In this episode of the Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace podcast, Eric Pines interviews Charley Zuidinga, CEO and co-founder of Qualee Technology, to explore how businesses can foster inclusivity for employees with disabilities. Charley shares his journey from Formula 1 racing to HR technology, bringing valuable insights into using technology to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Listeners will learn how Qualee Technology’s innovative platform collects real-time data to empower organizations with actionable insights, allowing them to swiftly respond to employee needs, promote inclusivity, and ensure everyone, including employees with disabilities, feels supported and valued.

Charley discusses the importance of leveraging HR technology to create workplaces where employees of all backgrounds feel comfortable and accommodated. Qualee Technology’s platform offers a unique approach to inclusion, combining AI and employee engagement surveys to identify areas for improvement and address issues like unconscious bias, accessibility, and equitable advancement opportunities. Through real-time analysis, Qualee enables companies to make informed, data-driven decisions that transform workplace culture and improve employee retention and satisfaction, particularly for individuals needing reasonable accommodations.

For organizations striving to improve disability inclusion and accommodation, Charley’s insights provide a practical roadmap to creating a more inclusive work environment. This episode delves into the critical role of AI in streamlining feedback, allowing HR teams to quickly assess and address inclusivity challenges. With a global team across five continents, Charley brings a multicultural perspective to the conversation, underscoring the value of diversity in shaping a forward-thinking workplace culture. Join Eric and Charley as they discuss actionable strategies to enhance disability inclusion, foster equity, and create lasting positive change for employees across industries.

As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ramona Schindelheim, editor-in-chief at WorkingNation. Ramona oversees the editorial content for WorkingNation and hosts the Work in Progress podcast about how her business and others should work to accommodate employees with disabilities. She is a veteran financial journalist who has worked for CNBC, ABC News, and The Wall Street Journal. As an executive producer with CNBC, Ramona guided three daily business news shows, managed special initiatives, produced numerous documentaries, and launched the talk show Conversations with Michael Eisner.

For those seeking further legal guidance, we invite you to book a consultation with an attorney at Pines Federal.

In this episode of "Disability Inclusion and Accommodation in the Workplace," host Eric Pines, a seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience, engages in a compelling conversation with Amanda McDonald, co-founder of Unbound Disability Claims. Amanda shares her personal journey with severe PTSD and how it fueled her passion for helping others navigate the complex Social Security disability system.

Unbound Disability Claims assists applicants with Social Security disability applications, appeals, and post-entitlement issues, striving to reduce the average two-year wait time for approvals. Amanda's innovative platform, inspired by TurboTax, simplifies the application process through guided online interviews and comprehensive evidence collection, boasting an impressive 89% approval rate.

Amanda’s story highlights the significant challenges and systemic issues within the disability claims process. Her dedication to transforming her hardships into a mission to support others is both inspiring and instructive. This episode delves into the intricacies of Social Security disability evaluations, the differences between federal employee disability retirement and Social Security disability, and the broader implications for creating inclusive work environments.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the insights shared and consider how they can contribute to fostering inclusivity and understanding within their workplaces. For more information and to access valuable resources, visit Pines Federal.

Books Discussed in the Episode:

• Go for No
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success