Accessibility Ally

Podcasts with purpose
  • 5.0 (7)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Accessibility Ally is a podcast brought to you by Sea Change CoLab and Podstarter. In 10 episodes we aim to have conversations with folks who have disabilities, and those who are also accessibility allies, to help change the narrative. Throughout the series we chat with business managers, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, organizations, government, and institutions working in the space of accessibility; who all support adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A lot of the conversation is educational, but is also about finding friendship, community and success in an accessible Nova Scotia. Support for this community is a choice, and it is about creating social and economic opportunities through fair wage jobs, and enhancing life skills. It's not hard to make some small changes to be a more inclusive workplace and society. The benefits are many including, economic, the bottom line of your business, and positively changes workplace culture. This podcast is narrated by Corrie Melanson.

  1. 1D AGO

    Accessible Digital Communications with Kirsten Dodd and Garth Holmes

    Join host Corey for an insightful conversation with digital accessibility experts Garth Holmes, co-founder of Be Responsive Media, and Kirsten Dodd, CEO of Haynova, as they tackle one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of inclusion: making the digital world accessible to everyone. Drawing from decades of experience in web development, design, and inclusive technology, Garth and Kirsten move beyond compliance checklists to explore the human impact of digital barriers—and how to remove them. Key topics include: Why third-party tools and platforms are often the biggest roadblocks to accessibility and how to advocate for changeThe power of auditing with people who have disabilities and how it transformed the ACE Project websiteHow inaccessible apps during COVID-19 put people at risk and why digital access is a matter of food security, health, and dignityDebunking the myth that accessibility limits creativity and how it actually strengthens your brand and user experiencePractical, low-cost ways to start: from browser extensions like WAVE to listening to your site with a screen readerWhy empathy, not just compliance, drives lasting change, and how to build it into your team’s processWhere to find grants and resources in Nova Scotia to support your accessibility journey Whether you’re a developer, designer, marketer, or business leader, this episode is packed with real stories, actionable strategies, and a clear message: digital accessibility isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have for reaching and respecting your entire community. Ready to make your digital space truly inclusive? Listen now.

    32 min

  2. 2025-10-21

    Creating Sustainable Accessibility Across Organization with Julie Glaser and Laura Swaine

    Join host Corrie Melanson for a thought-provoking conversation with Julie Glaser, accessibility consultant in the Annapolis Valley, and Laura Swaine, Manager of Community Programs at YWCA Halifax, as they explore how different generations are reshaping workplace accessibility, from Gen Z to Boomers. Julie and Laura bring unique perspectives from supporting teams spanning early 20s to over 65, revealing how younger workers are entering the workforce with stronger self-awareness and clearer expectations around accommodations, while older generations are discovering new language and diagnoses later in life. Together, they unpack the tension between traditional workplace structures and emerging approaches centred on flexibility, vulnerability, and openness. Key topics include: Why psychological safety can't just be a buzzword and how to actually build itThe power of occupational therapists to assess entire workplaces, not just individualsEmployee resource groups: Why small organisations should collaborate regionallyHow Gen Z is "changing the dial" and saying "time's up" on workplace barriersStarting benefits day one and exploring four-day work weeksWhy accommodations aren't a checkbox, they're an ongoing conversationEmbedding accessibility into the building blocks of work: meetings, emails, and everyday interactions Whether you're managing a multi-generational team, navigating your own accommodation needs, or leading organisational change, this episode offers inspiration, practical strategies, and hope for creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

    40 min

  3. 2025-10-21

    Building a Culture of Workplace Inclusion with Ellen Johnson and Nikki Burd

    Join host Corrie Melanson for an inspiring conversation with Ellen Johnson, Regional Accessibility Coordinator for five Lunenburg County municipalities, and Nikki Burd, Manager of Human Resources at Stewart McKelvey, as they share practical "disability hacks" that are transforming workplaces across Nova Scotia. Ellen shares her personal journey from navigating her first job with low vision to her current role advocating for accessibility, while Nikki offers insights from supporting nearly 700 employees across six offices in Atlantic Canada. Together, they reveal that creating inclusive workplaces doesn't require massive budgets; it requires commitment, creativity, and compassion. Key topics include: Why flexible work arrangements are the ultimate accessibility solutionLow-cost changes that signal safety: fidgets, dimmers, and wellness roomsBreaking down the myth that accommodations are expensive (spoiler: most aren't!)Starting benefits day one instead of after 90 days, and why it mattersThe power of asking "What do you need?" without making assumptionsRepresentation as a "super hack" for embedding accessibility into organisational cultureWhy wellness accounts should cover art supplies, not just gym memberships Whether you're an employer just starting your accessibility journey or an HR professional looking for fresh ideas, this episode offers actionable strategies and the reminder that mistakes are okay; what matters is taking steps forward.

    42 min

  4. 2025-10-21

    The State of Accessibility in Nova Scotia with Tova Sherman and Tammy Bernasky

    Join host Corrie Melanson for an insightful conversation with Tammy Bernasky, Assistant Professor at Cape Breton University, and Tova Sherman, CEO of Reachability Association, as they explore the current state of accessibility and disability inclusion in Nova Scotia. Tammy shares her work developing the groundbreaking Quality of Life Index for people with disabilities—a comprehensive measurement tool covering 13 domains from employment and education to economic security and democratic engagement. Meanwhile, Tova brings a grassroots perspective, discussing the realities facing the 350 clients her organisation serves annually, including the growing population of newcomers with disabilities. Key topics include: The persistent poverty-disability link and why economic security mattersDebunking myths about expensive accommodations (most cost less than $500!)The intersectionality of disability with other marginalised identitiesWhy "right person, right job" should replace traditional job descriptionsThe lingering impacts of COVID-19 on isolation and inclusionWhat gives these advocates hope for the future Whether you're an employer, service provider, or advocate, this episode challenges you to rethink disability inclusion and move from awareness to meaningful action.

    32 min

  5. 2024-08-13

    Accessibility Confident Leaders

    Henk and Thivjan are both Executive Directors (ED) of organizations that support people with intellectual disabilities. Henk is the ED of DASC Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC), a social enterprise. Thivjan is the ED of Inclusion Nova Scotia. The three have a conversation about what it means to be an accessibility confident leader in Nova Scotia, and the importance of valuing and empowering people with disabilities to advocate for themselves and create an accessible future. This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more. This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab. Produced by Podstarter. Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/10/transcript)

    39 min

  6. 2024-07-30

    Arts and Accessibility, with LEGacy Circus Co-Creator, Vanessa Furlong

    Corrie sits down with Vanessa Furlong, who is an artist and mental health practitioner based in Halifax. She worked with Erin Ball to create LEGacy Circus, a contemporary arts duo combining the use of leg attachments, mobility aids, and traditional and non-traditional circus apparatuses. Vanessa and Erin created a great resource called Increasing Accessibility in movement-based practices. In this episode, Vanessa discusses experiences advocating for accessibility in live performance. She emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and collaboration to create a more inclusive environment. Corrie and Vanessa also discussed the pervasive nature of ableism in various contexts, including art and culture, and stressed the need for proactive accessibility, intersectionality, and inclusive policies to disrupt ableism. This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more. This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab. Produced by Podstarter. Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/9/transcript)

    35 min

  7. 2024-07-16

    Advocating for Accessibility in Education

    Michelle Mahoney, Accessibility Officer at Kings University, and Morgane Evans, a former Dalhousie student who works in communications, share their experiences around accessibility and education. They chat with host Corrie Melanson about the importance of inclusive education and advocating for accessibility in Nova Scotia, with a focus on shifting mindsets towards disability inclusion. They discuss challenges and difficulties in accessing accommodations in post-secondary education, highlighting the need for more protections and accommodations for students with disabilities. This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more. This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab. Produced by Podstarter. Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/8/transcript)

    31 min

  8. 2024-07-02

    Access and Autonomy: Navigating Social Justice with Vicky Levack

    We should always feel supported by our community, specifically by our local institutions. Human Rights Activist, Vicki Levack, joins Corrie this episode to discuss the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing employment and housing, as well as their experiences advocating for social justice and human rights in Canada. The two chat about the Human Rights Remedy, and the role of the Disability Rights Coalition, as well as their personal experiences and barriers in accessing the community. This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more. This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab. Produced by Podstarter. Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/7/transcript)

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Accessibility Ally is a podcast brought to you by Sea Change CoLab and Podstarter. In 10 episodes we aim to have conversations with folks who have disabilities, and those who are also accessibility allies, to help change the narrative. Throughout the series we chat with business managers, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, organizations, government, and institutions working in the space of accessibility; who all support adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A lot of the conversation is educational, but is also about finding friendship, community and success in an accessible Nova Scotia. Support for this community is a choice, and it is about creating social and economic opportunities through fair wage jobs, and enhancing life skills. It's not hard to make some small changes to be a more inclusive workplace and society. The benefits are many including, economic, the bottom line of your business, and positively changes workplace culture. This podcast is narrated by Corrie Melanson.

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