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: [email protected]

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