All Are Welcome

Accenture

Joaquin Ortiz

Accessibility Testing Team Lead, Accenture Federal Services

His True Self: Deaf from birth, Joaquin spent his early years in Puerto Rico, where he was fascinated by technology and “wanted to be the world’s first deaf astronaut.” He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer and manufacturing engineering. He now lives in Virginia with his significant other.

Company Support: A recruiting team from the professional-services firm visited his university, so he applied for a job. “I was most surprised that they provided a sign-language interpreter for the entirety of my interview process! The company has continued to offer accommodations for my day-to-day work. I am now creating the Global Deaf Employee Resource Group, which has opened my eyes to new cultures and unique obstacles employees face in their countries. It motivates me to continue to fight for accessibility rights for all people in the world.”

Baxter Healthcare

Jason Mercer-Pottinger

Director, Renal Therapy Service Operations

Jason moved to the U.S. from his native U.K. in 2014 with his husband, Tony. Although he has always been open about his sexual orientation, “knowing you were different was tough.” He has been with Baxter for 13 years and leads a group that helps patients around the