Tools for Change

Ruby Sturt

Hey, everyone! Welcome back to Beyond the Label. I’m Ruby Sturt, joined by my trusty co-host, Eric Marquette. Today we're talking about one of my absolute favourite topics—how tech and adaptive tools are making workplaces genuinely accessible for people with disabilities. Eric, do you remember how in our first episode we marvelled at how screen readers and things like speech-to-text made classrooms better for everyone? Well, since then, tech's done the same wild leap for workplaces.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely, Ruby. It’s extraordinary to see how artificial intelligence and cloud-based platforms are transforming what’s possible. Take AI-driven screen readers and adaptive hardware, such as Microsoft’s Seeing AI and Be My Eyes. These platforms don’t just help people get by—they actively open new doors. Voiceitt, for example, helps those with non-standard speech communicate in meetings, sometimes for the very first time. It’s not just about making old jobs accessible, it’s about creating entirely new ways of working.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and one of my favourite stories—Samira, who’s a software developer with limited mobility—her whole team worked across different cities, but using cloud tools and adaptive devices, she could write code, collaborate, and even help with project management, all from her own flat. She told me that she never once felt like her disability set the team back. If anything, her methods ended up helping everyone—like, her documentation was meticulous thanks to the adaptive shortcuts on her keyboard. Got to love a happy side effect.

Eric Marquette

That’s brilliant. And, Ruby, I think it really builds on what we discussed a few episodes ago—about how physical barriers used to dictate who could take part in team environments, but remote work platforms, whether it’s Microsoft Teams or platforms with built-in accessibility tools, have changed the game completely. Now, it’s far more about what someone can contribute, not where they work from. Those tools literally remove barriers—sometimes ones we didn’t even realise existed.

Ruby Sturt

Totally! Oh and, bit of a tangent but relevant—I once interviewed an artist with hearing loss. She landed her dream job as a graphic designer, all because her interview and trial project were done remotely, and she used AI captioning to follow everything in real-time. She said, honestly, it was the first time she felt properly seen in a hiring process, like, there was no anxiety about missing anything. So cool how tech isn’t just about assistive devices now—it's about reshaping what hiring and teamwork look like as a whole.

Eric Marquette

It’s genuinely inspiring. And it underlines that, as technology improves—especially with all these AI-driven tools—the concept of access keeps evolving. Instead of just adapting old systems, we’re actually designing for inclusion from day one, which is the real revolution.

Eric Marquette

Speaking of new possibilities, there’s been this explosion in remote work and freelance platforms. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and—even better—specialized sites like Inclusively. They’re popping up specifically to connect employers with disabled talent. It's a powerful change from “accommodation” to actually seeking out the strengths disabled people bring.

Ruby Sturt

You know, I had a scroll through Inclusively not long ago—just curiosity got the better of me. The range of roles there blew my mind. Like, you see data analysis gigs clearly spelling out which screen reader is compatible, or podcast editing jobs that only require an accessible laptop. It’s not tokenism anymore, it’s real effort to break down role accessibility.

Eric Marquette

Exactly, and it goes beyond the traditional idea of “office jobs”. Digital marketing, data analysis, remote admin, even podcast production—these fields are genuinely more open than ever. Actually, at Jellypod here, we had a pilot scheme recently where we recruited visually impaired creators to do audio editing and help host, and the way they navigated audio content was just phenomenal. Sometimes their spatial memory skills with editing software even put me to shame, if I’m honest.

Ruby Sturt

Well, you do have a bit of a reputation for getting lost in your own folders, Eric. But seriously—what’s awesome is how people’s so-called “limitations” can turn into hidden strengths, especially through digital tools. It's similar to that Deloitte stat we talked about in the workplace rights episode—not everyone feels comfortable asking for support, but when job platforms build accessibility in from the ground up, you don’t have to justify your needs. You just get on with the work.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. It’s about enabling people to shine. These new roles—whether it’s content moderation, remote teaching, project management—they’re not about lowering the bar, but about recognising all the different ways people can contribute. And in my view, the flexibility driven by remote work benefits everyone, not just disabled employees. There’s a lot for employers to learn here if they’re willing to listen.

Ruby Sturt

Totally agree. Ooh, and freelance work is its own world—if you're housebound, or your energy is unpredictable, freelance gigs let you pick your pace and environment. Tech has made “at your own pace and place” not just possible, but normal. So good.

Ruby Sturt

So—let’s talk about the skills that actually let people thrive in this tech-driven world. And I think the biggest one, before anything else, is digital literacy. Like, just being comfortable with accessible web content, knowing your way around apps, understanding which settings matter for your needs… that’s huge. You don’t need to be a full-on coder to benefit from these technologies, but that baseline confidence matters.

Eric Marquette

Yes. And continuous learning is right up there, too. There’s such a range of resources now—Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, community workshops, you name it. What’s brilliant is how many of these now offer accessibility as a default, not an optional extra, so everyone really can upskill if they want to. The days of inaccessible online training—or training rooms up a staircase—are finally fading out.

Ruby Sturt

Absolutely, and if I can share a little story—last year I mentored a new podcaster. She’d never coded before, but she started dabbling because she wanted to customise her own podcast website. She used a mix of free adaptive courses online, and a few of us chipped in by answering her questions over email. And you know what? She picked up basic HTML and audio editing in, like, no time flat, just because the content was made accessible to her learning needs. Sometimes, a small bit of targeted support—like adaptive content or a bit of tech coaching—makes all the difference.

Eric Marquette

I love that story. And honestly, it echoes what we’ve heard from listeners after our previous well-being and inclusive classroom episodes. Skills, confidence, and the right support really build a feedback loop—one small success can lead to all sorts of bigger things down the line. Whether it’s learning a screen reader shortcut or joining an online workshop, it’s the foundation of independence—both at work and at home. And, frankly, it’s good for everyone, not just those who are disabled.

Ruby Sturt

Yes! That’s the thing, isn’t it? Accessibility first isn’t just a box to tick—it actually lifts everybody up. Alright, we’ll leave it there for now, but there’s so much more to say about this. Thanks heaps for joining us, Eric. And thank you, listeners, for being here—this is such an exciting space, and we’ll keep digging deep into these evolving tools and stories.

Eric Marquette

My pleasure as always, Ruby. There’s always more to explore, and I’m looking forward to it. Until next time, take care.

Ruby Sturt

Catch you on the next episode of Beyond the Label. Goodbye Eric, goodbye everyone!