AdaptX Podcast
by AdaptX
Amplifying the voice and ideas of individuals who are building accessible businesses, advocating for inclusion, or excelling in adaptive sports.
Podcast episodes
Ep. #85 - Running into the Record Books with Caleb Prewitt
In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, host Brendan Aylward speaks with Caleb Pruitt, a 17-year-old athlete breaking barriers in running and triathlon, and his mother, Karen. They discuss Caleb's journey in sports, the impact of Special Olympics, the challenges of training, and the importance of inclusivity in athletics. Caleb shares his experiences of achieving world records and his aspirations for the future, including upcoming races and his goals beyond sports. The conversation highlights the significance of community support and motivation for individuals with disabilities. Takeaways Caleb started running during the pandemic to stay active. Special Olympics played a crucial role in Caleb's socialization. Caleb enjoys biking the most in triathlons. He is one of the youngest to complete a triathlon. Caleb has set multiple world records in running. Community support is vital for athletes with disabilities. Motivation for individuals with ID often needs to be tangible. Inclusivity in races is essential for all participants. Caleb's journey inspires other families with disabilities. Awareness and training for gym staff can improve inclusivity. Keywords Caleb Pruitt, Special Olympics, triathlon, world records, inclusivity, disabilities, running, motivation, training, community support
Ep.#84- Empowering Education through AI with Adele Smolansky
In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Adele Smolansky, founder and CEO of AI Learners, an educational platform designed to support students with disabilities through AI-powered learning tools. Adele shares her personal journey of creating AI Learners, inspired by her sister's challenges during the COVID pandemic. The conversation delves into the importance of customization and engagement in educational tools, the effectiveness of AI in enhancing accessibility, and the ongoing efforts to develop social skills in students post-COVID. They also discuss the challenges of building a sustainable business model in the ed-tech space and the significance of creating inclusive environments in fitness and education. To learn more about Adele and AI-Learners, visit these links, Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelesmolansky/ Website: https://ai-learners.com/ Takeaways AI Learners focuses on making learning accessible for all abilities. The platform was inspired by personal experiences with disabilities. Customization is key for engaging students with disabilities. Measuring effectiveness involves both qualitative and quantitative data. The platform is subscription-based, charging by the student. Gamification elements are designed to motivate students without pressure. AI Learners serves a wide age range, from 3 to 22 years old. The platform is designed to facilitate lessons beyond just screen time. Accessibility in tech is often an afterthought, but should be prioritized. Building relationships with educators is crucial for outreach and growth. Keywords AI Learners, accessibility, education technology, disabilities, engagement, customization, social skills, digital accessibility, learning outcomes, inclusive fitness
Ep.#83 - Equitable Education and Employment Opportunities for the Disability Community with Danny Combs
Ep.#83 - Equitable Education and Employment Opportunities for the Disability Community with Danny Combs
In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, host Brendan Aylward speaks with Danny Combs, a leading voice in creating equitable futures for neurodistinct individuals in business and equality of opportunity for the entire disability community. Mr. Combs is the inaugural Director of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, Colorado’s senior strategic and policy agency housed in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, working with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to help make Colorado the best state in the country for people with disabilities. He is the founder of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades), the state of Colorado’s leading transition to employment and training organization, and the co-founder of the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, the first neurodiverse chamber in the country. They discuss Danny's personal journey, the importance of a strengths-based approach to neurodiversity, and the evolution of TACT from humble beginnings to a significant nonprofit. The conversation also covers the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workforce, the establishment of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, and the unique initiatives Colorado is implementing to support people with disabilities. Danny emphasizes the need for collaboration among organizations and the importance of creating inclusive environments in various sectors, including fitness. Takeaways Danny's father inspired his passion for inclusion. The diagnosis of autism was initially met with resistance. A strengths-based approach is crucial for neurodivergent individuals. The trades offer valuable opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Employers often ask the wrong questions in interviews. TACT evolved from a mobile program to a large facility. Funding for nonprofits is often reliant on grants. The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office aims to elevate disability services. Colorado is leading in digital accessibility initiatives. Creating inclusive fitness environments requires staff education. Keywords inclusion, disability advocacy, neurodiversity, TACT, employment, strengths-based approach, trades, Colorado Disability Opportunity Office, fitness accessibility, nonprofit sustainability
Ep.#82 - A Vision for Equal Opportunity in Employment with Tanner Gers
In this conversation, Tanner Gers and Brendan Aylward discuss the importance of accessibility for individuals with disabilities, focusing on employment, training, and the role of digital accessibility. Tanner shares his personal journey of losing his sight and how it led him to create a business aimed at helping others with disabilities find meaningful work. They explore the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the job market, the misconceptions surrounding adaptive sports, and the need for more inclusive practices in the fitness industry. The discussion also touches on the future of digital accessibility and the potential impact of technology on improving accessibility outcomes. To learn more about Tanner and AccessAbility Officer visit these links below: Company Website - https://accessabilityofficer.com/ LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannergers/ Takeaways The interview process is crucial for meaningful conversations. The goal is to equalize the unemployment rates for disabled individuals. Changing societal perceptions about disabilities is essential. Employment opportunities should not be given based on disability but on qualifications. Digital accessibility requires thorough testing and reporting. Accessibility overlays can sometimes create more barriers than they solve. The future of digital accessibility will involve more technology integration. Small businesses often face challenges in understanding accessibility compliance. Tanner's entrepreneurial journey is driven by a desire to help others. Hope for recovery and improvement in vision is a powerful motivator. Keywords accessibility, disabilities, inclusion, adaptive sports, digital accessibility, employment, training, entrepreneurship, visual impairment, fitness
Ep. #81 - Acceptance, Adversity, and the Art of Changing Course with Chris Ruden
In this episode of the AdaptX podcast, Chris Ruden is an amputee, Type 1 diabetic record-holding powerlifter, motivational keynote speaker, and author of The Art of Changing Course. From being humiliated and labeled broken because of his disability to struggling with mental health and living in a non-disabled-inclusive world, Chris learned to turn his obstacles into opportunities, now using his badass bionic arm, diabetes technology, and message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to embrace his disability, the importance of representation, and how fitness became a coping mechanism. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the power of language and identity in personal growth and the importance of seeing individuals beyond their disabilities. In this conversation, Chris and Brendan explore the importance of focusing on end benefits in fitness and personal growth, the significance of storytelling in motivational speaking, and the need for genuine inclusion and accessibility in various sectors, particularly fitness. To learn more about Chris and his mission, visit these links! Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisruden/ Website- https://chrisruden.com/ Takeaways Everyone manages change, whether they want to or not. Hiding my disability for 17 years shaped my identity. Representation matters in acceptance and growth. Fitness became a way to cope with my challenges. Innovative training techniques can empower individuals with disabilities. Understanding change is crucial for personal development. Language shapes our identity and self-perception. We must separate our past habits from our current identities. It's important to treat people as individuals, not conditions. Radical honesty is essential for personal growth. Finding fulfillment in work is crucial for happiness. Inclusion should be a continuous practice, not a one-time event. Burnout often stems from forgetting the importance of our work. Identifying when to pivot requires self-honesty. Everyone has the potential to influence and inspire others. Keywords disability, motivation, fitness, powerlifting, bodybuilding, change management, representation, mental health, personal growth, inclusion, fitness, inclusion, accessibility, personal growth, motivation, speaking, coaching, disability, empowerment, business