Digital Accessibility Creates a World That Works Better For All E1
In this episode, David Steinmetz, Brandon Ramsey, Dan Holbrook, and Rus Ahrens got together to discuss the importance of developing an accessibility action team to ensure digital products are accessible to internal and external customers.
David stressed that “Digital accessibility is crucial to organizations, not just from a compliance perspective, but to organizations when recruiting, training and sustaining employment for people with disabilities.”
Software developers, Executive Leadership and Information Technology experts will gain a new perspective on bringing the various disciplines to the table during the initial development process. Dan explained the cost escalation rule AKA 1-10-100 rule during the software development process.
Nerdery is a digital product consultancy. Much more than consultants, they’re allies on their clients’ digital journeys — a collection of strategists, designers, technologists and proud “Nerds,” who are united around a vision of relentlessly inventing a world that works better for all.
Nerdery’s experience is rooted in technology and engineering, and they design to serve everyone. They work alongside their clients to create goal-oriented digital products that transform business, make enduring customer connections, and elevate the human experience. Nerdery was founded in 2003 and has offices in Minneapolis, Chicago and Phoenix.
Russ Ahrens is a user experience designer with a passion for bringing cross-disciplinary teams together to solve important problems.
Russ leads the Accessibility Action Squad, a group that is committed to elevating the knowledge, skill, effectiveness, and visibility of Nerdery’s accessibility practice.
Brandon Ramsey is the Sr. Customer Manager for Nerdery after seven years in tech at Microsoft and Insight.
During his career he worked for a national non-profit supporting people with disabilities, and he continues to focus on breaking down barriers for people with disabilities.
Dan Holbrook is a website and mobile app quality assurance tester with 15 years experience.
He has been testing accessibility for six years, and leads the accessibility testing team at Nerdery.
Follow Nerdery 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.
