Texthelp Talks Season Three

Welcome to another season of the Texthelp Talks podcast. The podcast that gets you thinking differently about disability inclusion. This season we are chatting all things Accessibility.

Texthelp Talks... Accessibility

Welcome to Season 3 of the Texthelp Talks podcast. This season, we’re focusing on a topic that is right at the heart of what we do here at Texthelp, and that’s accessibility.

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  • In this episode, host Rachel Kruzel is joined by Texthelp's Chief Technology Officer, Ryan Graham. Last time Ryan was on the podcast he took us on a journey through the history of digital inclusion, from the early days of computing to the development of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Ryan returns to look at how far we've come since those guidelines where established, and the impact the present version (WCAG 3) is having on web accessibility. Plus, he'll give a forecast of what lies ahead, with technologies like artificial intelligence presenting exciting opportunities for shaping a more accessible future.

  • Get the full episode transcript on our website

  • 1 in 6 people live with some form of disability. Yet, only 4% of businesses are focused on making offerings inclusive of disability. This means that people with disabilities are often met with online experiences where they feel disregarded as customers, potential employees, and members of the community. By taking action to make our digital content accessible, we can change that. In fact, when our content is inclusive, everyone can benefit. This includes individuals with cognitive differences which are often not visible, such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and more. In this episode, we’re joined by Jamie Shields, Principal Disability Accessibility & ERG Lead at AMS. Jamie also works self employed as a speaker, trainer and accessibility consultant. Jamie is registered blind, and is also Autistic and ADHD. Jamie will be sharing what we mean by ‘disabling content’, and the impact on users and businesses when digital accessibility isn’t considered.

  • Get the full episode transcript on our website

  • We're all very well accustomed to online and remote meetings in 2023. "Oh sorry I was on mute" - is this still happening to anyone else? Beyond these unique challenges presented by online and remote working, could lie both visible and invisible accessibility barriers. In particular, for people with disabilities and additional needs. In this episode, Texthelper Sammy will give you tips and advice on how to make your remote and online meetings more accessible. She will take you beyond the built in accessibility features in the platforms, to give you ways that you can create a sense of belonging that makes your work or education setting more inclusive for everyone.

  • Get the full episode transcript on our website

  • Everyone has the right to understand and be understood. By 2030, we want to have advanced the literacy and understanding of one billion people around the world. At Texthelp, we see a world where accessibility doesn’t have to get in the way of everybody leading more satisfying, productive lives and a world where nobody’s held back by age, language, difference or disability. This episode explores the challenges faced by the 1 billion individuals with disabilities worldwide and explore Texthelp's role in supporting accessibility through top-down leadership. Join host Rachel Kruzel, RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and Higher Ed Specialist at Texthelp with special guest Mark McCusker, former CEO of Texthelp and Board Member of G3ICT, as they discuss accessibility and inclusivity. Learn more about the common barriers learners and organizations face and effective strategies for implementing accessibility initiatives. Together, we can create a more inclusive world for everyone.

  • Get the full episode transcript on our website

Bonus episode

  • As organisations we rely on our digital content to spread our messages far and wide. And for it to serve its purpose it must be able to be accessed, and used. But what does this really mean? In this podcast episode, hear from Clare Reucroft, Content Designer at Content Design London. Clare will share what lies beyond accessible code and colours. And explore how language makes a difference too. Listen and gain practical tips to help you create content that can be accessed, understood and used by everyone.

  • Get the full episode transcript on our website

Next season on...

Join us in August 2023 for season 4 of Texthelp Talks where we'll be discussing all things STEM.

If you would like to submit a question or appear on an episode, send an email to podcast@texthelp.com