Access Denied: The Real Talk on Ableism and Inclusion Artwork

Twenty-First Century Disability

Let's be honest. Life with a disability can be difficult. Luckily, we are living in the twenty-first century. This podcast is about how living in the modern world has helped people with disabilities to have fairly "normal" lives. Join me as we explore why this is and as I try to look at disability from a social model perspective and change how the world sees disability.

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Twenty-First Century Disability

Access Denied: The Real Talk on Ableism and Inclusion

October 30, 2025 • Hollis Peirce • Season 4 • Episode 5

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In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Anna Schmid, an expert in disability advocacy and workplace inclusion. Together, we explore the pervasive issue of ableism in the workplace, and in the real world. During our conversation we discuss its impact on employees with disabilities and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all. Anna shares her insights on practical strategies for dismantling ableism and fostering a culture of accessibility and respect.

#### Key Topics Discussed:
- **Understanding Ableism:** What it is and how it manifests in workplace, as well as real world and political settings.
- **Personal Experiences:** Anna shares her journey and experiences with ableism in her professional and personal life.
- **The Cost of Exclusion:** How ableism affects not only individuals but also organizational culture and productivity.
- **Future of Work:** Discussing the evolving landscape of work and the ongoing need for accessibility.

#### Guest Bio:
**Anna Schmid** is a passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusion in the workplace. With over a decade of experience in organizational development and accessibility consulting, Anna helps businesses implement effective strategies to support employees of all abilities. She is dedicated to raising awareness about ableism and empowering individuals to create positive change in their workplaces.

#### Resources Mentioned:
- Website: https://annaschmidspeaker.com

- Substack: @lovelylotus247

- Instagram: @lovelylotus247

- LinkedIn: @annaschmid

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