In this episode, we dive into the world of software developer, Zach Tidwell, as he leads us into a renewed understanding of the technological paradigm that the sighted population rarely notice. Zach’s emphasis on digital literacy as a collective accountability measure re-energizes the concept of equity and inclusion within software design. Zach’s narrative of vision loss and adaptation is a story of willful determination and skillful championship, all within personal tragedy. Zach shares his approach to successful entrepreneurship within the software development industry from the lens of total blindness and invests time in exposing his positionality and related growth in a sight dominated world. Zach speaks passionately and with critical emphasis on the healing power of pushing through, trusting the process, and finding purpose. Join us as we unpack this topic!
Trigger warning: This episode contains content that some listeners may find disturbing, or even traumatizing. Content involves themes of suicide and related graphic details. Please listen at your discretion.
Guest Biography: Zach Tidwell is a software developer, business owner, and Marine Corps veteran specializing in computer programming. Zach is self-taught and practices the development and testing of his unique computer software to emphasize accessibility and other critical, user-friendly components. Zach is totally blind, with no light perception nor functionality; however, Zach sees more than you or I do when it comes to coding design. Zach’s most recent software, Zanagrams, is a puzzle-based gaming program that utilizes memory and context clues to enhance user experience. Zanagrams was named 2023 AppleVis Golden Apple Award winner, specifically for its accessibility design and related features. Zach’s goal is to change the “accessibility-based burden” ideology within computer software design, thereby emphasizing a collective equity within the industry that prioritizes accessibility, rather than incorporating accessibility post-design software.
Scholarly References:
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McDonnall, M. C., Cmar, J. L., & McKnight, Z. (2021). What predicts job quality of vocational rehabilitation consumers who are blind or have low vision? Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 66(2), 100–111. https://doi.org/10.1177/00343552211060012
McDonnall, M. & Lund, E. M. (2019). Employers’ intent to hire people who are blind or visually impaired: A test of the theory of planned behavior. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 63(4), 206–215. https://doi.org/10.1177/0034355219893061
McDonnall, Cmar, J. L., & McKnight, Z. S. (2022). Beyond Employment Rates: Self Employment and Other Categories of Work Among People with Visual Impairments. Journal of visual impairment & blindness, 116(5), 729 735. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145482x221128831
