Episodios

  • Supercharge Your Bottom Line Through Disability Inclusion | Novacoast

    Supercharge Your Bottom Line Through Disability Inclusion | Novacoast
    Apr 25 2024
    Dr. Kirk Adams hosted a webinar on disability inclusion in cybersecurity, highlighting the Apex program, which prepares blind individuals for cybersecurity careers. The program, developed by Novacoast, offers a 10-week training course for CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications, costing $7,500. The program aims to place 400 blind individuals annually in cybersecurity roles, addressing a significant employment gap. Key features include flexible learning, employer support, and a strong industry network. The webinar emphasized the transferable skills from contract management services to cybersecurity and the potential for career growth, with starting salaries around $35,000 and potential earnings of $95,000. Outline Introduction and Overview of the Webinar Speaker 1 introduces the podcast, emphasizing its focus on disability rights, employment, and inclusion.Speaker 2, Dr. Kirk Adams, welcomes everyone to the monthly live stream webinar titled "Supercharge your bottom line through Disability Inclusion."Dr. Adams introduces himself as the Managing Director of Innovative Impact LLC and shares his background in disability inclusion.He introduces two teammates, David Main and Katie McAuliffe, and welcomes a new team member, Kalana.The agenda includes a video about the Apex program, perspectives from David and Katie, and a Q&A session. Background of the Apex Program Dr. Adams recounts the history of the Apex program, which began during his tenure at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).The AFB was named as the third central nonprofit agency under the Ability One program, leading to a five-year cooperative agreement.The research phase identified three lines of business: contract management, digital health, and cybersecurity.Despite the pandemic, the research highlighted cybersecurity as a promising field for people who are blind.Dr. Adams transitioned to his consulting practice, Innovative Impact, and connected with Dan Berlin and Jack Chen, who were involved in the Race Across America. Development of the Apex Program Jack Chen and Dan Berlin were organizing the Race Across America and seeking sponsors.AFB sponsored the race, and Dan Berlin introduced Dr. Adams to Novacoast, a cybersecurity company interested in hiring blind individuals.Dr. Adams met with Novacoast's CEO, Paul Anderson, and was given the green light to develop the Apex program.Katie McAuliffe joined the team later, bringing extensive experience from IBM and Novell.The Apex program was created to prepare blind and visually impaired individuals for certifications in networking and cybersecurity. Personal Stories and Success of the Apex Program A video featuring personal stories of individuals involved in the Apex program is shown, highlighting their struggles and successes.One participant, David Jr., shares his journey from a severe accident to pursuing a cybersecurity degree.Curtis Jackson, another participant, discusses his experience with unemployment and how the Apex program changed his life.The video emphasizes the potential for blind individuals to succeed in cybersecurity careers.David Jr. and Curtis both found employment at Novacoast, proving the program's effectiveness. Vision and Future of the Apex Program David Main outlines his vision for the program's growth, including expanding to more states and potentially international markets.The program aims to offer high school students the opportunity to earn certifications before graduation.The goal is to support students beyond entry-level training, providing further certifications and job opportunities.Dr. Adams expresses his admiration for the program, stating it aligns with his career-long mission to create opportunities for people who are blind.Katie McAuliffe discusses the unique features of Novacoast and how the company's support enhances the Apex program. Career Opportunities and Industry Support Katie McAuliffe explains the various career paths available in cybersecurity, from entry-level roles to specialized positions like threat hunters and penetration testers.The industry is supportive of continuous learning and certification stacking, allowing for career advancement.Novacoast's annual cybersecurity conference provides opportunities for graduates to network with industry leaders.The company's staffing division, Novaco Staffing, helps place graduates in positions.Dr. Adams emphasizes the importance of vocational rehabilitation partnerships and other funding models to support the program. Q&A Session and Closing Remarks Amanda Gomez from Vibrant Works asks about accessing the training independently of state vocational rehabilitation.Dr. Adams confirms that alternative funding models are possible and shares examples of successful partnerships.Katie McAuliffe provides pricing information for the program, which costs $7,500 and includes both CompTIA certifications.The program is designed to be flexible, with students having 10 weeks to complete the training, but the pace ...
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    47 m
  • Supercharge Your Bottom Line Through Disability Inclusion | Surpassing Sight

    Supercharge Your Bottom Line Through Disability Inclusion | Surpassing Sight
    Jun 2 2024
    Dr. Kirk Adams, Managing Director of Innovative Impact LLC, hosted a webinar discussing disability inclusion and employment. He highlighted that only 35% of blind individuals are employed, compared to 70% of the general population. Lucas Behnken, producer of the documentary "Surpassing Sight," shared the film's goal to change perceptions of blind capabilities through the story of a blind team in the Race Across America. The film aims to catalyze social impact by connecting employers with training programs and tracking employment outcomes. The project includes private screenings, a red carpet premiere, and a long-term strategy to raise awareness and funds for employment opportunities for the blind. Introduction and Overview of the Webinar Speaker 1 introduces the podcast, emphasizing its focus on disability rights, employment, and inclusion.Speaker 2, Dr. Kirk Adams, welcomes everyone to the fourth episode of his monthly live-streamed webinar series.Dr. Adams mentions the partnership with the documentary film "Surpassing Sight" and introduces its producer, Lucas Behnken.Lucas Behnken introduces himself and his production company, Sterling Light Productions, and provides a brief background on the film and its foundation. Dr. Kirk Adams' Background and Employment Statistics for Blind Individuals Dr. Adams shares his personal story of being blind since childhood and his education at the Oregon State School for the Blind.He discusses the employment challenges faced by blind individuals, noting that only 35% are employed compared to 70% of the general population.Dr. Adams highlights the disparities in employment outcomes, including higher unemployment rates and lower income levels for blind individuals.He emphasizes the importance of meaningful employment in providing financial stability, dignity, and positive self-identity. Success Stories and Personal Experiences of Blind Professionals Dr. Adams shares success stories of blind professionals who have achieved significant careers in large corporations.He recounts the story of a blind woman who overcame obstacles to become an executive in a telecom company.Another story involves a blind man who participated in freestyle bike tricks with his sighted peers, fostering a strong sense of self-efficacy.Dr. Adams discusses his professional career dedicated to creating opportunities for blind and disabled individuals to thrive in employment. Dr. Adams' Professional Achievements and Leadership Roles Dr. Adams details his role as President and CEO of the Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle, where he oversaw businesses employing blind and deaf-blind individuals.He highlights the success of these businesses, including aerospace manufacturing and advanced manufacturing for the U.S. Army.Dr. Adams shares his experience serving on the Board of Trustees for the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and his leadership role at AFB.He recounts his meeting with Jack Chen, a blind Assistant General Counsel for Google, and their shared commitment to creating opportunities for blind individuals in the workforce. The Race Across America Project and AFB's Involvement Dr. Adams describes the Race Across America project initiated by Jack Chen and Dan Berlin, involving blind professionals on tandem cycling teams.AFB sponsored the Race Across America team, marking a significant milestone in their efforts to change perceptions of blind capabilities.Dr. Adams shares his transition to a new role as a consultant and his partnership with Dan Berlin, leading to the Apex Program for training blind individuals in cybersecurity.The Apex Program has expanded to 16 states, with a target of training 400 blind individuals annually in cybersecurity. Introduction of Lucas Behnken and the Surpassing Sight Film Project Lucas Behnken introduces himself and his background in creating social impact campaigns around documentary films.He explains his involvement in the Surpassing Sight project, which began with footage from the Race Across America.Lucas and his team, including director Ramon Fernandez, interviewed subjects and created the film to highlight the capabilities of blind professionals.The film includes a diverse team of blind and low-vision professionals, ensuring authenticity and impact. The Film's Social Impact Campaign and Distribution Strategy Lucas emphasizes the importance of using the film as a tool to make long-term change and enhance lives.The film includes an audio description track, ensuring accessibility for blind viewers.Lucas and his team have been conducting private screenings to build advocates and gather feedback on the film's impact.The goal is to create a concierge service to connect blind professionals with companies and track their employment outcomes. Lessons Learned from Previous Social Impact Campaigns Lucas shares insights from his work on the documentary "Molly," which focused on adoption and foster care.The campaign involved private screenings, partnerships with ...
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    59 m