Ep15. Disability inclusion with Luis Canto E Castro

Summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins speaks with Luis Canto E Castro, a workplace inclusion and accessibility consultant. They discuss Luis's journey from South Africa to the UK, his mission to promote true accessibility and inclusion in workplaces, and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The conversation highlights the importance of creating environments where everyone feels they belong, the misconceptions surrounding disability, and the need for organisations to move beyond tokenism in their approach to accessibility. Luis shares insights on how to foster open dialogue about disability, the significance of language, and the business case for making spaces more accessible. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of inclusion and the steps organisations can take to start making meaningful changes.

takeaways

• Accessibility and inclusion are essential for thriving businesses.
• Belonging is a crucial aspect of workplace culture.
• Societal perceptions of disability need to be challenged.
• Curiosity about disability should be encouraged, not stifled.
• Language around disability is complex and requires sensitivity.
• Tokenism in accessibility must be addressed for genuine change.
• Organisations should focus on long-term accessibility strategies.
• The business case for accessibility is strong and beneficial for all.
• Awareness and education are key to overcoming barriers.
• Progress in accessibility requires a mindset shift within organisations.

titles

• Creating Inclusive Workplaces: A Conversation with Luis Canto E Castro
• The Journey to True Accessibility in Workspaces
• Breaking Barriers: Disability Inclusion in the Workplace
• From South Africa to the UK: A Story of Resilience

Sound Bites

• "It's high time to ditch the tokenism."
• "Accessibility is not a nice to have, it's non-negotiable."
• "If we build it, they will come is a misconception."
• "People are unhappy with their spaces and cultures."
• "We need to challenge the taboo around disability."
• "I would rather people ask me questions than assume."
• "Language is hard to get right, even for me."
• "We need to move beyond compliance and legislation."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Web Usability and Accessibility

01:10 Luis’ Journey and Mission

05:20 Understanding Disability, Diversity, and Inclusion

08:10 Challenges Faced in South Africa

11:59 The Move to the UK and Its Impact

13:52 The Focus on Disability Inclusion

18:05 Overcoming Societal Perceptions of Disability

21:29 Encouraging Curiosity and Open Dialogue

23:26 Navigating Language and Fear of Offense

25:19 Moving Beyond Tokenism in Accessibility

29:25 Addressing Overwhelm in Disability Inclusion

32:10 The Business Case for Accessibility

34:59 Steps to Start Making Changes

36:27 Looking Ahead: The Future of Inclusion

37:54 Experiences on Dragon's Den

39:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways