Through integration of technology and actionable strategies, organizations can make workplaces more inclusive for workers with disabilities. Mike Hess, founder of the Blind Institute of Technology, explains the role of multi-sensory learning as a critical tool for inclusivity, enabling organizations to better accommodate diverse needs and learning styles. Additionally, Hess discusses the common misconceptions around workers with disabilities, plus how to prioritize accessibility initiatives and actively champion policies that create a more inclusive environment.
Episode Guest
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Mike Hess
After 20 years as a tech veteran managing 7-figure projects for Fortune 500 companies, one thing troubled Mike Hess – he was always the token blind guy. Knowing that the invaluable skills he developed because of his blindness were the keys to his success, he couldn’t understand why unemployment amongst the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community was so high. In his pursuit to reshape the prevailing stigmas and misconceptions surrounding blind and visually impaired professionals within corporate America, Mike undertook a transformative journey. This endeavor resulted in the establishment of Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), dedicated to challenging stereotypes and fostering inclusivity for all disabled professionals. Through advocacy, education, and innovative initiatives, BIT strives to create a more equitable and supportive landscape, ultimately redefining the narrative around the capabilities and potential of disabled professionals in the workforce. Using the same skills that made him a success in IT, Mike has built partnerships and placed disabled professionals in Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
Related Article
Reflect on the ADA’s upcoming 35th anniversary and explore the attitudinal challenges in and future steps toward true inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
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