Disability Readiness a Pathway to Disability Employment E5
In this episode, David Steinmetz and Tanner Gers discussed how organizations can develop a “disability readiness” strategy in order to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
Tanner refers to “disability readiness” as an organizations ability to remove accessibility barriers company wide for their employees and customers.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion professionals, HR Managers and leaders at all levels will learn practical tips on developing strategies that promote accessibility throughout the recruitment, training and sustainment process for their employees. 
To achieve disability diversity and inclusion goals, and turn costly disability inclusion efforts into profitable programs, AccessAbility Officer provides organizational disability assessments, strategic planning and roadmap development, and implementation services like digital accessibility audits, third party procurement and vender management, and ADA accommodations services.
With a data-driven approach, they work with you to systematically develop a comprehensive disability D&I strategy that aligns with your organizational strategy and DE&I goals.
Tanner Gers is Managing Director of AccessAbility Officer, a data-driven disability inclusion firm who specializes in organizational disability readiness assessments, disability D&I strategy development, and digital accessibility to help companies “Drive Ability D&I and Maximize ROI.”
Tanner also serves as a board member for Menus4All, and equity partner in Foresight Augmented Reality, who provides connected smart city accessibility solutions for people with disabilities, and recently developed an autonomous vehicle accessibility solution for the blind and visually impaired.
Beyond his passion and focus on reducing blind and visually impaired unemployment rates, and autonomous vehicle accessibility, Tanner earned his BA in Communications from the University of Arizona, his MBA with a HR Management Concentration from Louisiana State University, and is a US Paralympian, World Championship team member, Para Pan American Champion in the long jump, 2X track cycling National Champion, National Beep Baseball Association Hall of Fame inductee and 3X World Series MVP.
Connect with Tanner 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.
