disability rights | Life of a Rare Bird

Finding My Purpose: Navigating Accessibility and Advocacy

accessibility, Disability Advocacy, Personal Journey

December 4, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Discover the inspiring journey of a woman with multiple disabilities as she navigates her passion for accessibility and technology, fueled by faith and resilience. Continue Reading Finding My Purpose: Navigating Accessibility and Advocacy

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!