In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Hollis Peirce — a disability advocate, historian, and podcaster — to discuss accessibility, ableism, and the power of inclusive design. Hollis shares personal stories, from navigating inaccessible spaces to performing accessibility audits at music festivals, while advocating for a social model of disability. The conversation highlights the impact of technology, the importance of lived experiences, and how true inclusion requires shifting societal norms. It’s an insightful, heartfelt dialogue about resilience, representation, and rethinking what "accessible" truly means.

Key Takeaways:

Social vs. Medical Model — Disabilities aren't the problem; society’s barriers are. The social model emphasizes changing environments, not individuals.

Lived Experience Matters — True accessibility design needs input from people with diverse disabilities, not assumptions from non-disabled planners.

Technology Empowers — Innovations like smart home devices and power wheelchairs enable independence and improve quality of life.

Breaking Stereotypes — Disabled people are often underestimated. Inclusion means challenging assumptions and recognizing diverse abilities.

Advocacy Through Action — Hollis’ accessibility audits and personal stories show that inclusion requires persistent, intentional effort.

Hollis’ definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is creating a more universally accessible world that includes everybody.

Hollis’ Bio:

Hollis Peirce, a physically disabled man in his late 30s, uses his dry and dark humor to navigate life's challenges. Diagnosed with MD at six months, he defied low expectations and pursued ambitious goals. He earned a bachelor's in History in 2015 and a master's in History with a specialization in Digital Humanities in 2019. Finally, he founded the Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League in 2009 and volunteered at local music festivals throughout his youth. His efforts earned him the Governor General of Canada's Meritorious Service Medal in 2024.

Connect with Hollis:

Website: https://www.21stcenturydisability.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/21stcenturydisability/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/21stcenturydisability/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollis-peirce-347122239/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 37

No - 49

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