Dr. Kirk Adams hosted a webinar on disability inclusion in cybersecurity, highlighting the Apex program, which prepares blind individuals for cybersecurity careers. The program, developed by Novacoast, offers a 10-week training course for CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certifications, costing $7,500. The program aims to place 400 blind individuals annually in cybersecurity roles, addressing a significant employment gap. Key features include flexible learning, employer support, and a strong industry network. The webinar emphasized the transferable skills from contract management services to cybersecurity and the potential for career growth, with starting salaries around $35,000 and potential earnings of $95,000.

Outline

Introduction and Overview of the Webinar

• Speaker 1 introduces the podcast, emphasizing its focus on disability rights, employment, and inclusion.
• Speaker 2, Dr. Kirk Adams, welcomes everyone to the monthly live stream webinar titled "Supercharge your bottom line through Disability Inclusion."
• Dr. Adams introduces himself as the Managing Director of Innovative Impact LLC and shares his background in disability inclusion.
• He introduces two teammates, David Main and Katie McAuliffe, and welcomes a new team member, Kalana.
• The agenda includes a video about the Apex program, perspectives from David and Katie, and a Q&A session.

Background of the Apex Program

• Dr. Adams recounts the history of the Apex program, which began during his tenure at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB).
• The AFB was named as the third central nonprofit agency under the Ability One program, leading to a five-year cooperative agreement.
• The research phase identified three lines of business: contract management, digital health, and cybersecurity.
• Despite the pandemic, the research highlighted cybersecurity as a promising field for people who are blind.
• Dr. Adams transitioned to his consulting practice, Innovative Impact, and connected with Dan Berlin and Jack Chen, who were involved in the Race Across America.

Development of the Apex Program

• Jack Chen and Dan Berlin were organizing the Race Across America and seeking sponsors.
• AFB sponsored the race, and Dan Berlin introduced Dr. Adams to Novacoast, a cybersecurity company interested in hiring blind individuals.
• Dr. Adams met with Novacoast's CEO, Paul Anderson, and was given the green light to develop the Apex program.
• Katie McAuliffe joined the team later, bringing extensive experience from IBM and Novell.
• The Apex program was created to prepare blind and visually impaired individuals for certifications in networking and cybersecurity.

Personal Stories and Success of the Apex Program

• A video featuring personal stories of individuals involved in the Apex program is shown, highlighting their struggles and successes.
• One participant, David Jr., shares his journey from a severe accident to pursuing a cybersecurity degree.
• Curtis Jackson, another participant, discusses his experience with unemployment and how the Apex program changed his life.
• The video emphasizes the potential for blind individuals to succeed in cybersecurity careers.
• David Jr. and Curtis both found employment at Novacoast, proving the program's effectiveness.

Vision and Future of the Apex Program

• David Main outlines his vision for the program's growth, including expanding to more states and potentially international markets.
• The program aims to offer high school students the opportunity to earn certifications before graduation.
• The goal is to support students beyond entry-level training, providing further certifications and job opportunities.
• Dr. Adams expresses his admiration for the program, stating it aligns with his career-long mission to create opportunities for people who are blind.
• Katie McAuliffe discusses the unique features of Novacoast and how the company's support enhances the Apex program.

Career Opportunities and Industry Support

• Katie McAuliffe explains the various career paths available in cybersecurity, from entry-level roles to specialized positions like threat hunters and penetration testers.
• The industry is supportive of continuous learning and certification stacking, allowing for career advancement.
• Novacoast's annual cybersecurity conference provides opportunities for graduates to network with industry leaders.
• The company's staffing division, Novaco Staffing, helps place graduates in positions.
• Dr. Adams emphasizes the importance of vocational rehabilitation partnerships and other funding models to support the program.

Q&A Session and Closing Remarks

• Amanda Gomez from Vibrant Works asks about accessing the training independently of state vocational rehabilitation.
• Dr. Adams confirms that alternative funding models are possible and shares examples of successful partnerships.
• Katie McAuliffe provides pricing information for the program, which costs $7,500 and includes both CompTIA certifications.
• The program is designed to be flexible, with students having 10 weeks to complete the training, but the pace can be adjusted.
• Dr. Adams invites further questions and encourages viewers to visit the Apex Program website for more information.

00:00
Music.

00:09
Welcome to podcasts by Dr Kirk Adams, where we bring you powerful conversations with leading voices in disability rights, employment and inclusion. Our guests share their expertise, experiences and strategies to inspire action and create a more inclusive world. If you're passionate about social justice or want to make a difference, you're in the right place. Let's dive in with your host, Dr Kirk Adams,

00:36
and welcome everybody to my monthly live stream webinar, webinar called Supercharge your bottom line through Disability Inclusion, I am Dr Kirk Adams talking to you from my home office in Seattle, Washington, where it's pouring rain outside. For those who don't know me, I am the Manning managing director of a consulting practice called innovative impact. LLC and I work with companies to help accelerate inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and to help them supercharge their bottom line through Disability Inclusion. Immediate Past President and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind. I before that held the same roles at the lighthouse for the blind Incorporated, and I am featuring today a wonderful partner Apex