Welcome to Disability@Work
Disability@Work

Disability@Work

Disability@Work is a podcast about disability inclusion, accessibility, and equity in the workplace. Hosted by disability inclusion strategist and Marketing & Communications Director, Ashley Sims, the show explores the cultural, social, and systemic factors shaping access, opportunity, and employment for people with disabilities—offering practical insights for employers, HR leaders, advocates, and allies building more inclusive organizations.

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Recent Episodes

11
July 17, 2026

How Employers Can Escape the AI Hiring Loop and Build More Inclusive Hiring Practices

AI is transforming hiring, but is it helping employers find the best talent or creating new barriers for qualified candidates? In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims explores the growing reliance on AI hiring tools and the risks that come with automated screening, sourcing, and candidate ranking. Building on insights shared by Beverly Dines, COO of Foxsy and Founder of Beverlytics Consultancy, the conversation examines Stanford research showing how AI hiring systems can unintent
10
June 24, 2026

Understanding DEI Rollbacks and Unlawful Discrimination with Dr. ClauDean Kizart

As organizations respond to shifting federal guidance and growing scrutiny around DEI, many are scaling back their efforts due to uncertainty or fear. But what if the real risk isn’t doing too much, but not doing enough? In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims sits down with Dr. ClauDean Kizart—education leader, author of Beyond Implicit and Explicit Bias, and founder of Lightwork Equitable Solutions—to unpack what’s actually changing, what’s being misunderstood, and where employ
9
June 9, 2026

Gen Z, AI & The Future of Entry Level Work

At graduation ceremonies across the U.S., students are pushing back on artificial intelligence. From boos aimed at pro-AI speeches to growing skepticism about job prospects, Gen Z is sending a clear message: the future of work feels uncertain. In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims explores how AI is reshaping entry-level jobs, why recent graduates are questioning the hype, and what this means for the next generation of talent. Drawing on recent 2026 workforce data, Ashley un
8
May 19, 2026

Why Employees with Disabilities Leave for Leadership Roles: The Sponsorship Gap

Why are top employees with disabilities leaving organizations to grow their careers? In this episode of Disability @ Work, host Ashley Sims explores a critical workforce trend: professionals with disabilities are 4x more likely to reach senior roles by switching companies than through internal promotions. The problem isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of opportunity. Ashley breaks down the mentorship vs. sponsorship gap, how workplace bias limits advancement, and why organizations are u
7
April 28, 2026

Job Hugging Isn't Disengagement: What Fear, AI, and DEI Rollbacks Reveal About Today's Workforce

In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims breaks down job hugging—a growing workplace trend where employees stay in roles they might otherwise leave because uncertainty feels too risky. This isn’t quiet-quitting or a lack of ambition. It’s a rational response to economic instability, layoffs, AI disruption, DEI rollbacks, and declining psychological safety at work. Drawing on findings from the 2026 Disability at Work Report, Ashley explores why disabled employees are especially lik
6
March 31, 2026

Too Many Resumes, Not Enough Humans: AI Slop, Hiring, and Disability Inclusion

Recruiters and hiring managers are drowning in applications, but disabled job seekers are still being overlooked. In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims breaks down the growing problem of AI “slop” in recruiting: mass‑produced resumes, keyword‑stuffed applications, and automated screening tools that prioritize volume over viability. While AI is often seen as a solution to hiring overload, the reality is more complicated, especially for candidates with disabilities. Ashley exp