Episode #34
Building a More Accessible Future of Mobility | Alan Hejl, Founder of Spark Access
Access all podcast transcripts here: https://ablr360.com/category/videos-podcasts/ In this episode of Access Granted, Mike Iannelli sits down with Alan Hejl, founder and lead accessibility consultant at Spark Access, to talk about the future of mobility and what it takes to make accessibility part of the design process from the start. Alan spent nearly 15 years in the automotive industry, including work with Ford and General Motors on connected and autonomous vehicles. He later started GM’s first accessibility department. Today, through Spark Access, he works to bring the disability community and the mobility industry together to create more inclusive transportation systems. Alan also shares how his work became personal through his wife, Emily, a wheelchair user. Together, they have experienced firsthand the barriers people with disabilities can face while traveling, from rideshare to public transportation. Mike and Alan discuss autonomous vehicles, accessible EV charging, disability inclusion, the difference between compliance and meaningful accessibility, and why people with disabilities need to be involved in building the future of mobility. Listen in for a conversation about transportation, technology, accessibility, and creating a more inclusive future. Comment below with your thoughts and questions! Learn more about Ablr: https://ablr360.com/ Learn more about Ablr Works: https://ablr360.com/ablrworks/ Stay connected with us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ablr360/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ablr360/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablr360/ Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannellim/ Alan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanhejl/ More about Ablr: Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, and applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception. Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. Watch our podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpTerF3wW6qSJg6_6Ztbu5sr13Y1ynuB0&si=h5W4BMeG56Y4rAWE See if your website is accessible with a risk-free assessment: https://ablr360.com/risk-free-assessment/ #Inclusion #Resilience #DisabilityAwareness #AccessGrantedPodcast #Ablr #DigitalAccessibility #CPACC #AblrWorks #DEI
