Max L. Brault
@knowaccessibility.bsky.social
Max L. Brault, Lead Accessibility Consulting
I have abundance of information, insight and contacts in the sphere of Accessibility consulting and lived experience that I would like share.
I have abundance of information, insight and contacts in the sphere of Accessibility consulting and lived experience that I would like share.
Mark Raymond Jr., puts it plainly: "With DEI programs facing cuts, disability inclusion is at risk of being deprioritized, which could set back years of progress. Businesses must recognize that disability inclusion enriches the workplace by bringing diverse perspectives that drive innovation."
Beyond DEI: Ensuring Inclusion For Disabled People Amidst Uncertainty
As DEI programs are cut, the future of accessibility and inclusion for disabled and neurodivergent individuals falls on business leaders, advocates, and employees alike.
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April 9, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Mark Raymond Jr., puts it plainly: "With DEI programs facing cuts, disability inclusion is at risk of being deprioritized, which could set back years of progress. Businesses must recognize that disability inclusion enriches the workplace by bringing diverse perspectives that drive innovation."
There is always a careful balance when dealing with Human Resources (HR) departments. It’s important to remember that HR's primary responsibility is to protect the company. Employees should keep this in mind every time they interact with their HR department. Interesting insight!
Is HR Really on Your Side? A Look at Disability Advocacy in the Workplace
In an ideal world, Human Resources (HR) departments are pillars of support, advocating for fairness, inclusivity, and a safe working environment for all employees. When it comes to supporting…
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April 8, 2025 at 10:02 AM
There is always a careful balance when dealing with Human Resources (HR) departments. It’s important to remember that HR's primary responsibility is to protect the company. Employees should keep this in mind every time they interact with their HR department. Interesting insight!
The number one question I get from new clients is: "How much does accessibility cost? This ROI question will always exist and, to some degree, needs to remain top of mind for everyone working in this space. I appreciate how this article frames the situation.
The Accessibility Cost Debate: Why We’re Asking the Wrong Question
I have a graphic image of half a dozen individuals, one of whom is in a manual wheelchair, reviewing statistics and graphs on a TV monitor.
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April 2, 2025 at 10:02 AM
The number one question I get from new clients is: "How much does accessibility cost? This ROI question will always exist and, to some degree, needs to remain top of mind for everyone working in this space. I appreciate how this article frames the situation.
The truth of a recent National Geographic article on the topic. That’s why I always recommend taking the time to research what services, tools, and apps are out there to help make your next trip as smooth as possible. A little planning can go a long way.
Is travel about to get better for people with disabilities?
a picture of a woman in a manual wheelchair on an outcropping of rocks, looking at the greenery and lake below her.
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April 1, 2025 at 10:02 AM
The truth of a recent National Geographic article on the topic. That’s why I always recommend taking the time to research what services, tools, and apps are out there to help make your next trip as smooth as possible. A little planning can go a long way.
Stylist is spotlighting beauty brands that are finally making packaging more inclusive. That’s a win. But let’s be real—despite progress, the beauty industry still has a long way to go. Too many consumers with disabilities are still being overlooked.
The beauty brands that are paving the way for accessible packaging
A picture with a dozen beauty brands.
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March 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Stylist is spotlighting beauty brands that are finally making packaging more inclusive. That’s a win. But let’s be real—despite progress, the beauty industry still has a long way to go. Too many consumers with disabilities are still being overlooked.
Scientists from many different cultures have contributed to developing new and interesting theories that have become today's standards. In the long run, diversity-washing will only hinder global progress. You never know where—or from whom—that "Eureka!" moment everyone is searching for will come!
We need meaningful, not less, EDI and climate action in turbulent times
Protestors demonstrate outside the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, W.Va. on Feb. 5, 2025, during what was billed as a nationwide series of protests against U.S. President Donald Trump, Project 2025, EDI rollbacks and other recent government initiatives.
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March 26, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Scientists from many different cultures have contributed to developing new and interesting theories that have become today's standards. In the long run, diversity-washing will only hinder global progress. You never know where—or from whom—that "Eureka!" moment everyone is searching for will come!
Before COVID, I never thought about using apps to help plan a trip or vacation. I decided to dedicate the next decade to traveling more. My son is heading to Japan, and he said the app provided him with insight on what to do and how to best utilize their time in the country.
These Apps Help People With Disabilities Travel Smarter and Safer
An image of the accessible subway lines.
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March 25, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Before COVID, I never thought about using apps to help plan a trip or vacation. I decided to dedicate the next decade to traveling more. My son is heading to Japan, and he said the app provided him with insight on what to do and how to best utilize their time in the country.
Indeed from Calgary, new technology at Arts Commons has helped the organization break down barriers for hearing-impaired audiences. Arts Commons launched its Sennheiser MobileConnect+ program, enables individuals with cochlear implants or Bluetooth hearing devices to connect to the building’s WiFi.
Arts Accessibility in Calgary - The Scene
A picture of Ashley King preforming in Static
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March 21, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Indeed from Calgary, new technology at Arts Commons has helped the organization break down barriers for hearing-impaired audiences. Arts Commons launched its Sennheiser MobileConnect+ program, enables individuals with cochlear implants or Bluetooth hearing devices to connect to the building’s WiFi.
Well, here’s some incredible news—John McFall, a former Paralympian for Great Britain, has just made history! He’s now the first astronaut with a disability to receive medical clearance for long-duration space missions. A huge step forward for inclusion in space exploration!
The World's First Astronaut With a Physical Disability Is Cleared for Long-Duration Space Missions — Smithsonian Magazine
European Space Agency astronaut John McFall tests his prosthesis fit in simulated microgravity.
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March 19, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Well, here’s some incredible news—John McFall, a former Paralympian for Great Britain, has just made history! He’s now the first astronaut with a disability to receive medical clearance for long-duration space missions. A huge step forward for inclusion in space exploration!
It’s impressive to read about the technology the Portland Trail Blazers are using to make their games more accessible for blind fans. They are the first professional sports team to integrate OneCourt devices during live games, allowing blind and low-vision fans to experience basketball in realtime
Social Media Star asfvision Showcases Incredible Accessibility Option at Blazers Game
A picture of the Trail Blazers mascot holding a flag that says 'Rip City
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March 18, 2025 at 11:02 AM
It’s impressive to read about the technology the Portland Trail Blazers are using to make their games more accessible for blind fans. They are the first professional sports team to integrate OneCourt devices during live games, allowing blind and low-vision fans to experience basketball in realtime
Pottery Barn has partnered with Michael Graves Design, “Design has the power to enrich all of our lives. This pioneering collaboration with Pottery Barn allows us to make beautiful and purposeful furniture available to everyone,” says Rob Van Varick.
Award-Winning Designer Partners with Pottery Barn for Accessible Furniture Line
A photo of a man in a manual wheelchair examining a dresser.
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March 14, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Pottery Barn has partnered with Michael Graves Design, “Design has the power to enrich all of our lives. This pioneering collaboration with Pottery Barn allows us to make beautiful and purposeful furniture available to everyone,” says Rob Van Varick.
Some positive news about one of Elon Musk's companies—Neuralink. A brain implant now allows a person to control computers with their thoughts. This is a life-changing innovation that could help millions. But is this a good or bad thing for human evolution? What do you think?
Elon Musk put a chip in this paralysed man’s brain. Now he can move things with his mind. Should we be amazed - or terrified?
An image of Noland Arbaugh, the first human recipient of Neuralink’s brain implant.
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March 12, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Some positive news about one of Elon Musk's companies—Neuralink. A brain implant now allows a person to control computers with their thoughts. This is a life-changing innovation that could help millions. But is this a good or bad thing for human evolution? What do you think?
Carmelle Goldberg wrote a fantastic article on how I engaged my professional network to tackle a significant challenge—systemic barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from meeting bilingual language proficiency requirements in many large organizations.
Brainstorming systemic barriers in language training for persons with disabilities | Carmelle Goldberg
A picture of someone's hands reading Braille, with the words "Barriers to Language Training" included in the image.
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March 11, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Carmelle Goldberg wrote a fantastic article on how I engaged my professional network to tackle a significant challenge—systemic barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from meeting bilingual language proficiency requirements in many large organizations.
I’m thrilled to see St-Hubert embracing accessibility! The restaurant is expanding its inclusive dining program for autistic individuals by reducing sensory stimulation. After launching a pilot project at a Montreal location two years ago, the initiative has now expanded to 24 locations.
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I took my daughter to the launch of St-Hubert's inclusive dining in Ottawa. Here's what we learned.
A photo of Blair Crawford and his daughter, Liz, enjoying a Sunday lunch at St-Hubert in Orléans, Ottawa.
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March 7, 2025 at 11:02 AM
I’m thrilled to see St-Hubert embracing accessibility! The restaurant is expanding its inclusive dining program for autistic individuals by reducing sensory stimulation. After launching a pilot project at a Montreal location two years ago, the initiative has now expanded to 24 locations.
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This is part of my ongoing series exploring the anti-woke and anti-DEI atmosphere in North America. This article touches on how systems—comprising policies, practices, and societal norms—are the primary culprits behind biases, which often lead to unfair treatment of minority groups.
DEI needs to fix systems, not people
An upward-angled photo of several people walking on a sidewalk, with their shadows extending from their bodies.
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March 5, 2025 at 11:02 AM
This is part of my ongoing series exploring the anti-woke and anti-DEI atmosphere in North America. This article touches on how systems—comprising policies, practices, and societal norms—are the primary culprits behind biases, which often lead to unfair treatment of minority groups.
Individuals have been advocating for Accessibility to be explicitly included in DEI terminology by adding an 'A,' making it DEIA. Up until the summer of 2024, this movement had been gaining momentum. But now, the question is: Is this shift still important? And should Accessibility distance itself?
Can You Have Accessibility Without DEI?
Numerous colorful game piece representations of people, all connected in a network.
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March 4, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Individuals have been advocating for Accessibility to be explicitly included in DEI terminology by adding an 'A,' making it DEIA. Up until the summer of 2024, this movement had been gaining momentum. But now, the question is: Is this shift still important? And should Accessibility distance itself?
Out of the 1.3 billion people worldwide living with a disability, over 700 million live in cities. That’s a massive demand for inclusive design and infrastructure. If we’re serious about human rights, we need to build and grow our urban spaces with accessibility at the core—not as an afterthought.
5 Addressable City Accessibility and Inclusion Gaps
:A picture of three Braille signs: one for hearing impairment, one for visual impairment, and one for mobility impairment
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March 3, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Out of the 1.3 billion people worldwide living with a disability, over 700 million live in cities. That’s a massive demand for inclusive design and infrastructure. If we’re serious about human rights, we need to build and grow our urban spaces with accessibility at the core—not as an afterthought.
"I was approached by American Masters at PBS to do a film about my life and I said, ‘Sure, absolutely,’ and I have, though, one condition that it must be directed by a deaf person, a deaf director, a woman,” said Matlin in an interview at Sundance‘s IndieWire Studio presented by Dropbox.
The Filmmakers Behind ‘Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore’ Want to Prove That ‘Accessibility Builds a Better World’
A picture of Shoshannah with Martin.
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February 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
"I was approached by American Masters at PBS to do a film about my life and I said, ‘Sure, absolutely,’ and I have, though, one condition that it must be directed by a deaf person, a deaf director, a woman,” said Matlin in an interview at Sundance‘s IndieWire Studio presented by Dropbox.
This month’s Nīewe piece, titled "Top Ten Facts Wheelchair Users Can Understand," features insights from yours truly, illustrating how my disability is a part of my self-identity.
In today’s climate ableism are growing across North America/Europe—it’s more important than ever for us to have a voice.
In today’s climate ableism are growing across North America/Europe—it’s more important than ever for us to have a voice.
Top 10 Facts Wheelchair Users Can Understand - Nīewe Consulting
An image of a person in an old manual wheelchair entering a boardroom
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February 27, 2025 at 11:02 AM
This month’s Nīewe piece, titled "Top Ten Facts Wheelchair Users Can Understand," features insights from yours truly, illustrating how my disability is a part of my self-identity.
In today’s climate ableism are growing across North America/Europe—it’s more important than ever for us to have a voice.
In today’s climate ableism are growing across North America/Europe—it’s more important than ever for us to have a voice.
This is a great example of a brick-and-mortar storefront listening to its customers and implementing something to enhance their shopping experience. It is also an excellent way to build brand loyalty with customers.
Ottawa grocery store steps in to provide accessible shopping cart for father, son
A video of an Ottawa father is hoping to see more accessible shopping carts in stores after the local Whole Foods went above and beyond.
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February 26, 2025 at 11:02 AM
This is a great example of a brick-and-mortar storefront listening to its customers and implementing something to enhance their shopping experience. It is also an excellent way to build brand loyalty with customers.
Verizon empower how people live, work, and play. So important. It’s more than just a network; it’s about access—whether that’s entertainment, communication, or opportunity. With strong partnerships and exclusive perks, Verizon isn’t just providing a service; it’s shaping experiences .
Accessibility Technology and Innovation Lab at Verizon - Equal Entry
Image Description: Collaboration space with a podium and table. Behind the podium are a banner and photos on the wall.
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February 25, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Verizon empower how people live, work, and play. So important. It’s more than just a network; it’s about access—whether that’s entertainment, communication, or opportunity. With strong partnerships and exclusive perks, Verizon isn’t just providing a service; it’s shaping experiences .
Alberta announced a new disability program that will provide financial and health support to those with disabilities who are able to work. The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).
ADAP: Alberta to launch new specified disability program, AISH will remain in place
A photo of Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon making the announcement.
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February 24, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Alberta announced a new disability program that will provide financial and health support to those with disabilities who are able to work. The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).
Once again, I am a huge fan of the openness that some networks show toward the disabled community. The inclusion of a double amputee on Naked and Afraid is a clear indication of this progress. I want to be transparent—I have never watched this show, nor am I interested in it.
Naked and Afraid Star Makes History as Show’s First Double Amputee — and That's 'Pretty Damn Cool' (Exclusive)
The star of this season of Naked and Afraid, Mandy, is posing by a riverbed.
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February 21, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Once again, I am a huge fan of the openness that some networks show toward the disabled community. The inclusion of a double amputee on Naked and Afraid is a clear indication of this progress. I want to be transparent—I have never watched this show, nor am I interested in it.
I focus on positive steps being taken to create a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities. However, it's time to address the elephant in the room—how companies, governments, communities, and individuals are responding to the scaling back or elimination of their DEI programs
What People with Disabilities Should Do as DEI Programs Begin to Disappear
Chain of paper cut out figures with one missing in the middle.
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February 19, 2025 at 11:02 AM
I focus on positive steps being taken to create a more inclusive environment for people with disabilities. However, it's time to address the elephant in the room—how companies, governments, communities, and individuals are responding to the scaling back or elimination of their DEI programs
Slick Chicks isn’t just an adaptive undergarment brand—it’s a statement. A movement. A commitment to breaking barriers in fashion for individuals with disabilities. Adaptive fashion is redefining style, proving that accessibility and empowerment can—and should—go hand in hand.
Fashion Undergarment Brand Slick Chicks Expands Accessibility
A picture of a middle-aged woman putting on her bra.
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February 14, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Slick Chicks isn’t just an adaptive undergarment brand—it’s a statement. A movement. A commitment to breaking barriers in fashion for individuals with disabilities. Adaptive fashion is redefining style, proving that accessibility and empowerment can—and should—go hand in hand.