Psychological Safety, Disability Rights, and the Future of Work with Dr. Victoria Verlezza

As disability rights face renewed challenges and workplace inclusion efforts come under increasing scrutiny, how can organizations continue creating environments where everyone belongs? In this powerful and candid conversation, Julie Sowash sits down with Dr. Victoria Verlezza, award-winning thought leader, neurodiversity advocate, and creator of the Cognitive Equity Leadership Model. Together, they explore the intersection of disability rights, psychological safety, neuroinclusion, and workplace culture during a time of significant social and political change. Drawing from her lived experience as an autistic and ADHD professional, Dr. Verlezza challenges organizations to move beyond performative inclusion and build systems that support people without requiring them to mask, disclose, or conform. The conversation tackles everything from the rollback of disability rights protections to the impact of AI in hiring, inclusive leadership practices, accountability in workplace culture, and why disability inclusion must be embedded into every stage of the employee experience. This episode is an honest discussion about courage, systems change, and the responsibility organizations have to create workplaces where people can thrive as their authentic selves. Key Takeaways The growing threats to disability rights and community integration Why disability inclusion is bigger than DEI initiatives Building psychological safety and accountability at work The future of neuroinclusive leadership Accessibility, accommodations, and evolving workplace expectations Concerns about AI-driven hiring and unintended bias Practical ways leaders can create more inclusive cultures Finding hope and momentum during challenging times Resources & Links Cognitive Equity Leadership Model (https://www.cognitiveequityleadership...) Plantation Theory by John Graham (https://a.co/d/0a08Vyub) Dr. Victoria Verlezza's LinkedIn (  / victoria-verlezza  ) VictoriaVerlezza.com (https://victoriaverlezza.com/) NPR - DOJ memo stokes fear among disability advocates of a return to institutionalization (https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-...) Application of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act to State Institutionalization of Patients with Severe Mental Illness or Disabilities (https://www.justice.gov/olc/media/144...)