Digital Accessibility and Inclusion Making the Web a Better Place for All E21
In this episode of Changing the Perception of Blindness, host David Steinmetz explores digital accessibility with experts Kai Wong from Teladoc Health and Phil Yatvin from Level Access. They discuss the pivotal role of allies in fostering inclusivity for people who are blind, sharing personal motivations rooted in experiences of exclusion. Kai, a senior manager of digital accessibility, emphasizes inclusivity at Teladoc Health, while Phil, a strategic partnerships executive, advocates for accessible employment opportunities.
The conversation highlights the symbiotic relationship between accessibility and usability, underscoring the need for positive user experiences. The guests also address challenges posed by overlays, emphasize the importance of genuine efforts in design, and explore standards, enforcement, and proactive strategies for digital accessibility, reflecting their commitment to positive change in this realm.
Listen now to gain valuable insights and be part of the journey toward a more inclusive digital landscape.
Teladoc Health was founded on a simple, yet revolutionary idea: that everyone should have access to the best healthcare, anywhere in the world on their terms. Today, they are delivering on our mission by providing whole-person virtual care that includes primary care, mental health, chronic condition management and more.
Kai Wong (she/her/they/them), Senior Manager of Digital Accessibility at Teladoc Health, is passionate about making the digital world accessible for people with disabilities.
Kai strongly believes in the transformative power of accessible technology for better health outcomes. Kai was a 2021 DC FemTech Award Recipient, has a US patent pending related to accessibility technology, and holds certifications related to health education and quality assurance.
At Teladoc Health, a global leader in virtual health and whole person care, Kai actively champions digital accessibility by baking it into the software development lifecycle and partnering with cross functional leaders to make it a priority.
Additionally, Kai founded Accessibility Champions for Change and serves as the first Digital Accessibility Partner on the THRIVE BRG’s leadership team.
Kai is known for their unique ability to make complex topics like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) engaging and enjoyable to learn about, especially for quality engineers, product managers, and web/mobile app developers.
Connect with Kai on LinkedIn.
The Level Access digital accessibility solution combines the most robust platform and deepest bench of accessibility expertise to help organizations create accessible and legally compliant websites, mobile apps, software, and other technology. They have supported the accessibility initiatives of thousands of organizations, from Fortune 500 enterprises to public sector and government agencies, educational institutions, and private sector businesses of all sizes.
Level Access is proud of their diverse team of engineers, programmers, and consultants, many of whom have disabilities themselves. These lived experiences help them identify accessibility needs and issues, and more effectively create and test digital experiences to ensure maximum usability for all.
In addition, dozens of their Accessibility Services colleagues have worked as either staff members or contractors for the Section 508 compliance teams in U.S. Federal Government agencies.
With experiences in consulting, special education, and developing non-profit social enterprises businesses that focus on employment of professionals with disabilities, Phil has a deep understanding of the apex of business and disability inclusion.
Phil Yatvin excels at helping organizations understand the never-ending benefits of creating inclusive experiences for all. He breaks down flawed mindsets organizations have about employees and customers with disabilities so that they can improve business outcomes while also becoming more inclusive.
Whether the goal is to improve employee morale and productivity, grow market reach, or mitigate legal risk, Phil connects the dots for business leaders and empowers them to create sustainable digital inclusion strategies.
Now part of the Strategic Partnerships team at Level Access, he works with organizations and agencies that create digital experiences including websites, mobile apps, software, and other content, to ensure the assets they create for clients is inclusive to all.
Connect with Phil on LinkedIn.
About Your Host
As the manager of Community and Public Relations, David Steinmetz uses his expertise, education, and personal experiences to “change the perception of blindness.”
Diagnosed with RP, a blinding retinal disease, at the age of 19, David uses his personal story to drive change that leads to improved employment outcomes and community integration for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Mr. Steinmetz graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics. Additionally, Steinmetz has continued his education by graduating from the Business Management Training (BMT) program provided by Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.
In 2008, David was the national recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.
David Steinmetz is a member of the Governors’ Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments, is a Board Member at the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and serves his community through the Chandler Lions Club.
Connect with David on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the Show
Changing the Perception of Blindness; One Conversation at a Time is dedicated to breaking down barriers, de-mystifying blindness and promoting real world solutions that empower people who are blind to live a full and inclusive life.
Host, David Steinmetz connects with organizations, industry professionals and thought leaders who are working to bridge the gap that creates a world accessible for all.
About Arizona Industries for the Blind
Arizona Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military bases under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor’s AbilityOne program.
