Summary

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Lacey Artemis, a neurodiversity and accessibility advocate. Lacey shares her personal journey from being diagnosed with autism in her late 20s to becoming a consultant focused on creating neuro-inclusive environments. The conversation explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in various settings, including workplaces and public spaces, and emphasizes the importance of understanding sensory sensitivities. Lacey discusses her experiences in event planning, the significance of sound in public spaces, and her approach to consulting for organizations. The episode concludes with insights into Lacey's public speaking engagements and her unique presentation titled 'Fish and Trees,' which highlights the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.

Takeaways

• Lacey's journey into advocacy began with her own experiences as an autistic individual.
• Creating neuro-inclusive environments can significantly enhance experiences for everyone, not just neurodivergent individuals.
• Sound sensitivity is a major concern for many neurodivergent people in public spaces.
• Event planning should prioritize sensory-friendly environments to foster inclusivity.
• Consulting for organizations can help them understand the value of neurodiversity in the workplace.
• Public speaking allows Lacey to advocate for those who may not have a voice.
• The 'Fish and Trees' presentation emphasizes that everyone has unique strengths.
• Small changes in venues can make a big difference for neurodivergent patrons.
• Data collection is essential for advocating for neuro-inclusive practices.
• Lacey aims to create a database of accessible venues to help others navigate public spaces.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity and Accessibility Advocacy

03:11 Personal Journey to Neurodiversity Advocacy

06:06 Understanding Neurodiversity in Work Environments

09:13 Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Gym Experience

12:08 Event Planning for Neuro-Inclusivity

14:51 The Importance of Sound in Public Spaces

18:08 Consulting for Neuro-Inclusive Practices

20:47 Public Speaking and Advocacy

24:05 Fish and Trees: A Unique Perspective on Abilities

27:04 Future Directions in Neurodiversity Advocacy

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, host Brendan Aylward speaks with Mary MacDonald, a 16-year-old adaptive athlete from Taunton, Massachusetts. Mary shares her journey into adaptive sports, her experiences in powerlifting and road racing, and the importance of confidence and community in her athletic pursuits. She discusses the challenges she faced, the support she received, and her aspirations for the future, including competing in the 2028 Paralympics. The conversation highlights the significance of visibility and representation in adaptive sports, as well as the barriers that young athletes may encounter.

Takeaways

Mary began her journey in adaptive sports through local clinics.

She has a passion for music and theater, which boosts her confidence.

Adaptive sports have helped Mary overcome personal barriers to health.

She emphasizes the importance of community in sports.

Mary has set records in the javelin and won multiple medals in competitions.

She believes in showcasing adaptive sports to inspire others.

Training for adaptive sports includes both gym work and outdoor practice.

Mary aims to compete at the international level in the future.

She encourages young athletes not to let stigma deter them from sports.

Mary's ultimate goal is to participate in the 2028 Paralympics.

Keywords

adaptive sports, inclusion, para sports, Mary MacDonald, powerlifting, road racing, youth athletes, confidence, community, training

In this conversation, Dan Minich, co-founder and executive director of Waypoint Adventure, shares his journey into disability advocacy and the founding of Waypoint, a nonprofit focused on providing accessible outdoor recreation. He discusses the importance of experiential learning, collaboration among nonprofits, and the challenges of measuring success in adaptive programs. The conversation also touches on legislation for accessibility, best practices for trail management, and the impact of COVID-19 on their operations. Dan emphasizes the need for sustainability in nonprofit funding and shares inspiring stories of participants, highlighting the organization's vision for a more inclusive future.

Takeaways

• Dan's introduction to disability came through volunteering in middle school.
• Waypoint Adventure was founded to fill a gap in accessible outdoor recreation.
• Experiential learning is central to Waypoint's mission.
• Measuring success in adaptive programs involves qualitative metrics.
• Collaboration with other nonprofits enhances Waypoint's impact.
• Legislation like the Unpaved Trails for All aims to improve accessibility.
• Best practices for trail accessibility include considering diverse needs.
• Incremental improvements in accessibility are crucial for inclusivity.
• Education and training are essential for staff and community partners.
• COVID-19 prompted innovative adaptations in program delivery.

Keywords

Waypoint Adventure, disability advocacy, outdoor recreation, experiential learning, nonprofit collaboration, accessibility legislation, adaptive sports, community engagement, COVID-19 response, sustainability

In this conversation, Dan Minnich, co-founder and executive director of Waypoint Adventure, shares his journey into disability advocacy and the founding of Waypoint, a non-profit focused on providing accessible outdoor recreation. He discusses the importance of experiential learning, collaboration among nonprofits, and the challenges of measuring success in adaptive programs. The conversation also touches on legislation for accessibility, best practices for trail management, and the impact of COVID-19 on their operations. Dan emphasizes the need for sustainability in non-profit funding and shares inspiring stories of participants, highlighting the organization's vision for a more inclusive future.

Takeaways

• Dan's introduction to disability
• Waypoint Adventure was founded to fill a gap in accessible outdoor recreation.
• Experiential learning is central to Waypoint's mission.
• Measuring success in adaptive programs involves qualitative metrics.
• Collaboration with other nonprofits enhances Waypoint's impact.
• Legislation like the Unpaved Trails for All aims to improve accessibility.
• Best practices for trail accessibility include considering diverse needs.
• Incremental improvements in accessibility are crucial for inclusivity.
• Education and training are essential for staff and community partners.
• COVID-19 prompted innovative adaptations in program delivery.

Keywords

Waypoint Adventure, disability advocacy, outdoor recreation, experiential learning, nonprofit collaboration, accessibility legislation, adaptive sports, community engagement, COVID-19 response, sustainability

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan speaks with Bob Ludke, co-founder of Value Inclusion and author of 'Case-Studies in Disability-Driven Innovation'. Value Inclusion is the only consultancy that brings together actionable, c-suite strategy, evidence-based research, and first-hand experience of driving competitive, integrated employment of persons across the disability spectrum in a way that drives brand, reputation, and bottom-line growth. They discuss Ludke's personal journey with disability, the importance of disability inclusion in business, and the role of both public and private sectors in advancing these initiatives. Ludke emphasizes the need for organizations to create inclusive environments and the significant impact investors can have in promoting disability-driven innovation.

Bob has authored two books:

Case Studies in Disability-Driven Innovation: Just published and currently an Amazon best

seller, the book showcases the strategies that will not only future-proof businesses but

also unlock markets worth trillions of dollars. Think of it as a masterclass in unlocking

potential. It guides companies, investors, and entrepreneurs toward a goldmine of

talent, innovation, and profitability.

Transformative Markets: This is a book about the role of markets in fostering a more

sustainable society.

Learn more about Bob's Work

Value Inclusion - https://valueinclusion.com/

Ludke Consulting - https://ludkeconsulting.com/

Harkin Institute - https://harkininstitute.drake.edu/

Takeaways

• Bob Ludke's journey began with personal experiences of disability.
• Disability can drive innovation and improve business outcomes.
• The private sector has a crucial role in the adoption of disability inclusion.
• Investors can influence companies to adopt inclusive practices.
• Empathy is important, but economic incentives are more effective for encouraging inclusion.
• Organizations should create space for employees to be their authentic selves.
• Allies can support individuals with disabilities by being resources and advocates.
• Finding the right roles for people with disabilities can lead to mutual success.
• Employee retention requires understanding individual motivations.
• Storytelling is crucial for raising awareness about disability inclusion.
• Perseverance is a common trait among entrepreneurs with disabilities.
• AI tools must be developed with disability nuances in mind.
• Gyms can foster a culture of belonging and support.
• Socioeconomic barriers remain a challenge in disability inclusion.

Keywords

disability inclusion, Bob Ludke, Value Inclusion, adaptive sports, entrepreneurship, public policy, private sector, case studies, innovation, accessibility, disability inclusion, employee loyalty, workplace diversity, advocacy, innovation, AI, socioeconomic barriers, gym accessibility, storytelling, perseverance

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Sydney Robinson, founder and CEO of Vessl, a company dedicated to creating innovative prosthetic solutions for amputees. Sydney shares her journey from childhood to college to her career as a passionate entrepreneur in the field of biomedical engineering. The conversation delves into her experiences during a pivotal fellowship that ignited her interest in prosthetics, the challenges of developing the Kinn socket, and the importance of making assistive technology accessible. We cover how essential it is to consistently seek feedback from users and clinicians, the pressures of being a CEO, and her vision for the future of Vessel and the prosthetics industry.

Links for Vessl’s Pages

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vessl-prosthetics/?originalSubdomain=ca
• Sydney's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneymrobinson/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vesslprosthetics/?hl=en

Takeaways

• Sydney's early interest in engineering stemmed from her love of math and science.
• Capstone and fellowship experiences were crucial in shaping her career path.
• Vessl aims to solve the problem of static sockets in prosthetics.
• Kinn is designed to adapt to the changing size of the residual limb.
• The product focuses on mechanical solutions for reliability and ease of use.
• Feedback from clinicians and users has been overwhelmingly positive.
• Sydney's evolution and emphasis as a leader
• The company's goals of global expansion
• Building a brand behind a product
• The importance of networking for aspiring innovators

Keywords

Vessl, Sydney Robinson, prosthetics, innovation, entrepreneurship, assistive technology, Kinn, engineering, accessibility, adaptive solutions

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Faruk Musema from Ability Sports Africa, an organization dedicated to promoting sports as a platform for social inclusion in Uganda. They discuss the origins of Ability Sports Africa, the concept of reverse inclusion, the current landscape of disability inclusion in Ugandan schools, cultural barriers, and the organization's future goals. Faruk shares insights on the challenges faced in promoting inclusion and the importance of community engagement in changing perceptions about disabilities.

Takeaways

Ability Sports Africa was founded to combat discrimination in sports.

Faruk's personal experiences motivated him to advocate for inclusion.

Reverse inclusion allows children with disabilities to lead and empower others.

Cultural beliefs significantly impact the perception of disabilities in Uganda.

Awareness creation is essential to change negative attitudes towards disabilities.

The Ugandan education system is evolving towards more inclusive practices.

Funding for disability sports is often limited and requires community support.

Role models in sports can inspire youth with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

Ability Sports Africa aims to expand its reach across Africa.

Community engagement is crucial for the success of inclusive sports programs.

Keywords

disability inclusion, sports, Uganda, Ability Sports Africa, reverse inclusion, cultural barriers, Paralympics, community engagement, education, social inclusion

In this conversation, Brendan Aylward and Tony Jacobsen discuss the evolution of adaptive fitness, focusing on Tony's personal journey with osteogenesis imperfecta and his initiatives to promote inclusivity in fitness. They explore the importance of overcoming self-limiting beliefs, the launch of the Stronger Bones Coaching Group, and the impact of strength training on bone health. Additionally, they highlight Tony's collaboration with Planet Fitness to create adaptive workouts and the challenges of inclusivity in commercial gyms. The discussion concludes with Tony's goals for expanding access to adaptive fitness and the importance of open conversations between trainers and clients.

Takeaways

Tony Jacobsen has a rare bone condition called osteogenesis imperfecta.

Self-limiting beliefs are a significant barrier for individuals with disabilities.

The Stronger Bones Coaching Group aims to provide personalized training for those with bone health issues.

Strength training can significantly improve bone density, even for those with OI.

Tony has increased his bone density by 70% over the last 10 years through strength training and nutrition.

Adaptive fitness is gaining recognition on larger platforms like Planet Fitness.

Inclusivity in commercial gyms requires thoughtful design and layout considerations.

Creating a comfortable space for open conversations is crucial for effective training.

Fitness professionals should be open to learning about their clients' unique needs.

The goal is to make adaptive fitness a standard expectation in all gyms.

Keywords

adaptive fitness, disability, strength training, bone health, coaching, inclusivity, personal journey, Planet Fitness, Stronger Bones, self-limiting beliefs

In this conversation, Brendan Aylward and Nate Nester discuss the importance of adaptive fitness and the role of the Unified 5K in promoting inclusivity within the community. They explore Nate's journey into adaptive fitness, the challenges faced in creating accessible environments, and the collaborative efforts of Messiah University in supporting individuals with disabilities. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement, the mission of the Unified 5K, and future plans for improving accessibility and inclusivity in fitness.

Takeaways

The weather can impact participation in running events.

Adaptive fitness is essential for inclusivity in sports.

Community engagement is crucial for fitness programs.

Accessibility and ADA compliance are often misunderstood.

Collaboration among organizations enhances adaptive fitness initiatives.

Creating a welcoming environment is key to inclusivity.

Mistakes are part of the journey towards inclusivity.

The Unified 5K aims to promote fitness for all.

Nate's experience highlights the importance of education in adaptive fitness.

Future events should focus on community involvement and accessibility.

Keywords

Unified 5K, adaptive fitness, community engagement, Messiah University, inclusivity, accessibility, running events, fitness for all, disability awareness, collaboration

In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Brendan speaks with Idan Meir, a mission-driven entrepreneur and the Co-founder & CEO of RightHear, an award-winning accessibility startup empowering people with orientation challenges to navigate public spaces independently. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Idan has been featured in Forbes, FastCompany, and HackerNews, and is a member of the exclusive CEO network, MindShare. He previously led Hubanana, a thriving startup hub, and co-founded Zikit. A veteran of an elite IDF unit and holder of an M.A. in Psychology and Management, Idan brings a rare blend of vision, leadership, and passion for impact - always fueled by strong espresso and a good plate of hummus.

To learn more about Idan and RightHear, check out the following links,

RightHear’s Website: https://www.right-hear.com/

RightHear’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/righthear/

Idan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/idanmeir/

Idan’s Email: [email protected]

Takeaways:

• RightHere was founded to address orientation challenges faced by individuals with low vision.
• Keeping the app free is a core principle to ensure accessibility for all.
• Awareness of orientation challenges is a significant barrier to adoption.
• The technology can benefit not only the blind community but anyone facing orientation difficulties.
• AI integration is expected to enhance the user experience and operational efficiency.
• User feedback has been crucial in shaping the product and its features.
• The future includes expanding partnerships and addressing language barriers in diverse settings.