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Episode 128 – Humanizing HR | Changing Workforce Dynamics & Creating Equitable Workplaces


Published: Thursday February 12, 2026
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode one hundred twenty-eight featuring rachel shaw listen now

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Leveraging ADA & Empowering Inclusion with Rachel Shaw

In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ Alycia Anderson welcomes Rachel Shaw, president and founder of Rachel Shaw Incorporated, and a nationally recognized ADA compliance expert. Rachel shares her journey from a novice HR professional to an award-winning strategist, focusing on enabling employers to better accommodate disabled employees. The discussion includes her insights into the evolving understanding of ADA, the importance of communication and process in HR, and how to overcome fear and assumptions in workplace accommodation. Rachel also talks about her book ‘Disabled Workforce: What the ADA Never Anticipated‘ and highlights the need for continual adaptation of the ADA to modern needs. The episode emphasizes empathy, curiosity, and the intent to find ‘yes’ as central to creating inclusive workspaces. Rachel concludes by stressing the importance of representation and how her work aims to make significant differences in people’s lives.

A Quote from Rachel

 My actions can make a difference in someone else’s life. 

~ Rachel Shaw

Strategy, Grit, and Growth

❓The Why Behind the Work

🧭Thrown into the Deep End: Navigating ADA Compliance

😨The Fear of Doing it Wrong

🤝Bridging the Communication Gap

🧠The Power of Curiosity and Finding a Yes

🌍Representation Matters

🚧Breaking Barriers: The Unseen Struggles of Employees with Disabilities

💖Empathy First: Revolutionizing Workplace Conversations

💪Why Employers Need to Be Brave

🗣️Simplify Decision-Making: Just Say Yes

🚀The Rise in Workplace Accommodation Requests

🙌Your Actions Can Make a Difference

🌟 The Power of Individual Actions

Key Points on the Clock

00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia

00:25 Meet Rachel Shaw: HR Strategist and ADA Expert

01:57 Rachel’s Journey into ADA Advocacy

04:01 Bridging the Gap: Employer and Employee Communication

08:10 Challenges and Solutions in ADA Compliance

14:18 The Importance of Representation and Inclusion

19:57 Rachel Shaw’s Book and Future Directions

29:11 Final Thoughts and Pushing Forward Moment

Connect with Rachel Shaw

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Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let’s go.