Disability@Work

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling safe at work doesn't always come easy for people with disabilities, and for many disabled workers, that psychological safety is disappearing.In this episode of Disability@Work, host Ashley Sims explores what psychological safety really means in today’s workplace and why so many employees no longer feel safe disclosing a disability or asking for accommodations. Drawing on early findings from the upcoming 2026 Disability at Work Survey Report, Ashley breaks down what the data reveals abo