Accessible Community

Esther Klang is a 31-year-old accessibility tester, writer, and speaker living with quadriplegia from a brain tumor removal surgery she had a month before her 11th birthday. In this episode, Esther opens up about what her daily life actually looks like, the tools that make her work possible, the misconceptions she encounters every single day, and what she most wants the world to understand about disability, accessibility, and living a full life.This conversation is honest, practical, and at times deeply personal. Esther doesn't offer easy answers or tidy inspiration. She offers something more valuable: the truth of her experience, plainly told.What We CoverEsther's background – quadriplegia, complex respiratory needs, and the layers of daily medical management most people never seeProblem-solving under real constraints – persistence for Esther isn't a personality trait, but a necessity trained into her by circumstanceSocial attitudes and their cost – what it feels like to be talked to like a child, and how she chooses to protect her energy and sense of selfPerson-first vs. identity-first language – Esther's nuanced, and perhaps surprising, take on how she refers to herself vs. how she prefers others to refer to herMisconceptions about brain injuries and tracheostomies – a physical injury is not a cognitive one, and people with trachs deserve to be spoken to like anyone elseWhat accessibility actually means – it isn't a ramp or a toggle; it's a baseline, and what happens when that baseline failsHer work as an accessibility tester – what lived experience brings to product testing that a checklist never canThe assistive technology she depends on – head tracking, Voiceitt, on-screen keyboards, text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and why these tools are infrastructure, not extrasHer typical day – from waking at 9 or 10 AM (by design, not by habit) to doing meaningful work built entirely around what her body needsWhat brings her joy – the moment someone in an audience shifts from "how inspiring" to "I'm going to build differently"Her closing message – a survival strategy for living with a disability that is practical, honest, and one of the most memorable things said in this conversationAbout EstherEsther Klang works at the intersection of disability and technology. She tests digital products using the assistive tools she relies on every day – head-tracking software, Voiceitt (a speech recognition application trained on her unique voice), an on-screen keyboard, keyboard shortcuts, and text-to-speech tools. She also writes and speaks about accessibility, inclusion, and what it means to build for everyone.She uses a wheelchair and manages complex respiratory needs, including vocal cord paralysis, a tracheostomy, and Sleep Hypoventilation Syndrome. Her perspective as a tester comes not from a checklist but from lived experience – from being the person on the other side of the locked door.Resources MentionedVoiceitt – Speech recognition software designed for non-standard speech. Find out more at The Babel Group (B-A-B-E-L), at thebabelgroup.comHead tracking software – Used by Esther to navigate her screen through head movementOn-screen keyboard and keyboard shortcuts – Core tools for text input and navigationText-to-speech and speech-to-text tools – Used for reading, writing, and real-time communicationKey Quotes"If I gave up every time I couldn't do something, I would never accomplish anything at all.""Accessibility is not an exception. It is a baseline. It is the floor, not the ceiling.""My life is full. It looks different from what many people imagine a full life to look like. But it is full of purpose, connection, meaning, and work that I believe matters.""Mental paralysis is the worst kind of paralysis. Worse than any physical limitation I live with is the moment when the mind stops believing it can move forward.""Take it one day at a time. Not as a cliché. As a genuine survival strategy."?Connect with Esther[Add Esther's contact information, website, or social media links here.]Accessible Community Podcast is dedicated to bringing real voices, real stories, and real conversations about disability and accessibility to listeners who are ready to listen and act.ADA Live! Episode 155 – Technology, Accessibility, and Equality in the Real WorldRelease Date: Jul 1, 2026Host: Marsha SchwankeEpisode Summary: Accessibility is about far more than meeting legal requirements; it’s about ensuring people with disabilities can fully participate in work, education, and everyday life. In this episode, Esther Klang shares her personal journey and explains how assistive technology, communication access, and thoughtful design have helped her maintain independence. She discusses the importance of designing digital experiences that prioritize real-world usability over simple compliance.

In this episode of Day in the Life, Taylor speaks with Ray Petro, founder of "Ray’s", an Indoor Mountain Bike Park and a quadriplegic after a mountain biking accident eight years ago. Ray shares the story of how a dream after getting sober eventually became the world’s first indoor mountain bike park, growing from a rough industrial space into a 200,000-square-foot destination for riders of all levels.Ray also opens up about the accident that changed his life, the impact of quadriplegia on his identity, and the long process of acceptance that helped him move forward. He discusses the importance of support systems, from medical care and accessible transportation to his full-time aide, Calvin, who helps make everyday independence possible.Throughout the conversation, Ray reflects on gratitude, mental health, adapting old passions in new ways, and finding purpose after a life-changing injury. His story offers a candid look at disability, resilience, community, and the creative drive that continues to shape both his life and the bike park he built.

In this episode of the Day in the Life series, host Taylor sits down with Sarah Levis, a stroke survivor and writer, who shares her powerful journey of redefining life after a brain injury. Sarah opens up about the path from shock and loss to resilience and purpose, exploring how she became a writer, coach, and disability advocate. Together, they discuss identity, accessibility, and the quiet strength in creative adaptation.Sarah's website:https://www.powerineverybody.ca/Sarah's Substack:https://sarahlevis.substack.com/

In this episode of Accessibility in Practice, Adam Fisshbein sits down with Melalie Dunn, Chief Operating Officer of the Aimee Copeland Foundation and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion and outdoor accessibility.After acquiring a disability following a life-changing battle with MRSA, Mel's perspective on accessibility transformed dramatically. She shares her personal journey from navigating the challenges of limb loss and mobility impairment to helping expand access to outdoor recreation for people with disabilities across Georgia and beyond.Mel discusses the evolution of accessibility, the importance of inclusive design in both physical and digital spaces, and the work of the Aimee Copeland Foundation's All-Terrain Georgia program, which provides all-terrain track chairs that allow individuals with mobility disabilities to experience trails, beaches, parks, and other outdoor environments that might otherwise be inaccessible.The conversation also explores common misconceptions about disability, the impact of accessible outdoor experiences, emerging efforts to expand access nationwide, and practical advice for individuals and advocates navigating systems that were not originally designed with disability in mind.Topics covered include:• Acquired disability and disability identity• Accessibility beyond physical spaces• Digital accessibility and inclusive technology• The Aimee Copeland Foundation• All-Terrain Georgia and adaptive recreation• Track chairs and outdoor accessibility• Disability advocacy and awareness• Accessibility barriers and misconceptions• Inclusive community designWhether you're an accessibility professional, advocate, educator, or simply interested in learning from lived experiences, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to participate, explore, and belong.

In this episode of Day in the Life, host Taylor Dorward speaks with Lindsay Shelton about ADHD, mental health, identity, masking, and what it means to build a life that works with—not against—your brain. Lindsay shares her experiences with ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, therapy, medication, community, and self-acceptance, while also discussing the tools and routines that help her navigate work, relationships, conferences, homeownership, and everyday life. The conversation offers an honest and personal look at neurodivergence, coping strategies, accessibility, and the importance of finding support systems that allow people to show up as themselves.

 In this episode of Accessibility in Practice, host Adam Fishbein speaks with Mark Dunham, Tiba Alagah, and Brady Fox about All in Dublin, an inclusive and affordable housing project in central Ohio. The conversation explores how disability-inclusive housing can support accessibility, affordability, social connection, and community resilience, while also unpacking the planning, design, financing, and policy challenges involved in making projects like this possible. Through the lens of a student-led Ohio State studio report, the guests share lessons on universal design, community input, public policy, and the importance of building housing with—and not just for—people with disabilities.

In this episode of the Day in the Life series, host Taylor Dorward sits down with Sam Bush, Chief Marketing Officer at Dooap, to explore what it’s like to live and work with ADHD. Sam shares her journey to receiving a diagnosis later in life, the challenges of navigating traditional workplace structures, and the strategies she uses to thrive, including body doubling, fidgets, time-blocking, and creating an environment that supports the way her brain works. Together, Taylor and Sam discuss misconceptions about ADHD, the complexities of the diagnostic process, the importance of self-advocacy, and how disability and neurodiversity can present differently for every individual. Join us for an honest conversation about embracing your uniqueness, finding the right support systems, and building a life that works for you rather than against you.

In this episode of the Day in the Life series, host Taylor Dorward sits down with Cat Schneider, a Microsoft MVP, accessibility advocate, and late-diagnosed ADHD speaker, to explore what it’s really like to live and work with ADHD. Kat shares her journey to diagnosis, opens up about masking, time blindness, and sensory regulation, and reflects on the power of community, technology, and self-understanding. Join us as we unpack common misconceptions about ADHD and highlight the strengths, challenges, and insights that come with navigating the world differently.

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 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Language warning: This episode contains a swear word. Episode DescriptionIn 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 EpisodePeter Slatin’s personal journey into disability and accessibility workWhy social accessibility is often the most overlooked—and most important—form of accessThe difference between being “included” and already belongingHow physical and digital accessibility are connected to cultural attitudesCommon misconceptions about disability and how they show up in everyday interactionsWhy “helping” without asking can be harmfulDisability as the most intersectional dimension of diversityPractical steps organizations can take to create more accessible workplacesThe tension between civility, advocacy, and picking your battlesHow allies can find their strengths and contribute meaningfully to disability rightsAccessibility technology Peter is excited about—and why “nothing about us without us” still mattersExamples of organizations making real progress in accessibility, especially in hospitalityKey TakeawaysAccessibility is not one-size-fits-all—and it never has beenDesigning for accessibility from the start is far easier than retrofitting laterCultural attitudes toward disability shape every other accessibility outcomePeople with disabilities do not need permission to be “included”—they already belongThe most effective advocacy starts with listening, humility, and lived experienceAbout the GuestPeter 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 HostAdam Fishbein, MPA is a disability policy and advocacy professional committed to advancing inclusive systems and practices. He is based in Maryland.Call to ActionIf 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.

Pedro discussing advocating for himself. 

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 EpisodeThea’s journey discovering she is autistic later in life and how that changed everything for herHow autism and ADHD shape her communication, sensory experience, and daily routinesWhat a typical workday looks like for her as a digital accessibility specialistThe dynamic relationship between autism, ADHD, identity, and communityThe challenges of masking, navigating neurotypical communication, and sensory overwhelmThe strengths and “autistic abilities” Thea embraces, from sound recall to intentional movementThe importance of inclusive workplaces, remote work options, and clear communication normsHow community and connection transformed her sense of belongingAdvice for autistic people — and for anyone wanting to create more inclusive spacesWho This Episode Is ForAutistic and otherwise neurodivergent individualsPeople exploring late‑in‑life diagnosis or self‑discoveryEmployers, managers, and coworkers who want to better support autistic employeesAccessibility professionals, disability advocates, and alliesAnyone interested in authentic stories about neurodivergence, identity, and inclusionFollow the Accessible Community Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear more conversations centered on accessibility, lived experience, and inclusion.

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 inclusiveWho This Episode Is For: Autistic and neurodivergent individuals People interested in accessibility and inclusion Employers, managers, and coworkers in tech and beyondFollow the Accessible Community Podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear more conversations centered on accessibility, lived experience, and inclusion.Video of Interview