A podcast about the possibilities of accessibility for people with disabilities.

AccessAbility Works is a podcast that explains authentic digital inclusion —ensuring that organizations’ digital offerings, websites, mobile apps, and work environments are accessible and usable to people of all abilities– and why it makes sense in the modern business world.

Through interviews with thought leaders and other experts in the business and non-profit world, Albert J. Rizzi and Jonathan Hermus make the case why digital equity is a win/win– both good for business and the right thing to do.

The Table is set up with the Podcast Episode number with the Title.

As new Podcasts are created they will be added by the most recent Podcast episode first.

Podcast Episode Number and Title Podcast Description and Media Player
Podcast Episode 020 Title: Aaron Spelker, Gaming Accessibility Advocate and Reviewer

Episode 020: Aaron Spelker, Gaming Accessibility Advocate and Reviewer

Aaron Spelker headshot
Episode 020– Meet Aaron Spelker the founder of Apple iPhone iOS Voiceover Compatible Games, where he reviews the usability and functionality of iPhone games for blind and visually-impaired gamers. .

Podcast Episode 019 Title: Ana O’Brien, Equestrian Para Dressage Coach, Challenges the Limits Instead of Limiting the Challenges of Equestrian Competitors Who Happen to Have a Disability

Episode 019: Ana O’Brien, Equestrian Para Dressage Coach, Challenges the Limits Instead of Limiting the Challenges of Equestrian Competitors Who Happen to Have a Disability

Ana O’Brien atop her horse Beijo
Episode 019– Meet Ana O’Brien as she explains how leaving the corporate world to become a para dressage coach and the value her works brings personally and professionally, for herself and the individuals she trains.

Podcast Episode 018 Title: Virginia Jacko, President and CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, a Leading National Advocate for Accessibility and Authentic Inclusion

Episode 018 Title: Virginia Jacko, President and CEO of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, a Leading National Advocate for Accessibility and Authentic Inclusion

Virginia Jacko
Meet Virginia Jacko. She explains how she pivoted from going to the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind for rehabilitation to becoming its president and CEO after she became blind as an adult. She also discusses how her organization is on the vanguard of authentic inclusion and accessibility for people who happen to be blind.

Podcast Episode 017 Title: Pat Radel, Attorney and Advocate for Students with Disabilities

Episode 017: Pat Radel, Attorney and Advocate for Students with Disabilities

Pat Radel
Meet attorney Pat Radel as he discusses how he became a disability rights attorney with a focus on education after his son, Mark, was born with Down Syndrome. Pat elaborates on the challenges that students and their families face when attempting to secure inclusive, diverse, and barrier-free education for students with disabilities.

Transcript for Episode 017

Podcast Episode 016 Title: Andrew Hibbler and Bing Smith, Friends Sharing Eye-opening Experiences Through Outdoor Adventures

Episode 016: Andrew Hibbler and Bing Smith, Friends Sharing Eye-opening Experiences Through Outdoor Adventures

Bing Smith
Meet Andrew Hibbler and Bing Smith as they tell their story of coworkers who became friends. Bing was born blind but that does not impede his willingness to try out outdoor adventures with Andrew. You may have first met them through a guest blog on the MBS website, now hear how these friends navigate through life and explore uncharted experiences.

Transcript for Episode 016

Podcast Episode 015 Title: Brian McCourt, Founder and CEO of The Able Channel, Making the World More Inclusive and Healthier Through Empowering and Informative Storytelling

Episode 015: Brian McCourt, Founder and CEO of The Able Channel, Making the World More Inclusive and Healthier Through Empowering and Informative Storytelling

Brian McCourt
Meet Brian McCourt on the AccessAbility Works podcast as he discusses his brainchild The Able Channel and its mission to make the world more inclusive and healthier, one person’s story at a time. He proudly discusses his Telly Award winning productions, including Together We Are Able, which coincidentally features our very own Albert Rizzi, who’s personalized story won a Gold and Silver Telly! Finally, you will get the inside scoop on the cult film classic that Brian helped make the 1990s.

Transcript for Episode 015

Podcast Episode 014 Title: Bruce Howell, Accessibility Services Manager at the Carroll Center for the Blind

Episode 014: Bruce Howell, Accessibility Services Manager at the Carroll Center for the Blind

Bruce Howell
On the AccessAbility Works podcast, meet Bruce Howell, Accessibility Services Manager for The Carroll Center for the Blind, as he discusses an innovative program that trains stakeholders in the outcomes to improve digital accessibility and usability through their innovative screen reader testers program.

Transcript for Episode 014

Podcast Episode 013 Title: Dr. JR Rizzo Makes the World Easier to Navigate for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Episode 013: Dr. JR Rizzo Makes the World Easier to Navigate for People Who are Blind or Visually Impaired

Dr. JR Rizzo
On the AccessAbility Works podcast, Dr. JR Rizzo discusses his latest medical research on assistive technologies, including mobility solutions for people who are blind or visually-impaired. What makes his work more interesting is that Dr. Rizzo is also a member of the visually impaired and print disabled communities. JR has Choroideremia a visual impairment and was diagnosed with this condition when he was a young boy. Dr. Rizzo is affiliated with the NYU Langone Medical Center and Director of Innovation and Technology for the Department of Physical medicine and rehabilitation at Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Transcript for Episode 013

Podcast Episode 012 Title: Meet Robert Hendriks and Janet Di Nola Parmerter Ministering Universal Accessibility and Inclusion for People of Faith

Episode 012: Robert Hendriks and Janet Di Nola Parmerter Ministering Universal Accessibility and Inclusion for People of Faith

Robert Hendriks, and Janet Di Nola Parmerter from JW.org
On the AccessAbility Works podcast, Robert Hendriks and Janet Di Nola Parmerter discuss how important true inclusion and digital equity is at JW.org. Regardless of your religious persuasion, JW.org promises access to the Bible and other religious materials in over 200 languages and on multiple platforms, including braille and digitized communications. Robert is the US Spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses and Janet is a Bible teacher at the JW.org blind and low-vision ministry.

Transcript for Episode 012

Podcast Episode 011 Title: Meet Debra Ruh, Businessperson and Internationally Known Advocate for the Disability Community

Episode 011: Debra Ruh, Businessperson and Internationally Known Advocate for the Disability Community

Debra Ruh
Join us on the AccessAbility Works podcast and Debra Ruh, renowned advocate for the disability community, as she talks about her impact and her projects promoting authentic inclusion and digital equity for PWD. Learn about Debra’s newest initiative Billion Strong—an organization designed to unite and amplify billions of PWD voices together.

Transcript for Episode 011

Podcast Episode 010 Title: Meet Mallory Weggemann, an Elite Athlete and Author Who Also Happens to Have a Disability.

Episode 010: Paralympian Swimmer Mallory Weggemann, an Elite Athlete and Author Who Also Happens to Have a Disability.

Mallory Weggemann
Meet Mallory Weggemann, swimmer, Paralympian, and author. Mallory became a paraplegic after a botched medical procedure when she was 18. While setbacks like these could have crippled others, Mallory took matters into her own hands and became the best version of herself. She’s the author of the book, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience.

Transcript for Episode 010

Podcast Episode 009 Title: Meet Andrew Gurza, a disability awareness consultant, activist, and co-founder of Handi.

Episode 009: Andrew Gurza, a disability awareness consultant, activist, and co-founder of Handi.

Andrew Gurza
On the AccessAbility Works podcast– Andrew Gurza, a disability awareness consultant, activist, and co-founder of Handi, a company that creates products that open up possibilities for people with disabilities to investigate and enjoy sexual pleasure. (WARNING: NSFW- For Mature Audiences- Sexual Language and Adult Content).

Transcript for Episode 009

Podcast Episode 008 Title: Meet Mike Paciello, a pioneer and influential figure in the accessibility industry for more than three decades.

Episode 008: Mike Paciello, a pioneer and influential figure in the accessibility industry for more than three decades.

Mike Paciello
Description: On the AccessAbility Works podcast, meet Mike Paciello, one of the Founding Fathers of digital equity, accessibility, and usability. Mike discusses his latest venture, a digital marketing platform called WebAble.

Transcript for Episode 008

Podcast Episode 007 Title: Meet Kristin Smedley, advocate for authentic inclusion and digital equity

Episode 007: Kristin Smedley, advocate for authentic inclusion and digital equity

AccessAbility Podcast Logo
Description: On the AccessAbility Works podcast, meet Kristin Smedley, a fierce advocate for authentic inclusion and digital equity, thanks to both her sons being born into the blind community. Kristin helps parents learn how to advocate on behalf of their kids who happen to be blind and works to empower kids to self-advocate through her brainchild The Thriving Blind Academy.

Transcript for Episode 007

Podcast Episode 006 Title: Meet John Kemp, President/ CEO of The Viscardi Center

Episode 006: John Kemp, President/ CEO of The Viscardi Center

Head shot of John Kemp
Description: On the AccessAbility Works podcast, we speak with friend and colleague, John Kemp, President/ CEO of The Viscardi Center, a nonprofit that brings a lifespan of programs and services that educate, employ and empower children and adults with disabilities. With half a century of direct experience in shaping and guiding the disability movement, John knows what it takes to position Ability alongside Race, Gender, Orientation and Religion in our social and corporate cultures.

Transcript for Episode 006

Podcast Episode 005 Title: Meet Caroline Casey, social entrepreneur and staunch advocate for true inclusion of PWD!

Episode 005: Caroline Casey, social entrepreneur and staunch advocate for true inclusion of PWD!

Head shot of Caroline Casey
Description: In this episode, learn how Caroline and her organization, the Valuable 500, challenge the status quo for true inclusion. Caroline embodies the MBS mantra #DontDisMyAbility and is a fierce advocate for digital equity and authentic inclusion of Ability alongside Race, Gender, Orientation and Religion in both our social and corporate cultures. The Valuable 500 works tirelessly to challenge large corporations to re-think policies around inclusion and invites C-Suite executives all over the world to commit to infusing authentic inclusion into the DNA of their corporate cultures and diversity programs.

Transcript for Episode 005

[PDF] for Episode 005

Podcast Episode 004 Title: Kirk Adams, Leading the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Into Its Next 100 Years

Episode 004: Kirk Adams, Leading the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Into Its Next 100 Years

Head shot of Kirk Adams
Description:In this episode, you’ll learn about what it was like growing up as a child who happened to be blind, his life’s journey and his trials and tribulations along the way. Dr. Adams shares how he adapted and overcame obstacles to achieve success and what led to his becoming one of the standout leaders in the disability community. Kirk also discusses his plan for the future of the AFB and what lies ahead for its next 100 years.

Transcript for Episode 004

[PDF] for Episode 004

Podcast Episode 003 Title: Meet Lori Samuels

Episode 003: Meet Lori Samuels, a Diversity and Inclusion Warrior!

Head shot of Lori Samuels
Description:Our guest is Lori Samuels, the Accessibility Director of NBCUniversal Media. Lori oversees Accessibility Programs for NBC enterprises including NBC Entertainment, NBC Sports, Olympics, cable networks, and its many digital assets. Learn about the progressive steps she is taking to move our agenda of true diversity, digital equity and authentic inclusion forward in both our social and corporate cultures.

During our interview, Lori mentioned the story about a remarkable athlete who happened to be paralyzed. Lori took issue with the tone of Ableism the piece took and we agree.
Here is a link to that article: Quadriplegic stands up from wheelchair for the first time after being paralyzed during rugby match

Transcript for Episode 003

[PDF] for Episode 003

Podcast Episode 002 Title: Jonathan’s Story

Episode 002 Title: Jonathan’s Story

Description:There are seven types of dyslexia, co-host Jonathan Hermus lives with most of them, joyfully claiming, “I put the sexy in dyslexia!” On this episode, he and co-host Albert Rizzi go over the different types of dyslexia. The boys discuss Jon’s journey and how he has been able to improvise, adapt, and overcome his difficulties in order to succeed in life.

Read the Transcript for Episode 002
[PDF] for Episode 002
Podcast Episode 001 Title: Albert’s Story

Episode 001 Title: Albert’s Story

Description: In January 2006, fungal meningitis robbed Albert Rizzi of his sight, but not his vision. Refusing to let blindness slow him down, he immediately began learning how to navigate the world as a person who just happened to be blind. You learn how he founded My Blind Spot, a NYC based nonprofit providing digital accessibility and usability testing and remediation reporting services, promoting digital equity while advocating for universal design and development of digital platforms to ensure authentic inclusion of Ability as a minority group in both our social and corporate cultures.

Read the Transcript for Episode 001
[PDF] for Episode 001
Podcast Episode 000 Title: Learn About The AccessAbility Works Podcast Team And Mission

Episode 000 Title: Learn About The AccessAbility Works Podcast Team And Mission

Description: In this introductory episode, you’ll meet Albert and Jonathan! You’ll learn about the mission of the AccessAbility Works podcast and My Blind Spot, the nonprofit that Albert founded in 2009 after dealing with challenges he faced after losing his eyesight.

Read the Transcript for Episode 000
[PDF] for Episode 000

About the Hosts

Albert J. Rizzi, Founder and CEO of My Blind Spot

In January 2006, fungal meningitis robbed Albert Rizzi of his sight, but not his vision. Refusing to let blindness slow him down, he immediately began learning how to navigate the world as a person who just happened to be blind.

Along the way, in 2009 he founded My Blind Spot, a nonprofit providing organizational audits and expert accessibility governance guidance, promoting inclusive digital design and true inclusion in corporate America for people with disabilities. Today, he continues his mission as a tireless advocate, debunking stereotypes, and speaks out for accessible technologies, employment, and financial independence for the entire disability community.

Contact Albert at: albert@myblindspot.org

Jonathan Hermus, Director of Marketing and Outreach

After joining the MBS team in January 2019, Jonathan used his creative skills as a writer when he reworked and refined Albert’s various presentations and interviews into a TEDx Talk. Drawing upon his own experiences around public speaking, Jonathan was able to weave together a narrative that embodied the essence of who Albert has been and continues to be. The resulting success propelled Jonathan up the ladder at MBS, from co-writing blog posts to flushing out speeches, ultimately positioning him as Director of Marketing and Outreach.

As a person with a print disability, Jonathan was a natural fit for advocating for accessible technologies, equal opportunity employment, and financial independence for people with a disability. Today he is working diligently alongside Albert as co-host of the AccessAbility Works podcast, as well as spreading the good word of authentic inclusion and digital equity as far and as wide as possible.

Contact Jonathan at: jonathan@myblindspot.org

Be a Guest on the Podcast

If you think that you or someone you know would be a great guest for the AccessAbility Works podcast, drop a line at podcast@myblindspot.org

Let us know:

  • Your name
  • Topic to discuss (be specific)
  • Contact information