Recommended Resources

Table of Contents

I'm often asked about the specific tools I use to navigate a world that isn't always built for my needs. This page is a collection of resources I trust and use regularly.

How I Access Technology

These are the essential tools that bridge the gap between my senses and the digital world.

  • NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access): My primary screen reader. It's free, open-source, and highly customizable, which is essential for my development workflow.
  • Humanware Brailliant BI 40X: My refreshable braille display. It's essential for reading and navigating digital content in a way that works for me.
  • VoiceOver: I use this on my iPhone for mobile accessibility. It allows me to interact with my phone using gestures and provides auditory feedback.

Programming and Site Building

These tools form my backend-focused development environment.

  • VS Code: My main editor for Python, Lua, and SQL. It provides a stable, text-centric environment that works well with my screen reader.
  • The uv Package Manager: An extremely fast Python package manager I use for project management and tool syncing.
  • Pelican: The static site generator used to build this digital garden. It's fast, flexible, and works entirely with plain text files.
  • GitHub: The platform I use for version control and collaborating on my code and projects.
  • Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): I use this to run a Linux environment (Arch Linux) while still benefiting from the accessibility features of Windows.
  • Vestige: An MCP server that gives GitHub Copilot a better memory. I can tell it my accessibility needs, and it remembers them across sessions, which is a game-changer for my workflow.

Productivity and Digital Security

These tools reduce my cognitive load and keep my digital life organized and secure.

  • TextExpander: I use this to manage repetitive typing. It reduces the physical fatigue of typing and the cognitive load of remembering specific strings of text or code.
  • Ditto Clipboard Manager: This allows me to track multiple copied items, which helps reduce the need for excessive typing.
  • 1Password: I rely on this for secure password management, which is crucial for my online security and peace of mind.
  • Foam: The tool I use inside VS Code to manage this digital garden and organize my thoughts.
  • Google Gemini: I use this for AI-assisted writing, brainstorming, and research. It helps me structure my thoughts when I'm feeling overwhelmed.
  • Cloudflare: I use this for DNS and domain management. This website is hosted on Cloudflare Pages, which is a reliable and accessible platform.
  • PureTalk: My mobile service provider. They offer affordable plans and good coverage, which is crucial for staying connected.
  • Gmail: My primary email service. I rely on its accessibility features and integration with other Google services.

Hardware and Custom Solutions

These resources provide the tactile feedback and physical support I need in my home and workspace.

  • Keychron K10 Max: This mechanical keyboard provides the tactile response I need to know exactly where my hands are.
  • Apache Restoration and Design: My mother's contracting business. She has built custom physical solutions for me in the past that respect my tactile needs and energy limits.
  • HydroFlask: Staying hydrated is a mechanical necessity for managing my health. I use these because they're durable and keep water at a consistent temperature.

Health and Medical Nutrition

Managing multiple chronic conditions requires a systems-based approach to health.

  • Dr. Kenny Mittelstadt: My functional medicine practitioner and "root cause detective." He works virtually with patients in Texas, California, and Florida.
  • Guava Health: A health tracking platform I use to monitor my symptoms, medications, and trends. This data helps me and my doctors make informed decisions.
  • FullScript: The platform I use to reliably source my medical-grade supplements and nutrition powders.
  • MediClear Plus: A medical food powder from Thorne I use for nutritional support when my digestive system is struggling.
  • UltraMeal: A medical food powder from Metagenics designed to support metabolic health.

Learning and Theology

These resources support my self-paced education and my spiritual exploration.

  • Exercism: A platform I highly recommend for structured, hands-on coding practice.
  • Codecademy: My primary source for self-paced computer science tracks.
  • World Bible Plans: A resource I use for structured study and reading plans.
  • BibleGateway: A persistent text resource for looking up and comparing different translations.
  • Gnosis.org: The primary library I use for exploring broader Christian history and Gnosticism.

Entertainment and Media

These platforms provide accessible entertainment and information that I can enjoy without needing to navigate complex interfaces.

  • YouTube: I use YouTube for a wide range of content, from educational videos to entertainment. The platform's accessibility features allow me to navigate and consume content effectively.
  • Spotify: My go-to music streaming service. I rely on its accessibility features to discover and enjoy music without needing to navigate complex menus.
  • Audible: I use Audible for audiobooks and podcasts. The platform's accessibility features make it easy for me to find and listen to content that interests me.

Accessible Gaming

I recommend these games because they prioritize menus and systems over spatial navigation or timed reactions.

  • Trimps: A deep incremental game that is entirely menu-driven and works perfectly with NVDA.
  • Evolve: A text-based civilization simulation focused on optimization.
  • A Dark Room: A minimalist text-based game focused on resource management through menus.
  • EmpireMUD: A text game that uses coordinates and pathing to help me navigate without needing a mental map.
  • Stellar Aeon: A text-based space exploration game that emphasizes strategy.

Technical and Disability Communities

  • Disabled Techies Slack: A group for techies with disabilities. It's a great place to connect with others who understand the unique challenges and solutions in tech.
  • AppleVis: A community for blind and low-vision users of Apple products. They provide reviews, guides, and a supportive community for navigating Apple's accessibility features.
  • r/blind: A subreddit where blind and visually impaired individuals share experiences, ask questions, and discuss topics related to blindness and accessibility.
  • Program-l: A mailing list for blind programmers. It's a great resource for discussing programming topics and accessibility in tech.
  • Touching-python: A mailing list for blind Python programmers. It's a great resource for discussing Python programming and accessibility in tech.
  • r/spicyautism: A subreddit for autistic individuals to share experiences, memes, and support. It's a great place to connect with others who understand the unique challenges and strengths of autism. This is one of the few spaces focused on autistic people with high support needs, and I find it incredibly validating and supportive.

Note: I don't have any financial interest in these recommendations. These are simply the tools that have made my life more manageable.