A Year of Growth, Leadership, and Accessible Impact
This year was about showing up with intention—for myself, my community, and the values that guide my work in accessibility and disability advocacy.
Looking back, I’m proud of what I built, learned, and contributed. Some milestones were public, others happened quietly behind the scenes, but all of them shaped how I show up as a writer, accessibility professional, and leader.
Writing as a Disabled Advocate and Accessibility Professional
Writing has always been personal for me, but this year it became more purposeful.
I shared my lived experience as a disabled woman, not just as a story, but as expertise. Through blog posts and social media, I turned reflection into resources and personal experience into advocacy. My writing focused on accessibility, inclusion, assistive technology, and disability-led perspectives—topics that deserve clarity, care, and respect.
Professional Growth in Digital Accessibility
This year, I continued growing as an accessibility tester and writer.
I worked to improve digital experiences by advocating for:
- Clear, plain-language content
- Accessible structure and headings
- Inclusive design that works for real users
Accessibility is never just technical—it’s human. Every project reinforced the importance of centering disabled users in design and decision-making.
Leadership in the Accessibility Community
Leadership became a major theme this year.
I served as Conference Coordinator for NWACS, supporting accessible event planning and inclusive communications for professionals and AAC users.
I also joined the communications team at Accessible Community and stepped into the role of Communications Lead. In this role, I helped shape accessible messaging, supported ethical, disability-led storytelling, and ensured accessibility was embedded in content from the start.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Community-driven work continued to shape my year.
I participated in Knowbility’s Accessible Internet Rally (AIR), collaborating with volunteers to support web accessibility and inclusive design. These experiences reinforced how powerful collaboration can be when accessibility is treated as a shared responsibility.
Sustainable Advocacy and Honoring Limits
Not all growth is visible.
This year, I became more intentional about rest, boundaries, and sustainability. Advocacy work must be sustainable to be effective, and honoring limits is part of that process. Some of the most meaningful progress happened quietly.
Launching Esther’s Walking Journey
One of the milestones I’m most proud of was launching my website:
Esther’s Walking Journey is a space focused on:
- Accessibility education
- Disability advocacy
- Ethical storytelling
- Community resources and services
It reflects my values and provides a place to connect, learn, and grow together.
Looking Ahead
This year wasn’t about doing everything.
It was about doing meaningful work with intention.
I’m proud of the writer I’ve become.
I’m proud of the leader I’m growing into.
And I’m proud of the accessible path I’m building—one thoughtful step at a time.
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