Post

I wish with all my heart that the games accessible community was more open and collaborative than it has been historically. When I started, I felt like an outsider looking in. Seeing people do and make and talk about accessibility, wanting to do more with my skillset as well as my disabilities.

I didn't know where to start at first, but when I did - I wish I'd known how lonely it would be. You work in isolation until you're lucky enough to do a workshop with others or go to a conference. You might give a talk, with expected outcomes, but you'll never find out if those happened.

It is unforgiving, especially when you're disabled/neurodivergent too. Don't do this work alone. Please. It isn't on one person's back to carry the load, even if it feels like it. It is a group effort. We all win when we support each other.

I wouldn't be where I am without the few people who reached out and maintained authentic connections with me, who invested time and energy into me and my future. I was and am and always will be so thankful to those people (who know who they are)

In a full time salaried role, I'm now truly the most ultimate version of myself as a person and as a lived experience accessibility specialist. I get regular feedback on the quality of my work, I am never lonely because I work in an integrated team, I'm able to use my skills for what they are.