John Robinson speaks with Rebecca Cokely of the Ford Foundation about Artichoke, the first credit union in the U.S. built by and for people with disabilities and their families. Rebecca explains how Artichoke aims to address financial barriers facing the disability community by expanding access to banking, savings, loans, mortgages, and opportunities to build wealth. They discuss the impact of asset limits, disability-led organizations, economic inequality, and the importance of giving people with disabilities greater financial independence and choice. The conversation highlights how community-driven solutions can help create lasting economic opportunities and strengthen the disability rights movement.

Connect with Rebecca and learn more about Artichoke below:

• LinkedIn:

Rebecca Cokley | LinkedIn
Ford Foundation: Home | LinkedIn

• Instagram:

@rebecca_a_cokley: Rebecca Cokley (@rebecca_a_cokley) • Instagram photos and videos

@fordfoundation: Ford Foundation (@fordfoundation) • Instagram photos and videos

• Facebook: Ford Foundation | Facebook
• Website: Ford Foundation Homepage - Ford Foundation
• Ford Foundation Promotes Rebecca Cokley to Program Director for U.S. Disability Rights - Ford Foundation
• Ford, MacArthur, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundations Announce First-of-Its-Kind Credit Union for People With Disabilities

Nicole Salzano shares the story of surviving a massive stroke during college swim and dive championships and navigating recovery with aphasia. From rebuilding communication skills to becoming a public speaker, Nicole discusses the challenges, strategies, and persistence that have shaped life after stroke. Nicole also reflects on volunteering at the Adler Aphasia Center, creating transparent social media content about recovery, and beginning a new career as a paraprofessional supporting elementary school teachers and students. Through speaking engagements and advocacy, Nicole works to raise awareness about blood clotting disorders, encourage self-advocacy, and share strategies for navigating aphasia.

Book Nicole for a speaking engagement:

• Email: nicole@nicolesalzano.me
• Instagram: @nicole.salzano Nicole | Speaker | Creator | Advocate (@nicole.salzano) • Instagram photos and videos
• Facebook: Nicole Salzano | Facebook
• TikTok: @nicolesalzano
• LinkedIn: Nicole Salzano ☀️ | LinkedIn
• Website: www.nicolesalzano.me

John Robinson speaks with Jack Allen, entrepreneur and founder of IT Equality, about building a Salesforce consulting business while navigating disability, parenting, and entrepreneurship. Jack shares the journey into the tech industry, the growth of IT Equality, and the mission to create opportunities for people without traditional technology experience. With a team made up largely of people with disabilities, IT Equality prioritizes problem-solving, mutual support, and recognizing individual strengths. Jack also discusses the importance of workplace accommodations, understanding personal strengths and challenges, and creating inclusive environments where people with disabilities can succeed.

• Instagram: @itequality ITequality (@itequality) • Instagram photos and videos
• Facebook: ITequality | Facebook
• LinkedIn: ITeq | LinkedIn
• TikTok: ITequality
• Website: Salesforce Revenue Cloud Consultants | ITeq
• Email for customers: sales@itequality.com