Andrew Houghton
Andrew Houghton, No Barriers Media’s founder, has used a wheelchair since a 1986 motorcycle accident resulted in paraplegia. Andrew launched No Barriers Media in 2012 following six years as Chairperson of the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the AbilityOne Program, a federal program employing nearly 50,000 people with disabilities through a nationwide network of over 600 nonprofit agencies. During his appointment, he was elected by his peers to an unprecedented three terms as Chairman. He was also the first private citizen and the first person with a disability to chair the Committee until his service ended on July 14, 2011
Andrew’s technical expertise in strategic communications and developing messages inclusive of people with disabilities, combined with his strategic partnerships, makes No Barriers Media a leading diversity supplier source for clients seeking high quality products and services at competitive prices. Results of his national and international work have fostered public policy and systems change initiatives, increased brand awareness and improved program performance while linking socially responsible corporate and government programs to under-served communities and non-profit organizations.
JR Harding Ed.D
Dr. Harding is an internationally recognized disability expert, author, and speaker. He is a 2-time US Presidential Appointee, and a 7-time Florida Gubernatorial Appointee (under 3 different administrations). As an ADA expert, JR helped to co-author the 2004 guidelines, which are now the 2010 Standards. In Florida, he served as Chairman of the Transportation, Outdoor, Shared-Use Paths Committees, and contributed to the new Medical Diagnostic Accessibility Guidelines. He has helped over 1,000 companies to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to include Peabody Hospitality, Rosen Resorts & Hotels, Naples Beach Resort, and Clear Channel.
As the former Chairman of the Florida Transportation Disadvantaged System (2001-2011), he facilitated over a half billion trips for the transportation disadvantaged. Florida was the first state system to produce a return on investment methodology, achieving $8.35 per dollar.
Paul DeBaets, PDPRO
Paul DeBaets is a seasoned television production veteran, with over 25 years behind the camera. PDPRO has a longstanding partnership with No Barriers Media, handling all aspects of pre-production, on-site production, and post-production to help our clients deliver messages to target audiences quickly and efficiently. Together, we produce television commercials, documentaries, public service announcements and short marketing videos for our clients. Our agile production teams are efficient and use the latest equipment while our hi-tech facilities enable us to produce a full suite of interactive products and capabilities including video, encoding, streaming media, CD-ROM, DVD, mobile content and web distribution.
Mylene Padolina
Mylene has a passion for supporting underrepresented youth in their journey from school to work and champions the importance of career exploration and mentoring activities. In her previous role as Sr. Diversity Outreach Manager at Microsoft Corporation, Mylene directed successful pipeline development programs such the global DigiGirlz High Tech Camps and the high school internship program.
Mylene brings over 20 years of experience in human resources, community relations, program management, leadership development and coaching. She partners with private employers and non-profit organizations to successfully create diverse and inclusive workplaces, programs and leaders. Mylene earned a B.S. in Marketing from DePaul University. She has also attended leadership development programs through organizations such as WOMEN Unlimited and Leadership Education for Asian Pacific (LEAP). Mylene enjoys traveling across the world to experience diverse cultures.