The Act of Accessibility Intelligence: Creativity, Mindset, and Institutional Impact

Tuesday, October 7 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET

Accessibility Intelligence, the other AI that transforms culture, creativity, and connection

In this talk, Jonathan Kaufman expands on journalist and anthropologist Gillian Tett’s concept of anthropological intelligence, the ability to notice what is often overlooked and question hidden assumptions, and applies it to the world of cultural and art institutions. He introduces Accessibility Intelligence, the other AI, as a way to move beyond compliance and reframe accessibility as a cultural mindset that sparks creativity, strengthens institutional identity, and drives meaningful change. At its core, this approach highlights the powerful intersection of accessibility, mental health, and mattering: when people feel seen, valued, and essential, cultural spaces become places of belonging, healing, and inspiration. Kaufman’s message is clear, by adopting Accessibility Intelligence, institutions can unlock creativity while creating lasting institutional and human impact.

Three Takeaways:

• Accessibility Intelligence, the other AI is a mindset that reshapes culture, not a checklist of requirements.
• True inclusion supports mental health and fosters a deep sense of mattering.
• Institutions that embrace accessibility intelligence unlock creativity and sustainable impact.

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Jonathan Kaufman is a respected consultant, executive coach, licensed practicing psychotherapist, and trained anthropologist who brings a multidisciplinary approach to leadership, innovation, and organizational growth. As founder of J Kaufman Consulting and J Kaufman Coaching, he partners with Fortune 500 companies, startups, nonprofits, and government agencies to drive strategy, inclusion, and human-centered change. His work bridges executive coaching, business strategy, mental health, and organizational design.

With an academic background spanning degrees from Sarah Lawrence College, Oxford University, the University of Chicago, and Columbia University, Kaufman integrates deep training in psychology, anthropology, and organizational behavior to help leaders and teams unlock resilience, purpose, and performance.

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Kaufman’s lived experience has been a defining part of his personal and professional journey, shaping his insight into the power of mindset, adaptability, and inclusive leadership.

Kaufman recently collaborated with the Valuable 500 to co-author the influential white paper "Unlocking Disability Inclusive Leadership," which explores the psychological mindset and cultural drivers of inclusive leadership in the 21st century. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the United Nations Global Initiative on Ageing and Longevity, where he contributes thought leadership on the convergence of the Disability and Longevity Economies through a monthly global column and advisory work focused on innovation, inclusion, and economic transformation.

From former Policy Advisor to the White House on Diversity and Disability to Strategist for Walmart and Amazon, Kaufman has also advised organizations such as the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. His psychotherapy and executive coaching practice focuses on C-level executives, founders, and high performers, with an emphasis on organizational wellness, adaptive leadership, and inclusive growth.

Recognized by Thinkers360 as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders in Diversity & Inclusion, Culture, and Mental Health (2022–2025), Kaufman is also the creator of “Through A Broader Lens,” a thought leadership platform spanning video, writing, and speaking. He previously authored the long-running Forbes column "Mindset Matters,” exploring the intersection of disability, business, and culture. Kaufman is a member of the SmartJob Board of Advisors.
 

Closed captioning and ASL interpretation are both available upon request. For the most accessible viewing experience, we recommend watching the webinar on a desktop computer or laptop screen. For more information or to request other access services, please contact the Office of Accessibility and VSA at (202) 416-8898 (voice) or [email protected].