Episode Description
In this episode of Accessibility in Practice, host Adam Fishbein sits down with Peter Slatin, a longtime advocate, writer, and trainer in the disability and accessibility space. Drawing on his lived experience as a blind person and his background in journalism, architecture, and hospitality training, Peter offers a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation about what accessibility really means, and why social and cultural barriers are often the biggest obstacles of all.
From the difference between physical, digital, and social accessibility to the challenges of disclosure in the workplace, Peter challenges listeners to rethink common assumptions and move beyond compliance toward genuine understanding and respect.
What You Will Find in This Episode
- Peter Slatin’s personal journey into disability and accessibility work
- Why social accessibility is often the most overlooked—and most important—form of access
- The difference between being “included” and already belonging
- How physical and digital accessibility are connected to cultural attitudes
- Common misconceptions about disability and how they show up in everyday interactions
- Why “helping” without asking can be harmful
- Disability as the most intersectional dimension of diversity
- Practical steps organizations can take to create more accessible workplaces
- The tension between civility, advocacy, and picking your battles
- How allies can find their strengths and contribute meaningfully to disability rights
- Accessibility technology Peter is excited about—and why “nothing about us without us” still matters
- Examples of organizations making real progress in accessibility, especially in hospitality
Key Takeaways
- Accessibility is not one-size-fits-all—and it never has been
- Designing for accessibility from the start is far easier than retrofitting later
- Cultural attitudes toward disability shape every other accessibility outcome
- People with disabilities do not need permission to be “included”—they already belong
- The most effective advocacy starts with listening, humility, and lived experience
About the Guest
Peter Slatin is a blind accessibility advocate, writer, and trainer with decades of experience across journalism, architecture, and hospitality. He works with organizations to improve customer service, workplace inclusion, and cultural understanding of disability, with a particular focus on social accessibility. He is based in New York.
About the Host
Adam Fishbein, MPA is a disability policy and advocacy professional committed to advancing inclusive systems and practices. He is based in Maryland.
Call to Action
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