Congratulations to our Ablr Works Cohort 5 graduates! Semella Wade, Keona Blount, Abby Hipps, Zachary Schimmel, and Emily Wollum. Over the past several months, they’ve built in-demand skills, gained hands-on experience, and supported each other every step of the way. Now, they’re stepping into new opportunities! And now, we are already gearing up for the next Cohort! If you’re ready to join or advance in the workforce, the Ablr Works program provides: Career training in assistive technology, digital accessibility, and more. Real-world experience through immersive internships. A supportive network of mentors, peers, and industry leaders. Applications are always open, but if you’re aiming for the March/April Core Curriculum & Leveling Up courses, you must apply and complete an Ablr Works assessment by March 7, 2025. Ablr Works alumni: Help us spread the word by tagging someone who should apply! To learn more about our Ablr Works adult programs, register for our virtual open house on February 25 at 4 pm EST: https://lnkd.in/dWXMmviM. #DigitalAccessibility #AccessibilityCareers #DisabilityInclusion #AblrWorks
About us
Ablr is a Digital Accessibility and Inclusion company that was founded on the key principle that all digital content, including websites, videos, applications, are accessible for everyone, no exception. Ablr offers the optimal blend of technology + humanity. And it truly requires this combination in order to meet 100% compliance. Our team of visually impaired analysts ensure your content and digital assets adhere to the federal requirements of ADA, Section 508 and WCAG. And by living with a visual impairment themselves, they ensure your digital content is actually accessible for users with disabilities-something technology alone hasn’t mastered.
- Website
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https://ablr360.com/
External link for Ablr 360
- Industry
- Digital Accessibility Services
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Durham, North Carolina
- Type
- Privately Held
- Specialties
- Digital Accessibility, Tech Accessibility, a11y, Accessibility, Training, Monitoring, Auditing, Website Auditing, Disability Employment, Workforce Development, Inclusion, Diversity, Disability Awareness, and BVI
Locations
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Primary
4500 Emperor Blvd
Durham, North Carolina 27703, US
Employees at Ablr 360
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Michael Iannelli
Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer @ Ablr | Mission-driven Leader | Board Member | GSI Commerce Alumni
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John Samuel
Cofounder & CEO of Ablr | Author of Don’t Ask the Blind Guy for directions | Digital Accessibility Advocate | TEDx Speaker | Board Member | Investor
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Shannon Garner
Accessibility Training Specialist at Ablr: Be inclusive, not exclusive.
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Cynthia Birdine
Passionate Accessibility Analyst, actively seeking remote job opportunities
Updates
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Our co-founder, Michael Iannelli, speaks with Chris Ruden in the new episode of Access Granted, available now! https://lnkd.in/eakhCjWn #AccessGranted #Podcast #AccessibleBusiness #DigitalAccessibility #Ablr #ChrisRuden
Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer @ Ablr | Mission-driven Leader | Board Member | GSI Commerce Alumni
How do you balance educating others with protecting your own boundaries? Chris Ruden is showing us how. In the latest Access Granted episode, Chris shares a moment at an airport when a stranger touched the fingers on his prosthetic arm without consent. It’s a moment that left him conflicted—wanting to help people understand disability but also recognizing that it shouldn’t be his job to teach basic etiquette. Yet, Chris takes it as his responsibility to shift perspectives and advocate for a more inclusive world. Born with a congenital birth defect and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 19, Chris has turned his challenges into a mission for change. As a record-holding powerlifter, motivational speaker, and disability advocate, he inspires others to break barriers and rethink inclusion. Check out the full episode to learn more about Chris’s perspective on setting boundaries, embracing challenges, and driving change: https://lnkd.in/eccVT4JC #AccessGranted #Podcast #AccessibleBusiness #DigitalAccessibility Ablr 360 #ChrisRuden
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We couldn't be prouder of Jeff! His hard work and dedication have led to an exciting new chapter in his career. Congratulations, Jeff! We know you’re going to do incredible work at Pegasystems, and we’re honored to have been part of your journey.
Big news LinkedIn! I have officially accepted an Accessibility Internship position with Pegasystems! Thank you Jill Power and Taylor Schifino for taking the chance on me. I wont let you down. Big shout out as well to Ablr 360 for helping me get to this stage in my career. I start officially on March 24th and I can't wait to get started! #LifeAtPega #PegaInterns
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A new Access Granted episode with Chris Ruden drops tomorrow! Subscribe now so you don’t miss it: https://lnkd.in/gbc8_tvR #AccessGranted #Podcast #AccessibleBusiness #DigitalAccessibility #Ablr #ChrisRuden
Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer @ Ablr | Mission-driven Leader | Board Member | GSI Commerce Alumni
You won’t want to miss this one. Chris Ruden’s story is all about resilience, redefining limits, and proving that obstacles are just opportunities in disguise. From breaking records as a powerlifter to inspiring thousands as a keynote speaker, Chris doesn’t just talk about overcoming challenges; he lives it. Stay tuned. #AccessGranted #Podcast #AccessibleBusiness #DigitalAccessibility #Ablr #ChrisRuden
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Meet Heather Buster, CPACC, one of our newest Ablr Works interns who’s turning her lived experience into a meaningful career. Heather first learned about Ablr Works during an appointment at Duke Eye Center’s Vision Rehabilitation. While discussing accessibility challenges with her occupational therapist, Omar Mohiuddin OTRL, MSOT, MPH, CLVT, she voiced a frustration many of us share: “Do companies ever involve blind or low-vision individuals in their website design process?” Omar handed her information about Ablr Works, and Heather immediately viewed that as a sign. For Heather, being a part of the digital accessibility industry felt like a calling. After years as a stay-at-home mom, she was ready for a new chapter, one where she could use her knowledge and experience to make a difference for people living with a disability. She dove into Ablr Work’s Digital Accessibility Analyst program and earned her IAAP CPACC certification. Now, 18 weeks into her internship, she’s applying what she’s learned through real-time accessibility testing, creating user experience videos, and collaborating on tandem testing projects. She credits the Ablr Works team: Shannon, Olivia (Liv), Logan, Angus, Bona, Arielle, Maria, and her cohort members Kerstin and Nicole for creating an environment where growth is constant and support is unwavering. Heather, we’re so glad you found your way to Ablr Works. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next! #DigitalAccessibility #DigitalAccessibilityAnalyst #CPACC #AblrWorks
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New on the Ablr blog: Preparing for Life After Losing Your Sight Adjusting to losing your sight is a journey, one that comes with challenges, emotions, and new ways of navigating the world. But you don’t have to go through it alone. In our latest article, we’re sharing practical steps to help you feel more prepared, from finding the right resources to managing anxiety and celebrating small wins along the way. Read the full article now: https://lnkd.in/eAkyJgT2 Graphic description: This post features a blue and orange design. At the top, there is a link to the Ablr blog. Below that, an article thumbnail displays the title "PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER LOSING YOUR SIGHT." The Ablr logo is positioned at the bottom. #Accessibility #DisabilityInclusion #LosingYourSight
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This is why having a trusted accessibility partner is so important. At Ablr, we’re here to audit, guide, and support our clients in their ongoing journey to maintain digital accessibility. Check out our conversation with Mark Oppenneer, Senior Director of Web Systems at Excelsior University! Full episode of Access Granted here: https://lnkd.in/eTF3zK7R #AccessGranted #Podcast #AccessibleBusiness #DigitalAccessibility #Ablr #ExcelsiorUniversity
Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer @ Ablr | Mission-driven Leader | Board Member | GSI Commerce Alumni
It wasn’t just Excelsior that got sued—seven other higher education institutions received the same lawsuit. It goes to show that organizations are being held accountable for accessibility. We all have a responsibility to ensure our digital spaces are fully accessible and continuously meet evolving accessibility standards. Highlight from our conversation with Mark Oppenneer, Senior Director of Web Systems at Excelsior University, on Access Granted, full episode here: https://lnkd.in/ehjJxp39 #AccessGranted #Podcast #AccessibleBusiness #DigitalAccessibility #Ablr #ExcelsiorUniversity ——
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A huge congratulations is in order for Olivia (Liv) Evans, M.Ed. and our resident pup, Luigi! 🎓🐶 For the past few years, Liv, our Program Coordinator for the Ablr Works Program, has been working with Canine Companions® as a volunteer service dog puppy raiser. Over the past year, she’s been training and preparing Luigi for his future as a service dog, and from the moment he stepped into our office, he became part of the Ablr family. If you’ve ever stopped by our office, chances are you may have seen Luigi hard at work, practicing all his new skills or soaking up some well-deserved love. After a year of training, Luigi has officially matriculated! He’s now off to professional training to learn to be a life-changing companion for someone who will benefit from his incredible skills. We’re so proud of Liv and Luigi for their dedication and all the hard work they’ve put in over the past year. Please join us in congratulating this dynamic duo! 🎉 #ServiceDog #AblrWorks #CanineCompanions #GraduationDay
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We provide the tools, technology, testing, and training to empower organizations to embed accessibility into their daily operations and make inclusion standard practice. Check out our conversation with Mark Oppenneer, Senior Director of Web Systems at Excelsior University! Full episode of Access Granted here: https://lnkd.in/eTF3zK7R #AccessGranted #Podcast #AccessibleBusiness #DigitalAccessibility #Ablr #ExcelsiorUniversity
Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer @ Ablr | Mission-driven Leader | Board Member | GSI Commerce Alumni
This is what successful accessibility implementation looks like. It involves building a culture, an infrastructure, and a mindset where accessibility is a proactive commitment, not a reactive correction. It means training teams, adapting workflows, and holding everybody accountable so that accessibility becomes an integral and instinctual part of how you operate. Highlight from our conversation with Mark Oppenneer, Senior Director of Web Systems at Excelsior University, on Access Granted, full episode here: https://lnkd.in/ehjJxp39 #AccessGranted #Podcast #AccessibleBusiness #DigitalAccessibility #Ablr #ExcelsiorUniversity
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We’re finalizing our Guest Speaker Series and looking for Recruiters, Talent Acquisition professionals, and HR experts to help us out! Our goal is to support the blind and low-vision community in finding meaningful work, and we need speakers to share tips on things like resume writing, interview prep, and salary negotiations. If you're interested in making a difference, we'd love to have you join us!
Did you know you can use your career experience to change someone's life? Ablr 360 is finalizing our Guest Speaker Series, and we are looking for Recruiters, Talent Acquisition champions, and HR Professionals who would be willing to speak and present! What is the Ablr Guest Speaker Series? Our goal is to help the blind and low vision community find meaningful employment. We are looking for speakers to share tips about the hiring process. Anything from Resume writing and overcoming the ATS to Interview prep and salary negotiations! This series is designed to be a thinktank full of Q&A and discussion. The call is an hour long and typically happens on Fridays at 10am but can change to fit your schedule! If you are interested in helping build and prepare the next group of professionals in the workplace, please DM me or email me at [email protected]! Learn more about the Ablr mission at https://ablr360.com/ #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #HR #JobSearch #CareerGrowth #Ablr #Recruitment #Inclusion #DigitalAccessibility