Accessible Community Wed, 27 May 2026 19:15:14 -0400 https://accessiblecommunity.org/podcasts/ en-us © 2026 Accessible Community yes c8c64e89-0376-568b-bca5-7ba5bb10392e podcast@accessiblecommunity.org Accessible Community episodic false Join us as we explore living with a disability and accessibility success stories. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Accessible Community podcast@accessiblecommunity.org https://storage.buzzsprout.com/uwzn9viyxb21ljy00n7quamam57e?.jpg Accessible Community https://accessiblecommunity.org/podcasts/ MS with Matt Knags MS with Matt Knags In this episode of the Day In The Life series, host Taylor Dorward sits down with Matt Knags, a father, runner, and MS advocate, who shares his journey living with relapsing-remitting MS. Matt opens up about the joys of staying active, the challenges of uncertainty, and the power of community. Join us as we explore resilience, positivity, and raising awareness for MS.


Resources:


1. Facebook group - Running with MS:

 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17Ym6NwT2Z/


2.  Page promoting our MS Runs Ireland Guinness World Record attempt:

 www.msrunsireland.com

]]> In this episode of the Day In The Life series, host Taylor Dorward sits down with Matt Knags, a father, runner, and MS advocate, who shares his journey living with relapsing-remitting MS. Matt opens up about the joys of staying active, the challenges of uncertainty, and the power of community. Join us as we explore resilience, positivity, and raising awareness for MS.


Resources:


1. Facebook group - Running with MS:

 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17Ym6NwT2Z/


2.  Page promoting our MS Runs Ireland Guinness World Record attempt:

 www.msrunsireland.com

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-19164662 Thu, 21 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400 3195 full false MS with Jennifer Cowan MS with Jennifer Cowan In this episode of Day in the Life, host Taylor Dorward sits down with Jennifer Cowan to talk about living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Jennifer shares her long road to diagnosis, how movement and routines like walking, Pilates, swimming, and Bike MS support her well-being, and what it’s like navigating an often-invisible disability. Together, they discuss identity, accommodations, and the power of finding community—and Jennifer’s goal of building an active MS group for people who want to keep doing what they love.

]]> In this episode of Day in the Life, host Taylor Dorward sits down with Jennifer Cowan to talk about living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Jennifer shares her long road to diagnosis, how movement and routines like walking, Pilates, swimming, and Bike MS support her well-being, and what it’s like navigating an often-invisible disability. Together, they discuss identity, accommodations, and the power of finding community—and Jennifer’s goal of building an active MS group for people who want to keep doing what they love.

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-19111058 Thu, 14 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400 2285 full false MS with Bobby Small MS with Bobby Small We sit down with Bobby Small to talk about living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and what it’s really like day to day. Bobby shares his diagnosis story, how MS has affected work, energy, and routines, and why transparency and self-advocacy matter. They also discuss disability identity, hobbies, and practical takeaways for listeners navigating MS or supporting someone who is.


Resources:

1. 

]]> We sit down with Bobby Small to talk about living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and what it’s really like day to day. Bobby shares his diagnosis story, how MS has affected work, energy, and routines, and why transparency and self-advocacy matter. They also discuss disability identity, hobbies, and practical takeaways for listeners navigating MS or supporting someone who is.


Resources:

1. 

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-19085718 Thu, 07 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400 3222 full false Blindness with Diogo Melo Blindness with Diogo Melo Taylor is joined by Diogo Melo—an iOS developer and accessibility specialist from Porto, Portugal—to talk about living with blindness from retinitis pigmentosa, navigating work and daily life with screen readers, and staying active through music and kickboxing. Diogo also shares the real pros and cons of guide-dog independence and why society needs to stop treating disabled people like “inspiring exceptions” and start recognizing them as people living normal lives.

]]> Taylor is joined by Diogo Melo—an iOS developer and accessibility specialist from Porto, Portugal—to talk about living with blindness from retinitis pigmentosa, navigating work and daily life with screen readers, and staying active through music and kickboxing. Diogo also shares the real pros and cons of guide-dog independence and why society needs to stop treating disabled people like “inspiring exceptions” and start recognizing them as people living normal lives.

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-19059896 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400 4423 full false Blindness with Cori Perlander Blindness with Cori Perlander We spend time with Cori as she shares what everyday life looks like navigating blindness as a professional, parent, and strategist. Cori reflects on losing vision over time and how it has shaped her career, identity, mental health, and approach to problem‑solving, while emphasizing the role of adaptability and self‑advocacy. The conversation explores assistive technology, accessibility barriers, parenting, workplace accommodations, and the social assumptions that often accompany disability. Through honesty, humor, and lived experience, Cori offers a powerful reminder that blindness is not one‑dimensional, but a deeply personal experience marked by resilience, capability, and ambition.

]]> We spend time with Cori as she shares what everyday life looks like navigating blindness as a professional, parent, and strategist. Cori reflects on losing vision over time and how it has shaped her career, identity, mental health, and approach to problem‑solving, while emphasizing the role of adaptability and self‑advocacy. The conversation explores assistive technology, accessibility barriers, parenting, workplace accommodations, and the social assumptions that often accompany disability. Through honesty, humor, and lived experience, Cori offers a powerful reminder that blindness is not one‑dimensional, but a deeply personal experience marked by resilience, capability, and ambition.

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-19016052 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400 4606 1 9 full false Digital Accessibility in Taiwan with Claire Chang Digital Accessibility in Taiwan with Claire Chang In this episode of Accessibility in Practice, we speak with Claire Chang, an advocate, expert, and researcher based in Taiwan. She talks about the landscape of digital accessibility in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, and what applying digital accessibility looks like in the Taiwanese context. We learn from her about an advocacy effort by Taiwanese people with disabilities to keep key messaging platforms accessible. Claire also discusses how advocates can better make the case for accessibility to company leaders, and her own journey into accessibility from the world of color science. Listen to learn lessons that can carry from Taiwan to the US, and hear about an inspiring effort that secured access for people with disabilities.

]]> In this episode of Accessibility in Practice, we speak with Claire Chang, an advocate, expert, and researcher based in Taiwan. She talks about the landscape of digital accessibility in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, and what applying digital accessibility looks like in the Taiwanese context. We learn from her about an advocacy effort by Taiwanese people with disabilities to keep key messaging platforms accessible. Claire also discusses how advocates can better make the case for accessibility to company leaders, and her own journey into accessibility from the world of color science. Listen to learn lessons that can carry from Taiwan to the US, and hear about an inspiring effort that secured access for people with disabilities.

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-19026568 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400 2585 2 2 full false Blindness with Beth Blindness with Beth We sit down with Beth to explore what daily life looks like for a blind woman who has navigated blindness since birth. Beth shares thoughtful and honest insights into everything from education, work, travel, relationships, and assistive technology, to the social misconceptions that still surround blindness today. This conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy, adaptability, and problem‑solving, while emphasizing that blindness is not a singular experience but a broad spectrum. Through humor, reflection, and lived experience, Beth offers a powerful perspective on embracing blindness, setting boundaries, and finding confidence and joy in everyday life. 

]]> We sit down with Beth to explore what daily life looks like for a blind woman who has navigated blindness since birth. Beth shares thoughtful and honest insights into everything from education, work, travel, relationships, and assistive technology, to the social misconceptions that still surround blindness today. This conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy, adaptability, and problem‑solving, while emphasizing that blindness is not a singular experience but a broad spectrum. Through humor, reflection, and lived experience, Beth offers a powerful perspective on embracing blindness, setting boundaries, and finding confidence and joy in everyday life. 

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-18991873 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:00:00 -0400 3814 1 5 full false Blindness with Florian Beijers Blindness with Florian Beijers What does it really mean to live, work, and game while blind? In this episode of Day in the Life, host Taylor Dorward talks with Florian Beijers, a fully blind accessibility professional and content creator, about blindness beyond stereotypes. They discuss assistive technology, digital accessibility, gaming, employment, independence, and self‑advocacy—offering real‑world insight for disabled listeners, accessibility professionals, and allies alike.

]]> What does it really mean to live, work, and game while blind? In this episode of Day in the Life, host Taylor Dorward talks with Florian Beijers, a fully blind accessibility professional and content creator, about blindness beyond stereotypes. They discuss assistive technology, digital accessibility, gaming, employment, independence, and self‑advocacy—offering real‑world insight for disabled listeners, accessibility professionals, and allies alike.

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-18934277 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400 3869 1 6 full false Blindness with Mike Hess Blindness with Mike Hess We are joined by Mike Hess as we explore what life looks like navigating the world as a blind man. He shares a real and honest perspective on the day-to-day challenges, mindset, and experiences that have shaped how he sees the world. More importantly, this conversation highlights how shifting your perspective can change how you approach blindness and turn it into something more positive and empowering.

]]> We are joined by Mike Hess as we explore what life looks like navigating the world as a blind man. He shares a real and honest perspective on the day-to-day challenges, mindset, and experiences that have shaped how he sees the world. More importantly, this conversation highlights how shifting your perspective can change how you approach blindness and turn it into something more positive and empowering.

]]> Accessible Community Buzzsprout-18851844 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400 2809 1 4 full false Social Accessibility, Disability, and Designing a World That Works Social Accessibility, Disability, and Designing a World That Works Language warning: This episode contains a swear word. 

Episode Description

In this episode of Accessibility in Practice, host Adam Fishbein sits down with Peter Slatin, a longtime advocate, writer, and trainer in the disability and accessibility space. Drawing on his lived experience as a blind person and his background in journalism, architecture, and hospitality training, Peter offers a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation about what accessibility really means, and why social and cultural barriers are often the biggest obstacles of all.

From the difference between physical, digital, and social accessibility to the challenges of disclosure in the workplace, Peter challenges listeners to rethink common assumptions and move beyond compliance toward genuine understanding and respect.

What You Will Find in This Episode

  • Peter Slatin’s personal journey into disability and accessibility work
  • Why social accessibility is often the most overlooked—and most important—form of access
  • The difference between being “included” and already belonging
  • How physical and digital accessibility are connected to cultural attitudes
  • Common misconceptions about disability and how they show up in everyday interactions
  • Why “helping” without asking can be harmful
  • Disability as the most intersectional dimension of diversity
  • Practical steps organizations can take to create more accessible workplaces
  • The tension between civility, advocacy, and picking your battles
  • How allies can find their strengths and contribute meaningfully to disability rights
  • Accessibility technology Peter is excited about—and why “nothing about us without us” still matters
  • Examples of organizations making real progress in accessibility, especially in hospitality

Key Takeaways

  • Accessibility is not one-size-fits-all—and it never has been
  • Designing for accessibility from the start is far easier than retrofitting later
  • Cultural attitudes toward disability shape every other accessibility outcome
  • People with disabilities do not need permission to be “included”—they already belong
  • The most effective advocacy starts with listening, humility, and lived experience

About the Guest

Peter Slatin is a blind accessibility advocate, writer, and trainer with decades of experience across journalism, architecture, and hospitality. He works with organizations to improve customer service, workplace inclusion, and cultural understanding of disability, with a particular focus on social accessibility. He is based in New York.

About the Host

Adam Fishbein, MPA is a disability policy and advocacy professional committed to advancing inclusive systems and practices. He is based in Maryland.

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the Accessible Community podcast. Share this episode with colleagues, friends, and anyone interested in building a more accessible world.

]]> Language warning: This episode contains a swear word. 

Episode Description

In this episode of Accessibility in Practice, host Adam Fishbein sits down with Peter Slatin, a longtime advocate, writer, and trainer in the disability and accessibility space. Drawing on his lived experience as a blind person and his background in journalism, architecture, and hospitality training, Peter offers a wide-ranging and deeply thoughtful conversation about what accessibility really means, and why social and cultural barriers are often the biggest obstacles of all.

From the difference between physical, digital, and social accessibility to the challenges of disclosure in the workplace, Peter challenges listeners to rethink common assumptions and move beyond compliance toward genuine understanding and respect.

What You Will Find in This Episode

  • Peter Slatin’s personal journey into disability and accessibility work
  • Why social accessibility is often the most overlooked—and most important—form of access
  • The difference between being “included” and already belonging
  • How physical and digital accessibility are connected to cultural attitudes
  • Common misconceptions about disability and how they show up in everyday interactions
  • Why “helping” without asking can be harmful
  • Disability as the most intersectional dimension of diversity
  • Practical steps organizations can take to create more accessible workplaces
  • The tension between civility, advocacy, and picking your battles
  • How allies can find their strengths and contribute meaningfully to disability rights
  • Accessibility technology Peter is excited about—and why “nothing about us without us” still matters
  • Examples of organizations making real progress in accessibility, especially in hospitality

Key Takeaways

  • Accessibility is not one-size-fits-all—and it never has been
  • Designing for accessibility from the start is far easier than retrofitting later
  • Cultural attitudes toward disability shape every other accessibility outcome
  • People with disabilities do not need permission to be “included”—they already belong
  • The most effective advocacy starts with listening, humility, and lived experience

About the Guest

Peter Slatin is a blind accessibility advocate, writer, and trainer with decades of experience across journalism, architecture, and hospitality. He works with organizations to improve customer service, workplace inclusion, and cultural understanding of disability, with a particular focus on social accessibility. He is based in New York.

About the Host

Adam Fishbein, MPA is a disability policy and advocacy professional committed to advancing inclusive systems and practices. He is based in Maryland.

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the Accessible Community podcast. Share this episode with colleagues, friends, and anyone interested in building a more accessible world.

]]> https://accessiblecommunity.org/podcasts/ Accessible Community Buzzsprout-18719670 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0500 2463 Accessibility in Practice 2 1 full true Autism with Pedro Morataya Autism with Pedro Morataya Pedro discussing advocating for himself. 

]]> Pedro discussing advocating for himself. 

]]> https://accessiblecommunity.org/podcasts/ Accessible Community Buzzsprout-18633800 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:00:00 -0500 2013 #Day in the Life 1 3 full false Autism with Thea Walther Autism with Thea Walther In this episode of our Day In The Life series, Taylor sits down with Thea Walther an autistic woman with ADHD, a digital accessibility specialist — for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about neurodivergence, identity, communication, and thriving in a world not built for autistic people.

Thea shares her lived experience navigating autism and ADHD, discovering her diagnosis later in life, and finding empowerment through community, self‑understanding, and unmasking. She offers candid insight into sensory needs, communication differences, workplace accommodations, and the ways autistic traits can be both challenging and joyful.

This episode is for anyone who wants to better understand autism through the real voice of someone who lives it every day.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

  • Thea’s journey discovering she is autistic later in life and how that changed everything for her
  • How autism and ADHD shape her communication, sensory experience, and daily routines
  • What a typical workday looks like for her as a digital accessibility specialist
  • The dynamic relationship between autism, ADHD, identity, and community
  • The challenges of masking, navigating neurotypical communication, and sensory overwhelm
  • The strengths and “autistic abilities” Thea embraces, from sound recall to intentional movement
  • The importance of inclusive workplaces, remote work options, and clear communication norms
  • How community and connection transformed her sense of belonging
  • Advice for autistic people — and for anyone wanting to create more inclusive spaces

Who This Episode Is For

  • Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals
  • People exploring late‑in‑life diagnosis or self‑discovery
  • Employers, managers, and coworkers who want to better support autistic employees
  • Accessibility professionals, disability advocates, and allies
  • Anyone interested in authentic stories about neurodivergence, identity, and inclusion

Follow the Accessible Community Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear more conversations centered on accessibility, lived experience, and inclusion.


]]> In this episode of our Day In The Life series, Taylor sits down with Thea Walther an autistic woman with ADHD, a digital accessibility specialist — for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about neurodivergence, identity, communication, and thriving in a world not built for autistic people.

Thea shares her lived experience navigating autism and ADHD, discovering her diagnosis later in life, and finding empowerment through community, self‑understanding, and unmasking. She offers candid insight into sensory needs, communication differences, workplace accommodations, and the ways autistic traits can be both challenging and joyful.

This episode is for anyone who wants to better understand autism through the real voice of someone who lives it every day.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

  • Thea’s journey discovering she is autistic later in life and how that changed everything for her
  • How autism and ADHD shape her communication, sensory experience, and daily routines
  • What a typical workday looks like for her as a digital accessibility specialist
  • The dynamic relationship between autism, ADHD, identity, and community
  • The challenges of masking, navigating neurotypical communication, and sensory overwhelm
  • The strengths and “autistic abilities” Thea embraces, from sound recall to intentional movement
  • The importance of inclusive workplaces, remote work options, and clear communication norms
  • How community and connection transformed her sense of belonging
  • Advice for autistic people — and for anyone wanting to create more inclusive spaces

Who This Episode Is For

  • Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals
  • People exploring late‑in‑life diagnosis or self‑discovery
  • Employers, managers, and coworkers who want to better support autistic employees
  • Accessibility professionals, disability advocates, and allies
  • Anyone interested in authentic stories about neurodivergence, identity, and inclusion

Follow the Accessible Community Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear more conversations centered on accessibility, lived experience, and inclusion.


]]> https://accessiblecommunity.org/podcasts/ Accessible Community Buzzsprout-18544910 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 4347 Day in the Life 1 2 full false Autism with Rachel Profitt Autism with Rachel Profitt Episode Description:
In the first episode of our Day In The Life series, we sit down with Rachel Profitt, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, for an open and honest conversation about living and working as an autistic woman. Rachel shares her personal experiences navigating accessibility, inclusion, and professional life in tech, offering insight into what true support and understanding can look like in the workplace and beyond.

This episode is designed for anyone who wants to better understand autism, accessibility, and inclusive practices through real lived experience.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

  •  Rachel’s journey as an autistic woman in the tech industry
  •  What a typical day looks like for her
  •  How accessibility impacts productivity and wellbeing
  •  Challenges and strengths of neurodivergence at work
  •  The importance of inclusive culture and understanding autism
  •  Advice for organizations and individuals who want to be more inclusive

Who This Episode Is For:

  •  Autistic and neurodivergent individuals
  •  People interested in accessibility and inclusion
  •  Employers, managers, and coworkers in tech and beyond

Follow the Accessible Community Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear more conversations centered on accessibility, lived experience, and inclusion.

Video of Interview

]]> Episode Description:
In the first episode of our Day In The Life series, we sit down with Rachel Profitt, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, for an open and honest conversation about living and working as an autistic woman. Rachel shares her personal experiences navigating accessibility, inclusion, and professional life in tech, offering insight into what true support and understanding can look like in the workplace and beyond.

This episode is designed for anyone who wants to better understand autism, accessibility, and inclusive practices through real lived experience.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

  •  Rachel’s journey as an autistic woman in the tech industry
  •  What a typical day looks like for her
  •  How accessibility impacts productivity and wellbeing
  •  Challenges and strengths of neurodivergence at work
  •  The importance of inclusive culture and understanding autism
  •  Advice for organizations and individuals who want to be more inclusive

Who This Episode Is For:

  •  Autistic and neurodivergent individuals
  •  People interested in accessibility and inclusion
  •  Employers, managers, and coworkers in tech and beyond

Follow the Accessible Community Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear more conversations centered on accessibility, lived experience, and inclusion.

Video of Interview

]]> https://accessiblecommunity.org/podcasts/ Accessible Community Buzzsprout-18544860 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 4098 Day in the Life 1 1 full false