Ep15. Disability inclusion with Luis Canto E Castro

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Captivate (or wherever you get your Podcasts!)

Download transcript here

Summary

In this episode of the Web Usability podcast, Lucy Collins speaks with Luis Canto E Castro, a workplace inclusion and accessibility consultant. They discuss Luis’s journey from South Africa to the UK, his mission to promote true accessibility and inclusion in workplaces, and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The conversation highlights the importance of creating environments where everyone feels they belong, the misconceptions surrounding disability, and the need for organisations to move beyond tokenism in their approach to accessibility. Luis shares insights on how to foster open dialogue about disability, the significance of language, and the business case for making spaces more accessible. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of inclusion and the steps organizations can take to start making meaningful changes.

Takeaways

• Accessibility and inclusion are essential for thriving businesses.
• Belonging is a crucial aspect of workplace culture.
• Societal perceptions of disability need to be challenged.
• Curiosity about disability should be encouraged, not stifled.
• Language around disability is complex and requires sensitivity.
• Tokenism in accessibility must be addressed for genuine change.
• Organisations should focus on long-term accessibility strategies.
• The business case for accessibility is strong and beneficial for all.
• Awareness and education are key to overcoming barriers.
• Progress in accessibility requires a mindset shift within organisations.

Sound Bites

• “It’s high time to ditch the tokenism.”
• “Accessibility is not a nice to have, it’s non-negotiable.”
• “If we build it, they will come is a misconception.”
• “People are unhappy with their spaces and cultures.”
• “We need to challenge the taboo around disability.”
• “I would rather people ask me questions than assume.”
• “Language is hard to get right, even for me.”
• “We need to move beyond compliance and legislation.”