I am a blind programmer, I love Java. Python is my second favorite language, and I love coding everyday. Contact me at: programmerblind@gmail.com (serious inquiries only).
Yeah, you are right accessibility is one of those edge areas that most companies don't make it a priority. But in the U.S there's a federal law that requires if you have a website or an app that is meant for public use, that website or app must be accessible to blind people, Dominos was sued recently for making their website not accessible to blind folk. It is like of those issues where companies don't act until the government forces their hand.
Yes, there's a federal law that requires all banks as well as most companies to be accessible. But the question is: how can I pass the HR wall, I am pretty confident if I was given a chance to prove my skills, I can. But the issue is, is that opportunity ever available?
I can't think of any particular channel that focuses on accessibility, but I am pretty sure they're a lot of people talking about it. What device does this blind person uses PC or Mobile?
That makes sense, because that would be discrimination. But I wonder how Hooters can get away with only hiring "models" whatever that means? But I think the term "attractive" is a lot more liquid than being "blind" which is rigid and legally defined. Thank you for your comment, really helpful.
Couple of people in here already have suggested I start an agency that consult accessibility, so I will start that soon. I have to get couple of classes on accessibility to check off some formal education checkmark, because a lot of people won't take me seriously if my professional opinion isn't backed up with some sort of formal education. Even though, I use screen readers daily to write code, to read articles, even to do some light editing with iMovie since I have few remaining eyesight.
That is really a good idea! I live in USA, each state have their own state IT department that handles all IT stuff. So, if I email people who work there, they could refer some work to me.
I already couple of agencies in my state, but the problem I am facing is that most companies (governmental agencies included), don't consider accessibility as important or necessary, maybe they believe that way because they're not educated what digital accessibility is and how it is part of the ADA (a federal law). Some HR person once even said to me, "that will expose to our system to 'hacking'". I think people don't know much about digital accessibility, most people associate accessibility to only physical sense.
So, thank you for suggesting advocacy route: that is really a good idea. I have to start that, maybe there'll some opportunities there. Thanks!
I currently don't own a Windows machine, but when I had a Windows computer, I would use InteliJ IDE for my Java programming, I also use Android Studio for making Android apps. JAWS, one of the paid screen readers works both programs really well. Visual Studio (ironically named!), is surprisingly accessible both in Windows and Mac. One other screen reader, although I don't use it much is called NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) which is free. Other programs that are really accessible is Sublime Text, at least for me.
I will make a video describing all the programs I use daily to write code as a blind programmer in YouTube channel.
Yeah, in my area there are couple I already applied for, but they didn't respond because I didn't list the required BA or formal education they wanted. But I won't give up, I will keep trying. Thanks.
That's really interesting, a blind researcher doing hardware? that's really impressive. I actually was doing a hobby project where I wanted to create a height adjustable desk with Raspberry Pi, but I didn't finish because I couldn't find vertical actuators: I will most definitely contact to the Dr. Thank you!
Interesting, I always thought those complaints usually go to unanswered email inbox, but if people actually answer these, I may try writing to these governmental agencies sites and apps.
Thank you for that suggestion, I never thought that kind of teaching opportunity. Yes, I already have a YouTube channel that I post Java Tutorials, so I may start "reviewing apps in accessibility focus", that's really a good route, thank you for pointing out this. I can create websites with Flask & Django, but my styling CSS is not good; because I can't seem to find the right ways to layout a website, I always create a website that is '90s-style, which is not what the vast majority of people want nowadays.
That is really a good point offering consultation to companies would be a good idea. But what I am afraid is that most companies, don't consider accessibility something they have to do if it is not a physical accessibility even though ADA requires companies to treat the two aspects the same. Digital accessibility is one of those things most companies put "nice to have"category but aren't necessary, I can't count how many big companies that I've used their site/app and it is not accessible at all: luckily I have a few remaining sight, so I can struggle to magnify components on the screen to see, but what do you think a totally blind person would do?
Yes, you are right, I have to be educated on this area. I am working on it now, I am looking for a legit course that is accredited. Thank you for your suggestion.