Welcome to The AbilityNet Podcast: Disability. Technology. Inclusion. The home of coffee-fuelled chats, insights, and the latest updates from accessibility and digital inclusion communities across the globe. We offer transcripts for every episode and many are also available as videos on our YouTube channel. AbilityNet is a UK charity with a global reach - committed to creating a digital world accessible to all, regardless of ability or age. We offer a wide variety of free online resources, such as this podcast, and our team of experts can help organisations of all types and sizes build accessible digital products and services.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this episode of The AbilityNet Podcast, AbilityNet's Mark Walker discusses the results of AbilityNet's 2024 Impact Report, in an audio summary of the key aspects of the report itself.
We're always keen to learn about new technology and its possible value for older and disabled people, so this audio has been built using AI with voice clones for Mark and his co-host, Gwen Bakewell.
It's a different way of communicating, so please let us know what you think.
You can download the AbilityNet Impact Report 2024 from the AbilityNet website.
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website.
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
In this episode of The AbilityNet Podcast, AbilityNet's Freya Robinson welcomes Emma Spring, co-founder and trustee of BanktheFood, a charity revolutionising food bank operations.
Emma talks about the story behind BanktheFood, the difficulties food banks have in getting their requirements communicated, and the significance of BanktheFood's cutting-edge app, which notifies contributors at supermarkets in real time, guaranteeing timely and relevant contributions.
You can get involved and support BanktheFood’s impactful initiative, by downloading their free app: https://www.bankthefood.org/downloadapp/
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Robin Christopherson is joined by Matthew Bellringer to discuss neurodiversity, its importance in the workplace, and how organisations can foster an inclusive culture.
Find out more about Matthew by visiting his website: https://www.matthewbellringer.com/links/
Explore AbilityNet’s online learning modules for workplaces: https://abilitynet.org.uk/elearning-workplace
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
In this episode of Disability Inclusion Insights, Claire Jones, Director at ClearTalents, joins Lizi and Adam to discuss how to create an inclusive workplace, the importance of reasonable adjustments, and how technology is driving disability inclusion.
If you'd like to connect with ClearTalents or Claire Jones, visit cleartalents.info or email Claire at claire.jones@cleartalents.com
Explore AbilityNet’s online learning modules for workplaces: https://abilitynet.org.uk/elearning-workplace
Access a free factsheet on Disability and Employment: www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/disability-and-employment
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Mark Walker and Robin Christopherson spill the beans on what to expect at TechShare Pro 2023. Artificial Intelligence, the European Accessibility Act, and winning the business case for accessibility are just a taste of the topics.
Join us in-person or online, and secure your ticket for TechShare Pro 2023: www.techsharepro.com
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
In this engaging conversation, Zeke Steer, CEO of Milbotix, explains the origins of Smart Socks, their unique technology, and how they are currently being trialled. He also discusses their future plans, including potential expansion into at-home use.
Milbotix is crowdfunding on Crowdcube. Join them on their mission to create a better future for those with dementia: https://www.crowdcube.com/companies/milbotix-ltd/pitches/bPJy1l
Find out more about Milbotix: milbotix.com
Access a free factsheet on Dementia and Computing: abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/dementia-and-computing
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
Thursday Sep 21, 2023
In this episode of Disability Inclusion Insights, Rosa Salamone, Process Manager for SAP Procurement at Boots UK, joins Lizi and Adam to share her personal experiences and perspectives regarding the significance of hiring disabled people. Rosa also delves into various initiatives that Boots UK has undertaken to champion inclusivity.
Explore AbilityNet’s online learning modules for workplaces: https://abilitynet.org.uk/elearning-workplace
Access a free factsheet on Disability and Employment: www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/disability-and-employment
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions and comments.
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Cliff Federspiel, President and CTO at Vigilent, joins Robin Christopherson to discuss how Vigilent, winners of the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards 2023's Sustainability Award, uses AI and machine learning to optimise industrial systems while reducing carbon emissions.
Find out more about Vigilent: vigilent.com
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions, and comments.
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
John Helmes and Michael Vermeersch from Microsoft join Robin Christopherson to chat about Microsoft’s Adaptive Accessories. They talk about how these accessories are making a difference in the lives of disabled people and explore how AI might shake things up in terms of customising devices to individual needs.
Here is a list of resources that were referenced during the episode:
- This video provides an overview of the Microsoft Adaptive Accessories: Meet the new Adaptive Accessories from Microsoft
- Find more information about Microsoft Adaptive Accessories here: Accessible accessories for PC and Gaming
- Find examples of how the Microsoft Adaptive Accessories can be used in this YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JaraUnlockingPotential
- 3D printed customizations for the Microsoft Adaptive Accessories can be found at Shapeways
- Find out more about free digital skills training for people over 65: www.abilitynet.org.uk/BTDigitalSkills
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions, and comments.
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Ellie Thompson from Diversity and Ability joins Robin Christopherson to talk about the story behind the award-winning AXS Passport, its impact on both individuals and organisations, and its future advancements.
Access Diversity and Ability’s AXS Passport, to begin sharing your accessibility and inclusion requirements: https://axs-passport.co/
Book your free 15-minute Gap Analysis taster session: www.abilitynet.org.uk/gap-analysis
Access a free factsheet on Disability and Employment: www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets/disability-and-employment
Sign up to AbilityNet’s newsletter for the latest accessibility news.
Download a transcript of this session from the AbilityNet website: www.abilitynet.org.uk/podcast
Get in touch via enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk with feedback, questions, and comments.