Moving From Diversity to Inclusion (Part 2 with Michael Hingson)

We promised you a Part 2 with Michael Hingson—and here it is! We don’t always get the opportunity to follow up a guest interview with a second part, and that’s why we are thrilled to bring you more of Michael’s inspiring story and his important work in the field of accessibility. Michael first joined us last May for an episode titled, “Approaching Life with an Unstoppable Mindset.” (Click here to listen!)Michael Hingson has a fascinating life story. With a master’s degree in physics, he is an educator, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and disability advocate—and he is blind and a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor. When his premature birth called for a pure oxygen environment, his retinas were irreparably damaged, and he has been blind ever since. His parents were urged to institutionalize him because “no blind child can ever amount to anything or contribute to society”---or so the doctors said. His parents refused and gave Michael every chance to learn as any other child, sending him to public schools throughout his life and demanding that he adapt to his disability to live an independent life. He earned his physics degree and secondary education teacher credential, going on to become an accomplished salesman and sales manager. He is a coveted keynote speaker, author of Thunder Dog: The Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust, and host of the Unstoppable Mindset podcast.Show Highlights:Diversity, inclusion, and disability (According to the CDC, 25% of Americans have some sort of disability.)Why we don’t talk about disabilityFear can be a powerful tool to focus us when we feel blinded, paralyzed, or overwhelmed.Michael’s next book (August 2024), Live Like a Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs about Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Walking in FaithMichael’s work with AccessiBe to advance accessibility with AI technologyAccessibility technologies for those with cognitive disabilities, ADHD, etc. Changing the thinking around disability and “visual impairment”A glimpse into Michael’s full life today: traveling, speaking, podcasting, and working tirelessly to advance accessibility for everyoneLinks/Resources:Connect with Michael Hingson: Website, Thunder Dog book, Live Like a Guide Dog book, and the Unstoppable Mindset podcast.Find out more about AccessiBe.Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagram–We are doing videos on Instagram, so connect with us here and send us your questions!TwitterIEP websiteEmail us: [email protected]