkable results.


      Don't miss the inspiring story of a barista navigating communication challenges, and the eye-opening moment with a new barista that changed Lindsay’s perspective on learning. Plus, hear about a global initiative that encourages us to believe in everyone's potential. Tune in for valuable lessons in inclusion, growth, and empowerment.


      More about Lindsay: Lindsay Wrege is the co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee, a company that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She started 321 Coffee during her freshman year at NC State University to create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with IDD. Under her leadership, the company has grown to employ over 50 adults. Wrege is a strong advocate for inclusivity and social entrepreneurship. She is also a prominent speaker, sharing her experiences and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She emphasizes the importance of social entrepreneurship and encourages others to take action and create positive change in their communities.


      More about 321 Coffee: 321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roaster with the mission of providing meaningful work opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 321 Coffee employs twenty-one individuals with IDD with its current operation, runs an online store, and roasts/sells its own coffee. It is designed for these individuals to showcase their skills and personalities in a friendly atmosphere and allow them to develop relationships with the local community.


      #AccessGranted #Podcast #321Coffee 

      19 min
    6. How 321 Coffee is Bringing National Attention to Disability Inclusion

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

      Join us for an insightful conversation with Lindsay Wrege, co-founder of 321 Coffee! In this episode, we dive deep into the realities of starting a business that empowers adults with disabilities.

      Lindsay shares her journey, covering essential topics like:

      * The challenges and triumphs of launching an inclusive business

      * Strategies for effective hiring and building a supportive training structure

      * Tips for retaining employees and fostering their growth

      * Insights on educating and training individuals based on their unique skill sets

      If you're curious about making a meaningful impact through your business, this episode is a must-watch. Don't miss the valuable lessons and inspiring stories from Lindsay Wrege at 321 Coffee! Stay tuned!

      More about Lindsay: Lindsay Wrege is the co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee, a company that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She started 321 Coffee during her freshman year at NC State University to create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with IDD. Under her leadership, the company has grown to employ over 50 adults. Wrege is a strong advocate for inclusivity and social entrepreneurship. She is also a prominent speaker, sharing her experiences and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She emphasizes the importance of social entrepreneurship and encourages others to take action and create positive change in their communities.

      More about 321 Coffee: 321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roaster with the mission of providing meaningful work opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 321 Coffee employs twenty-one individuals with IDD with its current operation, runs an online store, and roasts/sells its own coffee. It is designed for these individuals to showcase their skills and personalities in a friendly atmosphere and allow them to develop relationships with the local community.

      #AccessGranted #Podcast #321Coffee

      17 min
    7. Empowering Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities with 321 Coffee

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


      Join us as we speak with Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans the founders of 321 Coffee!


      In this episode, we discuss:

      • The creation and mission of 321 Coffee
      • The passion behind creating a workplace and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
      • Much more!

      • We have had the honor to work with 321 Coffee to help them create a truly accessible environment. Tune in! It's a good one.


        More about Lindsay: Lindsay Wrege is the co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee, a company that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She started 321 Coffee during her freshman year at NC State University to create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with IDD. Under her leadership, the company has grown to employ over 50 adults. Wrege is a strong advocate for inclusivity and social entrepreneurship. She is also a prominent speaker, sharing her experiences and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She emphasizes the importance of social entrepreneurship and encourages others to take action and create positive change in their communities.


        More about 321 Coffee: 321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roaster with the mission of providing meaningful work opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 321 Coffee employs twenty-one individuals with IDD with its current operation, runs an online store, and roasts/sells its own coffee. It is designed for these individuals to showcase their skills and personalities in a friendly atmosphere and allow them to develop relationships with the local community.

        #AccessGranted #Podcast #321Coffee 

        25 min
      • How Accessibility Begins with Human Kindness with North Carolina Presenters Consortium

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


        Join us for the second part of our conversation with MaryJo Birschbach from the North Carolina Presenters Consortium.


        In this episode, we focus on the role of human kindness as the driving force behind the commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone. We discuss how empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to connect with others lay the foundation for their accessibility efforts.


        More about MaryJo: With a passion for communication, she excels in crafting language for diverse mediums, from poetry and prose to marketing campaigns and reports. As a Communications and Development Manager, she designs engaging materials, manages digital presence, and leads accessibility efforts, achieving significant growth. Her career is marked by building strong relationships and improving outcomes through creative problem-solving and efficient practices.


        More about the North Carolina Presenters Consortium: North Carolina Presenters Consortium (NCPC) is a not-for-profit membership association comprising professional performing arts presenting organizations, agents, managers, performing artists, service organizations, and vendors from NC and beyond who share the mission of bringing artists and audiences together.


        #AccessGranted #Podcast #NCPC

        17 min
      • Empowering Accessibility in the Arts with North Carolina Presenters Consortium

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

        In this exciting episode, we chat with MaryJo Birschbach from the North Carolina Presenters Consortium.
        We discuss making art accessible to all, embracing the courage to admit what you don’t know, and fostering a willingness to learn and seek help.
        We also explore the significance and impact of accessibility conferences and much more. Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion.
        Dive deep into these pressing issues with us!
        More about MaryJo: With a passion for communication, she excels in crafting language for diverse mediums, from poetry and prose to marketing campaigns and reports. As a Communications and Development Manager, she designs engaging materials, manages digital presence, and leads accessibility efforts, achieving significant growth. Her career is marked by building strong relationships and improving outcomes through creative problem-solving and efficient practices.
        More about the North Carolina Presenters Consortium: North Carolina Presenters Consortium (NCPC) is a not-for-profit membership association comprising professional performing arts presenting organizations, agents, managers, performing artists, service organizations, and vendors from NC and beyond who share the mission of bringing artists and audiences together.
        #AccessGranted #Podcast #NCPC

        26 min
      • Chris Hendricks Reveals the Realities of Living with a Disability

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


        Welcome back to another exciting episode of Access Granted! In this episode, we continue our insightful conversation with Chris Hendricks.


        Together, we explore a variety of important topics, including: the power of visible conditions, social media's impact on communication, DEI hiring efforts, and much more!


        Don't miss out on this engaging and informative discussion.


        More about Chris: Recognized as an inspiring leader in the world of personal development and philanthropy for over a decade. A personal brand ambassador with thought leadership in the field of youth educational growth. A skilled author and speaker specializing in the value of vulnerability, connection, and personal/professional adversity. Over a decade of experience as an international recording artist, singer, and songwriter with music placement in sports entertainment and film.


        #AccessGranted #ChrisHendricks #DEI #SocialMedia #VisibleConditions #Podcast

        25 min
      • How Artist Chris Hendricks Champions Disability Inclusion through Advocacy and Music

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

        In this episode, we spoke with Chris Hendricks, a professional singer, songwriter, and recording artist.
        Chris's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Despite facing the challenges of cerebral palsy from a young age, he refused to let anything get in the way of his dreams. Through sheer determination, he conquered every obstacle that came his way, emerging even stronger.
        He now has a successful music career and believes his disability is empowering him as an artist!
        More about Chris: Recognized as an inspiring leader in the world of personal development and philanthropy for over a decade. A personal brand ambassador with thought leadership in the field of youth educational growth. A skilled author and speaker specializing in the value of vulnerability, connection, and personal/professional adversity. Over a decade of experience as an international recording artist, singer, and songwriter with music placement in sports entertainment and film.
        #Ablr #AccessGranted #Accessibility #diversityandinclusion #ChrisHendricks #Diversity #Inclusion #Podcast

        26 min
      • Exclusive Insights on Accessibility Initiatives with Lenovo's NEXT UX Team

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

        In this episode of Access Granted Mike continues his conversation with Sara Weir and Onyx Mintah of Lenovo. We delve deeper into the innovative strides being made at this global tech powerhouse.
        How do we create a future where products are available and usable for everyone? Inclusivity at the beginning and diverse workforces are a great start!
        More about Sara: Sara is a mixed-method UX researcher, designer, and storyteller with a background in data and design. She excels at bringing users into the product development process. She pushes boundaries with creative methodologies and problem-solving to create impactful hardware and software experiences for users.
        More about Onyx: Experienced UX Research Operations PgM with a demonstrated ability to identify gaps and build bridges across cross-functional teams in the health, wellness, and fitness industry. She has a deep understanding of product research, the concept development process, and deliverables. Motivated to continuously seek opportunities to create efficiencies and improve team performance.
        #lenovo #ablr #ablrworks #accessgranted #podcast #accessibility #accessibletechnology #diversitytraining #inclusion

        25 min

      About Access Granted

      From the publisher's feed

      "Access Granted," hosted by Mike Iannelli, Ablr's co-founder, isn't your typical podcast. It's raw, real, and dives headfirst into the messy, gritty reality of disability inclusion. Mike, an advocate with his boots on the ground, brings not just expertise but real-life tales and hard-earned insights to the table.