"Navigating Life with Vision Loss" is an Aftersight original podcast. In this seasonal format podcast, we answer your questions on a variety of topics surrounding vision loss. Need to know what to do in standing up for yourself? Wondering how to find a counselor or therapist? Do you need to know how to fill out patient forms in a crowded doctor's office? This show is for you. We're giving a voice to the challenges faced by people with blindness or vision loss. We're here as a resource for you, your family, and your friends. This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.
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"Navigating Life with Vision Loss" is an Aftersight original podcast. In this seasonal format podcast, we answer your questions on a variety of topics surrounding vision loss. Need to know what to do in standing up for yourself? Wondering how to find a counselor or therapist? Do you need to know how to fill out patient forms in a crowded doctor's office? This show is for you. We're giving a voice to the challenges faced by people with blindness or vision loss. We're here as a resource for you, your family, and your friends. This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.
S106: Advocacy and Technology: Code, Courage, and Creating Accessibility
Navigating Life with Vision Loss
49 minutes
9 months ago
S106: Advocacy and Technology: Code, Courage, and Creating Accessibility
In this inspiring episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow sits down with Zach Tidwell, a Marine Corps veteran turned accessibility advocate and self-taught software developer. After losing his vision due to a traumatic brain injury, Zach found himself navigating inaccessible educational systems and daily tools. Instead of settling for frustration, he became the solution—learning to code, developing award-winning apps like Xanagrams, and advocating for inclusive technology design.
Zach shares his powerful journey, from grappling with depression to creating tech solutions that are accessible to all. He dives into the realities of software development, the barriers within big tech companies, and the potential for AI and machine learning to help or hinder accessibility. Whether you’re tech-savvy, tech-averse, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a must-listen on how to be an advocate, innovator, or even just a helpful tester in the ever-evolving world of accessible technology.
Contact Information:
Zach Tidwell Website: www.zachtidwell.net
Podcast: Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell – Available on all major platforms
Aftersight: www.aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
Email for Questions or Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org
Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Intro to the episode and advocacy series
01:00 – Kim introduces Zach Tidwell and today’s topic
02:22 – Zach’s military background and life-changing injury
04:41 – Rebuilding life and finding purpose in tech
07:04 – Inaccessible education and turning frustration into coding
09:27 – Becoming part of the solution and coding as advocacy
11:22 – Creating apps for everyone, from blindness to broader usability
13:32 – How Zach taught himself to code and found accessible resources
15:59 – Accessibility as a design choice, not an obstacle
18:23 – Comparing Zach’s apps with mainstream tools like Echo
20:32 – Missing the mark: When apps are only built for blind users
22:40 – Why big companies often miss accessibility standards
24:52 – Code frameworks: Apple’s Swift vs. Meta’s React Native
27:06 – Systemic change through design choices
29:29 – A sneak peek at Zach’s new educational app
30:45 – AI and machine learning: Challenges and opportunities
32:48 – Encouragement for tech-averse users to start learning
34:57 – Zach’s personal testimony on technology’s life-changing power
37:22 – How to report accessibility issues to developers
40:32 – Group advocacy vs. individual advocacy
41:39 – Resources for learning to code and getting started
43:52 – Final advice and encouragement from Zach
46:11 – Zach’s podcast and how to connect with him
48:14 – Closing remarks and where to hear more of Zach’s story
Navigating Life with Vision Loss
"Navigating Life with Vision Loss" is an Aftersight original podcast. In this seasonal format podcast, we answer your questions on a variety of topics surrounding vision loss. Need to know what to do in standing up for yourself? Wondering how to find a counselor or therapist? Do you need to know how to fill out patient forms in a crowded doctor's office? This show is for you. We're giving a voice to the challenges faced by people with blindness or vision loss. We're here as a resource for you, your family, and your friends. This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.
