Disability and Inclusion in the Workplace

About Disability and Inclusion in the Workplace

According to the World Health Organization, 1.6 billion people in the world presently have a significant disability. That’s around 1 in 6 people living with a medical condition that potentially affects their ability to perform the essential functions of their position if they are members of the workforce.[1] Disabled employees often face obstacles that prevent them from performing their desired or obtained job completely. When working without proper accommodation, it also reduces their productivity in the workforce, harming their employers. Sadly, a significant number of employers and job opportunities fail to adequately accommodate them, resulting in a substantial gap in productivity or inability to work at all. This not only hinders businesses from accessing the finest talents but deprives disabled individuals of the most fitting career prospects that align with their abilities. Discover solutions on Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace, a podcast uniting disabled individuals, employers, HR officers, and legal experts. This podcast is the ultimate guide to advocating for accessibility. Empower yourself to assert your needs and let your employers provide the necessary support to enhance your productivity, regardless of personal difficulties. Empower your business by assisting your disabled employees with accommodations they need for a productive work environment. For employers, consider this a guide to creating an inclusive workplace where all feel welcome. Learn to make employees comfortable and valued while ensuring compliance with employment laws. Gain insights from industry leaders in the United States and worldwide as they share inclusive approaches implemented in their professional setups. This show delves into the crucial role of HR officers in shaping workplace culture; enhance your knowledge of creating an inclusive hiring and onboarding process. Explore the most effective approaches to attract and recruit talented individuals with disabilities for your team. This podcast caters to lawyers who specialize or work on legal matters related to workplace compliance. Keep abreast of the most recent updates and changes in corporate and business law that impact disabled employees. Esteemed host Eric Pines brings a wealth of experience as a labor and employment attorney. His practice focuses on representing United States federal employees who require reasonable accommodation and/or disability retirement. Mr. Pines is in-house counsel for the largest federal employee labor union representing employees at the Social Security Administration, the V.A., and all other federal agencies. With a strong background in collective bargaining, fighting disability discrimination under the ADA/Rehabilitation Act of 1973, assisting with reasonable accommodation, mediation and dispute resolution, Eric possesses exceptional skills to navigate the intricacies of workplace dynamics. What distinguishes Eric is his professional expertise and his personal connections. Having close family members with disabilities, he is driven by a profound passion to empower employees and employers in fostering inclusive workplaces. Eric believes in providing people with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and thrive in a fair and fulfilling work environment. Eric draws from his expertise as a Federal Employee Mediator at the Library of Congress, ensuring well-rounded, captivating, and enlightening discussions. It is crucial to create a workplace environment free from discrimination and belittlement towards disabled employees. They demonstrate that their circumstances do not hinder them from pursuing fulfilling careers or contributing valuable skills. They exhibit remarkable talents and abilities, defeating significant challenges in life while undoing social barriers and overcoming career obstacles. Listen to Disability Inclusion in the Workplace at www.pinesfederal.com.

Publisher

Eric Pines

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Apr 2024

Latest episode

15 Nov 2024

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Nov 2024

   How HR Tech Makes A Difference For Diversity And Inclusion With Charley Zuidinga

   In this episode of the Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace podcast, Eric Pines interviews Charley Zuidinga, CEO and co-founder of Qualee Technology (https://www.qualee.com/), to explore how businesses can foster inclusivity for employees with disabilities. Charley shares his journey from Formula 1 racing to HR technology, bringing valuable insights into using technology to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Listeners will learn how Qualee Technology’s innovative platform collects real-time data to empower organizations with actionable insights, allowing them to swiftly respond to employee needs, promote inclusivity, and ensure everyone, including employees with disabilities, feels supported and valued. Charley discusses the importance of leveraging HR technology to create workplaces where employees of all backgrounds feel comfortable and accommodated. Qualee Technology’s platform offers a unique approach to inclusion, combining AI and employee engagement surveys to identify areas for improvement and address issues like unconscious bias, accessibility, and equitable advancement opportunities. Through real-time analysis, Qualee enables companies to make informed, data-driven decisions that transform workplace culture and improve employee retention and satisfaction, particularly for individuals needing reasonable accommodations. For organizations striving to improve disability inclusion and accommodation, Charley’s insights provide a practical roadmap to creating a more inclusive work environment. This episode delves into the critical role of AI in streamlining feedback, allowing HR teams to quickly assess and address inclusivity challenges. With a global team across five continents, Charley brings a multicultural perspective to the conversation, underscoring the value of diversity in shaping a forward-thinking workplace culture. Join Eric and Charley as they discuss actionable strategies to enhance disability inclusion, foster equity, and create lasting positive change for employees across industries.

2. 

   13 Sept 2024

   Inclusive Business Practices: Accommodating Customers And Employees With A Disability Ramona Schindelheim Of WorkingNation

   As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ramona Schindelheim, editor-in-chief at WorkingNation (http://workingnation.org/). Ramona oversees the editorial content for WorkingNation and hosts the Work in Progress podcast about how her business and others should work to accommodate employees with disabilities. She is a veteran financial journalist who has worked for CNBC, ABC News, and The Wall Street Journal. As an executive producer with CNBC, Ramona guided three daily business news shows, managed special initiatives, produced numerous documentaries, and launched the talk show Conversations with Michael Eisner. For those seeking further legal guidance, we invite you to book a consultation with an attorney at Pines Federal.

3. 

   19 Jul 2024

   Amanda McDonald Of Unbound Disability Claims

   In this episode of "Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace," host Eric Pines, a seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience, engages in a compelling conversation with Amanda McDonald, co-founder of Unbound Disability Claims. Amanda shares her personal journey with severe PTSD and how it fueled her passion for helping others navigate the complex Social Security disability system. Unbound Disability Claims assists applicants with Social Security disability applications, appeals, and post-entitlement issues, striving to reduce the average two-year wait time for approvals. Amanda's innovative platform, inspired by TurboTax, simplifies the application process through guided online interviews and comprehensive evidence collection, boasting an impressive 89% approval rate. Amanda’s story highlights the significant challenges and systemic issues within the disability claims process. Her dedication to transforming her hardships into a mission to support others is both inspiring and instructive. This episode delves into the intricacies of Social Security disability evaluations, the differences between federal employee disability retirement and Social Security disability, and the broader implications for creating inclusive work environments. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the insights shared and consider how they can contribute to fostering inclusivity and understanding within their workplaces. For more information and to access valuable resources, visit Pines Federal. Books Discussed in the Episode: Go for No Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

4. 

   5 Jul 2024

   Ted Drake Of Intuit And How Businesses Can Make Accommodations

   In this episode of "Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace," host Eric Pines engages in a compelling discussion with Ted Drake, the Global Accessibility Leader at Intuit. Ted shares his journey into accessibility, starting from his early days in web development, where making websites accessible was a key requirement, to his impactful roles at Yahoo and Intuit. He emphasizes the importance of building products that cater to the needs of people with disabilities and how involving customers in the design process leads to better, more inclusive solutions. Ted explains the concept of accessibility in digital products, describing features like reduced motion for individuals with vestibular disabilities and how Intuit has open-sourced solutions to help other developers create accessible experiences. He also talks about the significance of understanding and respecting user preferences in accessibility, and how modern devices have built-in features to support diverse needs. Throughout the conversation, Ted underscores the transformative power of inclusive design and the ongoing efforts to create environments that are welcoming and accommodating for everyone. He shares insights into his work with various accessibility initiatives, including his involvement with TechnoLawmakers and the development of innovative solutions for people with disabilities. Eric Pines and Ted Drake discuss the legal aspects of accessibility, the role of reasonable accommodations in the workplace, and the importance of intersectionality in understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities. This episode is a valuable resource for employers, HR professionals, and anyone interested in creating inclusive workplaces that empower individuals with disabilities to thrive. Tune in to gain insights and practical tips on fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment. Learn More Here: www.pinesfederal.com

5. 

   21 Jun 2024

   Executive Function Coaching: Supporting Individuals With Neurodiverse Conditions With Katey Treloar

   In this episode of "Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace," host Eric Pines welcomes Katey Treloar, an independent executive function coach. Eric Pines, an attorney with over 20 years of experience, specializes in representing federal employees with disabilities. Together, they explore the essential role of executive function skills in fostering inclusivity in professional settings. Key Discussion Points: Understanding Executive Function Skills: Katey explains the importance of executive function skills such as organization, goal-directed persistence, working memory, task initiation, and prioritization. Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals: Katey shares her approach to coaching clients with ADHD, autism, and other learning disabilities, focusing on building effective strategies for success at home and in the workplace. Coaching for All Ages: While Katey’s personal focus is on college students and working professionals, she highlights the availability of coaching for individuals of all ages, including children. Overcoming Barriers: Eric and Katey discuss the spectrum of disabilities, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive support system that includes coaching, academic tutoring, life coaching, medication, and therapy. Implementing Reasonable Accommodations: Practical advice is given on how employers can support employees with disabilities through reasonable accommodations and coaching, creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Notable Quotes: "We can give them very small goals with manageable steps and scaffold those until they become a habit." – Katey Treloar "It's important to identify struggles and capitalize on superpowers to help individuals be successful." – Katey Treloar Resources Mentioned: Atomic Habits https://a.co/d/1fDNPWn Percy Jackson Series: https://a.co/d/f4oofgT ADHD Rewired Podcast: https://www.adhdrewired.com/podcast/ Neurotribes: https://a.co/d/dtOsQaI https://www.efcsessions.com/ Read about Katy Here: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/disability-inclusion-in-the-workplace-katey-treloar-of-executive-function-coaching-on-how-5a8ddaab8a7f Join Eric and Katey for an enlightening conversation on how to create empowered and welcoming professional settings for all employees. This episode is packed with valuable insights for business owners, employers, HR officers, and individuals seeking to foster growth and success irrespective of their challenges. Tune in to be part of the transformative movement towards inclusivity. Keep listening to more episodes at PinesFederal.com for valuable insights and resources to break down barriers and end workplace discrimination.

6. 

   7 Jun 2024

   The Strengths Of Neurodiversity In The Workplace With Dr. Valeriana Colón

   Join this episode where Eric Pines interviews Dr. Valeriana Colón, who stands boldly at the intersection of information technology and cultural emotional intelligence. Author of Do You Think Differently, Dr. Colón seamlessly fuses her extensive expertise as a seasoned business executive and academic with an unwavering dedication to cultivating innovation and harnessing the transformative potential of neurodiversity in information technology solutioning. Tune in as we explore how neurodiversity can be strengths in the workplace, and how teams that leverage this variety of strengths can achieve incredible results. We also look into the concept of “complementary skills” – how pairing someone who excels at deep focus with someone who thrives in fast-paced environments can lead to well-rounded and successful teams. Discover the hidden potential within your team today! Content Mentioned in the podcast: Supercommunicators book: https://a.co/d/9ytQfPA Nate Silvers: The Signal and the Noise https://a.co/d/0Cmudty https://connectcentric.com/ Learn more at: www.pinesfederal.com

7. 

   24 May 2024

   Understanding Healthcare Needs Of Employees With IDD With Dr. Craig Escudé From IntellectAbilty

   Have you ever considered the healthcare challenges faced by employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)? Join Eric Pines (https://www.pinesfederal.com/) in this episode, where he dives deep into this often-overlooked topic with Dr. Craig Escudé, the president of IntellectAbility (https://replacingrisk.com/) and a champion for health equity in the IDD community. Dr. Escudé shares his powerful journey from family physician to advocate, highlighting the gaps in healthcare knowledge and support for people with IDD. He discusses the importance of recognizing the individual behind the disability and the transformative power of person-centered care. Be inspired by Dr. Escudé’s dedication and the resilience of the IDD community. Tune in and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all! Learn More at: https://replacingrisk.com/ V=TO learn More about Eric visit: https://www.pinesfederal.com/

8. 

   10 May 2024

   The Fight For Inclusion And Accessibility For The Blind With Tom Babinski

   Organizations all over the world and across all industries and sectors still have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to being truly inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities. Today’s guest has spent the past 25 years and counting trying to make that happen, especially for the blind and visually impaired. Tom Babinski strongly believes that inclusivity and accessibility should be a default state. Nevertheless, he recognizes the limitations of the reality on the ground and the role of accommodation in reducing barriers. Tune in as Tom shares his powerful story that led him to this honorable advocacy! Check out more of our stuff at our website: https://www.pinesfederal.com/ Learn More Here: Evengrounds.com (https://evengrounds.com/)

9. 

   26 Apr 2024

   RightHear: A Wayfinding Tool For The Sight-Impaired With Idan Meir

   Promoting digital inclusion ensures that everyone, regardless of background or ability, has equitable access to the vast opportunities and resources the digital world has to offer. In this episode,  (https://www.pinesfederal.com/)Eric Pines interviews Idan Meir, the Co-Founder and CEO of RightHear (https://www.right-hear.com/), a wayfinding app that allows sight-impaired and those who struggle to read with dyslexia or similar disabilities to find their way around the world. The application is free and easily accessible on your smartphone, available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Companies can embrace this transformative technology with minimal investment, as the app effectively replaces traditional braille, adapting to the evolving technological landscape of our society. Join us as we delve into the innovation and societal impact of this remarkable tool. Check out more of our stuff at our website: https://www.pinesfederal.com/ Learn More Here: https://www.right-hear.com/

10. 

    26 Apr 2024

    Helping People See Using Electronic Eyewear With Aaron Tutwiler

    Are you suffering from a visual impairment? Today, Aaron Tutwiler, the CEO of eSight Corporation (https://www.esighteyewear.com/), introduces what their electronic eyewear can do for you. eSight is a company that produces high-tech wearable glasses that allow vision-impaired as well as legally blind people to see. This amazing technology can accommodate people who would otherwise be unable to be part of the workforce and work in the job of their preference. eSight has since grown to become the leading sight enhancement platform, led by an executive team with the vision to do more. Check out more of our stuff on our website: https://www.pinesfederal.com/ Learn More at: https://www.esighteyewear.com/ The Travelers Gift: Andy Andrews: (https://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Gift-Andy-Andrews/dp/0785273220 (https://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Gift-Andy-Andrews/dp/0785273220))

11. 

    26 Apr 2024

    Wheel The World: Running A Disability Focused Travel Agency With Alvaro Silberstein

    Accommodation for persons with disability is not something that is currently mainstream in the travel and tourism industry. But innovative individuals are starting to push the envelope in this area. Wheel the World (http://wheeltheworld.com/) is a disability focused travel agency that has allowed more than 2,500 travelers to have accessible travel experiences in +150 destinations worldwide since its inception in 2018. In this episode, we interview Alvaro Silberstein, a Chilean entrepreneur, public speaker, and passionate disability advocate and the co-founder of Wheel the World. The agency serves as an online marketplace for people with disabilities to plan and book accessible trips. Alvaro experienced first-hand the importance of creating inclusivity and accessibility in travel, tourism and hospitality after a car accident left him paralyzed as a teenager. In 2016, he became the first person to complete the Patagonia W trek by wheelchair – a feat which inspired him to launch Wheel the World and connect travelers with incredible accessible experiences. Alvaro works closely with hospitality businesses and destinations to offer fully accessible travel experiences. He has also served as an advisor to the Chilean government in developing a national strategy for the social inclusion of people with disabilities in Chile. Alvaro shares his background and experiences from his injury that changed his life, his time studying business at UC Berkeley, and how he has changed the world for disabled travelers. Check out more of our stuff at our website: https://www.pinesfederal.com/ Learn More at: https://wheeltheworld.com/

12. 

    26 Apr 2024

    Accommodating Contractors And Freelancers Not Covered By The ADA With Kit Huffman of Seneca Agency

    In this interview, we delve into the insights of Kit Huffman, a dynamic transformational leader and the proprietor of the Seneca Agency, which specializes in cultivating professionals’ online presence by strategically promoting their brands on social media and other platforms. Seneca employs freelancers, and this discussion focuses on how to accommodate and act inclusively with your freelance or contractor employees who suffer from disabilities and are not covered by the ADA. It also discusses neurodivergent disabilities and how to be compassionate to assist with needed accommodations. Kit's insights offer a roadmap for businesses seeking to champion inclusivity and create spaces where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive. Check out more of our stuff at our website: https://www.pinesfederal.com/ Learn more at: https://kithuffman.com/

13. 

    19 Apr 2024

    Improving Accessibility For The Blind With Be My Eyes App, Interview With Eric Thomas Of Genesys

    In this episode of "Disability, Inclusion, and Accommodation in the Workplace," host Eric Pines interviews Eric Thomas, the Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Genesys. Genesys is a global leader in cloud customer experience and contact center solutions. Eric Thomas discusses his role in fostering inclusive practices across the company, which serves nearly 7,000 employees worldwide. He highlights initiatives like partnering with "Be My Eyes," an app designed to aid visually impaired individuals. This application integrates with Genesys's services to enable call center agents to assist blind or visually impaired customers in real-time, enhancing accessibility and consumer engagement. The conversation also delves into the broader implications of such technologies in the workplace and the importance of inclusive employment practices. The podcast offers insights into how technology and corporate responsibility intersect to create more inclusive environments for employees and customers alike. Learn more of at our website: https://www.pinesfederal.com/ Learn More about Genesys at: https://www.genesys.com/company/leadership/eric-thomas

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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