💡️ Practical Strategies for Workplace Inclusion and Leadership
The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams. The world’s leading business strategy and workplace inclusion newsletter.
A Dr. Kirk Adams Publication
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Carrying Helen Keller’s Legacy: Dr. Kirk Adams on Purpose, Leadership, and Disability Inclusion | Driven By Purpose | YouTube | February 2, 2026
In this inspiring episode of Driven By Purpose, hosts Evan Rosenblum and Isaac Shapiro sit down with Dr. Kirk Adams, former CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, to explore his remarkable journey from childhood blindness to national leadership. As the successor to Helen Keller’s iconic organization, Dr. Adams shares how purpose, resilience, and inclusion can transform both lives and workplaces. We explore: How losing his sight at age five shaped Dr. Adams’s resilience and leadership journey. Lessons from Helen Keller’s legacy and the impact of the American Foundation for the Blind. Why hiring people with disabilities strengthens companies and culture. The mission behind Innovative Impact and how it’s driving employment inclusion. How empathy, purpose, and high expectations empower communities to thrive.
News
1.) Podcasts By Dr. Kirk Adams: Interview with Jerred Mace, Founder & CEO, OneCourt | Dr. Kirk Adams | January 21, 2026
In this inspiring episode of Podcasts by Dr. Kirk Adams, Dr. Adams talks with Jerred Mace of OneCourt about how haptic technology can make live sports dramatically more accessible for blind and low-vision fans. Adams shares his own “hands-on” encounters with the OneCourt device, feeling the raised layout of a basketball court and the vibrations of a synced, fast-moving play, and later experiencing baseball through touch by sensing pitch location, ball flight, and baserunners in real time alongside the radio broadcast.
2.) Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. | Dr. Kirk Adams | January 15, 2026
Here, Dr. Kirk Adams, Executive Director for the ISDI, reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ahead of MLK Day on January 19, 2026, and connects King’s call for courageous, collective struggle to ISDI’s decade of work advancing equity, dignity, and belonging. He highlights ISDI’s long-standing Northwest Diversity Learning Series as a space where leaders confront hard truths, build practical skills, and sustain the uncomfortable but necessary work of naming inequity and turning values into action.
3.) CES 2026: When Innovation Remembers (and Forgets) Who It’s For | Dr. Kirk Adams | YouTube.com | January 13, 2026
Here, Dr. Kirk Adams recounts attending CES 2026 as a strategic advisor and small shareholder in Innosearch.ai, which exhibited in Eureka Park, an area he describes as vibrant and community-like for accessibility and disability-inclusion innovators. Surrounded by companies building assistive and universally designed tech, he feels both energized and affirmed, arguing that disability inclusion isn’t charity but a market-expanding driver of better design.
4.) Inclusion Is a Strategic Advantage And It’s Local: Innovative Impact, LLC Joins the Good Business Network of Washington | Dr. Kirk Adams | January 13, 2026
Here, Dr. Kirk Adams announces that Innovative Impact, LLC has joined the Good Business Network of Washington and frames the decision as a practical commitment to making inclusion a measurable, local economic advantage, not a compliance exercise. He ties the network’s mission of helping people buy, produce, and invest locally to his central thesis that inclusion is a strategic advantage, arguing that the same ingredient powers both: strong relationships across businesses, municipalities, community organizations, and residents.
Featured Events
February 2, 2026 | Launcher Ask Me Anything (AMA) Session | Remarkable
5:00 PM PT, 6:00 PM MT, 7:00 PM CT, 8:00 PM ET, 1:00 AM GMT
Join Remarkable for a live online Ask Me Anything session about the Launcher Pre-Accelerator Program, which supports early-stage startups creating inclusive solutions that improve the lives of people with disability. Participants can learn about the 12-week program structure, eligibility criteria, and opportunities for mentorship, coaching, and community connection.
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 5, 2026 | Careers & Canine Connections Informational Webinar | Guide Dogs For The Blind And APH ConnectCenter
4:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM MT, 6:00 PM CT, 7:00 PM ET, 12:00 AM GMT
Join Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH ConnectCenter for an informational webinar about Careers & Canine Connections, a weeklong program designed for blind and low-vision young adults ages 18 to 26 to explore career opportunities and the guide dog lifestyle.
February 5, 2026 | From Project Ideas To Polished Writing: Research And Organize With Claude Using JAWS, ZoomText, And Fusion | Vispero
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
Join Vispero presenters Elizabeth Whitaker and Rachel Buchanan for a practical session on using Claude to enhance writing and organization workflows with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion. This training covers navigating Claude via keyboard, managing multiple prompts, streamlining workflows, and building repeatable processes for research and content creation. ACVREP credits are available for live attendees.
February 7, 2026 | What’s New In JAWS And ZoomText For 2026 | Technology User Group At The Maryland State Library For The Blind And Print Disabled
7:00 AM PT, 8:00 AM MT, 9:00 AM CT, 10:00 AM ET, 3:00 PM GMT
TUG is proud to welcome Elizabeth Whitaker of Freedom Scientific for an in depth presentation you will not want to miss. This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices behind the tools so many rely on every day. Elizabeth will walk us through the newest updates to JAWS and ZoomText, including: The redesigned login process that streamlines access and improves security. Page Explorer, a powerful feature that enhances navigation and efficiency and training resources and podcasts that are available to all users, offering ongoing learning and support. This session promises practical insights, expert guidance, and a firsthand look at features that can make a real difference in daily technology use. This is your opportunity to experience cutting-edge tools, ask questions, and connect with others passionate about technology and its impact.
February 9, 2026 | Semi-Finalist Invitations Sent | Blind Travel Foundation
Semi-finalists for the Blind Travel Foundation’s 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant will be notified via email. Selected applicants will advance to the interview stage to discuss their travel project proposals in more detail.
February 10-21, 2026 | Semi-Finalist Interviews | Blind Travel Foundation
Semi-finalist interviews will be held virtually between February 10 and February 21. Applicants should ensure availability for a 30-minute interview to discuss their proposed travel projects and answer committee questions.
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.
February 12, 2026 | Let’s Work Together: NCMEC Online Safety Trends And Resources | Maryland Libraries
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this informative session from Maryland Libraries, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children highlights current trends in online child sexual exploitation and prevention, offering critical insights on issues such as online enticement, sextortion, and the influence of generative AI on child safety.
February 12, 2026 | The Perfect Match: Accessibility And Third-Party Product Procurement | Allyant
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
In this live webinar from Allyant, experts outline six essential steps for ensuring accessibility in third-party product procurement. Attendees will learn about current compliance requirements, how to interpret VPATs, and best practices for accessible technology procurement. The session also includes guidance from Disability:IN’s Procure Access toolkit to help organizations strengthen internal processes and meet accessibility standards.
February 15, 2026 | Applications Close For Launcher Pre-Accelerator Program | Remarkable
The Launcher Pre-Accelerator Program from Remarkable, the venture arm of Cerebral Palsy Alliance, is a 12-week, part-time online program that helps founders test and validate ideas in disability, ageing, and health tech. Participants gain expert-led learning, strategic coaching, and connections to a global ecosystem of mentors and investors dedicated to inclusive innovation.
February 17, 2026 | Building Mathematical Mastery With APH Tools: A Grade-Level Roadmap | American Printing House (APH)
12:00 PM PT, 1:00 PM MT, 2:00 PM CT, 3:00 PM ET, 8:00 PM GMT
In this engaging webinar from the American Printing House, educators will discover the best math learning tools for students who are blind or low vision, explore how these resources align with national standards, and learn how to design targeted instructional plans to maximize student success and Federal Quota resources.
February 23, 2026 | Semi-Final Round Submission Deadline | Blind Travel Foundation
8:59 PM PT, 9:59 PM MT, 10:59 PM CT, 11:59 PM ET, 4:59 AM GMT
Deadline for semi-finalists to submit required materials for the next round of the Blind Travel Foundation’s 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant. Ensure all documents and supplemental materials are complete before submission.
February 24, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
February 26, 2026 | Netsmartz: Internet Safety: Parents, Guardians & Community | Maryland Libraries
3:00 PM PT, 4:00 PM MT, 5:00 PM CT, 6:00 PM ET, 11:00 PM GMT
In this Maryland Libraries presentation, NetSmartz provides parents, guardians, and community members with practical prevention tools and response strategies to help protect children from online risks and navigate digital safety challenges effectively.
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 6, 2026 | Finalist Interview Invitations Sent | Blind Travel Foundation
Finalists for the 2026 $10,000 Travel Grant will be notified and invited to participate in interviews with the Application Committee. These interviews are the final stage before recipient selection.
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 10-20, 2026 | Finalist Interviews with Application Committee | Blind Travel Foundation
Finalist interviews will take place between March 10 and March 20 with the Application Committee. Candidates will discuss their proposed travel projects and demonstrate alignment with the foundation’s mission to support accessible travel for the blind and visually impaired.
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.
March 24, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
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.
April 28, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
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.
May 26, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
June 23, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
July 28, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
August 25, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
September 22, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
October 27, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
November 24, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
December 22, 2026 | Tech It Out | Hadley
11:00 AM PT, 12:00 PM MT, 1:00 PM CT, 2:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM GMT
Learn a few tips about everyday technology from a technology expert, ask your questions, and share your experiences.
Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams News Team
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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Subscription Information 📰️ABOUT 💡️Founded in 2025, the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams is the world’s leading business strategy and workplace inclusion newsletter that reaches over 5,000 corporate executives, HR professionals, policymakers, disability advocates, and business leaders all over the world, each month. Subscribe here. Review the most recent issues here. The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams delivers essential monthly updates on workplace inclusion, disability employment strategy, leadership best practices, accessibility innovations, and the latest trends in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across industries. The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams is a Dr. Kirk Adams Publication. Publisher: Dr. Kirk Adams. RELEASE SCHEDULE 📅️The Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams is released on the 1st Monday of each month at 6:00 AM ET. SUBSCRIBE 📧️Do you, a friend, or colleague wish to receive the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams newsletter? If so, please use or pass along our free sign-up link. You can also subscribe to receive the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams newsletter on the Dr. Kirk Adams Website. Either of these methods will provide you with an accessibly friendly and secure medium through which you can subscribe to our mailing list. Just enter your email address, click send, and begin receiving the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams. It’s that easy. WEBSITE 🌐️Visit the Dr. Kirk Adams website online at: https://drkirkadams.com/. RSS 📡️Do you prefer RSS? Follow the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams via RSS today to begin receiving current news and trends in Access Information using your choice of news aggregator. THANK YOU 🙏️Thank you for reading. On behalf of all of us here at the Innovative Impact Newsletter By Dr. Kirk Adams, we look forward to keeping you informed.
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