Investing In Accessibility

Kelvin Crosby & Chris Maher
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We aren't waiting for change, we are investing in it. Investing in Accessibility is dedicated to exploring the intersection of accessibility, entrepreneurship, and impact investing. Join hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher as they speak with entrepreneurs and thought leaders who are focused on empowering people with disabilities and creating a more accessible world.Kelvin Crosby is CEO of Smart Guider Inc., which develops navigation technology enabling deafblind individuals to travel independently. Known as The DeafBlind Potter, he funded his first invention, the See Me Cane, through pottery sales. Kelvin lives with Usher Syndrome type 2 and is a staunch advocate for accessibility.Chris Maher is the Founder & General Partner at Samaritan Partners, a public benefit venture fund that invests in the disability sector. Chris founded Samaritan after spending 25 years as an operator and multi-time CEO at a variety of venture capital-backed companies, and 20 years raising two daughters with disabilities. 

  1. 1D AGO

    The Forbes Accessibility 200: What's It All About?

    In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Alan Schwarz, Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist and managing editor at Forbes, for a behind-the-scenes look at The Accessibility 200 — Forbes’ growing list recognizing the innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and impact-makers shaping the future of accessibility. Alan shares the unexpected origin story behind the list, from his early reporting on the Paralympics and friendship with wheelchair racer Josh George, to his realization that accessibility is not only a social imperative or legal mandate — it is good business. Together, Kelvin, Chris, and Alan explore how Forbes approaches accessibility through the lens of business innovation, why the list is intentionally unranked, and how Alan built a broad advisory network across disability, technology, sports, education, mobility, veterans’ affairs, and corporate accessibility to help identify the people and organizations making real impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, journalist, corporate leader, or accessibility advocate, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how mainstream business media can help shine a brighter light on the disability innovation economy — and why accessibility is increasingly being recognized as smart business. Links & Resources:  Alan Schwarz: LinkedIn  Forbes Accessibility 200 Email: accessibilitylist@forbes.comSmokin J's BBQ: WebsiteCOMING SOON! American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

    27 min

  2. MAY 13

    Accelerator Series Part 5: Aarti Saghal, Synergies Work

    In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher close out the Accelerator Series with Aarti Sahgal, founder and CEO of Synergies Work and the Synergy Seed Fund, for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, disability, and closing the disability wealth gap. Aarti shares the personal journey that led her into the disability world—from navigating IEP meetings as an immigrant mother raising a son with Down syndrome, to realizing how many families and entrepreneurs with disabilities are forced to operate in systems that were never designed with them in mind. That lived experience became the foundation for Synergies Work, an organization built to support entrepreneurs with disabilities through business education, community, networks, and access to capital.  The conversation explores why entrepreneurship is such a critical pathway for people with disabilities, especially when traditional employment and funding systems often leave talent unseen. Aarti breaks down how Synergies Work supports founders through its accelerator programs, one-on-one coaching, peer networks, and virtual community hub—helping entrepreneurs move from idea to viable business.  This episode is a reminder that accessibility is not only about products, technology, or compliance—it is also about opportunity, ownership, and giving entrepreneurs with disabilities the tools, relationships, and capital they need to build. Links & Resources: Aarti Sahgal: LinkedIn Synergies Work: Website Synergies Seed Fund: Website SSF Financial Health Blog Series: Website Financial Fundamentals Program: Website COMING SOON! American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

    38 min

  3. APR 22

    Accelerator Series Part 4: Keevin O'Rourke, Multiple

    In this latest installment of our Accelerator Series, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Keevin O’Rourke, CEO of Multiple, a startup accelerator dedicated to advancing innovation in autism and neurodiversity tech. Keevin shares his journey from early entrepreneurship—building college startups and navigating the highs and lows of the accelerator ecosystem—to leading Multiple, where he now supports founders tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the autism community. From lessons learned during failed pivots to insights gained across venture, strategic consulting, and corporate innovation, Keevin brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective on what it takes to build—and scale—impact-driven companies.  The conversation dives deep into what makes Multiple different: a highly focused accelerator model that prioritizes revenue growth, go-to-market strategy, and investor readiness for startups already showing early traction. Keevin also unpacks the power of storytelling in fundraising, explaining why founders must go beyond “checklist pitches” to create emotional resonance—especially in a space where mission and market opportunity intersect. This episode blends practical startup advice with a powerful reminder: accessibility innovation isn’t just good—it’s investable. Tune in to learn how accelerators like Multiple are shaping the future of neurodiversity tech—and what founders should consider when choosing the right program to scale their growth. Links & Resources: Keevin O'Rourke: LinkedIn & Email: keevin@multiplehub.org Multiple: Website COMING SOON! American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

    32 min

  4. APR 8

    Accelerator Series Part 3: Molly Lazarus, Remarkable

    In this installment of our Accelerator Series, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Molly Lazarus, Director of the U.S. accelerator at Remarkable—a global nonprofit funding and supporting startups building innovative solutions for the disability community. Molly’s path to Remarkable is anything but conventional. From growing up alongside family members navigating ALS, to running summer camps for children with disabilities, to becoming a special education teacher-turned-startup founder backed by Y Combinator—each chapter shaped her belief that accessibility demands both empathy and innovation. A cold email to Remarkable’s team in Australia ultimately brought those worlds together. In this episode, Molly shares what it really takes to build—and support—mission-driven companies:  Why some accelerators are actually “decelerators”—and how Remarkable is different  How their nonprofit model creates regenerative capital for the disability tech ecosystem  The two universal challenges every startup faces—and how coaching helps solve them  Why vulnerability and psychological safety are critical for founder growth  Throughout the conversation, Molly offers hard-earned insights for founders at any stage: building a company is hard, often lonely, and full of trade-offs—so choosing the right problem to solve matters. Whether you’re building in accessibility, evaluating accelerators, or navigating the emotional and strategic realities of entrepreneurship, this episode offers an honest and refreshing perspective on what it takes to grow something that truly matters. Links & Resources  Molly Lazarus: LinkedIn  Remarkable: WebsiteCOMING SOON! American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

    46 min

  5. MAR 24

    Accelerator Series Part 2: Diego Mariscal, 2Gether-International

    In this installment of our Accelerator Series, Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Diego Mariscal, Founder and CEO of 2Gether-International—the largest accelerator supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities. Diego shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Monterrey, Mexico, to launching a global organization that has supported over 700 founders. Born prematurely and living with cerebral palsy, Diego’s lived experience shaped his belief that disability isn’t a limitation—it’s a powerful entrepreneurial advantage. This episode dives into: How resilience and problem-solving—core to the disability experience—translate directly into entrepreneurshipThe early scrappy days of building 2Gether International (including Airbnb hustles and pitching strangers in Uber rides)What makes 2Gether’s accelerator unique, from its community-driven model to its focus on disability as a competitive advantageWhy most founders misunderstand funding—and what they should focus on insteadThe critical (and often overlooked) challenge of balancing entrepreneurship with disability benefitsPractical advice for early-stage founders on building real value and solving meaningful problemsDiego also offers a candid perspective on what separates successful founders from the rest: a deep, personal drive to solve a problem—not just passion alone. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or advocate, this conversation will challenge how you think about disability, innovation, and what it truly takes to build something impactful. Links & Resources: Diego Mariscal: LinkedIn 2Gether-International: Website COMING SOON! American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

    34 min

  6. MAR 10

    Accelerator Series Part 1: Varun Chandak, Access To Success

    In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher launch the first installment of their new Accelerator Series, highlighting organizations that help disability-focused startups grow and scale their impact. Their first guest is Varun Chandak, founder and executive director of Access to Success (ATS), a Toronto-based nonprofit accelerator supporting accessibility startups around the world. Varun shares his personal journey—from growing up in India with undiagnosed hearing loss to working in finance and ultimately building a global innovation hub dedicated to advancing disability tech. The conversation explores how ATS helps early-stage companies move from promising ideas to scalable solutions through tailored mentorship, expert-led masterclasses, and a powerful global network. Varun also discusses the importance of inclusive design, why many accessibility startups pivot from B2C to B2B models, and the overlooked funding opportunities that founders should consider beyond traditional venture capital. Along the way, the hosts dive into the realities of entrepreneurship in the accessibility sector—from funding challenges to the emotional resilience required to build mission-driven companies. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or advocate passionate about innovation in accessibility, this episode offers valuable insights into the people and programs accelerating the future of inclusive technology. Links & Resources: Varun Chandak: LinkedIn Access to Success: Website ATS Demo Day 2025: Recording 2026 Spring Cohort: Expression of Interest Page COMING SOON! American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

    39 min

  7. FEB 24

    CES 2026 Panel: Investing in Accessibility

    In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, co-hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher take you behind the scenes at CES in Las Vegas—where accessibility took a major step forward with the first-ever dedicated Accessibility Stage. After navigating the chaos of 150,000 attendees (and a few unforgettable “grab the backpack and go!” moments), Kelvin and Chris bring you a live recording of Chris’s CES panel: “Investing in Accessibility.” The conversation features leaders from across the disability innovation ecosystem, including Perkins School for the Blind / The Howe Innovation Center, Movement Ventures, Disabled Life Alliance, and the CTA Foundation. Together, the panel breaks down what makes accessibility-focused startups investable, how purpose and profit align, and why disability innovation represents one of the biggest market opportunities still misunderstood by mainstream investors. You’ll hear about: What investors look for in accessibility and disability-tech startupsThe importance of founder-market fit and building with (not just for) disabled communitiesWhy the disability market is massive—and often overlookedThe “first money in” challenge for early-stage disability tech companiesWhy AI must be built accessibly from the start (so we don’t repeat the internet’s accessibility gap)How collaboration, mentorship, and ecosystem-building are accelerating the spaceThis episode is a snapshot of a shifting moment: accessibility moving from the sidelines to the center—and a call to action for founders, funders, and builders to design inclusively from day one. Links & Resources: CTA Foundation: Website / Irica Cheeks: LinkedIn disAbled Life Alliance: Website / Paul Kent: LinkedIn Movement Ventures: Website / Moaz Hamid: LinkedIn Perkins/Howe Innovation: Website / Sandy Lacey: LinkedIn COMING SOON! American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

    41 min

  8. FEB 10

    The Three B's of Amazon: Lauren Lobrano, Head of Accessibility and Global Disability Inclusion IXT group

    In this episode of Investing in Accessibility, hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher sit down with Lauren Lobrano, Head of Accessibility and Global Disability Inclusion at Amazon’s Inclusive Experiences and Technology (IXT) group. Lauren shares her powerful journey from public service and humanitarian work with the American Red Cross and Wounded Warrior Project to leading accessibility efforts at one of the world’s largest companies. Together, they explore the realities of acquired and non-apparent disabilities, the importance of long-term support systems, and why disability inclusion must be designed into products and workplaces—not bolted on afterward. Lauren introduces Amazon’s “Three Bs” framework—Bolted On, Built-In, and Born Inclusive—and explains how this mindset helps organizations reduce burnout, innovate faster, and scale accessibility globally. This conversation dives deep into: Why most disabilities are acquired during working ageHow inclusive design benefits everyone, not just people with disabilitiesThe role of lived experience in driving meaningful innovationWhat it takes to deliver consistent, global employee accessibility at scaleWhy community, collaboration, and courageous leadership matter now more than everIf you’re a business leader, technologist, investor, or advocate looking to go beyond compliance and create systems that truly work for all, this episode is for you. Links & Resources: Lauren Lobrano: LinkedIn Amazon Inclusive Experiences & Technology: Website Amazon In This Together: Website COMING SOON! American Sign Language (ASL) and Captioning for each episode will be provided on our YouTube channel. Go to handle @SamaritanPartners.

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

We aren't waiting for change, we are investing in it. Investing in Accessibility is dedicated to exploring the intersection of accessibility, entrepreneurship, and impact investing. Join hosts Kelvin Crosby and Chris Maher as they speak with entrepreneurs and thought leaders who are focused on empowering people with disabilities and creating a more accessible world.Kelvin Crosby is CEO of Smart Guider Inc., which develops navigation technology enabling deafblind individuals to travel independently. Known as The DeafBlind Potter, he funded his first invention, the See Me Cane, through pottery sales. Kelvin lives with Usher Syndrome type 2 and is a staunch advocate for accessibility.Chris Maher is the Founder & General Partner at Samaritan Partners, a public benefit venture fund that invests in the disability sector. Chris founded Samaritan after spending 25 years as an operator and multi-time CEO at a variety of venture capital-backed companies, and 20 years raising two daughters with disabilities. 

Information

  • Creator
    Kelvin Crosby & Chris Maher
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Investing In Accessibility
  • Show Website
    Investing In Accessibility

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