‘Of people with disabilities that are unemployed, over half of them have a university degree.’ - Chad LeamanDisabilities can have a significant impact on a person's social and economic standing. Those with disabilities face barriers to education, employment, and social participation, which can limit their opportunities and cause poverty, limit access to healthcare and other services, and reduce their overall quality of life. Also, people with disabilities may have to pay more for the equipment and accommodations they need, which can make their finances even worse. However, with the right support and accommodations, people with disabilities can lead fulfilling and successful lives.A nonprofit taking action to make this happen is Neil Squire, and joining me on the podcast is Chad Leaman, their Director of Innovation. Chad shares how Neil Squire serves and empowers people with disabilities through technology, knowledge, and passion.The topics we cover:Chad’s superhero origin storyChad’s inspiration to work with Neil SquireThe Makers Making Change programExamples of disability technology and innovationsNeil Squire’s ideas and solutions and how they come to fruitionThe value of volunteers with technical skills to Neil SquireHow Neil Squire validates and vets ideas Neil Squire’s business/funding modelTheir digital literacy, employment, and assistive technology effortsEmpowering disabled communities with digital devices, affordable internet, and learning opportunitiesAddressing negative stigmas disabled people face in employmentTheir work with accessible video gaming To learn more and connect with Chad:Neil Squire Website: https://www.neilsquire.ca/Chad Leaman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadleaman/ Makers Making Change Program: https://makersmakingchange.com/ List of Neil Squire’s Assistive Technologies: https://makersmakingchange.com/assistive-devices/ Support the show