Kathy Martinez

Early Life

Kathy Martinez grew up in southern California and spent many of her summers in rural New Mexico. Maritnez was born blind, and while her family treated her as a normal part of their lives, she learned from a young age that not all people would. “Many people treated me very differently than they treated sighted kids,” said Martinez. “I was lucky to have people who believed in me more than I ever believed in myself and helped me experience my potential.”

Martinez learned braille, developed a love for reading, and grew up with curiosity toward the world around her. Her passion for advocacy began in middle school. Observing workers in a strawberry field near her home, Martinez noticed how poorly the farm workers were treated. She joined a youth league for better pay and treatment of the workers, and from there became interested in other rights-based movements, including women’s and disability rights.

“I was inspired by the fact that disability impacts us all eventually no matter our race, gender, or economic status.  It is a group that people do not typically choose to join, but when they do, and discover that they can still live rich and meaningful lives, the advocacy work has paid off.  We have come a long way but have much farther still to go,” said Martinez.

Career

Martinez has spent much of her adult life working to bring accessibility and inclusivity to the forefront of the workplace. She has worked for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at the U.S. Department of Labor, spent time as the VP of Global Disability Inclusion for Expedia Group, spent many years as Head of Disability and Accessibility Strategy for Wells Fargo, is the Global Executive and Disability Inclusion Thought Leader for the Disability Rights Advocated Board of Directors, and has served on many boards including the National Council on Disability.

In each of these roles, Martinez has ensured that accessibility is built directly into workplace processes. “Often, accessibility is an afterthought, which makes putting policies in to practice way more expensive, both in time and resources.  I believe that accessibility standards should be ‘standard operating practice’ for our physical and digital environment, as well as our various cultures, thereby reducing fear, stigma, and stereotype, and allowing society to develop more understanding, compassion, and inclusion,” said Martinez.  “This allows the increase of awareness of the capabilities and contributions we bring to the table and creates space for us to participate in society without unnecessary barriers or judgement.”

The Dot Experience

As a member of The Dot Experience Cast, Martinez is excited to be a part of a museum focused on leading with accessibility and inclusion. “It means a great deal to participate in this story of the progress that blind people have made,” said Martinez. “I respect and honor the effort that has been put into this museum and know that once it opens, we all will learn even more about the meaning of access.”

Martinez hopes as visitors make their way through The Dot Experience, they will understand what it means to have accessibility included from the beginning, rather than added later. “It creates an amazing experience for so many more people. Hopefully, visitors will take this concept and run with it in their own lives,” said Martinez.

Listen to APH’s Change Maker’s podcast Episode 143: Cast Member Spotlight: Kathy Martinez, as she reflects on her many roles and vibrant experiences within the blind community. Visit The Dot Experience Cast page to learn about the other members of The Dot Experience Cast.