About Lanie

Table of Contents

Hi, I'm Lanie.

I'm a Christian, a blind, autistic, chronically ill programmer, and a freelance usability tester. My work is driven by a desire to make technology more inclusive, practical, and humane, treating accessibility not just as a technical checkbox, but as a reflection of care, dignity, and faith.

My Learning Path

I'm a self-paced Computer Science student. Because traditional education often lacks the necessary accessibility and accommodations, I’ve built my own curriculum centered on logic, systems, and low-cognitive-load design. My current focus includes:

  • Computer Science & Systems: Deepening my understanding of Python, Lua, and SQL through Codecademy and Exercism.
  • Linux & Tooling: Mastering Arch Linux (via WSL), CLI-driven workflows, and automation tools like chezmoi and uv.
  • Theology & History: Exploring broader Christian history and Gnosticism. I value spiritual exploration that looks beyond narrow traditional frameworks to find deeper meaning and historical context.

Projects & Roles

My advocacy is rooted in operational support and community participation:

  • Apache Restoration & Design: I'm the IT Manager and Tech Support for my mother’s restoration business. I handle software evaluation, systems setup, and create operational documentation to keep the business running smoothly.
  • Accessibility Testing: I work as a freelance usability tester, specifically focused on identifying barriers in digital tools and gaming for users with multiple disabilities. I enjoy finding where systems break and figuring out how to make them more robust for real users.

My Philosophy

I value slower, thoughtful problem-solving. In a world of high-velocity tech, I advocate for:

  • Low Cognitive Load: Systems that are predictable and don't overwhelm the user's nervous system.
  • Energy-Based Planning: Designing workflows that respect limited physical and cognitive energy.
  • Keyboard-Centricity: Building and using tools that are fully accessible via screen readers (specifically NVDA) and keyboard navigation.

Home Base

This site is my "digital garden." It is intentionally small, updated selectively, and focused on clarity over volume. I spend my free time experimenting with assistive technology, loom knitting, and playing deep, text-based automation games like Trimps and Evolve.

I'm especially interested in how overlapping disabilities (blindness, neurodivergence, and chronic illness) interact with technology. My long-term goal is to support or build a nonprofit that recognizes these complexities rather than treating them in isolation.