{"id":3250,"date":"2024-07-05T09:06:15","date_gmt":"2024-07-05T09:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/directaccessgp.com\/us\/?p=3250"},"modified":"2024-08-05T13:33:51","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T13:33:51","slug":"how-to-make-your-theater-inclusive-and-disability-friendly-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/directaccessgp.com\/us\/news\/how-to-make-your-theater-inclusive-and-disability-friendly-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Steven Mifsud interviewed for the 20th anniversary of Direct Access"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3250\" class=\"elementor elementor-3250\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a805080 elementor-section-height-min-height elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle\" data-id=\"a805080\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c1cce90\" data-id=\"c1cce90\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de838f4 elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-theme-post-title elementor-page-title elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"de838f4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;fadeInUp&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:300}\" data-widget_type=\"theme-post-title.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Steven Mifsud interviewed for the 20th anniversary of Direct Access<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8b3f226\" data-id=\"8b3f226\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b903139 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b903139\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-cecf536\" data-id=\"cecf536\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2201944 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2201944\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4dc238 elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-info\" data-id=\"a4dc238\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-info.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"elementor-inline-items elementor-icon-list-items elementor-post-info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"elementor-icon-list-item elementor-repeater-item-5b4e2a4 elementor-inline-item\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/directaccessgp.com\/us\/2024\/07\/05\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-calendar\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-list-text elementor-post-info__item elementor-post-info__item--type-date\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<time>July 5, 2024<\/time>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2ae2919 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2ae2919\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ea82369\" data-id=\"ea82369\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2acf6c6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2acf6c6\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fff79d0\" data-id=\"fff79d0\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cfce243 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cfce243\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"simplyweb-checked\">Celebrating 20 years as Director of Direct Access, Marketing Executive and Accessible Media Consultant Michael Miller interviewed our Group CEO Steven Mifsud MBE about the company&#8217;s history which now spans a generation, and what the future holds for the award-winning accessibility consultancy.<\/p><p class=\"simplyweb-checked\"><strong class=\"simplyweb-checked\">Hi Steven! Firstly, congratulations on Direct Access finally hitting twenty. How does it feel, after all this time, to have shepherded the business from your old bedroom to a team with several offices across the world?<\/strong><\/p><p class=\"simplyweb-checked\">Honestly, I&#8217;d stop to pinch myself if I had the time! But we&#8217;ve been so full-steam ahead since going international, as you know. So&#8230;who knows when I&#8217;ll stop to actually process it all? I never would have imagined getting an MBE, let alone Direct Access endure for as long as it has, yet here we are.<\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are your business priorities for this year and next?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Our primary business priority has remained the same since we started, which is to provide accessibility expertise rooted in the lived experience of people with disabilities to the broadest possible amount of people.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In terms of what that might look like this year and into next year, we intend to build on our recent successes in Europe and the Middle East to expand our international portfolio even further.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Along with that, we hope to hire young, talented accessibility consultants and auditors within these territories who are familiar with local practices, which will help us keep our finger on the pulse of local best practice and deliver the highest-quality consultancy service that we possibly can.<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What\u2019s your ultimate ambition for your business?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Direct Access is proudly a DOBE (Disability Owned and Operated Business Enterprise). We wear that as a badge of honor, because we want to create a better world for people like us.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whereas 20 years ago, our ability to achieve that goal was limited by a lack of manpower, meaning we could only deliver accessibility audits on a local level, we have steadily started to grow internationally \u2013 we also offer other key services, including designing, manufacturing, and delivering accessible products, which we believe have the power to change lives for the better.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Looking at our current team, I see no roof in terms of what Direct Access can achieve. I certainly envision, (and of course, hope) that we will become synonymous with accessibility consultancy as more and more businesses begin to pay attention to what their customers want, which is an inclusive, welcoming experience in every environment, be that in a physical space or the digital realm.<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the key things you\u2019ll need to achieve your ambitions?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As alluded to earlier, achieving our goals means hiring the best talent we can find to create our products and deliver access consultancy. Having a strong team behind me is ultimately what has made Direct Access the company that is today, so I certainly see us hiring more staff to accommodate the growing demand for our services.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And believe it or not, doing that is easier said than done. What Direct Access does is very niche and specific, since not everybody has such a profound understanding of trends in accessibility, the capabilities of technology to be used in service of creating inclusion, or even just the history of legislation surrounding what we do. So to get that on an international level with all the nuances of local cultural norms in places like the Middle East will be required.<\/span><\/p><p><strong>Can you tell us a bit about your work within the United States?<\/strong><\/p><p><span data-ogsc=\"black\">Our work in the United States continues to grow as more people become aware of us. Following on from our work for the City of Allen in Texas and Bethel in Vermont, we signed further contracts in McKinney, Texas as well as the entire State of Vermont to ensure the accessibility of public parks, and sports centres, as well as delivering ADA-compliant accessible housing programmes respectively. We&#8217;ve also worked closely with Starbucks Corporation\u00a0<\/span>on their new Inclusive Design Framework \u2013 which will guide new store constructions and renovations on the accessibility of elements such as\u00a0equipment, machinery, counters, cash registers, storage facilities, garbage disposal, store entry and exit points, and other key aspects.<\/p><p><span data-ogsc=\"black\">Recently, we s<\/span>ecured a contract to provide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) consultancy services to the State of Arizona that could be extended to 2029. The work is likely to be varied and includes disability community engagement, workplace audits, and advising on accessibility standards per ADA requirements.<\/p><p>So in short, things are going incredibly well for us in the U.S; the nation as a whole cares deeply about accessibility and we really see that reflected in our contracts.<\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are your people priorities for the next 12 months?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Direct Access makes it our business to improve the social perception of disabled people, so bringing on more disabled people to our team is an active consideration and priority for us.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As part of what we do, we also like to encourage clients to provide adjustments to the workplace that suit the needs of disabled people, normalizing the consideration of their unique perspective.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We also ensure that employers are not biased towards or against disabled people, and offer services such as inclusivity training to staff, which makes disabled people feel safe applying for jobs they may otherwise not consider because their needs might not be met or understood.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We are all about people at Direct Access, it\u2019s in the DNA of what we do, so making sure our current and future staff are well-equipped to do their jobs remains one of our main priorities.<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are you looking for funding or considering M&amp;A over the next year or so?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the moment, we are not looking at merging or making acquisitions of other businesses, but never say never. My focus at the moment is making sure that our day-to-day practices and client portfolio expansion remain a well-oiled accessibility machine. That might change at some point, but that\u2019s not a current goal of ours.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do you have any priority sustainability initiatives within your business this year? Or any long- term commitments?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Well, when a company works with Direct Access, we always try to enable organizations to take vital steps toward meeting their social, economic, and environmental impact goals.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sustainability is ultimately at the heart of Direct Access and everything that we do. Our accessibility consultancy and services provide the requisite deliverables to achieving SDG #4, #8, #10, and #11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, drawing on the principles of universal design as well.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So in summary, we want to prioritize economic growth, inclusive and equitable quality education, promotion of life-long learning opportunities, reduce inequality for minority groups including disabled people, and work to make built environments inclusive, safe, and sustainable.<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What do you do to ensure innovation in your organization?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Innovation is necessary in our line of work because accessibility is ever-flowing and ever-changing. What counted as accessible fifty years ago doesn\u2019t necessarily meet requirements today. But we see that as a good thing because it speaks to a growing understanding of people with disabilities and our challenges.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In terms of innovation, we are always trying to push our clients across that boundary to consider what is best practice, not just what your local legislation demands of you.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For instance, we recently introduced an entirely new team and division of the company in the Direct Access Accessible Media department, who work out of the Media Innovation and Centre Here, the team creates innovative new products that go beyond the requirements of legislation and compliance to offer best-practice, truly inclusive experiences through the power of technology.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Today, that division\u2019s roster of accessible media services includes the creation of website accessibility audits, sign language and audio-described content, and products such as 3D Tactile Models.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Department\u2019s signature product is the DA Tactile Map Board, an inclusive multi-format map board designed to be used for visually impaired and neurodivergent individuals, as well as Sign Language users. We&#8217;re incredibly proud of it.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cc2d576 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cc2d576\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5c0a6d2\" data-id=\"5c0a6d2\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a39cf1 elementor-post-navigation-borders-yes elementor-widget elementor-widget-post-navigation\" data-id=\"3a39cf1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"post-navigation.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation\" role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Post Navigation\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation__prev elementor-post-navigation__link\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/directaccessgp.com\/us\/news\/how-to-make-your-theater-inclusive-and-disability-friendly\/\" rel=\"prev\"><span class=\"post-navigation__arrow-wrapper post-navigation__arrow-prev\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-angle-left\"><\/i><span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Prev<\/span><\/span><span class=\"elementor-post-navigation__link__prev\"><span class=\"post-navigation__prev--label\">Previous<\/span><span class=\"post-navigation__prev--title\">How to make your theater inclusive and disability-friendly<\/span><\/span><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation__separator-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation__separator\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-post-navigation__next elementor-post-navigation__link\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/directaccessgp.com\/us\/news\/embracing-disabled-identity-direct-access-and-disability-pride-month\/\" rel=\"next\"><span class=\"elementor-post-navigation__link__next\"><span class=\"post-navigation__next--label\">Next<\/span><span class=\"post-navigation__next--title\">Embracing disabled identity: Direct Access and Disability Pride Month<\/span><\/span><span class=\"post-navigation__arrow-wrapper post-navigation__arrow-next\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-angle-right\"><\/i><span class=\"elementor-screen-only\">Next<\/span><\/span><\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fdf52f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4fdf52f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Celebrating 20 years as Director of Direct Access, Marketing Executive and Accessible Media Consultant Michael Miller interviewed our Group CEO Steven Mifsud MBE about the company&#8217;s history which now spans a generation, and what the future holds for the award-winning accessibility consultancy. Hi Steven! Firstly, congratulations on Direct Access finally hitting twenty. How does it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":3251,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3250","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Steven Mifsud interviewed for the 20th anniversary of Direct Access - Direct Access USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Celebrating 20 years as Director of Direct Access, Steven was interviewed about the team&#039;s history and what to expect in the future.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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