Julie Sowash of Disability Solutions talks with clients, friends, influencers, and advocates from the disability community to discuss the complexities, difficulties, and successes of disability employment.
In this honest and very human podcast, we analyze and dissect workplace trends, government policies, biases, and more, shedding light on disability inclusion and the people who are changing minds and changing lives.
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Julie Sowash of Disability Solutions talks with clients, friends, influencers, and advocates from the disability community to discuss the complexities, difficulties, and successes of disability employment.
In this honest and very human podcast, we analyze and dissect workplace trends, government policies, biases, and more, shedding light on disability inclusion and the people who are changing minds and changing lives.
In this compelling episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] sits down with disability advocate, policy leader, and employment innovator David Rice [https://www.linkedin.com/in/disabilitybydavid/] for a conversation that spans personal resilience, systemic change, and the future of disability inclusion.
David shares his powerful journey from being the only Deaf student in his community to leading transformational work at the National Institutes of Health and advising organizations through the CEO Commission on Disability Employment [https://ceocommission.org/]. Together, Julie and David explore the intersection of disability and healthcare, workplace accessibility, and what it truly takes to build inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
David also offers practical advice for employers, including how to support employees with disabilities, the business case for accessibility, and why believing in people with disabilities can make a significant difference. As they discuss, designing inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities doesn't just benefit those individuals—it improves experiences, access, and innovation for everyone.
Notes:
David Rice is a dedicated leader and advocate in the field of disability rights, with over 15 years of experience advancing accessibility, inclusion, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Deaf since the age of four, David's advocacy is both personal and professional, grounded in a lifelong commitment to creating equitable environments.
David served as President of Deaf in Government (2014–2018), where he worked to remove communication barriers, support career development, and champion the rights of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing federal employees. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives to create accessible training programs, launch employee resource groups, and embed disability inclusion into organizational culture.
Known for his strategic leadership and collaborative approach, David continues to shape more inclusive workplaces, benefiting not only individuals with disabilities but also entire organizations.
A big thanks to Brianna McCormack, the episode's ASL interpreter.
Changing Minds and Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.
Changing Minds & Changing Lives Podcast
Julie Sowash of Disability Solutions talks with clients, friends, influencers, and advocates from the disability community to discuss the complexities, difficulties, and successes of disability employment.
In this honest and very human podcast, we analyze and dissect workplace trends, government policies, biases, and more, shedding light on disability inclusion and the people who are changing minds and changing lives.
