Celebrating Disability-Owned Business Enterprises (DOBEs) for Deaf Awareness Month

Rounding out our celebrations for #DeafAwarenessMonth, we are excited to highlight a few #Deaf and #DisabilityOwned Business Enterprises (#DOBEs) in our amazing DOBE community! The impactful entrepreneurs behind these businesses are resilient and innovative and help contribute to an inclusive economy by breaking down barriers, driving accessibility, and fostering diversity in the business world. Disability:IN is proud to celebrate leaders who pave the way for greater #DisabilityInclusion across industries; explore below to learn about these leaders helping to transform the business landscape and build a future where everyone belongs!

Deaf-Owned Businesses are #ProudToBeDOBE

2axend

Corey Axelrod , MBA, is the Founder & CEO of 2axend, a Deaf-Owned strategic consulting and training firm working with organizations to provide user-centric experiences to Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Corey is sought after as a consultant, thought leader, and trainer to organizations in the education, healthcare, healthcare education, government, and language services industries on issues of communication accessibility, inclusive organizational design, unconscious bias, risk management, and Deaf awareness and cultural humility.

Before founding 2axend, Axelrod served in several business development roles for Communication Service for the Deaf, as well as principal and digital marketing consultant for Synergetic Business Solutions, digital marketing coordinator for Purple Communications, and director of marketing and business development for Hager Productions. Axelrod earned his master of business administration (MBA) with a concentration in marketing and sales management and his bachelor of science in business administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

"Being a certified DOBE has opened up numerous doors for us at 2axend, providing us with access to new markets, partnerships and opportunities. Highlights include securing new business opportunities through matchmaking events with Disability:IN's corporate partners, receiving executive education from Tuck School of Business not once, but twice, and being paired with three-top notch mentors who contributed tremendously to our organization’s success over the past several years. Thank you, Disability:IN for all you do!" - Corey Axelrod

360 Direct Video

Craig Radford is a nationally recognized business leader, motivational speaker, and CEO of 360 Direct Video, driving AI-driven accessibility solutions and offering sign language customer support worldwide through a world-class WebRTC video calling platform for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. With over 25 years of pioneering experience in telecommunications, Craig has developed groundbreaking programs like Direct Video Calling, endorsed by the FCC, and led initiatives in telehealth, AI accessibility, and job creation for Deaf individuals.

Craig's innovative leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including being named the 2024 Pitch Perfect Champion and People's Choice Award winner under Disability:IN and placing in the Top 15 Startups under Tampa Bay Wave. Additionally, he was a Shark Tank Finalist for International Destinations and received the People's Choice Award under TravelAbility. Craig also serves as Executive Director for USA Deaf Basketball, having led the team to international success.

"Through the Disability:IN network, I’ve gained invaluable opportunities to connect with corporations that prioritize diversity and inclusion. The access to mentorship, resources, and networking events has directly contributed to our business growth and success. Beyond just opening doors, the DOBE certification has also given us key opportunities to showcase our technology and services, creating meaningful relationships that have strengthened both our business and community impact." - Craig Radford

Blindish Latina

Catarina Rivera, MSEd, MPH, CPACC disability public speaker, DEIA consultant, and content creator with over 14 years of experience in the public sector. Catarina works with companies to improve disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility. She is the founder of Blindish Latina, a platform smashing disability stigmas through storytelling and advocacy. Catarina has worn hearing aids from a young age and was diagnosed with a progressive vision disability at 17 years old. She has a BA from Duke University, an MSEd from Bank Street College of Education, and an MPH from Hunter College. Catarina is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (IAAP).

She is a member of RespectAbility's National Disability Speakers Bureau and KeyNote Women's Global Speakers Directory. She has been featured in Nasdaq, POPSUGAR, ABC News Live, and as an unstoppable woman by Telemundo. She was also named a LinkedIn Top Voice in Disability Advocacy. Past clients have included HarperCollins Publishers, LinkedIn, Hachette Book Group, Whole30, Grant Thornton, ColorStack, and BCG Digital Ventures.

"I'm proud to be certified as a DOBE because it means that I'm part of a community of disability-owned businesses offering our unique perspectives and talents to the world. While DOBEs can focus on any industry, I'm a DOBE that focuses on disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility consulting and public speaking as my areas of expertise. Being certified has helped provide another layer of trust and credibility to my clients." - Catarina Rivera

HearsDustin

Dustin Giannelli???? is the Founder & CEO of HearsDustin LLC, a dynamic consultancy that champions accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. Dustin is profoundly deaf, has worn hearing aids since he was five, and leverages his journey to shed light on the transformative impact of effective communication, disability awareness, and DEI best practices. Known for his authentic energy and inspiring message, Dustin is a sought-after public speaker and consultant, helping organizations foster more inclusive, accessible environments for all.?

Visit?www.HearsDustin.com ?for more insights and engagements!

"#AuthenticRepresentation?is crucial in today’s workplace, and as someone who has been profoundly deaf since childhood, I understand this firsthand. My journey with hearing aids, which began at age five, has shaped my passion for promoting communication, accessibility, and disability inclusion in professional spaces. I’m proud to not only own a personal brand but also to be certified as a Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE). This certification is more than just a title—it’s a testament to the strength of a community that values collaboration, inclusion, and authentic representation. It's an honor to be part of a network that truly cares about driving positive change." - Dustin Giannelli

Safe'N'Clear, Inc.

Dr. Anne McIntosh , President & CEO of Safe'N'Clear turned an “uh-oh” moment into an “ah-ha” moment by creating a solution to traditional facemasks; the modernized mask design includes a clear window that shows the user’s mouth, allowing the deaf and hard of hearing to lip-read and see facial expressions. Safe’N’Clear is changing the face of healthcare, dental care, and other industries with this groundbreaking product.

Dr. McIntosh is proud to market the world’s first FDA-approved transparent surgical face mask. The revolutionary Communicator? face mask is available with Level 1 and Level 3 protection. Additionally, the clear face mask enhances communication by allowing the user’s face and mouth to be visible without compromising protection.

"Being a part of a nurturing organization that works with people who have disabilities to remove barriers and level the playing field in business is critical. ?Disability:IN has a stable and trustworthy team that lives out the mission. Most successful entrepreneurs belong to a networking organization that helps them grow their business; Disability:IN is provides training, mentors, professional development, and connections to contacts as you work to build your business. ?Disability:IN R-O-C-K-S!" - Anne McIntosh

Disability:IN proudly certifies disability-owned business enterprises, including service-disabled and veteran disability-owned businesses, connecting them with organizations that seek to diversify their supply chains. If you are interested in becoming a certified DOBE, please visit https:// disabilityin.org/what-we-do/supplier-diversity/ #ProudToBeDOBE