Disability@Work

Ashley Sims

Disability@Work is a podcast focused on disability inclusion, accessibility, and equity in the workplace. Hosted by disability inclusion strategist and Director of Marketing & Communications, Ashley Sims, the show explores the cultural, social, and systemic factors that shape access, opportunity, and employment for people with disabilities. Each episode features thoughtful conversations and practical insights for employers, HR leaders, advocates, and allies working to build more inclusive organizations. Topics include disability in the workplace, inclusive hiring, accessibility, disability culture, ableism, policy, and the lived experiences of disabled people. Whether you’re advancing DEI initiatives, designing accessible workplaces, or learning how to better support disabled talent, Disability@Work offers clear, actionable perspectives to help create environments where everyone can participate and thrive.

Episodes

  1. Physical Disability at Work with Jessica Cox and Pauline Victoria

    5 MAR · VIDEO

    Physical Disability at Work with Jessica Cox and Pauline Victoria

    What happens when talent is overlooked before it’s even seen? In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims explores one of the most damaging barriers disabled professionals face in the workplace: being underestimated. She’s joined by Jessica Cox, the world’s first licensed armless pilot, and Pauline Victoria, disability inclusion advocate and employment equity leader, to unpack how perceptions—not ability—often shape opportunity. Together, they discuss what it’s really like to go into interviews and workplaces with visible physical disabilities, how assumptions impact hiring decisions, and why confidence and representation matter more than most employers realize. The conversation also reframes workplace accommodations—not as burdens, but as practical tools that enable people to do their jobs well. Jessica and Pauline also introduce their new podcast, Living Unlimited, which centers on the lived experiences of limb differences and highlights resources, resilience, and community. Key topics include: Being underestimated in professional settings Physical disability and first impressions Workplace accommodations and self-advocacy Confidence, representation, and disability inclusion Lived experience with limb differencesThis episode is essential listening for employers and HR leaders working to build more inclusive workplaces, disabled professionals navigating interviews and workplace accommodations, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of physical disability in the workplace. Disability@Work is produced by Disability Solutions, a nonprofit job board and consulting firm dedicated to advancing career success for people with disabilities. We partner with employers to demonstrate the real business value of hiring and retaining talent from the disability community. Join us for honest conversations and bold perspectives on what true disability inclusion looks like in today’s workplace. Notes:  Living Unlimbited Podcast Guests: Jessica CoxPauline Victoria (Sand) Aughe Host:Ashley Sims

    14 min
  2. Tracking Disability Data: Section 503, Self‑ID, and Retention Strategies

    26 FEB · VIDEO

    Tracking Disability Data: Section 503, Self‑ID, and Retention Strategies

    What does it really take to build long‑term disability inclusion at work—and how do organizations know if their efforts are actually working? In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims is joined by Erin McCann, PR Compliance Manager at Roche Diagnostics, for a practical conversation on tracking disability inclusion through self‑identification, Section 503 data, and employee retention. Together, they explore why disability self‑ID campaigns must be ongoing rather than one‑time initiatives, how Section 503’s 7% utilization goal should be used as a strategic benchmark—not a quota—and what disability data can reveal about barriers across the employee lifecycle. Erin also shares real‑world insights on retention, challenging the myth that accommodations are costly and highlighting how inclusive workplaces often see stronger engagement and longer tenure among employees with disabilities. The episode offers actionable guidance for employers looking to improve their data practices by building psychological safety, protecting privacy, and shifting toward a culture of trust and transparency. Whether you’re a federal contractor, HR leader, or inclusion practitioner, this episode offers clear takeaways on how tracking disability data can drive smarter strategy, stronger retention, and more meaningful inclusion. Disability@Work is produced by Disability Solutions, a nonprofit job board and consulting firm focused on advancing career success for people with disabilities. We partner with employers to highlight the business value of hiring and retaining top talent from the disability community. Tune in for fresh conversations and bold perspectives on disability inclusion in the workplace.

    9 min
  3. Ableism in Tech: Building Accessible Products with the Founders of Dateability

    19 FEB · VIDEO

    Ableism in Tech: Building Accessible Products with the Founders of Dateability

    Ableism is deeply embedded in the tech industry—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Disability@Work, Ashley Sims is joined by Jacqueline and Alexa Child, sisters and co-founders of Dateability, the first dating app built specifically for people with disabilities. Together, they unpack ableism in tech, why accessibility is still treated as an afterthought, and how inclusive design benefits everyone. The conversation also explores disability representation in startups, barriers to VC funding for disabled founders, and what it takes to build accessible technology from the ground up. This episode is a must-listen for tech leaders, designers, founders, and anyone committed to disability inclusion, accessible design, and equitable innovation. Disability@Work is a production of Disability Solutions, a non-profit job board and consulting firm dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve career success—partnering with corporate employers to help them understand the value in hiring and retaining top talent from the disability community. Tune in for fresh conversations and bold perspectives on disability inclusion.

    13 min
  4. The Vanishing Act: Why Inclusion Language Is Quietly Disappearing

    10 FEB · VIDEO

    The Vanishing Act: Why Inclusion Language Is Quietly Disappearing

    In this episode of Disability@Work, Ashley Sims discusses a growing trend: DEI language quietly being removed from federal websites and Fortune 100 companies. With terms like equity, inclusion, and even disability disappearing from public materials, what does this shift mean for accessibility, workplace culture, and disability inclusion efforts? Ashley explores reporting from The New York Times and HR Brew, explains how language changes shape priorities and accountability, and shares practical steps for advocates to keep disability visible even as organizations back away from DEI messaging. Language is power—and protecting it protects progress. Disability@Work is a production of Disability Solutions, a non-profit job board and consulting firm dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve career success—partnering with corporate employers to help them understand the value in hiring and retaining top talent from the disability community.  Tune in for fresh conversations and bold perspectives on disability inclusion. Host Ashley Sims explores the cultural, social, and systemic factors that shape access, opportunity, and equity for people with disabilities. Whether you’re an employer, advocate, or ally, this podcast gives you quick, practical insights to help build a more inclusive world.

    9 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Disability@Work is a podcast focused on disability inclusion, accessibility, and equity in the workplace. Hosted by disability inclusion strategist and Director of Marketing & Communications, Ashley Sims, the show explores the cultural, social, and systemic factors that shape access, opportunity, and employment for people with disabilities. Each episode features thoughtful conversations and practical insights for employers, HR leaders, advocates, and allies working to build more inclusive organizations. Topics include disability in the workplace, inclusive hiring, accessibility, disability culture, ableism, policy, and the lived experiences of disabled people. Whether you’re advancing DEI initiatives, designing accessible workplaces, or learning how to better support disabled talent, Disability@Work offers clear, actionable perspectives to help create environments where everyone can participate and thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Sims
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Disability@Work