Investing In Accessibility

In this latest installment of our Accelerator Series, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Keevin O’Rourke, CEO of Multiple, a startup accelerator dedicated to advancing innovation in autism and neurodiversity tech.Keevin shares his journey from early entrepreneurship—building college startups and navigating the highs and lows of the accelerator ecosystem—to leading Multiple, where he now supports founders tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the autism community. From lessons learned during failed pivots to insights gained across venture, strategic consulting, and corporate innovation, Keevin brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective on what it takes to build—and scale—impact-driven companies. The conversation dives deep into what makes Multiple different: a highly focused accelerator model that prioritizes revenue growth, go-to-market strategy, and investor readiness for startups already showing early traction. Keevin also unpacks the power of storytelling in fundraising, explaining why founders must go beyond “checklist pitches” to create emotional resonance—especially in a space where mission and market opportunity intersect.This episode blends practical startup advice with a powerful reminder: accessibility innovation isn’t just good—it’s investable.Tune in to learn how accelerators like Multiple are shaping the future of neurodiversity tech—and what founders should consider when choosing the right program to scale their growth.Links & Resources:Keevin O'Rourke: LinkedIn & Email: [email protected]: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this installment of our Accelerator Series, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Molly Lazarus, Director of the U.S. accelerator at Remarkable—a global nonprofit funding and supporting startups building innovative solutions for the disability community.Molly’s path to Remarkable is anything but conventional. From growing up alongside family members navigating ALS, to running summer camps for children with disabilities, to becoming a special education teacher-turned-startup founder backed by Y Combinator—each chapter shaped her belief that accessibility demands both empathy and innovation. A cold email to Remarkable’s team in Australia ultimately brought those worlds together.In this episode, Molly shares what it really takes to build—and support—mission-driven companies: Why some accelerators are actually “decelerators”—and how Remarkable is different  How their nonprofit model creates regenerative capital for the disability tech ecosystem  The two universal challenges every startup faces—and how coaching helps solve them  Why vulnerability and psychological safety are critical for founder growth  Throughout the conversation, Molly offers hard-earned insights for founders at any stage: building a company is hard, often lonely, and full of trade-offs—so choosing the right problem to solve matters.Whether you’re building in accessibility, evaluating accelerators, or navigating the emotional and strategic realities of entrepreneurship, this episode offers an honest and refreshing perspective on what it takes to grow something that truly matters.Links & Resources Molly Lazarus: LinkedIn  Remarkable: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this installment of our Accelerator Series, Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Diego Mariscal, Founder and CEO of 2Gether-International—the largest accelerator supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities.Diego shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, to launching a global organization that has supported over 700 founders. Born prematurely and living with cerebral palsy, Diego’s lived experience shaped his belief that disability isn’t a limitation—it’s a powerful entrepreneurial advantage.This episode dives into:How resilience and problem-solving—core to the disability experience—translate directly into entrepreneurshipThe early scrappy days of building 2Gether International (including Airbnb hustles and pitching strangers in Uber rides)What makes 2Gether’s accelerator unique, from its community-driven model to its focus on disability as a competitive advantageWhy most founders misunderstand funding—and what they should focus on insteadThe critical (and often overlooked) challenge of balancing entrepreneurship with disability benefitsPractical advice for early-stage founders on building real value and solving meaningful problemsDiego also offers a candid perspective on what separates successful founders from the rest: a deep, personal drive to solve a problem—not just passion alone.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or advocate, this conversation will challenge how you think about disability, innovation, and what it truly takes to build something impactful.Links & Resources:Diego Mariscal: LinkedIn2Gether-International: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher launch the first installment of their new Accelerator Series, highlighting organizations that help disability-focused startups grow and scale their impact.Their first guest is Varun Chandak, founder and executive director of Access to Success (ATS), a Toronto-based nonprofit accelerator supporting accessibility startups around the world. Varun shares his personal journey—from growing up in India with undiagnosed hearing loss to working in finance and ultimately building a global innovation hub dedicated to advancing disability tech.The conversation explores how ATS helps early-stage companies move from promising ideas to scalable solutions through tailored mentorship, expert-led masterclasses, and a powerful global network. Varun also discusses the importance of inclusive design, why many accessibility startups pivot from B2C to B2B models, and the overlooked funding opportunities that founders should consider beyond traditional venture capital.Along the way, the hosts dive into the realities of entrepreneurship in the accessibility sector—from funding challenges to the emotional resilience required to build mission-driven companies.If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or advocate passionate about innovation in accessibility, this episode offers valuable insights into the people and programs accelerating the future of inclusive technology.Links & Resources:Varun Chandak: LinkedInAccess to Success: WebsiteATS Demo Day 2025: Recording2026 Spring Cohort: Expression of Interest PageCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher take you behind the scenes at CES in Las Vegas—where accessibility took a major step forward with the first-ever dedicated Accessibility Stage.After navigating the chaos of 150,000 attendees (and a few unforgettable “grab the backpack and go!” moments), Kelvin and Chris bring you a live recording of Chris’s CES panel: “Investing in Accessibility.” The conversation features leaders from across the disability innovation ecosystem, including Perkins School for the Blind / The Howe Innovation Center, Movement Ventures, Disabled Life Alliance, and the CTA Foundation.Together, the panel breaks down what makes accessibility-focused startups investable, how purpose and profit align, and why disability innovation represents one of the biggest market opportunities still misunderstood by mainstream investors.You’ll hear about:What investors look for in accessibility and disability-tech startupsThe importance of founder-market fit and building with (not just for) disabled communitiesWhy the disability market is massive—and often overlookedThe “first money in” challenge for early-stage disability tech companiesWhy AI must be built accessibly from the start (so we don’t repeat the internet’s accessibility gap)How collaboration, mentorship, and ecosystem-building are accelerating the spaceThis episode is a snapshot of a shifting moment: accessibility moving from the sidelines to the center—and a call to action for founders, funders, and builders to design inclusively from day one.Links & Resources:CTA Foundation: Website / Irica Cheeks: LinkedIndisAbled Life Alliance: Website / Paul Kent: LinkedInMovement Ventures: Website / Moaz Hamid: LinkedInPerkins/Howe Innovation: Website / Sandy Lacey: LinkedInCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Lauren Lobrano, Head of Accessibility and Global Disability Inclusion at Amazon’s Inclusive Experiences and Technology (IXT) group. Lauren shares her powerful journey from public service and humanitarian work with the American Red Cross and Wounded Warrior Project to leading accessibility efforts at one of the world’s largest companies.Together, they explore the realities of acquired and non-apparent disabilities, the importance of long-term support systems, and why disability inclusion must be designed into products and workplaces—not bolted on afterward. Lauren introduces Amazon’s “Three Bs” framework—Bolted On, Built-In, and Born Inclusive—and explains how this mindset helps organizations reduce burnout, innovate faster, and scale accessibility globally.This conversation dives deep into:Why most disabilities are acquired during working ageHow inclusive design benefits everyone, not just people with disabilitiesThe role of lived experience in driving meaningful innovationWhat it takes to deliver consistent, global employee accessibility at scaleWhy community, collaboration, and courageous leadership matter now more than everIf you’re a business leader, technologist, investor, or advocate looking to go beyond compliance and create systems that truly work for all, this episode is for you.Links & Resources:Lauren Lobrano: LinkedInAmazon Inclusive Experiences & Technology: WebsiteAmazon In This Together: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this in-person episode of Investing in Accessibility, Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher are joined by returning guest Joe Devon—accessibility pioneer, GAAD co-founder, and longtime technologist—for a deep dive into one of the most urgent questions of our time: Is artificial intelligence being built accessibly?Joe introduces AIMAC (AI Model Accessibility Checker), a new benchmark designed to measure how accessible AI-generated code really is—and to force AI companies to compete on inclusion, just as they do on speed, accuracy, and intelligence.What AIMAC uncovered is both surprising and revealing.When Joe tested 36 leading AI models, the results challenged common assumptions across the industry. Google’s Gemini, despite excelling in traditional AI benchmarks and having extensive accessibility tools at its disposal, performed poorly on accessibility. Anthropic—often positioned as a leader in ethical and responsible AI—delivered middle-of-the-road results, raising questions about how ethics translate into inclusive outcomes. In contrast, OpenAI’s ChatGPT models consistently led the pack, a result Joe attributes to intentional focus on accessibility and sustained engagement with the disability community. The takeaway is clear: when accessibility is prioritized, it shows up in the results.Beyond rankings, the conversation explores why inaccessible AI coding tools—especially command-line AI interfaces—pose a serious risk of locking people with disabilities out of the future of work and innovation. At the same time, Joe, Kelvin, and Chris make the case that accessible AI represents a massive opportunity: for better technology, stronger businesses, and real empowerment for disabled entrepreneurs and creators.This episode is a call to lean in, demand table-stakes access, and ensure the AI revolution does not repeat the exclusionary mistakes of the past.If AI is shaping the future, accessibility must shape AI.Links & Resources:AIMAC (AI Model Accessibility Checker): WebsiteJoe Devon: LinkedInCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this “CES All-Stars” episode, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher team up as they track down the most exciting accessibility innovations on the CES Expo floor. From the company that helped spark this very podcast, to products that could redefine mobility, gaming, shopping, indoor navigation, and even how Deaf individuals experience music—this episode is a rapid-fire tour of the people and companies pushing accessibility into the mainstream conversation. In addition, Kelvin shares his perspectives throughout on what it's like to navigate CES as a Dear/Blind individual.You’ll hear highlights from:Aira (Troy Otillio) expanding access with on-demand ASL interpreting and a hybrid AI + human agent future for the blind / low vision communityDisabled Life Alliance (Paul Kent) connecting innovators with capital via the Disabled Life Innovation Gateway (“Zillow for disability innovation”)Good Maps (Theresa Reno-Weber) high-accuracy indoor navigation & wayfinding without beacons—and why transportation hubs, campuses, and venues are jumping inNewHaptics (Alex Russamanno) a multi-line refreshable Braille display built for real, tactile productivityGood Trouble (Arman Nobari) serving 600M+ gamers with disabilities by helping studios build games accessible for every playerGlidance (Amos Miller) an autonomous mobility aid that guides the way—hands-on, ground-connected independenceRemarkable (Molly Lazarus) a leading accelerator supporting startups in the disability sectorReviMo (Alek Malashchenko) a robotic transfer device designed to bring dignity and independence at homePathAble AI (Burt Brooks) scaling supports so workers with disabilities don’t fall off the services cliffInnoSearch (Parick Long) making shopping and customer service accessible-first with voice and AITactus (Jeremy Chow) a wearable that translates music into vibration allowing Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to truly enjoy musicAlong the way, Kelvin and Chris discover CES is evolving into a true accessibility hub, and prove that sometimes the best way to cover a conference is to hold onto a backpack for your dear Deaf/Blind life.COMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this special year-end episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead.As 2025 comes to a close, Kelvin and Chris revisit highlights from the podcast’s first full year—25 episodes featuring entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and innovators who are shaping a more accessible and inclusive world. From memorable guest conversations and shared laughs to meaningful moments of vulnerability and growth, this episode is about more than a recap—it’s about momentum.The conversation also pulls back the curtain on Samaritan Partners’ progress, including recent investments across disability tech, inclusive employment, mental health, fintech, and accessible tourism. Chris breaks down what it means to invest in accessibility, who can invest, and why accessibility is increasingly not just the right thing to do—but smart business.Looking ahead to 2026, Kelvin and Chris preview what’s next for the podcast, including the upcoming Accelerator Series, live recordings from CES, appearances at major conferences, and continued growth in the accessibility ecosystem. They also share personal reflections—from entrepreneurship and partnership journeys to creativity, healing, and finding purpose through service.This episode is a heartfelt wrap-up of an incredible year and an invitation to keep moving forward—together.COMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Angela Lean, Senior Accessibility Program Lead at Microsoft, for a powerful conversation about turning disability into a true competitive advantage. Angela shares her lived experience of having a stroke at age 12, how her perspective shifted from “succeeding despite disability” to “succeeding because of it,” and why she now sees disability as a core asset in her life and work.Angela walks us through her unconventional career path—from answering phones in Senator Tom Harkin’s office just after the ADA passed, to shaping accessibility and AI initiatives inside one of the world’s largest tech companies. She explains how Microsoft is using AI to support employees with disabilities, improve tools like screen readers and captioning, and build services such as the Enterprise Disability Answer Desk. The conversation digs into why accessibility is not a cost center but a massive market opportunity touching 1.5 billion people, how entrepreneurs can plug into Microsoft’s ecosystem, and how AI can personalize work so that disabled and non-disabled people can use the same tools on an equal footing. If you care about inclusive innovation, the future of work, or investing in accessibility as good business—not just good intentions—this episode is for you.Links & Resources:Angela Lean: LinkedInMicrosoft Accessibility Support for Customers: WebsiteMicrosoft Marketplace: Website (trusted source for cloud solutions, AI app, and agents)The Huddle for Families: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher kick off the holiday season with something special: a recorded panel from the RALLY Innovation Conference in Indianapolis.Moderated by Jennison Asuncion (Head of Accessibility Engineering Evangelism at LinkedIn and co-founder of Global Accessibility Awareness Day), this conversation brings together four leaders shaping the future of disability tech and digital accessibility:Chris Maher – Founder & General Partner at Samaritan PartnersMolly Lazarus – Director of the Remarkable US AcceleratorKate Kalcevich – Head of Accessibility Innovation at FableMichael Bervell – Co-founder & CEO of TestPartyTogether, they explore why disability is not a niche market but a massive, underserved opportunity; how accelerators and impact VCs are backing founders building assistive and disability-focused tech; and why accessibility is both a moral imperative and a powerful business strategy. You’ll hear how human insight and lived experience combine with AI and automation to scale accessibility, what founders in this space commonly struggle with, and why “nothing about us without us” needs to be a non-negotiable design principle.The panel also digs into:The growing legal and regulatory landscape, including lawsuits and global accessibility lawsHow accessibility features like captions and curb cuts become mainstream advantagesThe travel industry and other sectors waking up to the economic power of disabled consumers and their familiesThe promise and risks of AI in accessibility, and why inclusive leadership at the top mattersIf you’re an investor, founder, product leader, or just curious about how innovation and inclusion intersect, this episode will challenge how you think about accessibility and show why now is the time to invest in change, not wait for it.Links & Resources:RALLY Innovation: WebsiteJennison Asuncion: LinkedIn / GAAD: WebsiteMolly Lazarus: LinkedIn / Remarkable Accelerator: WebsiteKate Kalcevich: LinkedIn / Fable: WebsiteMichael Bervell: LinkedIn / TestParty: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher welcome a very special guest: Chris’s oldest daughter, Charlotte Maher—an EMT-turned-emergency management professional whose life with spastic hemiplegia has forged extraordinary resilience. Charlotte shares early memories (and family stories) of therapies, leg and back braces, and the infamous “constraint camp,” then traces how those experiences shaped her confidence, leadership, and service mindset. Charlotte takes us inside life on an EMS crew, the power of teamwork-based accommodations, and why inclusive planning isn’t a nice-to-have in crises—it’s table stakes. Fresh from FEMA’s Emergency Management Basic Academy, Charlotte demystifies tactical project management, whole-community planning, and accessible communications—closed captions, ASL, multilingual alerts, and more. This warm, funny father–daughter conversation delivers practical insights on designing for everyone, building resilient systems, and picking yourself up and dusting yourself off to keep moving forward. Links & Resources:Charlotte Maher: LinkedInGWU Campus Safety: WebsiteFEMA: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

Join hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher for an inspiring conversation with Cara Yar Khan, founder & CEO of The Purple Practice, former UNICEF humanitarian, filmmaker, and fierce disability advocate. Cara traces her multicultural roots and early activism, the winding journey to a rare diagnosis of hereditary inclusion body myopathy, and how she learned to lead, pitch, and live with radical authenticity.This episode dives into Cara’s multicultural upbringing and early passion for service, her transition from denial to embracing disability with pride, and her practical framework for storytelling and fundraising through the “Issue, Action, Impact” model. She discusses navigating ableism with grace, managing entrepreneurial burnout through confidence and community, distinguishing between healthy struggle and harmful suffering, and finding joy in small “Everest moments” of progress. Along the way, Kelvin, Chris, and Cara unpack lessons on authenticity, preparation, confidence, and the sustaining power of community in entrepreneurship and advocacy.Links & Resources:Cara Yar Khan: LinkedInCara's Film: Facing the FallsCara's Website: HereCara's TED Talk: HereCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher explore how The Accessibility Lab at The Schoolhouse Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia is transforming the travel and hospitality industry for people with disabilities.Chris shares how this innovative partnership between Samaritan Partners, The Schoolhouse Hotel, and TravelAbility is turning a boutique hotel into a living lab for testing cutting-edge accessibility solutions. From smart wayfinding tools like RightHear to cost-effective door openers by We Hear You, and comprehensive accessibility assessments from Wheel the World, The Accessibility Lab is creating a model for universal design that could shape the future of hotels everywhere.The conversation dives deep into the challenges travelers with disabilities face, the exciting technologies being piloted, and how this project fosters not only accessible travel but also entrepreneurship, inclusive employment, and adaptive outdoor experiences.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, hospitality leader, or accessibility advocate, this episode will open your eyes to the opportunities in building a truly inclusive travel experience.Links & Resources:The Accessibility Lab: Web PageThe Schoolhouse Hotel: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this inspiring episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Chris Soukup, CEO of Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), for a powerful conversation about advocacy, innovation, and the future of accessibility.Chris shares his family’s remarkable legacy—from his grandfather’s struggles with discrimination as a deaf farmer in South Dakota to his father founding CSD with a $15,000 grant and a vision for equal rights and access. Over the past 50 years, that grassroots effort has grown into a pioneering organization transforming life for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.Listeners will hear how CSD evolved from early telecommunication services to nationwide video relay technology, its role in shaping access before and after the ADA, and the exciting innovations on the horizon—including AI and emerging communication tools designed to create greater independence and inclusion.This episode is both a journey through history and a look ahead at how technology, advocacy, and entrepreneurship are shaping a more accessible world for all.Links & Resources:Chris Soukup: LinkedInCommunication Service for the Deaf (CSD): WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher welcome Mike May—entrepreneur, Paralympic athlete, navigation technology pioneer, and, as Chris calls him, “the most interesting man in the world.”Mike shares his remarkable journey, from losing his sight at age three to regaining partial vision decades later, working for the CIA, competing on the world stage in skiing, and founding companies like Sendero Group, which developed the first GPS products for blind travelers. He reflects on the lessons learned from both entrepreneurial wins and setbacks, the mottos that guide his life, and the resilience and adaptability that fuel innovation.The conversation also explores the future of assistive technology—from smart glasses to AI-powered navigation—and how products that serve both disability and mainstream markets can drive lasting impact. Mike also offers candid advice to early-stage founders about balancing passion with business viability, staying adaptable, and always looking for alternative solutions.This inspiring discussion highlights not only Mike’s extraordinary path but also broader insights on problem-solving, resilience, and building a more accessible world.Links & Resources:Mike May: LinkedInCrashing Through Book: WebsiteThe People Make The Places: PodcastAmerican Printing House: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher dive into the evolution of accessibility tech with Josh Miller, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 3Play Media—a leading media accessibility company that started at MIT and grew into an industry trailblazer.Together, they unpack how 3Play Media emerged from a real-world need to caption complex academic videos into a scalable tech-driven company that combines AI innovation with human precision. Josh shares his entrepreneurial journey—from an early startup that didn’t succeed, to building a company with strong co-founder dynamics, to navigating growth, acquisitions, and private equity investment—all while staying mission-focused.In this episode you’ll hear:The story behind the founding of 3Play Media and how it identified a niche before the market even existed.Why accessibility must be built for both the buyer and the end user—and how balancing compliance with value is key.How AI has revolutionized speech recognition, captioning, and media accessibility—and where it's going next.The importance of customer workflow, scalability, and being AI engine agnostic.What it takes to grow a successful company in a mission-driven market, including how to say no to misaligned opportunities.Josh also offers powerful insights for early-stage founders on execution, differentiation, and staying true to the mission in the face of rapid tech evolution and market shifts.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor or accessibility advocate, this episode is packed with lessons on how to scale with impact.Links & Resources:Josh Miller: LinkedIn3Play Media: Website2025 State of ASR: ReportCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this dynamic episode of Investing in Accessibility, Host Kelvin Crosby introduces a special panel session from the Wawability 2025 Summit, celebrating 35 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Titled “Design, Capital, and Impact: The Future of Disability Startups,” the panel is moderated by Co-Host Chris Maher and features three visionary disability tech entrepreneurs:Tomer Aharoni – Co-founder & CEO of Nagish, building accessible communication tools for the deaf and hard of hearing.Michael Bervell – Co-founder & CEO of TestParty, an AI-powered platform that automates digital accessibility.Diego Mariscal – Founder & CEO of 2Gether-International, the largest accelerator supporting disabled entrepreneurs.Together, they explore:Disability as a competitive advantage — How lived experience fosters innovation, resilience, and problem-solving.Universal design and market potential — Why accessibility-focused products often lead to better solutions for everyone.Navigating regulation — From hacking policy to leveraging new global legislation like the European Accessibility Act.Raising capital — Honest reflections on pitching to investors, building trust, and proving the business case for accessibility.The power of mentorship and accelerators — How early guidance and ecosystem support helped launch and scale their missions.The episode closes with an inspiring look toward the future: the panelists share why they're optimistic about accessibility, innovation, and the opportunity to create a world that is not just better for some of us, but for all of us.Links & Resources:Video Version with ASL Interpreter: Watch HereWawability 2025: WebsiteTomer Aharoni: LinkedIn and Company WebsiteMichael Bervell: LinkedIn and Company WebsiteDiego Mariscal: LinkedIn and Company WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher welcome Levin Sliker, co-founder and CEO of Point Designs, a pioneering company that creates durable, 3D-printed prosthetic fingers. Levin shares his inspiring journey from academia to entrepreneurship, detailing how a university project aimed at solving a real-world problem evolved into a mission-driven company reshaping prosthetic care for people with partial hand amputations.The conversation delves into the surprising prevalence and psychological impact of finger loss, and how Point Designs is addressing a historically underserved market. Levin discusses the origin of the company’s technology, which began with metal 3D printing at the University of Colorado, and how early relationships and lean operations helped the team bootstrap their way to profitability.Levin also outlines Point Designs' unique approach to funding—relying on grants rather than venture capital—and how this enabled slow, sustainable growth while staying mission-focused. He explains the importance of customer relationships, founder-led sales, and rapid iteration in product development. The episode also highlights the regulatory hurdles, the role of AI in customization, and the company's ongoing advocacy work to ensure broader insurance coverage for these life-changing devices.Listeners will walk away with deep insights into the intersection of innovation, accessibility, and purpose-driven business—and the power of solving real problems with empathy, creativity, and resilience.Links & Resources:Levin Sliker: LinkedInPoint Designs: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this powerful episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher welcome Ben Ogilvie, Head of Accessibility at ArcTouch and board member of the GAAD Foundation. Ben shares his deeply personal journey into accessibility—from adapting technology for his father after a life-changing accident to advocating for inclusive design following the birth of his son with a brain injury and epilepsy.The conversation explores how Ben turned lived experiences into a career mission, ultimately shifting ArcTouch’s product philosophy to include a third pillar: accessibility, alongside usefulness and delight. Ben breaks down how ArcTouch supports clients—from scrappy startups to Fortune 100 corporations—by embedding accessibility into the entire product lifecycle. He emphasizes that accessibility is no longer a "why" conversation, but a “how,” and he illustrates the power of real user feedback over compliance checklists in driving change.Key Topics Covered:Personal stories that fuel professional impactArcTouch’s accessibility-first design philosophyWorking with startups vs. large enterprises on inclusive designThe Inclusive App Accelerator and its ecosystem of partnersThe role of AI and low-code platforms in scaling accessibilityStrategic advocacy through GAAD Foundation and industry leadershipLinks & Resources:Ben Ogilvie: LinkedInArchTouch: WebsiteArcTouch’s State of Mobile App Accessibility Report: ReportGAAD Foundation: WebsiteA11Y NYC Meetup: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, we sit down with Larry Goldberg—media pioneer, policy shaper, and trusted advisor to the next generation of accessibility innovators. Larry shares his remarkable four-decade journey, from launching closed captioning at WGBH to shaping landmark accessibility legislation, leading corporate accessibility at Yahoo, and now mentoring mission-driven startups and nonprofits.Hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher dig into Larry’s philosophy of “developed for people with disabilities, shared with the world,” exploring how startups can scale impact through inclusive design and thoughtful business models. This episode is packed with lessons on startup resilience, product-market fit, universal access, and the power of inclusive innovation.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, corporate leader or advocate, this conversation with Larry is essential listening.Links & Resources:Larry Goldberg: LinkedInCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this powerful episode, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with AnnMarie Killian, CEO of TDIforAccess, to explore her personal journey as a deaf woman and longtime advocate for accessibility and inclusion. AnnMarie shares her experience growing up in a hearing family, discovering American Sign Language later in life, and the challenges and triumphs that shaped her leadership.The conversation covers:The richness of Deaf culture and identityNavigating communication and relationships as a deaf individualThe importance of universal design that benefits everyoneHow lived experience drives policy and innovationTDI’s bipartisan advocacy work on major initiatives like CVTA and NG911The need for cross-disability collaboration to create more inclusive technology and infrastructureAnnMarie also previews the upcoming Wawability Summit, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the ADA with performances and panels that spotlight disability talent, leadership, and innovation.This episode is a celebration of resilience, representation, and the power of community to drive systemic change.Links & Resources:AnnMarie Killian: LinkedInTDIforAccess: WebsiteWawability Summit: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher dive deep into the investment process at Samaritan Partners, exploring how they evaluate businesses in the disability sector. The conversation covers the fund's unique structure as a public benefit fund, focusing on social good while achieving strong financial returns.Chris breaks down the key criteria Samaritan Partners uses when considering potential investments, including the importance of social impact, the strength of the founding team, and the scalability of the business model. Kelvin and Chris also cover topics such as starting relationships with VCs early, the importance of product-market fit, finding the right commercial model, due diligence is a two-way street, and more. This episode provides invaluable insights on building lasting partnerships and scaling your business for both social impact and financial success.Links & Resources:Chris Maher: LinkedInSamaritan Partners: WebsiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this powerful episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with digital accessibility pioneer Mike Paciello, Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye and founder of The Paciello Group. Mike shares his remarkable four-decade journey—from converting print documentation into Braille in the 1980s to shaping web accessibility standards and launching multiple successful ventures. Now at the forefront of scalable digital accessibility solutions, Mike explains why automation and AI are essential for meeting the growing digital needs of people with disabilities. He shares his vision for a future where accessibility is invisible, integrated, and universal—where technology adapts to users, not the other way around. This episode offers valuable insights into how human-centered innovation can drive both social impact and economic opportunity.Links & Resources:Mike Paciello: Connect on LinkedInMike at AudioEye: [email protected] Mike at WebAble: [email protected] WebABLE: websiteCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher dive into the difference between a Lifestyle business and Exit business. Kelvin shares his personal experience with his company, See Me Cane, explaining how he chose to build a Lifestyle business rather than pursue rapid growth through venture capital. He highlights the benefits of having more control, balancing social mission with financial goals, and the creative funding strategies that made his business successful. Chris elaborates on the decision-making process for entrepreneurs, discussing how market size, funding sources, and growth potential influence the choice between Lifestyle and Exit businesses. Entrepreneurs must carefully assess what aligns best with their personal goals, whether it's pursuing venture investment, scaling quickly, and aiming for a liquidity event, or opting for alternative funding sources, maintaining more control, and adopting a slower, more organic approach to growth.COMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Mike Buckley, CEO of Be My Eyes, to explore how the company is blending cutting-edge technology with human kindness to empower the blind and low vision community. Mike shares his unconventional path from corporate consulting and angel investing to leading one of the most impactful accessibility tech companies in the world.Kelvin, a longtime user of Be My Eyes, offers firsthand insight into how the platform enhances independence in his day-to-day life—from pottery quality control to building unexpected customer relationships. Mike discusses the company’s innovative use of AI and wearables, the philosophy of building with, not for, the community, and how enterprise partnerships allow the service to remain free for users.They also dive into the economic impact of accessibility, inclusive design, and the upcoming launch of Be My Eyes for Work, a game-changing tool aimed at reducing workplace barriers and boosting employment for the blind and low vision workforce.This episode is packed with powerful stories, practical insights, and a bold vision for a more inclusive future.Links & Resources:Be My Eyes Website: click hereBe My Eyes for Business: click hereBe My Eyes App: click hereBe My AI Explainer Video: click hereBe My AI Customer Testimonial Video: click hereBe My Eyes + Meta Smart Glasses: click hereCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with two true leaders of the accessibility movement: Joe Devon and Jennison Asuncion, co-founders of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Together, they share the incredible story of how a blog post, a tweet, and a Saturday night on Twitter sparked a global movement that now reaches over 200 million people annually.Joe and Jennison open up about their personal journeys—Joe’s path through tech and entrepreneurship, and Jennison’s lived experience as a blind technologist navigating a rapidly changing world. They reflect on the early days of GAAD, the role of big tech, and the power of grassroots efforts to create global impact.This episode is packed with insight, humor, history, and hope for a more inclusive future. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, technologist, or advocate, this conversation will challenge you to see accessibility not just as a compliance checkbox—but as a catalyst for meaningful innovation.Links & Resources:GAAD Foundation: Click hereGlobal Accessibility Awareness Day: Click hereJoe Devon: Connect on LinkedInJoe's Newsletter: Joe Dev On TechJennison Asuncion: Connect on LinkedInCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher welcome Hale Pulsifer, Vice President of Customer Insights, Inclusion, and Advocacy at Fidelity Investments, to explore the intersection of business, accessibility, and economic opportunity. Hale shares his transformative journey from corporate finance strategist to a leader in disability inclusion, revealing how companies that embrace accessibility aren’t just doing the right thing—they’re making a smart business decision.Backed by compelling data, Pulsifer highlights the untapped potential of disability-inclusive businesses. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, investors, and advocates looking to understand why accessibility isn’t just a social responsibility—it’s a game-changing economic strategy.Links to Research and Resources Hale Referenced:Hale's LinkedInAmerican Institutes of Research: A Hidden MarketProgressive Policy Institute: Disability-and-Changes-in-the-Workplace.pdf (progressivepolicy.org)Accenture: The Disability Inclusion Imperative (accenture.com)Disability:IN: https://disabilityin.org/COMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher speak with Bob Ludke, co-founder of Value Inclusion and author of "Case Studies in Disability-Driven Innovation." Bob shares his background in disability policy with Senator Tom Harkin and his journey through public policy, sustainability, and ESG.Universal Design as a Business Strategy:The heart of Bob's message is that universal design isn't just good for society but also a strategic business imperative that expands market reach and drives long-term profitability. He highlights companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Disney Shanghai as examples of inclusive design driving profitability. Bob also shares the inspiring story of Daniel Toops, an autistic entrepreneur who created JT Firestarters using recycled materials. Bob's book, "Case Studies in Disability-Driven Innovation," is a master class about potential. It's about the potential of people, it's about the potential economic value that can be created through disability-driven innovation, and it's about the potential impact that it has to make our lives richer, more valuable, and healthier for all. Ultimately, it's about creating a better future through an inclusive economy.To Learn More About Bob Ludke:Bob's LinkedIn Bob's company Value InclusionBob's new book: "Case Studies in Disability-Driven Innovation"COMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher speak with Alvaro Silberstein, co-founder and CEO of Wheel the World, an accessible travel platform revolutionizing the way people with disabilities experience the world. Alvaro shares his personal journey from Chile to the U.S., his experiences traveling as a quadriplegic, and how those challenges inspired him to create a company that ensures people with disabilities have the information and resources they need to travel confidently.From hiking in Patagonia to launching a global platform that maps accessible destinations, Alvaro discusses how Wheel the World is empowering travelers and working with tourism organizations to create more inclusive experiences. The conversation also delves into the economic impact of accessibility, highlighting the $120 billion travel market opportunity for destinations and businesses that prioritize inclusion.Tune in to hear how Alvaro turned a personal challenge into an innovative solution, and why investing in accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good business.About Wheel the WorldWheel the World is a travel platform that empowers people with disabilities to explore the world without limits. Through detailed accessibility data and a seamless booking experience, we help travelers find and book accommodations and experiences that meet their unique accessibility needs.Beyond travel bookings, Wheel the World collaborates with destinations through Destination Verified, a program that enables tourism boards, hotels, and attractions to assess and showcase their accessibility through verified data. By ensuring accurate and reliable accessibility information, Wheel the World makes travel more inclusive for all.Links:Website: https://wheeltheworld.comDestination Verified: https://wheeltheworld.com/destination-verified-partnersBecome an Accessibility Mapper: https://careers.wheeltheworld.com/jobsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheeltheworld_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wheeltheworldYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WheeltheWorldCOMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher speak with Steve Ewell, Executive Director of the CTA Foundation, about the evolution of technology in relation to accessibility and age tech. They explore Steve's background, the foundation's mission, the growth of accessibility at CES, and the importance of innovative startups in the disability space. The discussion also highlights the role of Samaritan Partners in supporting entrepreneurs serving the disability community, and the future plans for the CTA Foundation.If you are looking for more information on the CTA Foundation:CTA Foundation homepage: http://www.CTAFoundation.techOn this page there are links to some of their CES activities like:Eureka Park Accessibility Contest https://www.cta.tech/Who-We-Are/CTA-Foundation/Eureka-Park-Accessibility-ContestHealth Innovation Challenge  https://www.cta.tech/Who-We-Are/CTA-Foundation/Pitch-Competition/CTA-Innovation-Challenge-Digital-HealthPitch Competition  https://www.cta.tech/Who-We-Are/CTA-Foundation/Pitch-CompetitionShalam Award  https://www.cta.tech/Who-We-Are/CTA-Foundation/Shalam-AwardCES homepage: https://www.ces.tech/Link to CES 2025 Accessibility Content:https://www.ces.tech/discover/?type=Video&q=Accessibility&year=2025Pitch Contest Video: https://www.ces.tech/videos/2025/january/cta-foundation-pitch-contest-presented-by-next50/COMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher discuss the importance of accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Chris shares his personal journey into the disability advocacy space, highlighting the challenges faced by his daughters and the motivation behind founding Samaritan Partners, a social impact venture fund. The conversation explores the significance of accessible products and services, the need for investment in disability innovations, and the vision for the future of Samaritan Partners. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support accessibility initiatives.Learn more about Samaritan Partners at:https://www.samaritanpartners.com/ Interested investors and entrepreneurs can email Chris at:[email protected]  COMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

Welcome to the first episode of the Investing in Accessibility podcast, with co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher.In this episode, Kelvin shares his personal journey from being diagnosed with severe hearing loss to becoming deafblind. He discusses the challenges he faced, including multiple life-threatening experiences, and how he found healing through pottery. Kelvin's advocacy work led him to entrepreneurship, where he created programs to support the visually impaired. He also innovated assistive technology, including a lighted cane designed to enhance safety for blind individuals. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience, community support, and the transformative power of accessibility.Learn more about Kelvin and all he does at: www.kelvincrosby.com Learn more about Samaritan Partners at: https://www.samaritanpartners.com/ Interested investors and entrepreneurs can email Chris at: [email protected]  COMING SOON!American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.