The Things We Do For Love

The Things We Do For Love

May 19, 2012

This past week I had the honor of delivering the keynote at the Knowbility John Slatin AccessU Conference in Austin, TX. In this post I do a deeper dive on the process of innovation, how I work with my project teams and methods of connecting with stakeholders.

Comedy Routine Gives Voice to Man Without Speech

Comedy Routine Gives Voice to Man Without Speech

May 2, 2012

Lee Ridley, born with cerebral palsy and unable to speak since birth, transforms himself as a working stand-up comedian at London’s Soho Theatre thanks to new technology.

‘Soul Train’ a Model of Innovation and Inclusion

‘Soul Train’ a Model of Innovation and Inclusion

Mar 11, 2012

The passing of Don Cornelius, the inventor and host of the ‘Soul Train’ television program, reminds us of important lessons on innovation and inclusion.

Keynote for John Slatin AccessU for Knowbility

Keynote for John Slatin AccessU for Knowbility

Feb 19, 2012

It’s one thing when you get to meet your heroes and express your appreciate for the inspiration work they do. It’s quite another when they ask you to deliver a keynote at their conference. I’m twice humbled.

Interaction 12 Dublin Recap

Interaction 12 Dublin Recap

Feb 5, 2012

Having done a number of speaking engagements the last few years, I’ve discovered that it’s the unexpected surprises that make a conference or event truly worthwhile. Interaction 12, held this week by the Interaction Design Association (IxDA), was no different.

Building Innovation Teams

Building Innovation Teams

Dec 29, 2011

Why Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees present an interesting case study for hiring and developing innovation teams.

Of Bees and Chess

Of Bees and Chess

Dec 29, 2011

A young chess player learns a lesson applicable to the innovation cycle and people with special needs.

The Business Rationale for Virtual Accessibility

The Business Rationale for Virtual Accessibility

Dec 29, 2011

How would a merger between virtual worlds and commercial retailers affect consumers with disabilities? First in a series of sample chapters from the book Digital Outcasts.

What Steve Jobs Meant to Digital Outcasts

What Steve Jobs Meant to Digital Outcasts

Oct 9, 2011

As most folks undoubtedly know, this week the world lost Steve Jobs after his quasi-secretive battle with pancreatic cancer. From a consumer standpoint, Jobs was arguably the most significant business figure of the past quarter century. For digital outcasts, that impact is significant.

On Adapting

On Adapting

May 30, 2011

Leaders of project teams establish timelines, create elaborative gantt charts, assign roles & goals, set milestones and insist upon timely deliverables. Still, things go wrong and these setbacks must be managed.

On Leadership

On Leadership

Apr 23, 2011

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about management styles and the distinctions between “good” and “bad” leadership, and I keep coming back to the late Randy Pausch as inspiration.

CSUN 2011 International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference

CSUN 2011 International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference

Mar 5, 2011

In just under two weeks, I’ll be presenting on the topic “Innovations in Accessibility: Designing for Digital Outcasts” on Wednesday March 16 at 10:40, in a room ceremoniously named America’s Cup D.

Advocating for the Digital Outcast

Advocating for the Digital Outcast

Feb 13, 2011

Similar to how a beaver builds a dam or how a bird builds a nest, Digital Outcasts must alter their technological environment to remain relevant in the modern ecosystem. This interregnum is where a surprising amount of innovation is currently taking place.

The New Age of Innovation (Again)

The New Age of Innovation (Again)

Dec 26, 2010

Management professor, author, technologist, free-thinker and advocate, Prahalad’s contribution to modern business theory was the idea that making money and helping people were goals that could be accomplished in tandem.