Welcome back, listeners, to another insightful podcast where we explore the transformative world of smart home technology, particularly through the lens of accessibility.

Hosts Dan Williams, director of Visualise Training and Consultancy and Graham Coath (podcast host and journalist) are joined by guest Aj from AAT Solutions.

Together, we unpack how smart devices like lighting and heating systems are not just about convenience; they're a gateway to empowerment for individuals with visual impairments. Tune in as we share stories of personal challenges turned into victories with smart technology, and how these innovations are reshaping independence at home.

As we continue our conversation, we touch on the crucial balance between design aesthetics and functionality in kitchen appliances. Why do sleek designs often take precedence over accessibility? We question this trend and advocate for inclusive product development that doesn't compromise on style or user choice. Listen in as we challenge manufacturers to consult more with people of diverse abilities and hear our call for products that truly cater to everyone. Our dialogue also sheds light on the subtle biases that may exist within the industry, and how we can all contribute to a more inclusive future.

Wrapping up our discussion, we reflect on the leaps in accessibility seen in recent times, especially those spurred by the pandemic. With platforms like Zoom and Teams evolving to better serve users with visual impairments, we're reminded of the power of feedback and the responsibility of all stakeholders in advocating for inclusive designs. We also delve into the world of fitness technology, sharing how companies can be more vocal about accessibility features, thus informing and serving a wider audience. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by the potential of smart technology to enhance everyday life for everyone.

00:00 - 03:45 Introduction

03:46 - 05:08 Improving Access to Smart Technology

11:55 - 13:02 Technology for Visual Impairments

14:04 - 15:00 Long-Lasting Battery for Smart Device

19:15 - 20:37 Accessibility in Kitchen Product Design

26:33 - 27:47 Website Accessibility Awareness

29:50 - 31:02 Planned Obsolescence in Mobile Phones

32:59 - 34:05 Perceptions of Blind Cooks

38:46 - 40:22 Workplace Accessibility and Disability Awareness

43:39 - 45:10 Awareness of Accessibility in Electronic Retail

47:30 - 48:05 Increased Accessibility

In this podcast episode from Visualized Training and Consultancy, the discussion centers around the ongoing issues of accessibility and discrimination experienced by individuals with disabilities, with a focus on the law surrounding these matters. The hosts, accompanied by guest Carrie Clews, an expert in equality and discrimination from Ringrose Law, delve into real-world scenarios related to disability discrimination, particularly in the context of accessing taxis and public transportation.

Carrie shares her experience working to combat discrimination through legal means, emphasising the importance of educating both individuals and businesses on their rights and obligations. The conversation also explores common barriers faced by disabled individuals, the significance of making reasonable adjustments, and the impactful role of litigation in advocating for positive change and raising awareness about the vital need for inclusion and empathy in everyday interactions and services.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast: Discussing Law with a Twist

00:38 The Struggle for Accessibility: Taxi Experiences and Legal Battles

01:04 Introducing Carrie: A Champion for Equality and Discrimination Law

01:45 The Shocking Reality of Discrimination in 2024

02:41 The Long Road to Equality: Progress and Pitfalls

03:57 Personal Stories of Discrimination: A Guide Dog Owner's Ordeal

06:08 Education vs. Ignorance: The Root of Discrimination

14:52 Making Reasonable Adjustments: The Equality Act Explained

19:06 Rethinking Accessibility: From Legal Compliance to Human Decency

21:38 The Future of Accessibility: Building for All

24:39 Understanding Individual Needs in the Workplace

25:44 The Impact of Technology on Workplace Communication

26:16 The Role of Exposure and Education in Addressing Discrimination

27:21 The Power of Media Representation in Normalising Diversity

28:02 Legal Perspectives on Equality and Accessibility Challenges

30:08 Common Accessibility Barriers and Legal Solutions

33:20 The Importance of Market Research and Stakeholder Engagement

36:04 Training and Awareness: Bridging the Gap Between Management and Staff

42:00 The Process and Impact of Legal Claims for Discrimination

46:21 Encouraging Action Against Discrimination

48:00 The Vision for a More Inclusive Future

In this podcast episode, Dan Williams, George Plumridge along with host Graham Coath dive into an interesting conversation about 'coming out', both in terms of sexual orientation and sight loss.

Dan and George share personal experiences of coming out in different aspects of their lives and discuss the challenges, commonalities, and differences they faced.

The conversation also touches upon societal perceptions and potential misconceptions people might have about visual impairments and sexual orientation.

The discussion further extends to the importance of acceptance and inclusion in the workplace and society in general.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:12 Coming Out: A Dual Perspective

01:26 Introducing the Guests: Dan and George

02:17 Dan's Journey: Sight Loss and Acceptance

09:10 George's Story: Career Change and Sight Loss

14:27 Coming Out: The Intersection of Sight Loss and Sexuality

20:21 The Impact of Society's Perception

21:04 The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions

27:24 Balancing Prejudice and Preconceptions

27:42 Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions

28:29 The Power of Positive Representation

28:47 The Impact of Media Stereotypes

29:11 Normalising Differences in Society

31:21 The Influence of Role Models

31:50 The Struggle of Coming Out as Disabled

32:05 The Fear of Disclosure in the Workplace

32:44 Personal Experience: Coming Out as Visually Impaired

34:19 The Impact of Lack of Support in the Workplace

35:23 The Importance of Recognising Employee Needs

36:29 The Need for More Inclusive Workplaces

41:07 The Struggles of Being a Visually Impaired Teacher

46:00 The Importance of Honest Communication in the Workplace

53:18 The Challenges of Temporary Employment for the Visually Impaired

58:37 Closing Thoughts: Be Loud and Proud

To celebrate National Eye Health Week 2023 - Dan Williams is joined by broadcaster, journalist, former workplace assessor Graham Coath and Jayshree Vasani an award winning speaker in the sector and Co -Presenter Insider Tech Bites by 100%optical.

The group discuss many of the myths around eye care and eye health and use real life examples and statistics to show that these myths are just NOT TRUE!

An absolute MUST listen for any manager out there to know how to put into place the right support for your team around good eye health, which is essential in the digital age!

Find out more about the great work Visualise Training do in this area at www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com and support National Eye Health Week at https://www.visionmatters.org.uk/

#EyeHealth #VisionMatters #Accessibility #Inclusion #SightLoss #Management #Opticians #ShouldHaveGoneTo #Podcast #ManagementAdvice #HealthAndWellbeing

It is all the Line Manager's fault! (or is it?)

When support in the workplace falls short it is easy to turn the blame on a Line Manager but is it really their fault? Are C-Suite Managers supporting their line managers properly with the right guidance and education?

Do they need to have more awareness in the first place?

Have we been providing the support in silos so that there is no real multidisciplinary, lined up, case management approach?

What are the differences between vocational rehabilitation and occupational health and how can we make all the areas of support work together?

Why is bringing in specialists important?

Join us for this conversation between Dan Williams (Visualise Training and Consultancy), Graham Coath (Broadcaster and ex workplace assessor) and Helen Valls-Russell (Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist: Providing insurers, employers and case managers with expert assessment and occupational rehabilitation services - owner of Ergocom).

If you enjoy the episode please share it with managers in your sector.

#Inclusion #Disability #AccessToWork #SightLoss #OccupationalHealth #HearingLoss #VocationalRehabilitation

Occupational Health providers and visual impairment. Where is the system going right and where could it improve? What part does training and education have to play not only for those who are providing workplace assessments and support but also for line managers within organisations? What should sign posting look like and why is it important to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to holistic employee support!

Podcast host Graham Coath who has a background in workplace assessments and assistive technology training, puts the question to Dan Williams from Visualise Training and Consultancy and Anna Harrington, a very experienced occupational health professional who is on the Society of Occupational Medicine task group for Diversity and Inclusion.

#WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #BankingSector #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity.

In this episode we hear from Rhiannon Hicks who works in a large supermarket call center helping customers with deliveries and click and collect. Rhiannon talks about life before adaptations, what adjustments she had put into place and how that has impacted her at work. Things like speech recognition have enabled her to control her computer with her voice.

#WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #BankingSector #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity.

Jamie has a sight condition where his sight deteriorated rapidly. He talks about his experience at work, why it is important not to make comparisons with what you used to be able to do! How being enabled to work is empowering as it makes you do what you have to do! His is a very powerful story. In the podcast he talks about how he used to play an instrument and what it was like to stop. He also gives feedback for people in terms of communicating with HR departments.

#WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity #Channel4 #Broadcasting

In this episode we have a remarkable guest who is not only making a difference in the Civil Service but also paving the way for policy implementation with multiple stakeholders.

Hayley is a dedicated civil servant working in central government, and her passion for creating positive change shines through her work every day.

We hear about how Hayley's condition impacts her day to day life at work and the kind of adjustments that she has in place.

Learn how technology and a dedicated PA really help Hayley.

We talk to Hayley about the assessment process she went through with Visualise training and consultancy, what she thought of the process and why she believes that a specialist assessment is essential.

#WorkplaceAdjustments #VisualImpairment #BankingSector #Inclusivity #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnologies #AccessibleWorkspace #Design #TrainingPrograms #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #Diversity.

Tom Walker discusses the experience of Humyan who works as a risk manager for a large banking organisation. Humyan talks about the adjustments which were recommended following an assessment with visualise training and consultancy and how they have helped him in the workplace.

Discover firsthand accounts of the challenges faced and witness the profound impact these adjustments have made, not only on the individuals' professional life but also on their personal growth and overall well-being.

Whether you're an industry professional seeking to enhance workplace accessibility or an individual navigating a visual impairment in the banking sector, this podcast provides valuable information, practical advice, and inspiring narratives. Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusive practices, learn about resources available, and discover how you can make a meaningful difference in creating a more equitable and diverse workplace