The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams for Monday, January 5, 2026 – Issue 110

Help Shape the Future of Healthcare: Join Rare Patient Voice Through Dr. Kirk Adams

If you’re a patient or caregiver who wants to make a difference, I invite you to join Rare Patient Voice through my personal referral link: https://rarepatientvoice.com/rp/DrKirk.

Rare Patient Voice connects individuals living with rare and non-rare conditions to paid research opportunities where your voice directly shapes new treatments, products, and policies. Participants are typically compensated $120 per hour for surveys, interviews, and focus groups. It’s a powerful way to ensure your lived experience helps improve care for others, and you’ll be compensated for your time.

By signing up through my link, you’re also supporting our shared mission of making healthcare more inclusive and patient-driven.

Dr. Kirk Adams, Ph.D.
Advocate, Leader and Keynote Speaker on Disability Inclusion & Leadership
Leading the Way to Accessible Innovation

Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI)
Executive Director
Strengthening individual and organizational capability for creating diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Innovative Impact, LLC Consulting
Managing Director
Impactful Workforce Inclusion Starts Here

American Foundation for the Blind
Immediate Past President & CEO
To create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired.

1.) A Harbor in Stormy Waters: Listening, Learning, and Building What Comes Next at ISDI | Dr. Kirk Adams | January 2, 2026

Here, Dr. Kirk Adams steps into his new role as Executive Director of the Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI) and names what he’s hearing, loudly and consistently, from the people doing DEI and belonging work right now: they’re committed, they’re still showing up, and they are exhausted. Drawing from an ISDI survey shaping the 2026 Northwest Diversity Learning Series (and a scan of practitioner discussion spaces), he surfaces a clear set of needs: real encouragement (not platitudes), calm and current legal guidance, evidence-based practices that actually work, sustainable ways to do the work without sacrificing health, and strategies people can act on immediately.

2.) Red-Winged Blackbirds in Leschi: How Birdability Turns Birding by Ear into Belonging: Join Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon May 3rd and 4th 2026 | Dr. Kirk Adams | January 2, 2026

Here, Dr. Kirk Adams invites readers to join Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon (May 3-4, 2026) and shares how a simple walk through Seattle’s Leschi neighborhood, punctuated by the unmistakable call of his favorite red-winged blackbird, captures what Birdability is building: a birding community where belonging is not reserved for those who see, but extended to everyone who listens. Drawing on his lifelong practice of “seeing with the ears,” he frames birding by ear as more than a technique; it is a pathway to confidence, spatial awareness, and agency that follows blind birders beyond the trail and into daily life.

3.) From Courtrooms to Culture: Samuel J. Levine Brings Disability Rights & Inclusion to Touro Law on March 12th & 13th 2026 | Dr. Kirk Adams | January 1, 2026

Here, Dr. Kirk Adams highlights Touro Law’s “3rd Annual Disability Rights & Inclusion Conference,” a hybrid convening taking place March 12-13, 2026 at Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in Central Islip, New York, and online via Zoom, offering up to 13.5 CLE credits (including ethics/professionalism). The conference is organized by Professor Samuel J. Levine, a Touro Law professor and the Director of Touro Law’s Jewish Law Institute, whose background spans legal practice, scholarship, and leadership in professional ethics, helping explain why this event reaches beyond narrow doctrine into the real-world systems where disability rights are won or quietly lost.

4.) Don’t Leave $18 Trillion on the Table: Why I’m Joining Adaptation Ventures at World Trade Center Seattle’s “Can We Talk” Event on January 22, 2026 | Dr. Kirk Adams | December 27, 2025

Here, Dr. Kirk Adams invites readers to join him at World Trade Center Seattle’s “Can We Talk: Don’t Leave $18T on the Table!” on January 22, 2026, and uses the event as a launch point to argue that disability, neurodivergence, and aging are not niche issues but the world’s largest overlooked economic opportunity, an ecosystem tied to an estimated $18 trillion in purchasing power that investors and business leaders routinely undervalue. He frames accessibility as strategy, not charity or compliance, emphasizing that the real cost isn’t inclusive design; it’s exclusion, lost customers, lost talent, and missed innovation, especially as nearly everyone will experience disability at some point in life.

5.) A Bold New Chapter for ISDI — Leadership, Coalition, and Call to Action: Dr. Kirk Adams Joins ISDI as Executive Director — Dr. Joseph Marth Joins the ISDI Board | December 18, 2025

The Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI) announces two major leadership additions: Dr. Kirk Adams has joined as Executive Director, and Dr. Joseph Marth has joined the Board. Framing these appointments as the “spark” for what comes next, ISDI positions this moment as the start of a larger push to protect and expand justice, access, and opportunity across sectors.

6.) Podcasts By Dr. Kirk Adams: Interview with Sheldon Guy, Director, Women’s Athletics, Improve Her Game | December 18, 2025

In this deeply moving episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Adams speaks with Sheldon Guy, Director of Women’s Athletics with Improve Her Game and, by his account, one of the only blind basketball coaches, about the sudden, life-altering loss of his vision and the raw, real-time process of rebuilding a life. Sheldon recounts how quickly his world shifted, the heartbreak of what that meant for his son, and the moment he reached a breaking point, only to find a reason to keep going through messages of love and belief from his son and the players he coached. From there, he made a conscious decision to “pivot,” return to the gym, and keep his commitments, launching a story of resilience that later drew major media attention and led to documentary coverage of his journey.

7.) Podcasts By Dr. Kirk Adams: Interview with Alyssa Dver, Founding CEO, Speaker, Educator, Motivator, Spokesperson, ERG Leadership Alliance | December 4, 2025

In this insightful episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Adams sits down with Alyssa Dver, Founder and CEO of the ERG Leadership Alliance, to explore how employee resource groups (ERGs) can drive both inclusion and business performance. Alyssa breaks down what ERGs are, why they’re different from social clubs, and how volunteer leaders navigate the paradox of doing “extra” work that still has to align with business goals. She and Dr. Adams discuss the current backlash against DEI, the recent U.S. executive order that both constrains and reinforces the importance of inclusive ERGs, and why organizations that were already committed to DEI are now doubling down on ERGs as engines of belonging, innovation, and retention. Throughout the conversation, they connect ERGs directly to disability inclusion, emphasizing that disability crosses all demographics and that every ERG can and should be disability-ready.

January 6-9, 2026 | CES 2026 — Las Vegas, NV | Consumer Electronics Show

Join the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas for CES 2026, one of the world’s most influential technology gatherings. The event showcases groundbreaking innovations, emerging technologies, and sets the stage for the year’s biggest tech trends.

January 8, 2026 | New Year, New Hobby — Find Your Accessible Recreation Fun! | U.S. Access Board

11:30 AM PT, 12:30 PM MT, 1:30 PM CT, 2:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM GMT
In this free 90-minute webinar, the U.S. Access Board explores accessible recreation opportunities under the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards, focusing on boating facilities, fishing piers, and golf courses. Hosted by the ADA National Network in cooperation with the Board, the session includes real-world technical assistance examples, video remote interpreting, and captioning, with continuing education credits available.

January 10, 2026 | Blindshell Classic Phone 3 With AI | Technology User Group At The Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled

10:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM MT, 12:00 PM CT, 1:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM GMT
TUG is hosting a tech doubleheader showcase that puts innovation front and center! Discover the groundbreaking BlindShell Classic 3 phone, now powered with built-in AI. See it in action, explore its smart features, and learn both its strengths and limitations — so you’ll know exactly how it can fit into your life. We’ll also shine a spotlight on the Image Center — your gateway to specialized services designed to support independence and accessibility. Find out what’s available, and whether you qualify to benefit from these incredible resources. This isn’t just another tech demo — it’s your chance to experience cutting-edge tools, ask questions, and connect with a community that’s passionate about technology and empowerment.

January 20, 2026 | Braille: The Power of Dots | Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled (LBPD) And Blind Industries And Services Of Maryland (BISM)

2:30 PM PT, 3:30 PM MT, 4:30 PM CT, 5:30 PM ET, 10:30 PM GMT
Join the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and Blind Industries and Services of Maryland for an interactive evening celebrating Braille as a powerful tool for learning, organization, and independence. The event features hands-on activities, demonstrations of modern Braille technology, and discussions on how Braille supports education, employment, and daily life.

January 21, 2026 | Bett UK 2026 — London, Uk | Bett

Bett brings together global educators, policymakers, and technology providers in London to explore the future of learning. The event highlights the latest in educational technology and innovations driving accessible and inclusive education.

January 22, 2026 | Can We Talk: Adaptation Ventures And Dr. Kirk Adams | World Trade Center Seattle

7:30 AM PT, 8:30 AM MT, 9:30 AM CT, 10:30 AM ET, 3:30 PM GMT
Join World Trade Center Seattle for this in-person breakfast conversation featuring Dr. Kirk Adams alongside Brittany and Rich Palmer of Adaptation Ventures. The discussion, titled “Don’t Leave $18T on the Table,” explores the massive $18 trillion global disability economy and how accessibility, neurodivergence, and aging represent the next frontier for innovation and investment. Attendees will gain insights into disability-driven markets, inclusive technology, and strategies for integrating accessibility as a core business advantage.

January 29, 2026 | Atia 2026 — Orlando, Fl | Assistive Technology Industry Association

Hosted by the Assistive Technology Industry Association, ATIA 2026 offers a premier space for professionals and educators to explore hands-on AT demonstrations, attend expert-led sessions, and connect with leaders in the accessibility community.

February 4, 5, and 6 2026 | NOAT 2026: EducATe And IntegrATe | NOAT Conference

7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
Join the NOAT Conference for NOAT 2026: educATe and integrATe, a three-day virtual event dedicated to advancing assistive technology education and integration. Held online via Zoom, this interactive experience includes live presentations, vendor demonstrations, and 1:1 networking opportunities designed to empower participants with innovative tools and strategies for inclusion.

February 12, 2026 | Illinois Aer (Ilaer) Conference — Naperville, Il | Illinois Aer

The Illinois AER Conference gathers professionals supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Attendees will engage in workshops, presentations, and discussions focused on education, advocacy, and accessibility best practices.

March 5, 2026 | AzTAP Conference — Arlington, TX | Arizona Technology Access Program

Organized by the Arizona Technology Access Program, the AzTAP Conference delivers in-depth training and showcases innovation in assistive technology. It’s an essential gathering for educators, service providers, and specialists seeking to expand their expertise.

March 9, 2026 | CSUN Assistive Technology Conference — Anaheim, CA | CSUN Assistive Technology Conference

The CSUN Assistive Technology Conference in Anaheim gathers accessibility professionals, researchers, and advocates from around the world. It offers cutting-edge presentations, product showcases, and insights into inclusive technology solutions.

March 12, 2026 | The 3rd Annual Touro Law Disability Rights & Inclusion Conference | Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Hosted by Professor Samuel J. Levine, this two-day hybrid conference from Touro Law brings together judges, lawyers, advocates, scholars, and community leaders to explore how disability rights and inclusion intersect with law, culture, faith, and policy. Attendees can participate in person or online to engage in sessions on employment, education, justice, neurodiversity, and accessibility, with up to 13.5 CLE credits available for full participation.

March 13, 2026 | The 3rd Annual Touro Law Disability Rights & Inclusion Conference | Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

9:00 AM PT, 10:00 AM MT, 11:00 AM CT, 12:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM GMT
Hosted by Professor Samuel J. Levine, this two-day hybrid conference from Touro Law brings together judges, lawyers, advocates, scholars, and community leaders to explore how disability rights and inclusion intersect with law, culture, faith, and policy. Attendees can participate in person or online to engage in sessions on employment, education, justice, neurodiversity, and accessibility, with up to 13.5 CLE credits available for full participation.

April 13, 2026 | The 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference: Infrastructures For Accessibility | The Ohio State University

12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
Hosted by The Ohio State University, the 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference explores infrastructures for accessibility, emphasizing access as essential to design, innovation, and civic engagement. This year’s program invites presentations on policies and practices that advance inclusion and uphold the spirit of the ADA, with a focus on structures that enable full participation across society.

April 14, 2026 | The 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference: Infrastructures For Accessibility | The Ohio State University

12:00 AM PT, 1:00 AM MT, 2:00 AM CT, 3:00 AM ET, 8:00 AM GMT
Hosted by The Ohio State University, the 26th Annual Multiple Perspective Conference explores infrastructures for accessibility, emphasizing access as essential to design, innovation, and civic engagement. This year’s program invites presentations on policies and practices that advance inclusion and uphold the spirit of the ADA, with a focus on structures that enable full participation across society.

May 3, 2026 | Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon | Birdability

Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.

May 4, 2026 | Birdability’s Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon | Birdability

Join Birdability for the Blind Birder Bird-A-Thon, a free, two-day, community-driven birding experience designed by and for blind and visually impaired birders. Participants are encouraged to explore their surroundings through sound, celebrating access, inclusion, and belonging in birding by ear from anywhere birds sing.

May 21, 2026 | Global Accessibility Awareness Day | The GAAD Foundation

Join The GAAD Foundation on May 21, 2026, for the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day, a worldwide initiative designed to raise awareness about digital access and inclusion for more than one billion people with disabilities. The day encourages individuals, organizations, and developers to explore how technology can be designed and built to be accessible for all.

Distribution: Dr. Kirk Adams

Distribution Since: 2025

As of April 7, 2025 the distribution of the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams is made possible by Dr. Kirk Adams, a leading disability inclusion advocate, workforce accessibility expert and business strategist dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and leadership development worldwide.

Any time the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams Newsletter carries less than its Sponsor limit, Dr. Kirk Adams donates the remaining dollars necessary to keep the publication running.

Publisher: Dr. Kirk Adams

Publisher Since: April 7, 2025

Location: Seattle, Washington

Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST/PDT) (GMT-2/GMT-1)

In addition to serving as Publisher for the Innovative Impact Newsletter, Dr. Kirk Adams also serves as the Managing Director for Innovative Impact, LLC, an award-winning firm where he leads strategic consulting, workforce inclusion initiatives, and leadership development programs focused on creating accessible, equitable, and high-performing workplaces. Through his consultation work with https://innovativeimpact.consulting to his speaking engagements and direct marketing initiatives via https://drkirkadams.com, Dr. Adams advises and assists Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives to drive meaningful, systemic change.

As Publisher, Dr. Adams oversees the monthly distribution of the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams on behalf of Dr. Kirk Adams.

” Inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic advantage. “

Dr. Kirk Adams, Ph.D.
Advocate, Leader and Keynote Speaker on Disability Inclusion & Leadership
Leading the Way to Accessible Innovation

Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion (ISDI)
Executive Director
Strengthening individual and organizational capability for creating diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Innovative Impact, LLC Consulting
Managing Director
Impactful Workforce Inclusion Starts Here

American Foundation for the Blind
Immediate Past President & CEO
To create a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired.

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