Practical Accessibility Insights

In this episode: David and Sandi chat with Dr. Yvette Pegues, an accessibility incident prevention specialist, to explore invisible disabilities and why they are so often misunderstood in schools and workplaces. They discuss how organizations can shift from reacting to accessibility complaints to preventing them in the first place and what it looks like to build truly inclusive environments.Episode transcriptContact Dr. Yvette PeguesLinkedInWebsiteFree resource: : See It. Stop It. Scale It.™ A Free Practical Guide to Invisible Disabilities, Incident Prevention, and AI Accessibility.

In this episode, David and Sandi explore how businesses, especially small and scaling ones, can build a brand that is honest, inclusive, and built to last. It’s a conversation about doing business in a way that reflects your values and why getting that right from the start matters.As Sandi puts it, "The clearer and simpler we make our marketing, the more effective it's going to be."This is a conversation about doing business in a way that reflects your values and why getting that right from the start matters.Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-02-episode-07-marketing-with-dignity/

In this episode: David and Sandi chat with Kevin Shaw, Digital Accessibility Lead at Tangerine, about launching successful startups and leading accessibility initiatives. He offers tips on integrating accessibility from the ground up and empowering inclusive entrepreneurial ventures.WebsiteX (Twitter)LinkedInTranscript

In this episode, David and Sandi talk with John-Marc Vachon from WEtech Alliance. Discover how accessibility is integral to innovation and business growth and tips on integrating accessibility as a core business strategy. "Advocacy and awareness are key - never stop learning," John-Marc emphasizes. John-Marc on LinkedInWEtech AllianceEpisode transcript

Curious about described video and its role in media accessibility? Our latest episode of Practical Accessibility Insights features Joanne Henry, who shares her expertise in making content universally available. As Joanne says, "Descriptive video is for everyone... it applies to various different environments." Joanne emphasizes. Tune in to learn why this is crucial for an inclusive media landscape.Joanne's WebsiteJoanne on LinkedInEpisode Transcript

In this episode, David and Sandi discuss the importance of combining quality testing with accessibility to improve digital experiences for all users with our guest, Clyde Valentine. As Clyde says, "Compliance might tick the boxes, but genuine usability focuses on creating intuitive and seamless experiences that are accessible and enjoyable for everyone."EmailLinkedInEpisode Transcript

In this episode, Eugene Woo, founder of Venngage, talks about the journey of making design tools more accessible. "For us, coming from a small company, listening to our customers was key," says Eugene. Discover how Venngage weaves accessibility into their platform and the impact this has on small business owners and educators alike.EmailLinkedInTranscript

In this episode, David and Sandi kick off Season Two by exploring the realm of entrepreneurship with a focus on accessibility. They are joined by Matisse Hamel-Nelis, a communications consultant who shares her journey into digital accessibility.EmailLinkedInEpisode Transcript

In this episode, David and Sandi speak with Sam Sinjari, community builder, speaker, and advisor. Sam's mission is to highlight that small actions can lead to significant changes, promoting a more inclusive and empathetic society.Email LinkedInEpisode Transcript

In this episode: David and Sandi talk with Elizabeth Doherty and Stephanie Evans, board members of NEADS (National Educational Association for Disabled Students), about their experience in post-secondary education. They share insights and tips on navigating post-secondary education as a learner with disabilities.Elizabeth Doherty Email: [email protected] Evans Email: [email protected] Evans LinkedIn: inkedin.com/in/stephaniegevansEpisode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-12-accessibility-from-a-students-view

In this episode: David and Sandi talk with Kate Brown, Accessibility and AODA Consultant at McMaster University about accessibility in post-secondary education.“Learn how to build an accessible Word doc. It’s the foundation of every digital accessibility practice.” – Kate BrownEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynbrown2Episode transcript: https://cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-11-accessibility-and-post-secondary-education

David and Sandi chat with David Lepofsky, Chair of the AODA Alliance and the state of accessibility in the education sector. David and Sandi chat with David Lepofsky, Chair of the AODA Alliance, about the state of accessibility in the education sector. What barriers exist in our education system, and how can they be resolved? "... everybody either has a disability or gets a disability. Even for students without disabilities, when you educate them about this, it's gonna help them when they later require a disability." - David LepofskyEmail: [email protected]: aodaalliance.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/david-lepofsky-8a4ba364/Episode Transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/episode-10-accessibility-and-the-education-sector/

David and Sandi talk with Tim Hamilton, the founder of Accessibility Hamilton Alliance (AHA!) and member of the City of Hamilton's Accessibility Advisory Committee about the role accessibility advisory committees play in our communities."Accessibility is a way of thinking. Accessibility is a way of operating. Accessibility is a way of doing business. " Tim NolanEmail: [email protected]: accessibilityhamiltonalliance.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tim-nolan-4b909b311Episode Transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-09-accessibility-advisory-committees/

In this episode, David and Sandi talk with Jason Pomerleau, President of Elev8 Web Studio, about delivering accessible websites to clients – whether they realize it or not."Because sometimes customers ... they wanna bring the cost down, so they'll say, well, what if we could remove this and this? I don't even wanna have that conversation because it's not coming out. It's part of our product. We're not gonna do a website project without accessibility in mind. "Jason Pomerleau, Elev8 Web StudioEmail: [email protected]: elev8webstudio.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jasonpomerleau/

In our latest episode, David and I sit down with Juan Olarte, CEO of Digita11y Accessible, to explore how AI is shaping accessibility in the workplace. We discuss the potential of AI tools to enhance productivity, the importance of ethical and secure implementation, and how understanding prompts can improve AI interaction. Juan also shares insights on AI as a personal assistant and offers practical advice for making digital environments more inclusive." When it comes to AI and accessibility, I see AI as a big enabler for people with disabilities."Juan Olarte, Digita11y AccessibleEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanolarteWebsite: digita11yaccessible.ioEpisode transcript: https://cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-07-accessibility-and-aiListen now and join the conversation:

In this episode, Sandi Gauder and David Best chat with Jennifer Curry Jahnke, Principal Educator with AccessibilityConsulting.ca. We explore how legislation is shaping the future of accessible practices and what small businesses can do to stay ahead. " An accessible website is a much nicer website. It's clearer, it's easier to understand, it's easier to follow. It just has better usability ... and it helps to meet legislative requirements, of course." Jennifer Curry Jahnke, AccessibilityConsulting.ca Email: [email protected] Website: AccessibilityConsulting.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercurryjahnke Episode transcript: https://cmswebsolutions.com/season-01-episode-06-accessibility-legislation

In this episode of Practical Accessibility Insights, we hear from Trish Kelly on the importance of equity in the workplace. From navigating legislative frameworks to fostering an inclusive company culture, Trish shares insights you won't want to miss! "Language is always evolving, and part of being an ally to people with disabilities is doing your best to stay on top of how language is changing." Trish Kelly, Managing Director, Untapped Accessibility Email: [email protected] Website: untappedaccessibility.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-kelly-chornyj-29078032 Episode transcript: https://cmswebsolutions.com/the-business-of-equality

In this episode, David and Sandi discuss the business of integration. Our guest is Karen McCall, a document accessibility specialist. Karen McCall is the owner of Karlen Communications. With over 22 years experience, Karen provides strategic planning, consulting and education on accessible content design/creation and inclusive education. Karen has been an advocate for a global inclusive education standard since 2009. Her experience as an international leader in accessible content design includes participation in the following committees: ISO 32000 (PDF), ISO 14289 (PDF/Universal Access), International Association for Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) Credential, Technical Standards Committee for Plain Language and Technical Standards Committee for ICT, both part of the Accessible Canada Act. Her book “Accessible and Usable PDF: Techniques for Document Authors” was first published in 2005, with the fourth edition published in 2017. She has written books on accessible Word and PowerPoint content, and how to use Microsoft Office applications from the keyboard. She has been a Microsoft MVP for Office Apps and Services since 2009, and a Microsoft Accessibility MVP since the category was created in 2014. Karen conducts research on how those with disabilities access digital content. "We can spend hours talking about inclusion versus integration, but we haven't moved forward in terms of actually doing anything to improve the ability of those of us with disabilities to show up and participate." Karen McCall Website: karlencommunications.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karen-mccall-55469510 Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/the-business-of-integration

In this episode, David and Sandi discuss the business of independence. Our guest is Martin Courcelles, a User Experience Accessibility Consultant at CIBC. Martin Courcelles has been working in the accessibility field for over 20 years as an access technology subject matter expert. Martin has deep experience making information and communication accessible to people with disabilities and has presented at conferences and community speaking engagements. Martin is also a runner and tandem cyclist, and brings a strong understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities to his work. "But just having accessibility within, you know, smartphones, for example, it's all built in. And that's what I like because now accessibility it's part and parcel of everything, which is really cool." Martin Courcelles: LinkedIn Episode transcript: https://cmswebsolutions.com/the-business-of-independence

In this episode, David and Sandi investigate the lived experience of people with disabilities when engaging the services of an organization. Our guest is Julie Sawchuk, accessibility strategist, educator and best selling author. Julie's life changed forever in 2015 when she was hit by a car while training for a triathlon. She is a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional and launched Sawchuk Accessible Solutions in 2018. Julie Sawchuk, CEO & RHFAC Professional Sawchuk Accessible Solutions: juliesawchuk.ca Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/the-business-of-dignity/

In this episode, David and Sandi introduce their new podcast, Practical Accessibility Insights. You’ll learn who David and Sandi are, and learn about what small business owners need to know in making their business inclusive. Episode transcript: cmswebsolutions.com/introducing-the-practical-accessibility-insights-podcast Check out The Accessibility Investment Strategy: webaccessibilityexplained.ca/courses/the-accessibility-investment-strategy/