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About Lanie

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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’s 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.