#028 Drafting Disability Policy in the White House, Access, and Equity with Kim Knackstedt
AdaptX Podcast · AdaptX
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Show Notes
In this episode, Brendan interviews Kim Knackstedt, the first-ever director of disability policy for the Domestic Policy Council for the Biden-Harris administration. We discuss Kim's background in special education, her transition to government and policy work, and the impactful projects and initiatives she spearheaded during her time at the White House and in Congress. We explore the intersection of socioeconomic status and disability, the benefits of hiring a diverse workforce, and the challenges of transportation and accessibility. Kim shares her experiences in Government and offers insights into being an advocate and ally for people with disabilities. We touch on misconceptions about invisible illnesses, the challenges of digital accessibility, and the future of her consulting firm, Unlock Access. The conversation highlights the need for greater awareness and action to create a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.
To learn more about Kim's business: https://www.unlockaccess.org/
To learn more about the Kennedy Fellowship: https://jpkf.org/kennedy-fellows/
Chapters
00:00 Background and Education
05:30 Transition to Government and Policy Work
08:40 Kennedy Fellowship and Work in the White House
11:39 Impactful Projects and Initiatives
16:23 Disability Policy and DEIA
17:51 Socioeconomic Status and Disability
21:57 Hiring Practices and Accessibility Improvements
27:36 Transportation and Accessibility
34:52 Role in the White House and Interagency Policy Committee
40:37 Transition to the White House and Work
45:42 Misconceptions about Invisible Illnesses
52:37 The Future of Accessibility
54:17 Unlock Access Consulting
57:58 Making Gyms More Accessible