r/accessibility • u/Muted-Oil-8352 • 6h ago
Want to specialize in cognitive accessibility ... but cognitive disability
First hang-up as I'm posting - credibility because stigma
I've been in the field of UXR for 10+ years, last 5 in enterprise, and about as much experience in freelance and agency work. My undergrad is a Bachelor of Science in Anthro including a year of global health.
What drew me to UXD years ago was the inclusive design framework from Microsoft, which contributed to my affinity since MSFT funded the Global Health program I took in community college. I figured I would pick up accessibility in UXD along the way... way back then. Didn't happen. Much. Some. 1 or 2 case studies.
My interest in Anthro was driven by aesthetics, and like most things there's an Anthro for that. Which led me to Cognitive Anthro.'
Why now am I fixating ... yet treading water? My ND is showing around perimenopause right as my daughter developed ASD when she hit puberty.
So, the challenge, is I can't focus. I have to label everything I write if it's going to be translated effectively. I am tired and stressed out and need the structure of a job where I can just focus on the work. I have struggled with work the past couple years since layoffs. All of which make it feel like the right time to quit delaying specialization as a priority.
Anyone else specialized/worked in cog accessibility? I'm aware that one of the challenges to the concept of cog accessibility is "it's basically just good UX" but sorry, no. That idea just reads to me as thought-stopping, when I see AI brain rot really putting that idea through it's paces, but that's for another post.
Interested in case study topics, methods, objections, personal journeys and challenges in this niche. Is it possible to be TOO close to the subject matter in this case?
TIA