Month: October 2019 - Life of a Rare Bird

Seasonal Affective Disorder

October 23, 2019

Reading Time: < 1 minute

As autumn arrives, Kate Devlin discusses her concerns about managing bipolar disorder and pain. She offers eight practical strategies for coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder, from reading and music to exercise and reaching out to others, providing valuable insights for those with multiple disabilities.

My Sleep Apnea Journey So Far

Lanie's Personal Life

October 13, 2019

Reading Time: < 1 minute

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Explore the unique challenges of managing sleep apnea as a blind person. This post details the journey from diagnosis to using an APAP machine, highlighting the need for more accessible medical devices and seeking input from others with similar experiences.

Hello! I’m Lanie, a passionate advocate for disability rights and accessibility based in Pipe Creek, Texas. As a 33-year-old Christian woman who is totally blind and autistic, I navigate life with multiple health challenges, including occipital neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and more. My journey has shaped my commitment to creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities. I am currently studying programming through freeCodeCamp.org and Codecademy.com, focusing on developing accessible applications that empower individuals like myself. Additionally, I am studying Braille proofreading through the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), reinforcing my belief in the importance of Braille literacy. In addition to my studies, I work as a usability tester, where I advocate for integrating accessibility into technology from the ground up. My experiences have illuminated the gaps in awareness among developers regarding accessibility issues, motivating me to promote education on this critical topic. I aspire to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with multiple disabilities. My vision includes creating spaces for connection and community, providing resources for education and employment, and ensuring access to assistive technology. When I’m not immersed in tech or advocacy work, you can find me enjoying gaming—especially incremental games, RPGs, and puzzles—or indulging in my love for reading across various genres, including sci-fi and thrillers. I also have a Miniature Pinscher named Squeaker who brings joy to my life. Join me on this journey as we work together towards a more accessible future!