Bonus: Inclusive Design, Disability, and Innovation with Christina Mallon
This Bonus episode features my sister, Meredith Comly, and her son, Flynn, as they sit down with Christina Mallon, a trailblazer in the world of inclusive design. Meredith reached out with the idea to talk to Christina, a former classmate, about her inspiring journey. Christina opens up about her diagnosis, the many obstacles she's overcome, and the powerful ways she’s working to reshape the world of design to better serve people with disabilities. Here's some more of her background.
Christina is a pioneering force in the world of inclusive design. Diagnosed with a rare form of ALS, which progressively paralyzed her arms and hands, Christina's personal experience with disability opened her eyes to how the design world largely ignores disabled consumers. Rather than be discouraged by her disability, she channeled her challenges into action, founding Wunderman Thompson's Inclusive Experience Design practice. Through her leadership, she’s been instrumental in projects like Tommy Hilfiger’s disability-friendly clothing line, Tommy Adaptive.
Christina also leads digital marketing for Open Style Lab, a nonprofit dedicated to creating accessible fashion and technology solutions for people with disabilities. Her work has earned worldwide recognition, with features in Fast Company, Vogue, and more, as well as accolades like LinkedIn’s Top Voice in Design. Christina’s efforts are reshaping how we think about design, proving that inclusivity not only serves a social good but also creates vast business opportunities.
When she’s not advocating for accessible design, Christina’s pushing boundaries at home, creating adaptive living solutions that ensure her independence. Her unique voice is an inspiration to all, especially those living with disabilities, showing that constraints often spark the most innovative solutions.
So without further ado, here is Meredith, Flynn, and Christina.
Listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Watch on YouTube.
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