AccessAbility Works Podcast

Meet Aaron Spelker, the founder of Apple iPhone iOS Voiceover Compatible Games, where he reviews the usability and functionality of iPhone games for blind and visually-impaired gamers.

Meet Ana O’Brien as she explains how leaving the corporate world to become a para dressage coach and the value her works brings personally and professionally, for herself and the individuals she trains. 

Meet Virginia Jacko. She explains how she pivoted from going to the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind for rehabilitation to becoming its president and CEO after she became blind as an adult. She also discusses how her organization is on the vanguard of authentic inclusion and accessibility for people who happen to be blind.

Meet attorney Pat Radel as he discusses how he became a disability rights attorney with a focus on education after his son, Mark, was born with Down Syndrome. Pat elaborates on the challenges that students and their families face when attempting to secure inclusive, diverse, and barrier-free education for students with disabilities.

Meet Andrew Hibbler and Bing Smith as they tell their story of coworkers who became friends. Bing was born blind but that does not impede his willingness to try out outdoor adventures with Andrew. You may have first met them through a guest blog on the MBS website, now hear how these friends navigate through life and explore uncharted experiences.

Meet Brian McCourt on the AccessAbility Works podcast as he discusses his brainchild The Able Channel and its mission to make the world more inclusive and healthier, one person’s story at a time. He proudly discusses his Telly Award winning productions, including Together We Are Able, which coincidentally features our very own Albert Rizzi, who’s personalized story won a Gold and Silver Telly! Finally, you will get the inside scoop on the cult film classic that Brian helped make the 1990s.

On the AccessAbility Works podcast, meet Bruce Howell, Accessibility Services Manager for The Carroll Center for the Blind, as he discusses an innovative program that trains stakeholders in the outcomes to improve digital accessibility and usability through their innovative screen reader testers program.

Episode 013 – On the AccessAbility Works podcast, Dr. JR Rizzo discusses his latest medical research on assistive technologies, including mobility solutions for people who are blind or visually-impaired.

What makes his work more interesting is that Dr. Rizzo is also a member of the visually impaired and print disabled communities. JR has Choroideremia a visual impairment and was diagnosed with this condition when he was a young boy.

Dr. Rizzo is affiliated with the NYU Langone Medical Center and Director of Innovation and Technology for the Department of Physical medicine and rehabilitation at Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.

On the AccessAbility Works podcast, Robert Hendriks and Janet Di Nola Parmerter discuss how important true inclusion and digital equity is at JW.org. Regardless of your religious persuasion, JW.org promises access to the Bible and other religious materials in over 200 languages and on multiple platforms, including braille and digitized communications. Robert is the US Spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses and Janet is a Bible teacher at the JW.org blind and low-vision ministry.

Meet Debra Ruh, renowned advocate for the disability community, as she talks about her impact and her projects promoting authentic inclusion and digital equity for PWD. Learn about Debra’s newest initiative Billion Strong—an organization designed to unite and amplify billions of PWD voices together.