AXSChat Podcast

This week we talk with Adrian Pickering from Robotica. Robotica's main goal is to make all of the world's information and entertainment available in sign languages, starting with British Sign Language. Adrian explains the challenges of translating sign languages due to the chronic shortage of interpreters and translators. Robotica uses AI to create avatars that perform queued speech, a simpler form of sign language, to bridge the communication gap. They are also working on creating avatars for British Sign Language, using motion capture and AI to break down individual component parts for better understanding. The ultimate goal is to provide sign language translations for various aspects of life, such as public transport, healthcare, and utility bills, to empower sign language users and ensure inclusivity. Robotica aims to create deaf jobs, not take them, and make translations available everywhere through responsible and respectful AI. Check out Robotica to learn more about their groundbreaking work in sign language accessibility.

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Just imagine stepping into a leadership role where you don't tick all the boxes. Quite daunting, right? Well, Natalia Oropreza did just that, stepping into her role as the Chief Cybersecurity and Diversity Officer at Siemens, and in this chat, she shares her journey and the importance of taking risks. Alongside Natalia, we have Rita Nkuhlu, the Executive Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Siemens, who sheds light on the unique diversity within Siemens in South Africa, a place where 11 different languages are spoken and many cultures coexist to enrich the organization.

As we advance, Natalia and Rita guide us through the commendable initiatives they're spearheading to promote gender equity on a global scale, such as the Girls Can Code initiative. This initiative empowers young girls with quality education in coding and cybersecurity, and is a testament to the power of diversity. We also delve into the critical role mentoring plays in fostering diversity and inclusivity in organizations, and how it can yield substantial returns. Finally, we get a sneak peek into the world of cybersecurity, the job opportunities it presents, and why it is crucial to back organizations that are making a difference. Buckle up and join us in exploring the transformative power of diversity and inclusivity in the corporate world.

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Have you ever questioned how disability inclusion is making strides in the corporate world? We have brought a distinguished guest, Lucy Ruck from the Business Disability Forum, to shed light on this significant topic. Lucy, equipped with fresh data from a recent workplace adjustment survey, offers a close perspective on the difficulties individuals face when seeking accommodations, the aspirations of disabled workers to climb the corporate ladder, and the alarming statistic that 38% of disabled individuals have encountered bullying, harassment, or discrimination at work. 

Turning our focus to global data, we examine the role of corporate brands in disability inclusion. Lucy emphasizes the importance of understanding the findings from a global viewpoint. She illustrates how corporate brands can volunteer their resources to create inclusive programs, tools, and procedures under the effective model of the Business Disability Forum. We also delve into the need for more comprehensive research to grasp the experiences of disabled individuals in the workforce. 

In the latter part of our chat, we delve into the potent combination of collaboration and innovation in advocating for disability inclusion. We touch upon the importance of inclusive language and lucid communication in discussions around disability. Listen in as Lucy shares her personal experiences as an amputee and how to foster positivity in conversations about disability. We conclude our chat by highlighting the necessity of mainstreaming disability inclusion conversations and reinforcing the power of inclusive language. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the evolving landscape of disability inclusion in the workplace.

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Have you ever felt defined by your limitations? Our guest in this episode, Puneet Singhal, certainly has. Growing up with a stammer, he knows firsthand what it's like to feel different, misunderstood, and judged. But instead of letting this define him, Poonit turned his adversity into advocacy, founding SSStart and becoming a global ambassador for Billion Strong. He's turning heads, challenging societal assumptions and working towards normalizing stammering as a disability. 

In the journey of SSStart, you'll discover the power of community and resilience. Even with limited resources, this organization has managed to make a significant impact and build a strong community of empowered individuals. But this isn't just about stammering; it's a broader conversation about inclusivity and acceptance, celebrating our differences rather than fighting against them. The goal? A truly inclusive world.

What happens when we replace competition with collaboration? When we trade a scarcity mindset for a growth mindset? Puneet Singhal shares his insights on the importance of partnerships in the disability and charitable sectors. He paints a picture of how connecting with international networks has helped spread the word about their cause. And we discuss the power of community in enabling SSStart to grow and thrive. So, tune in, get inspired, and join the conversation on challenging societal perceptions and empowering individuals with disabilities. This is a story of resilience, empowerment, and community support you won't want to miss.

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axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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How can we make healthcare technology more accessible and inclusive for all, especially older adults? Join us as we welcome back Cordelia McGee-Tubb, now a staff design technologist at Color Health, who shares her valuable insights on navigating the complex US healthcare system and the importance of digital inclusion.

In this fascinating conversation, we explore Cordelia's unique journey from an MFA in comics to a Masters in Gerontology and how her eclectic skill set helps her champion accessibility and inclusion for older adults. We discuss the significance of using plain language, personalizing tablet interactions, and designing easily recognizable icons to create a more user-friendly healthcare experience. Cordelia also shares her thoughts on bridging the gap between physical and digital experiences with QR codes and the importance of guiding people through digital accessibility settings to find the best option for their needs.

We wrap up the episode by examining the implications of design changes in products and the ongoing conversations around accessibility and inclusion in the digital space. Discover how we can ensure these changes are inclusive of all users, particularly older users, and join the discussion on Twitter and other social media platforms. Don't miss this engaging episode with Cordelia McGee-Tubb as we dive into the world of designing for change and making healthcare technology truly accessible for everyone.

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axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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How can assistive technology transform the lives of people with disabilities? Join us as we chat with Charlie Danger, director of Global Symbols, to explore this fascinating world and its impact on individuals with physical, complex disabilities and cognitive difficulties. From his own experience working with electrical disabilities to the advancements seen across various platforms and features, Charlie sheds light on matching devices to an individual's physical access skills and the incredible progress made in the field.

We also uncover the groundbreaking work of organizations such as the AceCentre, which provides Assistive Technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication services for people with complex needs, and CENMAC, one of the world's oldest AT organization. Plus, discover how Charlie Danger has collaborated with UNICEF to democratize symbols used in assistive technology, ensuring they are culturally appropriate. This insightful conversation not only delves into the technical side of assistive technology but also highlights the life-changing impact it has on those who rely on it. Don't miss this episode that explores the future of accessibility and the difference it makes in people's lives.

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Bluesky:
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Debra https://bsky.app/profile/debraruh.bsky.social

Neil https://bsky.app/profile/neilmilliken.bsky.social

axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

LinkedIn
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What happens when a professional singer and language teacher pivots into the world of accessibility? Meet Dan Sommer, CEO  and Founder of Empire Caption Solutions, who shares his fascinating journey and how he's working to balance the quality of human captioners with the scalability of technology. Discover how his unique background has shaped his approach to accessibility and the vital role of AI and speech-to-text tools in creating meaningful audio descriptions.

In this captivating episode, we explore the complexities of audio description and the challenges involved in creating them, as well as the platforms that are excelling in this area. Find out how the progress of ASR over time has impacted the captioning process and how emerging technology can be used to build on top of quality products. Join us as we dive into the future of accessibility services and discuss the intersection of accessibility, technology, and language with our insightful guest, Dan Sommer.

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axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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Do you ever feel like companies and organizations are only giving lip service to their commitment to inclusion? Join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with Dr Anthony Giannoumis, founder of Inclusive Creation, to uncover the crucial importance of transforming inclusion promises into tangible action. We discuss the powerful impact language can have on fostering creativity and performance and the mission statements' essential role in promoting inclusion practices.

In a stimulating dialogue with hosts Neil, Debra and Antonio, we reveal the significance of active listening and validation in cultivating a trusting and inclusive atmosphere. Neil shares his insights on the transformative power of exchanging vulnerability for validation and its role in building strong, cohesive teams.

Lastly, Anthony Giannoumis shares his invaluable expertise on the necessity of diverse perspectives in entrepreneurship and technology. We explore how diversity and inclusion hiring should not be solely about qualifications but also about the unique perspective each individual brings. As we delve into data connectivity challenges in certain parts of Africa and their effects on assistive tech delivery, Dr Giannoumis imparts key lessons he's learned throughout his entrepreneurial and consultative work. Don't miss out on this engaging episode!

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axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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What if we could revolutionize patient care through digital health technology? Join us as we explore this fascinating topic with our guest Dipu Patel, the Vice Chair of Innovation at the Department of Physician and Assistance Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Together, we unravel the potential of digital health technology to bridge social gaps in healthcare and discuss the importance of balancing technology and humanity.

From making doctor appointments to cross-pollination between different professions, we dive into the challenges and opportunities in creating a digital system that enhances the healthcare experience. Listen in as Dipu shares insights on improving digital literacy, adopting a consumer-focused approach, and fostering quality improvement initiatives to create better medical practices.

As we wrap up our conversation, we delve into the world of healthcare collaboration and design, emphasizing the need for a more human-centric approach. We discuss the widening digital divide and the need for leaders to champion better technology and collaboration between medical professionals and other industries. Don't miss this engaging episode, and join the discussion on how digital health technology can transform the future of patient care.

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axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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Betty is a Transformational Leadership and Career Coach, and a speaker with the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. She is also an author of a book Against All Odds where she shares her journey of overcoming odds when she was abandoned at the tender age of fourteen years and thrived until she got her desire to attain a University Education at one of Africa’s Premier Institution Makerere University in Kampala Uganda. She has since become a multi-award-winning human resource practitioner with over 18 years of experience and has worked in international corporations such as Oil and Gas as well as Management Advisory.

Her life slogan is there is greatness in everyone. She uses her skills, talents, and experiences to inspire hope and challenge people to discover their life’s purpose and maximize their potential.

Currently, she is serving as a Master Facilitator with EQUIP’s Beyond Success program which is a non-profit organisation of the Maxwell Enterprises. She also serves in the Maxwell Leadership Certified team members President’s Advisory Committee where she inducts new members and helps them as they navigate the maze of becoming a Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with the MLCT.

As a Transformational Leadership and Career Coach, Betty uses her personal story of overcoming the odds of brain injury, paralysis, speech loss and impairment after she suffered a horrific motor accident in 2006. By the grace and mercy of God and her resilience, she was able to revive her career, and follow her Calling in life.

Having experienced the desire to have a quality education and see the benefit of destiny helpers and sponsors, Betty started the Betty Ogiel Foundation. Proceeds from the work of the Foundation go to helping the girl child to attain an education and thrive. To date, the Foundation has been able to help six orphans and was able to see the first girl child graduate in May 2022 becoming the first graduate in her village.

In order to fulfil her life slogan and bring out the greatness in people, Betty started the life-transforming Against All Odds Talks which are held every month. To date she has held over 40 editions, where she invites highly experienced speakers to speak on different topics that inspire hope and builds resilience among the participants.

In spite of suffering COVID-19 twice, Betty again overcame the odds against her and successfully competed and for the first time brought to the African Continent the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Members DNA Culture Award for 2021and the Nurture Transformation award.

Betty also continues to excel in her profession as a Human Resource Expert. In 2016 and 2017, she won the Human Resource Excellence Award in employee engagement from the Human Resource Managers Association of Uganda. In September 2017, she received the Global Prosperity and Peace Initiative’s Peacemaker Award in Kampala. Betty was also named as one of Uganda’s Top 40 under 40 Most Inspirational Women by the New Vision, one of the leading newspapers in Uganda.

She is married to Julius Rubanga’s and together they have three (3) biological sons.

Betty believes that our past does not have to determine our future.

http://www.bettyogiel.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bettyogiel

Facebook: @BettyOgiel: Twitter: @BettyOgiel:  Instagram: @bettyogiel

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axschat https://bsky.app/profile/axschat.bsky.social

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