What if the biggest barrier to opportunity isn’t intent, but the assumptions we never question?

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with educator, author, and founder of LightWork Equitable Solutions, Dr. ClauDean “Dr. K” Kizart, to unpack how bias shows up in ways we often don’t recognize—especially anchoring bias, or our tendency to rely on first impressions and incomplete information.

Drawing from her own lived experience and years of research across education systems, Dr. K explores how early beliefs shape lifelong outcomes—from classrooms to careers—and why even well-intentioned people can unknowingly reinforce inequity.

Together, they break down the connection between bias, blind spots, and structural inequality, offering practical strategies leaders, educators, and employers can use to make better, more inclusive decisions.

If you’ve ever wondered why inequities persist, this conversation will change how you think about bias and opportunity.

Key Takeaways: 

 * Why bias isn’t just about intent—it’s about impact
 * The difference between implicit, explicit, and structural bias
 * What anchoring bias is and how it shapes decisions
 * How early assumptions follow people from education into careers
 * The connection between bias, blind spots, and systemic inequities
 * Why “structures are made of people”—and what that means for change
 * How in-group bias and herd mentality influence workplace decisions
 * The hidden dangers of low expectations—especially for disabled talent

Resources & Links

 * Email: dockizart@gmail.com
 * Book: Beyond Implicit and Explicit Bias [https://a.co/d/08sWh2GV]

About the Guest

Dr. ClauDean “Dr. K” Kizart [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-claudean-kizart-11937622/] is an author, educator, and the founder of LightWork Equitable Solutions. She is a nationally recognized literacy and equity consultant who has worked with school systems, higher education institutions, and organizations to better understand and address achievement and equity gaps.

Her work focuses on uncovering the deeper layers of bias that influence how we teach, lead, and make decisions. Through her research and professional development, she helps leaders move beyond intention to examine impact—equipping them with practical strategies to recognize bias and create more equitable outcomes. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-claudean-kizart-11937622

About the Host

Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group [https://www.catch22consulting.com/] and is the Job Board Doctor [https://www.jobboarddoctor.com/]. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/

Understanding Bias with Dr. ClauDean Kizart

At graduation ceremonies across the U.S., students are pushing back on artificial intelligence. From boos aimed at pro-AI speeches to growing skepticism about job prospects, Gen Z is sending a clear message: the future of work feels uncertain.

In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims explores how AI is reshaping entry-level jobs, why recent graduates are questioning the hype, and what this means for the next generation of talent.

Drawing on recent 2026 workforce data, Ashley unpacks the growing disconnect between rising employer expectations for AI skills and the lack of preparation many graduates feel. She also dives into a critical question: what happens when the “first rung” of the career ladder starts to disappear?

From “cognitive debt” to the tension between efficiency and expertise, this episode challenges both job seekers and employers to rethink how early-career growth happens in an AI-driven world.

Whether you’re a recent grad, employer, or advocate for inclusive hiring, this conversation will help you navigate the future of work—without losing the human skills that matter most.

In this episode, we cover:

 * Why Gen Z is pushing back on AI in the workplace
 * The shrinking role of traditional entry-level jobs
 * AI skills vs. real-world readiness
 * Why human skills (judgment, creativity, communication) are rising in value
 * What employers must do to redesign early career pathways

About the Show:

Disability@Work [https://www.disabilityatworkpodcast.com/] is a Disability Solutions podcast. Hosted by Marketing & Communications Director, Ashley Sims [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sims-35a23b99/], each episode offers practical insight for employers, HR and talent leaders, and advocates working to build more inclusive organizations. Learn more at DisabilityTalent.org. [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/]

Sources:

 * NPR, Advice for 2026 commencement speakers: Don't bring up AI [https://www.npr.org/2026/05/20/nx-s1-5822419/ai-colleges-commencement-booing], 2026
 * CNBC,  Entry-Level Jobs Calling for AI Skills Nearly Doubled [https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/29/entry-level-jobs-calling-for-ai-skills-nearly-doubled-from-a-year-ago-report.html], 2026
 * ZipRecruiter, Graduate Job Market Report [https://ziprecruiter-investors.com/news/news-details/2026/ZipRecruiter-Finds-Grad-Job-Market-Improving-Despite-Fears-That-AI-Is-Eliminating-Jobs/default.aspx], 2026
 * Forbes, College Graduates Face Tight Job Market [https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2026/04/28/college-graduates-face-tight-job-market-and-many-blame-ai-finds-survey/], 2026
 * MIT Technology Review, Crisis in Entry-Level Work [https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/05/26/1137865/its-time-to-address-the-looming-crisis-in-entry-level-work/], 2026
 * National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Job Outlook [https://naceweb.org/research/reports/job-outlook/2026/], 2026

Gen Z, AI & The Future of Entry Level Work

Chronic illness affects millions of people worldwide, yet support systems remain fragmented, difficult to navigate, and often inaccessible. For many, the journey is not just medical but also deeply isolating.

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] sits down with Cyndii Sinex [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndii/], public health practitioner and founder of the upcoming Chronic Illness Hotline [https://chronicillnesshotline.org/], to explore how lived experience can drive meaningful change.

After more than a decade navigating misdiagnosis, medical error, and systemic barriers, Cyndii is transforming her experience into a first-of-its-kind solution: a free, text-based, peer-support hotline designed for people living with chronic illness, pain, injury, and neurodivergence.

This conversation is both eye-opening and hopeful—offering a powerful reminder that support doesn’t have to be complicated to be life-changing.

Key Takeaways

 * Why so many chronic illness sufferers fall through the cracks of the medical system
 * The emotional toll of chronic illness—including isolation, loss, and uncertainty
 * How peer support can fill critical gaps in care
 * What it takes to build a scalable, accessible support network
 * The long-term vision: using real data to influence healthcare policy and systemic change

Resources & Links

 * Chronic Illness Hotline [https://chronicillnesshotline.org/] - https://chronicillnesshotline.org/
 * Support the Mission [https://chronicillnesshotline.org/donate/] - https://chronicillnesshotline.org/donate/

About the Guest

Cyndii Sinex, MPH [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndii/], is a public health practitioner, trained health educator, and patient advocate. After years of navigating a misdiagnosis and complex healthcare barriers, she founded the Chronic Illness Hotline—an initiative designed to provide accessible, peer-based emotional support for individuals living with chronic illness and related conditions.  
Follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndii/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-illness-hotline/

About the Host

Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group [https://www.catch22consulting.com/] and is the Job Board Doctor [https://www.jobboarddoctor.com/].
Follow Her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/



Closing the Gaps in Chronic Illness Support with Cyndii Sinex

What does authentic leadership actually look like, and why does it matter more than ever for disability inclusion at work?

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash is joined by Megan Fuciarelli, Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer of US2 Consulting, to unpack one of the biggest workplace challenges in 2026: the growing gap between what employers say and what employees experience.

Drawing on recent disability employment data and real-world examples—from federal accommodation policy rollbacks to employer lawsuits and shifting DEI commitments—this conversation explores why trust is breaking down in the workplace and what leaders can do to rebuild it.

Show Notes:

Key Takeaways

 * Why only a small percentage of disabled professionals trust employer commitment
 * How DEI rollbacks and “quiet retreats” impact psychological safety
 * What authentic leadership really looks like in practice
 * How to have difficult conversations about disability, identity, and inclusion
 * Why curiosity is the key to better leadership
 * The role of accountability, data tracking, and transparency in rebuilding trust

This episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, recruiters, executives, and anyone committed to building more inclusive, equitable workplaces.

Resources & Links

 * Learn more about US2 Consulting: https://www.us2consulting.com
 * Connect with Megan Fuciarelli [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganfuciarelli/]on LinkedIn
 * Explore more episodes: https://www.changingmindsandlives.org/

About the Guest

Megan Fuciarelli is the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of US2 Consulting [https://us2consulting.com/], a former school superintendent-turned-leadership consultant, and the creator of the “Authenticity Amplifier” framework. She works with organizations to build trust through ethical, values-driven leadership, focusing on authenticity, inclusive leadership, difficult conversations, and workplace culture. Megan also brings lived experience as a professional with a disability, which informs her perspective and approach to creating more inclusive and empowering workplaces.

About the Host

Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group [https://www.catch22consulting.com/] and is the Job Board Doctor [https://www.jobboarddoctor.com/].



Leading with Authenticity: Megan Fuciarelli on Trust, Disability Inclusion, and Workplace Culture

Why are top employees with disabilities leaving organizations to grow their careers?

In this episode of Disability @ Work, host Ashley Sims explores a critical workforce trend: professionals with disabilities are 4x more likely to reach senior roles by switching companies than through internal promotions.

The problem isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of opportunity.

Ashley breaks down the mentorship vs. sponsorship gap, how workplace bias limits advancement, and why organizations are unintentionally becoming “training grounds” for competitors. She also highlights the real cost of inaction: replacing high-performing talent is far more expensive than investing in accessibility and advancement.

If you’re a recruiter, HR leader, or executive looking to retain and develop inclusive leadership pipelines, this episode offers practical insights you can act on now.

Show Notes

In this episode, we cover:  
- Why employees with disabilities leave companies to advance their careers
- The growing gap between inclusion and leadership opportunity
- How sponsorship vs. mentorship drives promotions  
- What organizations should do to support high-potential employees

About the Show: Disability@Work [https://www.disabilityatworkpodcast.com/] is a Disability Solutions podcast. Hosted by Marketing & Communications Director, Ashley Sims [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sims-35a23b99/], each episode offers practical insight for employers, HR and talent leaders, and advocates working to build more inclusive organizations. Learn more at DisabilityTalent.org. [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/]

Sources:
- JAN, Cost and Benefits of Accommodations, [https://askjan.org/topics/costs.cfm] 2025
- SHRM, The Myth of Replaceability: Preparing for the Loss of Key Employees, [https://www.shrm.org/executive-network/insights/myth-replaceability-preparing-loss-key-employees] 2025
- NFP, Inaugural Executive Benefits Trends Study [https://www.nfp.com/media/lphjo0na/nfp-exec-ben-report-2022-2023.pdf], 2023

Why Employees with Disabilities Leave for Leadership Roles: The Sponsorship Gap

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with Myles Wallace, Disability Inclusion Partner at Peak Performers, to unpack what disability hiring really looks like in 2026. From outdated job descriptions and biased resume screening to interviews that unintentionally exclude neurodivergent and disabled candidates, Myles shares where employers continue to get it wrong—and what meaningful inclusion actually requires.

The conversation also dives into the growing role of AI in hiring, exploring both its promise as an accessibility tool and its risks when bias is automated at scale. Drawing on lived experience, employer advising, and years in disability staffing, Myles offers practical insight for organizations that want to move beyond performative inclusion and build hiring processes that work for people.

Show Notes

In this episode, we cover:

 * Myles Wallace’s disability and career journey—and how lived experience shapes inclusive hiring
 * What Peak Performers does and how revenue‑funded disability staffing works
 * Why disability unemployment remains stubbornly high despite years of “progress”
 * Where employers unintentionally exclude disabled candidates before interviews even begin
 * How job descriptions, resume gaps, and “job hopping” bias limit access to opportunity
 * Why traditional interviews often disadvantage neurodivergent and disabled professionals
 * Practical, low‑cost interview accommodations employers can implement today
 * The real impact of AI screening tools on candidates with disabilities
 * Where AI can improve access—and where it risks reinforcing discrimination
 * Why human accountability still matters in automated hiring systems
 * What employers must do now to build inclusive, future‑ready hiring processes

Guest:
Myles Wallace [https://www.linkedin.com/in/myleswallace/], Disability Inclusion Partner, Peak Performers [https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-performers-staffing-agency/]

Host:
Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/]

Learn more about Peak Performers and available roles at: peakperformers.org

Rethinking Disability Hiring: Bias, Barriers, and AI — with Myles Wallace of Peak Performers

In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims breaks down job hugging—a growing workplace trend where employees stay in roles they might otherwise leave because uncertainty feels too risky. This isn’t quiet-quitting or a lack of ambition. It’s a rational response to economic instability, layoffs, AI disruption, DEI rollbacks, and declining psychological safety at work.

Drawing on findings from the 2026 Disability at Work Report, Ashley explores why disabled employees are especially likely to job hug, how fear around disclosure and accommodations shapes career decisions, and why low turnover does not equal engagement. The episode also challenges employers to rethink what job hugging signals about trust, inclusion, and workplace systems.

Whether you’re an employer trying to understand shifting workforce behavior or an employee feeling stuck for practical reasons, this conversation offers critical insight into how safety, trust, and accessibility shape career mobility today.

Show Notes:

In this episode, we cover:

 * What job hugging is—and why it’s not quiet quitting or disengagement
 * Why economic uncertainty, layoffs, and AI disruption are keeping employees in place
 * How DEI rollbacks and political shifts are affecting psychological safety at work
 * Why disabled employees are especially likely to job hug
 * What the 2026 Disability at Work Report reveals about disclosure, accommodations, and trust
 * Why low turnover doesn’t equal engagement
 * What employers can do to make growth and mobility feel safe again

Read the 2026 Disability at Work Report:
https://go.disabilitytalent.org/2026-disability-at-work-survey-report [https://go.disabilitytalent.org/2026-disability-at-work-survey-report?_gl=1*km301f*_gcl_au*MTk1NDQ1ODk4My4xNzc0OTk1MTc2LjIwNTk0OTg0NjUuMTc3NzMwMzc3My4xNzc3MzAzNzcy]

About the Show

Disability@Work is a Disability Solutions podcast. Hosted by Marketing & Communications Director, Ashley Sims [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sims-35a23b99/], each episode offers practical insight for employers, HR and talent leaders, and advocates working to build more inclusive organizations. Learn more at DisabilityTalent.org. [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/]

Job Hugging Isn’t Disengagement: What Fear, AI, and DEI Rollbacks Reveal About Today’s Workforce

Recruiters and hiring managers are drowning in applications, but disabled job seekers are still being overlooked.

In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims breaks down the growing problem of AI “slop” in recruiting: mass‑produced resumes, keyword‑stuffed applications, and automated screening tools that prioritize volume over viability. While AI is often seen as a solution to hiring overload, the reality is more complicated, especially for candidates with disabilities.

Ashley explores how automation can unintentionally amplify bias, flatten lived experience, and filter out qualified candidates who do not follow traditional career paths. She also offers a more practical question for employers: Is there a believable path to success? Instead of searching for perfect matches, inclusive hiring requires judgment, context, and human decision‑making.

This episode digs into what helps recruiters move through high‑volume pipelines: why niche job boards and community‑based sourcing matter, where AI can support good hiring decisions, and how employers can refocus on real people instead of resume noise.

Show Notes: 

In this episode, we cover:

 * Why recruiters are seeing an explosion of applications
 * How automated screening tools can unintentionally exclude disabled candidates
 * The difference between “matching criteria” and identifying a believable path to success
 * Why traditional resumes fail to capture disability‑related career context
 * When AI helps—and when it makes hiring worse
 * How niche job boards and targeted sourcing reduce noise and improve outcomes

About the show:

Disability@Work is a Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/] podcast about inclusion, accessibility, and equity in the workplace. Hosted by Ashley Sims [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sims-35a23b99/], each episode offers practical insight for employers, HR/TA leaders, and advocates working to build more inclusive organizations. Find out more at DisabilityTalent.org.

Too Many Resumes, Not Enough Humans: AI Slop, Hiring, and Disability Inclusion

Feeling safe at work doesn't always come easy for people with disabilities, and for many disabled workers, that psychological safety is disappearing.

In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims explores what psychological safety really means in today’s workplace and why so many employees no longer feel safe disclosing a disability or asking for accommodations. Drawing on early findings from the upcoming 2026 Disability at Work Survey Report, Ashley breaks down what the data reveals about disclosure risk, DEI rollbacks, accommodation breakdowns, and the growing impact of leadership and manager behavior on trust at work.

This episode also examines why disability data tracking still matters, how accommodation processes shape long-term trust, and why manager training is one of the most powerful levers organizations have right now.

For organizations facing uncertainty, DEI rollbacks, or disclosure concerns, the data tells a clear story: subtle system changes are felt immediately by disabled workers, and safety disappears when trust is not actively maintained.

Show Notes:
The Disability at Work Survey Report provides data-driven insight into the real experiences of job seekers and employees with disabilities. Its goal is to help employers better understand the barriers disabled individuals face—and to offer actionable solutions that foster workplaces where people feel understood, supported, and safe. Read the 2025 Report Now [https://go.disabilitytalent.org/2024-disability-at-work-survey-report?_gl=1*1cjut73*_gcl_au*MjExNDQzNDMwMS4xNzcyMjE2ODI2LjEwNjQ1OTMwMzEuMTc3MzE3MzI2My4xNzczMTczMjYy]. The 2026 report is out in April 2026. 

Ashley Sims [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sims-35a23b99/] is the host of Disability@Work and the Director of Marketing & Communications at Disability Solutions.

Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/] is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in employment. We partner directly with employers to strengthen inclusive hiring practices, improve accommodation processes, and use disability data responsibly. We also support job seekers with disabilities by providing accessible job opportunities, resources, and community outreach through our global network of more than 19,000 talent partners.

Learn more at disabilitytalent.org

New Workforce Data: The Erosion of Psychological Safety at Work

In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, host Julie Sowash sits down with Davina Douthard—founder of Polishing the Professional and creator of The Able Show—to challenge one of the most persistent barriers in disability employment: the charity mindset.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in image management, workforce development, and inclusive entertainment, Davina shares powerful insights on authentic personal branding, transferable skills, and why disability inclusion must move beyond quotas and good intentions. Together, Julie and Davina explore how job seekers with disabilities can build careers rooted in confidence and capability—and how employers can create inclusive brands without reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

This conversation is a must‑listen for disabled professionals, employers, and advocates committed to building workplaces that value contribution over charity.

Show Notes:

Key Takeaways

 * Disability inclusion is not about favors—it’s about filling real business needs
 * Quotas and check-the-box hiring can unintentionally reinforce exclusion
 * Authentic branding empowers disabled professionals to lead with their strengths
 * Employers don’t need perfection—just a willingness to learn and listen
 * True inclusion happens when we focus on what people can do, not what they can’t

Changing Minds & Changing Lives is produced by Disability Solutions [https://www.disabilitytalent.org/], a nonprofit consulting firm and job board that partners with global brands to drive inclusive hiring and disability-inclusive talent strategies.

About the Guest

Davina Douthard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davinadouthard/] is a nationally recognized leader in image management, disability employment advocacy, and inclusive media. She is the founder of Polishing the Professional [https://polishingtheprofessional.com/], a full‑service career center supporting disabled and non‑disabled job seekers, and the creator and executive producer of The Able Show [https://theableshow.com/], a groundbreaking series where people with disabilities fill the majority of on‑ and off‑camera roles.

About the Host

Julie Sowash [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesowash/] is a strategic advisor, disability inclusion leader, and co‑founder of Disability Solutions. She is the CEO of Catch 22 Group [https://www.catch22consulting.com/] and is the Job Board Doctor [https://www.jobboarddoctor.com/].

Resources & Mentions

 * Disability Solutions Quarterly Webinar: Rethinking Design for Neurodiversity (April 2, 2026) [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3517724855574/WN_6wCidgQPTLe5OIB_WZghJw#/registration]
 * Grant Harris, Certified Diversity Executive [https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantharris555/]

Breaking the Charity Mindset: Disability, Authentic Branding & Inclusive Employment with Davina Douthard

Julie Sowash of Disability Solutions talks with clients, friends, influencers, and advocates from the disability community to discuss the complexities, difficulties, and successes of disability employment. 

In this honest and very human podcast, we analyze and dissect workplace trends, government policies, biases, and more, shedding light on disability inclusion and the people who are changing minds and changing lives. 

Changing Minds & Changing Lives Podcast

Disability@Work is a podcast focused on disability inclusion, accessibility, and equity in the workplace. Hosted by disability inclusion strategist and Director of Marketing & Communications, Ashley Sims, the show explores the cultural, social, and systemic factors that shape access, opportunity, and employment for people with disabilities.

Each episode features thoughtful conversations and practical insights for employers, HR leaders, advocates, and allies working to build more inclusive organizations. Topics include disability in the workplace, inclusive hiring, accessibility, disability culture, ableism, policy, and the lived experiences of disabled people.

Whether you’re advancing DEI initiatives, designing accessible workplaces, or learning how to better support disabled talent, Disability@Work offers clear, actionable perspectives to help create environments where everyone can participate and thrive.

Julie Sowash

Shows