The ROI on Accessibility: How Investing in Accessibility Benefits Everybody | Mike Hess

Oct 29, 2024

In this discussion, Mike Hess, a blind tech veteran and founder of the Blind Institute of Technology, tackles the stigma surrounding disabilities in the workplace. He shares insights on the economic potential of hiring disabled professionals and how organizations can benefit from inclusive practices. Mike highlights the transformative role of technology in enhancing accessibility and bridging the employment gap. He also emphasizes the importance of valuing individuals for their skills rather than their disabilities, advocating for a cultural shift towards inclusivity.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Empowering Accessibility in the Workplace

03:16 • 13min

Empowering Through Accessibility: The Case for Inclusive Management Practices

16:26 • 5min

Empowering Abilities: The Case for Accessibility

21:53 • 26min

Burning the Boats: Commitment to Change and Accessibility

47:40 • 3min

Embodying Values in Capitalism: A Focus on Accessibility

50:23 • 2min

After 20 years of managing multimillion-dollar projects for Fortune 500 companies, Mike Hess faced a troubling reality: he was often labeled as the "token blind guy." Despite developing invaluable skills through his blindness, he was disturbed by the high unemployment rates among fellow disabled professionals. Determined to break down corporate stigma, he founded the Blind Institute of Technology. Now, Mike is showing organizations how to access the unmatched potential of disabled professionals, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.

Mike Hess is the Founder and Executive Director at the Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), a non-profit dedicated to improving employment opportunities for professionals with disabilities through accessible technology and inclusive hiring practices.

In this episode, Dart and Mike discuss:
- The Blind Institute of Technology
- Inclusive design and accessibility
- Employment challenges for disabled professionals
- Common misconceptions about disabilities in the workplace
- The return on investment of hiring disabled employees
- Bridging the digital divide and achieving digital equity
- Generative AI for enhancing accessibility
- Tackling social discomfort around disabilities
- And other topics…

Mike Hess is the Founder and Executive Director at the Blind Institute of Technology (BIT), a non-profit dedicated to improving employment opportunities for professionals with disabilities through accessible technology and inclusive hiring practices. As a blind tech veteran with over two decades of experience managing 7-figure projects for Fortune 500 companies, Mike helps organizations build inclusive workplaces that capitalize on the strengths of disabled professionals. His initiatives at BIT include workforce development programs and partnerships that enhance diversity, equity, and accessibility.

Mike has been recognized in various media outlets and has received notable awards, including the 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Award and the 2019 GlobalMindED Inclusive Leader Award. His work with BIT has led to presentations at major tech conferences, and he co-hosts the podcast Choose Inclusion. Additionally, he developed EdgGuide, a system designed to enhance independent navigation in public spaces for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Resources mentioned:
Hidden Potential, by Adam Grant https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Potential-Science-Achieving-Greater/dp/0593653149

Connect with Mike:
www.blindIT.org

Work with Dart:
Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.