Pathways to Zero Barriers

Zero Project

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ريادة الأعمال
يتم التحديث كل أسبوعين

Building on the broader themes explored in previous seasons, Season 3 of Pathways to Zero Barriers focuses on innovations in Assistive Technology (AT). In each episode, we speak with innovators and industry members of the Zero Project Network to gain insights into the evolving AT landscape. The show explores the challenges the solutions addressed and the current state of the market.

٢٢ يوليو

Putting humanity into AI: how a voice avatar preserves identity

Welcome to the second episode of the new season of Pathways to Zero Barriers! In this episode, David Betts, shares his story on how assistive technology and AI can restore dignity, voice and human connection for people living with speech-limiting disabilities and conditions. The conversation centres on David’s journey following his ALS diagnosis and the creation of “Talk to Me, Goose!”, an AI-powered communication platform designed to support people whose natural speech is impaired or at risk. Beyond the technology itself, the discussion explores broader themes of accessibility, dignity, storytelling, community, innovation, and how AI can be used to strengthen rather than weaken human connection. 📃Episode's transcript Key Takeaways from this episode: Breaking the Triple Barrier: How “Talk to Me, Goose!” tackles the three biggest challenges in assistive communication—cost, access, and complexity—by leveraging consumer devices, foundation partnerships, creativity and AI-driven tools. From Utility to Humanity: Why assistive technology must move beyond basic needs (communicating: "I'm hungry", "I'm cold") to support personality, emotion, storytelling, humour, and meaningful participation in everyday life. Giving the Voice Back to the Community: How AI-driven tools can strengthen and rebuild communities, preserve memories and create new opportunities for inclusion AI as a Collaborative Partner: Lessons from building “Talk to Me, Goose!” with no coding background, including why the most effective use of AI is not automation alone, but working with AI as a creative and technical teammate. About Our Guest: David Betts was the leader for Public Health Transformation for Deloitte Consulting. He focused on assisting clients in the public health arena to create a more resilient public health infrastructure. He retired in January 2026 due to his ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) diagnosis. He founded the public benefit corporation, StoryFlight Labs dedicated to restoring dignity, sparking imagination and strengthening human connection, with a focus on people living with speech-limiting disabilities and conditions. Pathways to Zero Barriers is a Zero Project podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe!
٢٤ يونيو

Crossover and Convergence: Today's AT Innovation Landscape

Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of Pathways to Zero Barriers! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sambhavi Chandrashekar, Global Accessibility Lead at D2L (Desire2Learn), to explore how the lines between assistive technology (AT) and mainstream consumer tech are permanently blurring. We look closely at how the "curb-cut effect" is accelerating in 2026, driven by edge AI, next-generation wearables, and massive market convergence. 📃Episode transcript Key Takeaways from This Episode: The Curb-Cut Effect & AI Acceleration: How features like captions and predictive text transition from niche AT to mainstream defaults—and how AI is collapsing this adoption timeline. Wearables to Watch: A look at the $34.2B global AT market, featuring breakout tech like Meta Ray-Ban glasses, the OrCam MyEye, and the booming $20B health-and-sleep tracking ring industry. Tech Convergence vs. Mainstream Crossover: Understanding the difference between OS-level accessibility features (Apple, Google, Microsoft) and true tech convergence (where edge AI, IoT, and biotech merge into real-time health advisors). The $13 Trillion Case for Accessibility: Why 53% of consumers are connected to disability, and why developers must stop designing for the "mythical average user." About Our Guest: Dr. Sambhavi Chandrashekar is the Global Accessibility Lead at D2L (Desire2Learn), where she champions inclusive design and digital accessibility at scale. She is a recognized expert in reframing accessibility as a core business strategy and an engine for mainstream innovation. Pathways to Zero Barriers is a Zero Project podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe!
مقطع ترويجي للحلقة ١ من الموسم ٣

Pathways to Zero Barriers: Season 3

Pathways to Zero Barriers: Season 3 In this short introduction Tom Butcher and Judith Hermetter will provide an overview of this season's structure, highlight upcoming topics, and share what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead. 🔗 Zero Project: https://zeroproject.org 📩 Contact: podcast@zeroproject.org Brought to you by The Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation and its global network of partners committed to advancing disability inclusion worldwide. Credits Host: Tom Butcher Production: Małgorzata Grobelna, Alessandro Gobello, and Judith Hermetter Audio Engineering: Antina Zlatkova / Mediengarten
٢٩ أبريل

The mindset of scaling internationally with Małgorzata Grobelna

Pathways to Zero Barriers Episode: The mindset of scaling internationally with Małgorzata Grobelna What does it take to scale disability innovation across borders—and what mindset makes international growth possible? In this episode of Pathways to Zero Barriers, host Tom Butcher speaks with Małgorzata “Margaret” Grobelna, Programme Manager at Zero Project, about what it truly means to scale disability innovation internationally. Drawing on her experience leading the Scaling Solutions Programme, Małgorzata explains why scaling should be understood not simply as organizational growth, but as the deliberate replication and adaptation of impactful solutions across regions and countries. Reflecting on lessons from Zero Project Scaling Solutions Fellows around the world, Margaret outlines the foundations of successful scaling: developing a clear roadmap, selecting the right markets, designing pilots, building strong local partnerships, and remaining flexible when circumstances change. She emphasizes that innovators should avoid perfectionism, resist hyper-focusing on details, and instead cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failure. The conversation also highlights the importance of co-designing solutions with persons with disabilities from the outset and ensuring that lived experience remains central throughout the scaling journey. Małgorzata also explores how AI can support scaling: from matchmaking with strategic partners to translation, market research, contextual analysis, and even acting as a strategic brainstorming partner. Her call to action is clear: the world does not lack solutions for persons with disabilities, but it lacks the ambition and systems needed to scale those solutions globally, so they are available to a wider audience. In this episode: • Scaling internationally through strategy, partnerships, and local adaptation • Co-designing with persons with disabilities and building continuous feedback loops • Using AI as a practical tool for research, matchmaking, and strategic planning Resources & Links 🔗 Programme website: scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org 📄 Transcript ✅ Key Takeaways Checklist 🌐 Guest: Małgorzata Grobelna Małgorzata Grobelna | LinkedIn / Zero Project 📩 Contact: scaling-solutions@zeroproject.org Brought to you by The Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, and Access to Success. Credits Host: Thomas Butcher Production: Małgorzata Grobelna, Alessandro Gobello, and Judith Hermetter Audio Engineering: Antina Zlatkova / Mediengarten
٧ أبريل

Innovations on a global stage: Reflections on #ZeroCon26 with Varun Chandak

Episode: Innovations on a global stage: Reflections on #ZeroCon26 with Varun Chandak "The conference doesn't end with the last session". In this special episode, guest host Judith Hermetter sits down with Varun Chandak, Founder and Executive Director of Access to Success, to recap the high-energy days of the Zero Project Conference 2026 (#ZeroCon26) at the United Nations in Vienna. As the implementation partner for the Zero Project Scaling Solutions Programme, Varun and his team provide training, matchmaking, and resources necessary for Programme Fellows to take their innovations to new regions and countries. Varun shares his first-hand observations—from the intensity of stage rehearsals at the UN to the emotional experience of presenting at the Austrian Parliament. Tune in to hear Varun’s insights into networking with intent, the role of AI in conference planning, and why the most important part of any presentation is a clear call to action. Resources & Links 🔗 Programme website: scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org 📄 Transcript ✅ Key Takeaways 🌐 Guest: Varun Chandak 📩 Contact: scaling-solutions@zeroproject.org Brought to you by The Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, and Access to Success. Credits Host: Tom Butcher Production: Małgorzata Grobelna, Alessandro Gobello, and Judith Hermetter Audio Engineering: Antina Zlatkova / Mediengarten
٢٥ مارس

Interlude: from stories to strategies

It’s mid-season for Pathways to Zero Barriers, and we have a short announcement regarding what’s coming up next. Until now, each episode has featured a single innovator sharing their insights on scaling solutions. For the remainder of the season, we’re diving deeper - joined by experts from around the world to explore some of the topics in greater detail. Subscribe now so you don't miss these deep-dive conversations!
١١ مارس

When healthcare adapts to the individual with Dr. Shalhav Malamud

Pathways to Zero Barriers Episode: When healthcare adapts to the individual with Dr. Shalhav Malamud How can person-centered care transform access to healthcare for persons with disabilities? In this episode of Pathways to Zero Barriers, host Tom Butcher speaks with Dr. Shalhav Malamud, Medical Director of the Dental Clinic at Beit Issie Shapiro in Israel. Dr. Malamud shares how adapting healthcare environments, communication, and clinical practices to individual needs can improve access to dental care for persons with disabilities. Drawing on her experience developing a person-centered, sensory-informed dental care model, Dr. Malamud discusses how trust-building, multidisciplinary approaches, and professional education can reduce reliance on general anesthesia and support patients to build confidence in receiving routine care. The conversation also explores systemic barriers within healthcare training and service delivery, the importance of integrating disability-focused competencies into medical education, and the responsible use of AI as a supportive tool in professional training and service improvement. Dr. Malamud’s call to action highlights the importance of ensuring that patients feel seen, safe, and respected, and encourages academic institutions and professional organizations to embed disability-focused training as a core component of healthcare curricula. In this episode: Adapting healthcare systems, environments, and communication to individual needs Reducing reliance on general anesthesia through person-centered care models Addressing systemic barriers through education and professional training Resources & Links 🔗 Programme website: scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org 📄 Transcript: Download Transcript ✅ Key Takeaways Checklist: Download 🌐 Guest: Dr Shalhav Malamud / Beit Issie Shapiro: link 📩 Contact: scaling-solutions@zeroproject.org Brought to you by The Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, and Access to Success. Credits Host: Thomas Butcher Production: Małgorzata Grobelna, Alessandro Gobello, and Judith Hermetter Audio Engineering: Antina Zlatkova / Mediengarten
١١ فبراير

Making neurodivergent lives visible with Melissa Muñoz-Flández

Episode: Making neurodivergent lives visible with Melissa Muñoz-Flández How can technology support autistic people across their entire lifespan, without excluding those who cannot afford it? In this episode, host Thomas Butcher speaks with Melissa Muñoz-Flández, Founder and CEO of Prisma Neurodivergente and creator of Autistapp. Launched in June 2024, Autistapp is a free mobile application designed for pre-teens, teenagers, and adults – an age group often overlooked in autism-related technologies. The app offers ten integrated tools, including pictograms, relaxation resources, an emotions diary addressing alexithymia, autism-related information, and a curated services marketplace. It is financed through ethical advertising and certifications via Prisma Neurodivergente, ensuring users are not required to pay for support. Melissa shares the challenges of scaling a social technology initiative in Chile, reflects on the importance of building a team, and describes how being named among the 35 Innovators Under 35 in LATAM by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology became a turning point in her journey. In this episode: • Autism inclusion must extend across the lifespan, not focus only on children • Business models must reflect the economic realities of autistic adults • Inclusion must be designed with neurodivergent people, not without them Resources & Links 🔗 Programme website: scaling-solutions.zeroproject.org 📄 Transcript ✅ Key Takeaways Checklist 🌐 Guest: Melissa Muñoz-Flández / Autistapp 📩 Contact: scaling-solutions@zeroproject.org Brought to you by The Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation, Fundación Descúbreme, GIZ on behalf of BMZ, and Access to Success. Credits Host: Thomas Butcher Production: Małgorzata Grobelna, Alessandro Gobello, and Judith Hermetter Audio Engineering: Antina Zlatkova / Mediengarten

مشاهدة الكل (٣٣)

مقطع ترويجي

Pathways to Zero Barriers: Season 3

Pathways to Zero Barriers: Season 3 In this short introduction Tom Butcher and Judith Hermetter will provide an overview of this season's structure, highlight upcoming topics, and share what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead. 🔗 Zero Project: https://zeroproject.org 📩 Contact: podcast@zeroproject.org Brought to you by The Zero Project with the support of the Essl Foundation and its global network of partners committed to advancing disability inclusion worldwide. Credits Host: Tom Butcher Production: Małgorzata Grobelna, Alessandro Gobello, and Judith Hermetter Audio Engineering: Antina Zlatkova / Mediengarten

Building on the broader themes explored in previous seasons, Season 3 of Pathways to Zero Barriers focuses on innovations in Assistive Technology (AT). In each episode, we speak with innovators and industry members of the Zero Project Network to gain insights into the evolving AT landscape. The show explores the challenges the solutions addressed and the current state of the market.

صناع العمل

Zero Project
سنوات النشاط

٢٠٢٤ - ٢٠٢٦
الحلقات

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التقييم

ملائم
حقوق النشر

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Pathways to Zero Barriers