Moving From Diversity to Inclusion (Part 2 with Michael Hingson)

Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast

We promised you a Part 2 with Michael Hingson—and here it is! We don’t always get the opportunity to follow up a guest interview with a second part, and that’s why we are thrilled to bring you more of Michael’s inspiring story and his important work in the field of accessibility. Michael first joined us last May for an episode titled, “Approaching Life with an Unstoppable Mindset.” (Click here to listen!)

Michael Hingson has a fascinating life story. With a master’s degree in physics, he is an educator, best-selling author, inspirational speaker, and disability advocate—and he is blind and a 9/11 World Trade Center survivor. When his premature birth called for a pure oxygen environment, his retinas were irreparably damaged, and he has been blind ever since. His parents were urged to institutionalize him because “no blind child can ever amount to anything or contribute to society”---or so the doctors said. His parents refused and gave Michael every chance to learn as any other child, sending him to public schools throughout his life and demanding that he adapt to his disability to live an independent life. He earned his physics degree and secondary education teacher credential, going on to become an accomplished salesman and sales manager. He is a coveted keynote speaker, author of Thunder Dog: The Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust, and host of the Unstoppable Mindset podcast.

Show Highlights:

• Diversity, inclusion, and disability (According to the CDC, 25% of Americans have some sort of disability.)
• Why we don’t talk about disability
• Fear can be a powerful tool to focus us when we feel blinded, paralyzed, or overwhelmed.
• Michael’s next book (August 2024), Live Like a Guide Dog: True Stories from a Blind Man and His Dogs about Being Brave, Overcoming Adversity, and Walking in Faith
• Michael’s work with AccessiBe to advance accessibility with AI technology
• Accessibility technologies for those with cognitive disabilities, ADHD, etc.
• Changing the thinking around disability and “visual impairment”
• A glimpse into Michael’s full life today: traveling, speaking, podcasting, and working tirelessly to advance accessibility for everyone

Links/Resources:

Connect with Michael Hingson: Website, Thunder Dog book, Live Like a Guide Dog book, and the Unstoppable Mindset podcast.

Find out more about AccessiBe.

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org

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