Our Ability Podcast | Disability in the Public Square

John Robinson speaks with Rebecca Cokley of the Ford Foundation about Artichoke, the first credit union in the U.S. built by and for people with disabilities and their families. Rebecca explains how Artichoke aims to address financial barriers facing the disability community by expanding access to banking, savings, loans, mortgages, and opportunities to build wealth. They discuss the impact of asset limits, disability-led organizations, economic inequality, and the importance of giving people with disabilities greater financial independence and choice. The conversation highlights how community-driven solutions can help create lasting economic opportunities and strengthen the disability rights movement.

Connect with Rebecca and learn more about Artichoke below:

• LinkedIn: 

         Rebecca Cokley | LinkedIn
           Ford Foundation: Home | LinkedIn 

• Instagram: 

        @rebecca_a_cokley:  Rebecca Cokley (@rebecca_a_cokley) • Instagram photos and videos

@fordfoundation:  Ford Foundation (@fordfoundation) • Instagram photos and videos                                                                         

• Facebook: Ford Foundation | Facebook 
• Website: Ford Foundation Homepage - Ford Foundation
• Ford Foundation Promotes Rebecca Cokley to Program Director for U.S. Disability Rights - Ford Foundation
• Ford, MacArthur, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundations Announce First-of-Its-Kind Credit Union for People With Disabilities

Nicole Salzano shares the story of surviving a massive stroke during college swim and dive championships and navigating recovery with aphasia. From rebuilding communication skills to becoming a public speaker, Nicole discusses the challenges, strategies, and persistence that have shaped life after stroke. Nicole also reflects on volunteering at the Adler Aphasia Center, creating transparent social media content about recovery, and beginning a new career as a paraprofessional supporting elementary school teachers and students. Through speaking engagements and advocacy, Nicole works to raise awareness about blood clotting disorders, encourage self-advocacy, and share strategies for navigating aphasia.

Book Nicole for a speaking engagement:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @nicole.salzano                                                                                             Nicole | Speaker | Creator | Advocate (@nicole.salzano) • Instagram photos and videos   
• Facebook: Nicole Salzano | Facebook 
• TikTok: @nicolesalzano 
• LinkedIn: Nicole Salzano ☀️ | LinkedIn 
• Website: www.nicolesalzano.me

John Robinson speaks with Jack Allen, entrepreneur and founder of IT Equality, about building a Salesforce consulting business while navigating disability, parenting, and entrepreneurship. Jack shares the journey into the tech industry, the growth of IT Equality, and the mission to create opportunities for people without traditional technology experience. With a team made up largely of people with disabilities, IT Equality prioritizes problem-solving, mutual support, and recognizing individual strengths. Jack also discusses the importance of workplace accommodations, understanding personal strengths and challenges, and creating inclusive environments where people with disabilities can succeed.

• Instagram: @itequality ITequality (@itequality) • Instagram photos and videos
• Facebook: ITequality | Facebook
• LinkedIn: ITeq | LinkedIn
• TikTok: ITequality
• Website: Salesforce Revenue Cloud Consultants | ITeq 
• Email for customers: [email protected]

Inspired by his experience as a father of a son with autism, Michael Lounsbury created Beacon Wayfinding Technologies. It's an AI-powered platform designed to help people navigate complex spaces like airports, theme parks, and museums in ways that meet their individual needs. John Robinson and Michael discuss accessibility, sensory overload, safety, and the challenges of building a business with a mission to make the world more inclusive. Michael also shares how his military background shaped his resilience and why he believes Beacon can change how people experience the world.  

• Website: Beacon — Every Journey. Every Ability. Every Traveler.  
• Email for customers: [email protected]
• “Contact Us” form: Beacon — Every Journey. Every Ability. Every Traveler. 
• Facebook: Michael Lounsbury  (www.facebook.com/michael.lounsbury.3)
• LinkedIn: Beacon Wayfinding Technologies: Overview | LinkedIn
• Instagram: @michaellounsburyofficial

John Robinson sits down with Chris Casteel, co-owner of A New Life Prosthetics and Orthotics, to discuss entrepreneurship, disability advocacy, healthcare and the importance of voting. After experiencing limb loss himself, Chris turned his personal journey into a career helping others access prosthetic care. He discusses his work as a peer visitor and the importance of separating advocacy from business. Chris shares insights on navigating Medicaid and insurance and why elections and healthcare policies matter to everyone.  

• Website: Our Team – Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics 
• “Contact Us” form: Contact Us – Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics 
• Facebook: Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics | Detroit MI | Facebook
• LinkedIn: Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics: Overview | LinkedIn
• Instagram: @anewlifeprosthetics

Digital accessibility isn’t just the “right” thing to do-it’s a legal responsibility. On this episode of Disability in the Public Square, John Robinson talks with Pete Bruhn, digital accessibility leader at Onward Accessibility and cofounder of Accessible Web, about why businesses and organizations need to take accessibility seriously. With the ADA Title II digital accessibility deadline approaching on April 26, 2027, they discuss compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA standards, preparing websites and digital content, and building accessibility into everyday workflows rather than fixing problems after launch. Most importantly, they explore why involving people with disabilities in user testing is essential to removing barriers and creating digital experiences that work for everyone.  

Instagram: @onwardsearch

Facebook: Onward Search | Norwalk CT | Facebook

LinkedIn: Onward Search: Overview | LinkedIn   &                                                                             Onward Accessibility: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: Onward Search: AI Solutions and Talent   &                                                                        Onward Accessibility: Digital A11y Solutions & Staffing Talent 

Email for customers: [email protected] 

Disability rights belong in every election conversation. In this episode of Disability in the Public Square, John Robinson discusses his thoughts on the candidates, disability employment, healthcare, and representation ahead of the midterm elections. He examines how candidates address disability policy and why decisions about the ADA, Social Security, healthcare, and employment opportunities have real consequences for people with disabilities. His message is simple: do your research and find out where your candidates stand on disability rights. These issues affect our communities, our economy, and our future.  

- https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-candidates-9-key-races-quiet-about-social-security-benefits-cliff

- https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-launches-fifth-annual-new-york-state-disability-rights-and-employment

New Hampshire:

- Chris Pappas for Senate | Official Campaign Website

- John Sununu for U.S. Senate

Alaska:

- Home - Senator Dan Sullivan

- Mary Peltola | Fish, Family, Freedom.

Texas:

- Ken Paxton for U.S. Senate

- Talarico for Texas - Official Campaign Website of James Talarico for U.S. Senate

Ohio:

- Home - Senator Jon Husted

- Sherrod Brown - Fighting for Ohioans

Georgia: 

- Jon Ossoff – Official Campaign Website

- Mike Collins for Senate – Join the ride!

John Robinson talks with Joe Baumgartner, owner of Joe Safety to discuss entrepreneurship, workplace safety, and running a business for nearly 25 years. Through safety consulting and risk prevention, Joe Safety helps organizations reduce hazards and prevent workplace injuries. Joe discusses the importance of building strong client relationships and why putting people before profits has been central to his success. Joe also offers advice to entrepreneurs with disabilities, emphasizing perseverance, problem-solving, and learning from setbacks. Together, John and Joe explore how overcoming challenges can build valuable business skills and why persistence and dedication matter when pursuing entrepreneurial goals. 

 The Joe Safety episode is out now on your favorite podcast platform. To learn more about Joe Safety, visit:

- Website/ Contact Us form: Joe Safety  |  Joe Safety – Contact Us

- LinkedIn: Joe Baumgardner | LinkedIn  

-  Email: [email protected]

John Robinson talks with LaNorma Shores, founder of Baby Drip LLC, about entrepreneurship, disability, motherhood, and creating more inclusive children’s fashion. LaNorma discusses her vision for a children’s fashion brand that celebrates individuality while offering adaptive and sensory-friendly options. She shares what it took to build Baby Drip over six years, including funding the company herself and developing a vision that extends beyond clothing to include resources and support for families. 

LaNorma also discusses her experiences as a veteran and woman with disabilities, the importance of community, and the challenges of building a business. She shares why perseverance remains central to her mission.  

Listen now and hear the story behind Baby Drip LLC! To learn more about Baby Drip, visit:

- Website: babydripllc.com 

- Facebook: Baby Drip | Tampa FL | Facebook 

-  Instagram: @shop.babydrip

John Robinson talks with entrepreneur, marketing guru, and travel advisor Karen Morales about entrepreneurship, disability, and making travel more accessible. Karen shares her expertise in building a business around helping others experience travel with fewer barriers. They discuss the role of lived experience in helping travelers identify accommodations, the importance of self-advocacy, and the need for the travel and hospitality industries to better understand accessibility. Karen also explains how accessible travel can benefit businesses by reaching a massive customer base that is often overlooked, while giving travelers greater independence and more opportunities to experience the world.

 The full episode is available now, on your favorite podcast platform.

To learn more about Karen Morales, Joyward Travel Co or Fora Travel, visit Joyward Travel Co - Accessible Travel or complete her Contact Form at Contact — Joyward Travel Co You can find Fora Travel on:

• Website: Fora: The Modern Travel Agency
• Facebook: Fora | Facebook   &   Fora Community | Facebook
• LinkedIn: Fora Travel: Overview | LinkedIn