Uncover the uncommon results The Resource Key has been able to accomplish together, with our clients.

The Resource Key Case Studies

Case Studies

We work with companies that want to continue being leaders and accelerate their impact through inclusive impact branding that is authentic and aligned with action.

Uncover the uncommon results The Resource Key has been able to accomplish together, with our clients to build a more inclusive and accessible future.

Discover the personal journey of overcoming societal barriers and stigma associated with learning disabilities. This article delves into the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities and highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the pursuit of inclusive strategies. Follow the story of resilience as one individual defies limitations, embraces their unique abilities, and empowers others to find their voices in an often-unaccommodating world. Learn how society's perception can be transformed through understanding, support, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Living in society as a woman with a Learning Disability

"I cannot change the fact that I have a disability and how limiting society can be. The only thing I can do is use strategies to help myself be able to do things and compensate. I use my voice to speak power and hopefully a more inclusive society. " -Michelle Steiner

Interconnected will be an important word as we continue to look towards the future in building inclusion and accessibility.  Taking new information, unrelated concepts, different perspectives and interconnecting them to build out the future will be a skillset to continue to develop to continue moving forward.

Interconnected

"We want to be a community that is centered around universal design and being inclusive of all people regardless of ability. That means that we have to continue to learn about accessibility and disability, and celebrate the many contributions and gifts our disabled students bring to our campus.” -Eduardo Pazos, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Inclusion and Diversity

The Resource Key is proud to announce that we have been listed in The Valuable Directory, a unique resource featuring expertise within digital, physical and cognitive accessibility, as well as tools for inclusive recruitment and branding practices.  As one of only 77 successful organisations globally, we are proud to have been selected by an independent expert review panel.  Our appointment shows our ongoing support to ending disability exclusion, and we look forward to working with The Valuable 500 companies to achieve this.

The Resource Key Joins The Valuable Directory for Disability Inclusion

"The Resource Key is proud to announce that we have been listed in The Valuable Directory, a unique resource featuring expertise within digital, physical and cognitive accessibility, as well as tools for inclusive recruitment and branding practices.  As one of only 77 successful organisations globally, we are proud to have been selected by an independent expert review panel. "

Mozzeria is a pizzeria located in Washington, DC that is known for their authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas.  We love that inclusion and accessibility is embedded within every area of Mozzeria.

The Restaurant Redefining How to Build Community

“I really want to see deaf employees earn the respect that they deserve, so that when somebody walks in that doesn’t sign, they see that deaf people can do everything from owning a restaurant to bartending to cooking.” — Ryan Maliszewski, Mozzeria CEO

  321 Coffee is a “coffee shop and roaster providing meaningful work opportunities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

321 Coffee

“Together, we are building a company that stands for inclusion and doing business the right way.” — 321 Coffee

100 Cameras “works with youth around the world who have had challenging experiences, and they teach them to process and tell their stories through photography in a way that impacts how they view themselves and their role in their community.”

100 Cameras

“Every kid – no matter their background or circumstances – deserves the right to have access to tools that support them in processing their experiences in a way that creates space for emotional freedom in their future."  — 100 Cameras

AgrAbility is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded program that provides support, education, and assistance to ranchers and farmers with disabilities. AgrAbility was started through the 1990 Farm bill, the first eight State/Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs) were funded in 1991. During that time, “the National AgrAbility Project (NAP) was led by Purdue University’s Breaking New Ground Resource Center in partnership with Easter Seals (national office).” 

AgrAbility

“Agricultural workers with disabilities are often unable to continue working in a manner they are accustomed to, resulting in reduced productivity and increased chance of secondary injury. But with the help of AgrAbility, many of these professionals are able to put their knowledge and expertise back into the field.”  — AgrAbility

Yes I Can provides career skills training and employment services to individuals with disabilities to assist them in developing the skills they will need to secure a career within the entertainment industry earning a competitive wage.

Yes I Can Unity Through Music and Education

“YIC believes individuals with disabilities should have the same right as non-disabled individuals to have access to a full range of available employment opportunities and to earn a living wage in a job of their choosing based on their talents, skills, and interests.” — Yes I Can Unity Through Music and Education (YIC)

Inclusively is the technology-centered inclusion solution and employment platform for job seekers with disabilities, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses. 

Inclusively

“I believe that having a job is something that can change someone’s life. It is something that provides stability, but not just financial stability, it provides something that you can look forward to, that you can work on, that you can have successes in, that you can become better at, that you can learn to overcome challenges.” — Charlotte Dales, CEO of Inclusively

Photography and video exhibit – both online and in-studio – that showcases the food-related stories of eight disabled Canadians, eight Canadians from culturally diverse backgrounds, and eight Cowichan Valley food and beverage producers.

Cowichan Valley Disability, Culture and Food Through Art Exhibit

"I want to use my platform to showcase the stories of other people, I want to elevate their voices, I don’t want to tell their story for them, I want to give them the ability to share their stories to allow people to connect with it. Like you are sitting down with a friend over a cup of coffee and you’re learning about something that you have never ever ever have thought of before because of your own privilege and you’re like wow how have I not know about this I want to be part of a solution.”— Jules Sherred

Input from the disabled community is a critical part of any company’s inclusivity efforts. Here’s how to seek out their perspectives.

How to include workers with disabilities in your DEI initiatives

"It is important to have a company culture that welcomes people with disabilities prior to them being hired for a position. The culture is a thread that is interlaced into each area of the company, from its values to its recruitment process, efforts to retain employees and provide leadership opportunities for growth, to many other areas." -Jourdan Saunders, CEO of The Resource Key

We enjoyed reading this article about The Goodtime Hotel a few weeks ago. In the article “Grutman said the goal is to make “aspiration accessible,” and Birnbaum said the hotel will be “affordable luxury.” We looked on The Goodtime Hotel website and they specifically state all of the ways in which their hotel is accessible. We love that inclusion and accessibility were thought of from the start.

Hotel Ensuring Accessibility from the Start

“Grutman said the goal is to make “aspiration accessible,” and Birnbaum said the hotel will be “affordable luxury.” We looked on The Goodtime Hotel website and they specifically state all of the ways in which their hotel is accessible. We love that inclusion and accessibility were thought of from the start.

The Project Why is what comes to mind when starting, agreeing or pursuing any project.  Sometimes the “Why” is just as important as the project itself. Why did you agree to this project?  This question is important because when committing to a project we want to be able to finish what we started, and asking the “Why” questions allows a deeper understanding of the connection to the project, and commitment to the project. 

The Project Why

Events have the capacity to bring about change, to create spaces to develop relationships to bring about change, and gather new information to use to bring about change.

Events Empower

Authentic Representation is so important.  Authentic is key because you can have representation without it being authentic. 

Authentic Representation

Music can be such a powerful tool for activism in the community, leadership through lyrics, and communicating authentic messages. 

Who are we designing for? What are we considering when we are designing? So many more questions that come to mind when designing and more importantly inclusive and accessible design.  Honestly, we wouldn’t have to say “inclusive and accessible design” if inclusion and accessibility was a part of our design process from the start. The design process is constantly changing, evolving, open to change.  Nothing about design feels static or not changing. 

Design Impact

Who are we designing for? What are we considering when we are designing? So many more questions that come to mind when designing and more importantly inclusive and accessible design. 

Stay Connected takes on a whole new meaning depending on the person, context, and environment.

Improve your social media presence with The Resource Key's free webinar replay on 4 Ways to Make Your Social Media Inclusive and Accessible. Learn about using alt text, image descriptions, color contrast, and hashtags, as well as best practices for accessible content creation and strategies for creating an inclusive online community. Receive a webinar replay, transcript, PowerPoint, and reference outline with resources for free. Start creating a more diverse and equitable online community today.

4 Ways to Make Your Social Media Inclusive and Accessible - Free Webinar Replay

Inclusive Starter Keys:  Inclusive and Accessible Social Media.

Free Inclusive and Accessible Social Media

Discover how Sandra by Design, in collaboration with The Resource Key and select DEI consultants, championed inclusivity for Babbel, a leading language learning company. Dive into our journey of developing award-winning DEI guidelines, conducting 250+ workshops, and crafting a 150+ page playbook that elevated diversity values, reshaped recruitment, and set a new standard in content creation. Experience the transformative impact of authentic, inclusive content, as employees and consumers find representation in the brand's diversity, making Babbel a beacon of sustainability and inclusivity in the EdTech industry.

Award-Winning DEI Playbook Revolutionizes EdTech

Collaborating and incorporating diverse perspectives while ensuring representation and sensitivity for development of an inclusive content creation project for Babbel, language learning company.  

Sandra by Design worked with The Resource Key and a few selected Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) consultants with both lived experience and professional expertise in these areas to develop comprehensive DEI creative guidelines for Babbel.

During the research phase, The Resource Key engaged in one-on-one interview and feedback sessions with Sandra by Design and recruited individuals with diverse lived experiences. This approach was pivotal in ensuring that the developed language and content were truly representative and sensitive to different identities and experiences, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable representation in every aspect.

Sandra by Design has led more than 250 workshops, both virtual and in-person, along with over 25 e-learnings and learning programs, focusing on inclusive design and social impact. These efforts have cultivated communities of practice dedicated to fostering inclusivity and effecting positive change.

Babbel is a market-leading online language learning ecosystem and the world’s most sold language learning app, reaching the benchmark of more than 10 million subscriptions sold.

The launch of this extensive 150+ page playbook has been a cornerstone in fortifying Babbel's internal diversity values, refining recruitment practices, and establishing a benchmark for content creation. 

Released publicly, the DEI glossary within the playbook garnered recognition, securing the  Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year in the Sustainable Company Awards 2022, underscoring its impact as a transformative resource in fostering inclusivity and sustainability.

Increased connection through authentic content that ensures inclusion and accessibility through sharing diverse stories, lived experiences and insights.   Employees and consumers see themselves represented in the diversity of the brand.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.

SDG 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.


"Dare to design for good — at all costs. Design solutions that uplift as many people as possible and break down barriers." -Sandra By Design

GatherVerse is a global ecosystem where communities gather, discuss, document and share human centered approaches to the metaverse.  Through implementation of best practices for inclusion and accessibility in the metaverse, GatherVerse will continue expanding reach and leading in the future of human centered approaches to the metaverse and emerging technologies to ensure inclusion for all.

A Metaverse for All

Building best practices for the metaverse through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Gatherverse set out to develop educational content and training for ways community members can increase inclusion and accessibility in the metaverse.

The Resource Key worked with GatherVerse to develop a custom workshop. 

The Resource Key provided a workshop on the topic of Taking Flight...Adding Value to the Metaverse.  Practical tools and best practices to ensure social media is more inclusive and accessible.  Participants learned ways to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the metaverse to ensure people with disabilities are included.

GatherVerse is a global ecosystem where communities gather, discuss, document and share human centered approaches to the metaverse.  Through implementation of best practices for inclusion and accessibility in the metaverse, GatherVerse will continue expanding reach and leading in the future of human centered approaches to the metaverse and emerging technologies to ensure inclusion for all. 

Increased awareness of best practices through conversation with over 5,000 attendees globally to provide insights and resources to ensure inclusion and accessibility in the metaverse.  

Increased partnerships for brands committed to inclusion and accessibility in the metaverse to continue to expand impact globally with actionable ways to integrate at the core.


GatherVerse is a global ecosystem where communities gather, discuss, document and share human centered approaches to the metaverse.  

Noala has raised over 4 million in funding that will be used to continue developing its leading digital tools. The traditional speech therapy process can take months or years, Noala wants to ensure speech and language therapy is inclusive and accessible to all and reduce wait times. There are approximately 46 million people that are estimated to have some sort of communication disorder in the US.  Noala will continue expanding reach and leading the future of speech and language therapy to ensure all individuals have access to therapy.

The Future of Speech and Language Therapy

Building best practices for speech and language therapy platform through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Noala was expanding their platform to the United States from the United Kingdom and wanted high level subject matter expertise platform review, user experience feedback, new partnership opportunities. 

The Resource Key worked with Noala to develop best practices for their speech and language therapy platform and build new partnerships.

The Resource Key provided actionable feedback and professional insights about how to improve the platform and user experience.  Thereafter, Noala and The Resource Key did an Instagram Live on the topic of Disability Inclusion.  We connected Noala to new partnership opportunities with other Speech Language Pathologists and individuals interested in more information about the platform.  The Resource Key shared about Noala with our audience of over 35,000 followers to expand their reach.

Quote:  "We believe that by leveraging digital tools in a creative, innovative way, we can foster an evolution in speech and language therapy - making it faster and easier to access professional help."  -Noala-

 Reducing the wait times for speech and language therapy and increasing access for individuals who need speech and/or language services.

 Increasing partnerships with other brands that prioritize the need for inclusion and accessibility to continue to expand impact.

SDG 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.

"We believe that by leveraging digital tools in a creative, innovative way, we can foster an evolution in speech and language therapy - making it faster and easier to access professional help."  -Noala-

Cornerstone OnDemand serves over 6,000 customers and 75 million users and is available in 180 countries and 50 languages.  Through implementation of inclusion and accessibility in course development best practices, Cornerstone OnDemand will continue expanding reach and leading in the future ready workforce to ensure inclusion for all.

Amplify First-Person Stories

Building best practices for HR software training experiences through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

Cornerstone OnDemand wanted to develop Neurodiversity in the Workplace learning course that ensured authentic representation and accessibility embedded in the training to ensure inclusion for all.

The Resource Key worked with Cornerstone OnDemand in three areas to develop best practices for their Neurodiversity in the Workplace course. 

The Resource Key worked with Cornerstone to develop Neurodiversity in the Workplace course.  We recruited people who had experience being neurodivergent in the workplace. These individuals were interviewed for the video training content to ensure authentic storytelling and representation during the content development process.   The Resource Key connected Cornerstone OnDemand to valuable partnerships to expand their reach for their course development and launch.

Quote:  "Cornerstone helps organizations unite people growth with business success to create work environments that inspire growth, productivity, and success for all." -Cornerstone OnDemand-

Increased connection through authentic content that ensures inclusion and accessibility through sharing diverse stories, lived experiences and insights around Neurodiversity in the Workplace.   Employees and consumers see themselves represented in the diversity of the brand.

Increased diversity and inclusion through recruitment of people who had experience being neurodivergent in the workplace. 

Increased partnerships with other brands that prioritize the need for inclusion and accessibility to continue to expand impact.

SDG 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.




"Cornerstone helps organizations unite people growth with business success to create work environments that inspire growth, productivity, and success for all." -Cornerstone OnDemand-

NooshHub  set out to develop a social enterprise that connects people through food, culture, and memories.  Creating a peer-to-peer kitchen table concept whereby food is the median to make displaced families whole again. They wanted to ensure inclusion and accessibility for all by creating inclusive and accessible food experiences.

Food, Culture, and Inclusion Intersections

Building best practices for food experiences through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

The Resource Key partnered with NooshHub to develop inclusive impact solutions as the food-tech platform continues to develop.  We are unlocking impact and community through building safe spaces for people to share their recipes, memories, and kitchen within their own traditions.

Quote: "Capturing the universal truth that food is a bridge...Connection is greater than our differences, more powerful and enduring than our conflicts." -NooshHub-

NooshHub platform is currently still being developed.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.


SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

"Capturing the universal truth that food is a bridge...Connection is greater than our differences, more powerful and enduring than our conflicts." -NooshHub-

The Mid-South Access Center for Technology (Mid-South ACT) is an assistive technology resource center providing services for individuals with disabilities in Memphis and the Mid-South region. Advancing technologies and strategies to empower people with disabilities is at the core or research and activities within the Mid-South ACT.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility Integration in Social Media

Building best practices for social media experiences through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.  

The University of Memphis Mid-South Access Center for Technology set out to develop educational content and training for ways community members can increase inclusion and accessibility for all by creating inclusive and accessible social media experiences.

The Resource Key worked with The University of Memphis to align with Mid-South Access Center for Technology’s Virtual Reuse Event to develop custom workshop.   

The Resource Key provided a workshop on the topic of Inclusive and Accessible Social Media.  Practical tools and best practices to ensure social media is more inclusive and accessible.  Participants learned ways to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through social media to ensure people with disabilities are included.

Quote: "Advancing technologies and strategies to empower people with disabilities is at the core of research and activities within the Mid-South ACT." -University of Memphis Mid-South ACT-

Organizations that attended workshop plan to implement the learned best practices and practical tools into their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure inclusion and accessibility is embedded in their process. 

Increased connection to community-information is accessible and employees and consumers see themselves represented in the diversity of the brand.

Increased engagement with content-authentically reflecting diversity in people, messaging, experiences.

Increased opportunities for additional partnerships-brands that prioritize the need for inclusion and accessibility want to partner to expand impact with other brands.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 

"Advancing technologies and strategies to empower people with disabilities is at the core of research and activities within the Mid-South ACT." -University of Memphis Mid-South ACT-

Empowering Chicago’s cultural spaces to become more accessible to visitors with disabilities. They facilitate a dynamic community of cultural administrators and people with disabilities to remove barriers in the Chicago region’s cultural organizations.

Making Meaningful Connections in Virtual Art Programming

Building best practices for art virtual programming through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

The Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium set out to develop educational content and training for ways community members can increase engagement for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) through virtual programs. 

The Resource Key worked with Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium to develop a custom workshop. 

The Resource Key worked with Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium to align with Engaging Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in Virtual Programs Event.  The Resource Key spoke on a panel on the topic Facilitating Meaningful Experiences for All Learners by covering key strategies related to ways to engage individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in virtual programs.  

Participants of event ranged from cultural administrators from cultural spaces, like museums and theaters., people who work directly with public-facing departments, such as visitor services and front-of-house staff, exhibit designers, educators.

Quote:  "We believe everyone deserves access to Chicago's rich arts and culture."  -Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium

Increased awareness of best practices through conversation with attendees globally to provide insights and resources to ensure inclusion and accessibility in the virtual art programming.

Increased partnerships for brands committed to inclusion and accessibility in the arts to continue to expand impact globally with actionable ways to integrate at the core.


"We believe everyone deserves access to Chicago's rich arts and culture."  -Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium

Award-Winning DEI Playbook Revolutionizes EdTech

A Metaverse for All

The Future of Speech and Language Therapy

Amplify First-Person Stories

Food, Culture, and Inclusion Intersections

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility Integration in Social Media

Making Meaningful Connections in Virtual Art Programming

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