Clarity can come from lived experience, and Dr. Kirk Adams brings that clarity into every conversation about inclusion. After losing his vision at age five, he began a journey that would shape his life, and the lives of countless others. What started as a personal challenge became a lifelong mission to him. He wanted to create a world where people with disabilities are seen, valued, and included. This is a wonderful story of persistence, purpose, and real leadership.

Dr. Adams has led some of the most influential organizations in the blindness and disability inclusion space. As the prior President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., and the American Foundation for the Blind, he focused on employment equity, community integration, and systemic change. He’s worked with tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft to make sure accessibility is part of the design. He’s also contributed to boards and task forces across sectors.

Now as Managing Director of Innovative Impact, LLC, Dr. Adams partners with organizations to build cultures of inclusion from the inside out. He believes that accessibility is about connection, opportunity, and the kind of leadership that invites people to bring their full selves to work. His academic background, including a Ph.D. on the employment of blind adults in corporate America, only deepens his understanding of the structural barriers so many still face and what it takes to overcome them.

In this episode, Dr. Adams shares lessons from his own journey, insights into the role of accessible innovation, and why hiring people with disabilities is smart business. Whether he’s talking about universal design or how to build trust through self-disclosure, he has a consistent message that inclusion benefits everyone. 

In This Episode:

[04:44] We learn about Dr. Adams' personal journey of having detached retinas as a child and losing his vision.

[05:29] His parents actually moved to Oregon, so he could go to the Oregon School for the Blind.

[06:02] He was given three things at the school including skills needed for blind people such as traveling while blind and learning Braille. He was also given the gift of high expectations and the strong belief that he could overcome obstacles and solve problems.

[07:53] He had strong internal locus control meaning he was able to do things.

[08:26] After graduating from college, he had to go through the super arduous task of trying to find a job.

[09:52] After working in finance, he pivoted into the nonprofit sector, so he could create environments and opportunities for other people with disabilities.

[10:28] Leadership was the best lever he could use to create change. He got a masters and PhD in leadership because he felt this was the way to really implement change.

[14:52] Common barriers to workforce inclusion for people with disabilities include transportation and employer attitudes. Many don't understand that the lived experience of disability gives people unique opportunities to develop strengths that are really important in the workplace.

[17:13] The role of accessible innovation in creating a more inclusive workplace. We discuss the difference between an impairment and a disability.

[19:05] We want to reduce disabling situations as much as we can.

[20:37] Many people do not want to disclose their mental health issues. One of the best ways to help accommodate people with disabilities is to provide needed accommodations.

[22:47] Measuring disability inclusion in the workplace.

[24:34] Studies have shown that if 20% of the workforce has a disability, it becomes a better and more inclusive environment.

[25:28] Having inclusion for people with disabilities through all the processes of tech transfer.

[28:17] The importance of collecting demographic data for inclusion purposes.

[31:10] How things have changed and inclusivity is now a matter of discussion. 

[32:02] Accelerating inclusion and encouraging the adoption of accessible technologies.

[34:35] It's important to preserve implementation and enforcement of things like the American Disabilities Act. 

[35:31] How data for people with disabilities are underrepresented in large language models. Bias can be built into these models.

[37:46] Projects and initiatives that Dr. Adams is currently working on include The Apex Program that helps launch blind people into cyber security careers.

[39:50] The ultimate goal is to have the same outcomes for people with disabilities as the general population has.

Resources: 

Dr. Kirk Adams

Dr. Kirk Adams - LinkedIn

Dr. Kirk Adams - YouTube

The APEX Program